Beware of windows that do not comply - AWA (Nat)

Did you know that the Building Code of Australia calls for windows in all class of buildings to comply with AS 2047?

What is AS 2047?

It is the mandatory minimum specification for windows and doors used in Australia it includes compliance to the Glass Standard AS 1288. 

The following performance tests are undertaken to verify product performance claims.

1. AS 4420.2 Deflection Test – positive and negative wind pressures are applied to the face of the window to test the maximum deflection under wind load.
2. AS 4420.3 Operating Force Test – to verify that an opening sash is capable of opening and closing without undue effort.
3. AS 4420.4 Air Infiltration Test – the air leakage of a window is tested to ensure energy and acoustic efficiency.
4. AS 4420.5 Water Penetration Resistance Test – this test is designed to ensure no water leaks through the window into the building.
5. AS 4420.6 Ultimate Strength Test – negative and positive wind pressures are applied to the window to at least 1.5 times the design wind pressure to ensure it does not fail in unusual wind conditions.    

How do I know I have installed windows and doors that comply with the Building Code of Australia?

All windows and doors for homes must have a Performance Label which confirms that they are certified to comply with Australian Standard AS 2047.  If you purchase windows from an accredited AWA member, you can also receive a Certificate of Compliance that supports a 7 year warranty.

Example:  Window label which should be affixed to window and door products to ensure compliance to AS 2047.

All AWA members have products tested to AS 2047 and are a part of a third party NATA accredited program.  This accreditation program is a proven and nationally recognised method of achieving compliance to assist builders, specifiers and homeowners to select products that comply with Australian Standards.

Look for this logo when purchasing your windows to be confidant you are purchasing compliant products.

Building Surveyors and Council Certifiers require compliance verification, so attaching the Compliance Certificate to your application will expedite approvals.

Example: Compliance Certificate that should be supplied by your window manufacturer

Who is responsible for nominating the window ratings when ordering window assemblies?

For housing and other residential buildings, the purchaser should nominate the window ratings when ordering window assemblies.  For all other building types, the purchaser should nominate the design wind pressure for the window assembles.

Table of window ratings as in accordance with AS 4055 Wind loads for Housing. 

Purchaser should specify N1 to N6 or C1 to C4 if non residential the design wind pressure must be nominated.

Contact the AWA if you are in doubt that your window supplier is an AWA member or compliant with the Australian Standards.

Note:  Any advice, recommendation, information, assistance or service provided by the AWA in relation to the above is given in good faith and is believed by the AWA to be appropriate, but is given without liability or responsibility on the AWA's behalf. 

Ref No. NAT MAT 08-28