Viridian Frontline™

Protecting people and property against bushfire attack.

Introduction

Viridian Frontline™ bushfire resistant glass has been developed and designed in Australia specifically for use in bushfire prone areas to help protect human life and residential property. In addition, Frontline helps specifiers, homeowners and authorities balance the need for bushfire safety with energy efficiency, noise reduction and the aesthetic freedom of glass.

The design and construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas is required to resist attack from a bushfire front across a number of factors, including attack from burning embers and radiant heat. The building’s windows and glazing are a component of the overall bushfire strategy.

Description

Frontline is an insulating, double glazed glass unit comprising a clear or solar control glass as the outer pane and a specially coated glass as the inner pane. This means a wide range of options are available so that the ideal solution can be selected.

Barrier to radiant heat

The special coating within Frontline minimises the transfer of radiant heat from the bushfire flame front through the glass to the inside of the home. When subjected to a radiant heat flux of 40kW/m2 less than 5% of the radiant heat is transferred through a window glazed with Frontline. This compares to a pane of single toughened glass where, under similar exposure conditions, the radiant heat transfer can be up to 50%. Frontline not only protects combustible materials such as curtains and furnishings within the home, but also helps to provide a refuge for occupants.

Barrier to burning embers

Frontline exhibits excellent levels of integrity – that is the ability to maintain a barrier during the period of bushfire attack and prevent burning embers and material generated by the bushfire front from entering the building.

Energy efficient

With a U Value of 1.8 w/m², Frontline can also make your home more comfortable and energy efficient all year round by improving its thermal insulation. As a result, winter heating bills can be reduced and living space maximised due to the elimination of cold down draughts. By incorporating VFloat toned glass as the outer pane of the insulating glass unit in Frontline it provides savings on air-conditioning in summer and heating in winter.

Features and benefits

• Maintains integrity at up to 40kW/m2 radiant heat flux
• Minimises radiant heat transfer through the glazing
• Resists ember and material penetration
• Highly energy efficient insulating glass unit
• Reduces noise
• Available in a range of tones and solar control options
• Alternative to steel mesh security screens to maintain views