Bushfire Shutters in the Adelaide Hills — questions and answers
Short answers on bushfire shutters in the Adelaide Hills: what CSIRO says about material and fit, what the CFS says about BAL assessments and approvals, and who is authorised to do building work. Each line is the source's own, with the page and the date it was read.
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How much does bushfire shutters cost in the Adelaide Hills?
We do not answer that with a price, because no government source read sets one. The list on the costs page gives each line with its source. See the rules and guidance we found, with their sources.
Do I need an authorised contractor to fit shutters?
The Building Work Contractors Act 1995 bars carrying on business as a building work contractor except as authorised under it, and its definition of building work includes altering and improving a building. No page read says in terms that fitting shutters is covered, so ask who quotes which authority the work is done under.
Bushfire shutters in the Adelaide Hills
Five things to put to a provider before a shutter is ordered
In the order an owner meets them, each tied to a line from CSIRO, the Country Fire Service or the State.
What it is made of
non-combustible
the material CSIRO says shutter systems should be made with
Ask what the slats and channels are made of. CSIRO says to avoid plastic shutters.
Source: CSIRO, Bushfire best practice guide: Sprinklers and shutters · read
How tight it fits
2mm
the gap CSIRO says shutter systems should be tighter than, to avoid ember entry
Ask how large the gaps are where the shutter meets the sill and the channel.
Source: CSIRO, Bushfire best practice guide: Sprinklers and shutters · read
Whether approval is needed
building certifier
who the CFS says to check with, with your local council, if you are changing a window or roof
Ask the council or a certifier before work starts, and tell the provider what you were told.
Source: Country Fire Service (SA), Planning & building in bushfire areas · read
What a BAL is
BAL
a method for rating the intensity of a location's potential exposure to bushfire
Ask whether the house has a BAL, and if not who can work one out.
Source: CSIRO, Bushfire best practice guide: BAL assessment · read
Who is authorised
authorised
the Building Work Contractors Act bars carrying on business as a building work contractor except as authorised
Ask for the provider's contractor number and which work it covers.
Source: Building Work Contractors Act 1995 (SA) · read
Each step names its source and the date it was read. This is not an assessment of any house, and it sets no price.
Process
What does CSIRO say about shutter material?
Shutter systems should be tight fitting with gaps less than 2mm to avoid ember entry and made with non-combustible material. Avoid plastic shutters and flyscreens. These products will melt during a bushfire, creating an additional hazard.
What does CSIRO say about closing a shutter?
As an active system, the shutter must be manually closed to be effective; consider using an automated system to close the shutter.
Timing
How quickly can someone get to me?
We cannot promise a time. It depends on the provider's bookings. Enquiries sent through the form or by phone are passed to a local provider, who contacts you directly.
Can a shutter be fitted in any season?
No source read for this site says. The provider decides, so ask when the work can be done.
Permits and approvals
Does fitting shutters need approval?
The Country Fire Service says: I am changing a window/roof, how do I know my BAL? You will need to check with your local council or building certifier if any approvals are needed. Ask your council or certifier before work starts.
Source: Country Fire Service (SA), Planning & building in bushfire areas, read 31 October 2026.
Service area
Which suburbs do you cover?
The Adelaide Hills. Five pages are written around one CFS listing each: Stirling, Uraidla, Woodside, Houghton and Kersbrook. The rest are covered on the same terms.
Do you fit the shutters yourselves?
No. This site is run by a marketing company, which passes each enquiry to an independent licensed local provider. The provider measures, quotes and does any work itself; we hold no licence and do none of it.
Thanks — we have your enquiry. Someone will be in touch shortly. Prefer to talk now? Call (08) 8330 4909.
Last reviewed · Updated · First published