AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS
Timber WIndows & Doors: Australian Standards
The Australian environment subjects a building’s windows and doors to extreme weather conditions, ranging from blistering heat, to torrential rain and damaging winds. Exposure to these extreme conditions requires windows and doors to be of a quality build, meeting or exceeding Australian Standards, irrespective of the material the item is made from (aluminium, PVC, fibreglass, timber, etc).
Unfortunately, many of the products on the market, whether made in Australia or of foreign import, are not being tested and rated. Testing is a must for both the structural integrity of the building and the safety of its occupants. There are some types of architecturally designed windows and doors that cannot be tested, however this represents a very small percentage of the products being manufactured. Below is a list of just some of the testing that should be carried out to ensure windows and doors are safe and reliable.
- Deflection Test - AS 4420.2 | Positive and negative wind pressures are applied to the face of the window to test the maximum deflection under wind load.
- Operating Force Test - AS 4420.3 | To verify that an opening sash is capable of opening and closing without undue effort.
- Ultimate Strength Test - AS 4220.4 | The air leakage of a window is tested to ensure energy and acoustic efficiency.
- Water Penetration Resistance Test - AS 4420.5 | This test is designed to ensure no water leaks through the window into the building.
- Ultimate Strength Test - AS 4420.6 | 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.
It is crucial when purchasing windows and doors to be aware of the importance of installing products that are rated and backed by the warranty of a reputable manufacturer. Failure to do so may result in unsafe or inferior quality windows and doors, which could cost a lot more in the long run.
Duce Timber Windows & Doors are a proud member of the Australian Glass & Window Association (AGWA), and uphold the strict regulations and ethics set in place by this industry body. As a member of the AGWA you can be confident that our products are made to withstand Australian conditions. View our Australia Window Association page.