Every window and external glazed door sold in Australia must comply with AS 2047, and the glass in it must be selected to AS 1288. In bushfire-prone areas the window must also meet the BAL in your bushfire assessment under AS 3959, and for new homes the windows must meet the U-value and SHGC in your NCC or BASIX energy report.
AS 2047: windows and external glazed doors
AS 2047 covers the window as a product: its structural strength under wind load, how well it keeps out water, air infiltration, and how it is installed. A window is tested and rated for a wind pressure (serviceability and ultimate), and must match the wind classification of your site from AS 4055 (N1–N6 for non-cyclonic areas, C1–C4 for cyclonic). Ask any supplier for the AS 2047 test report or certificate for the series they are quoting.
AS 1288: glass in buildings
AS 1288 sets which glass type and thickness is needed where. Glass near floors, in doors, beside doors, in bathrooms and in large panes generally has to be safety glass (toughened or laminated), and large or high panes need thicker glass for wind load. The glass on your quote should be chosen to AS 1288 for each window.
AS 3959: bushfire (BAL)
If your block is in a bushfire-prone area, the bushfire attack level (BAL-LOW, 12.5, 19, 29, 40 or FZ) sets the minimum glass and frame requirements. Higher BALs need toughened glass, screens and specific frames. Give us the BAL from your planning report before we quote.
NCC energy rules and BASIX
Since the NCC 2022 changes, new homes in most states need a 7-star energy rating (NSW uses BASIX). Your energy assessor sets a U-value (heat loss) and SHGC (solar heat gain) for the windows. Thermally broken frames and low-E double glazing are the usual way to meet them; see thermally broken windows.
What to ask your supplier for
- The AS 2047 test report or certificate for each series quoted
- The wind rating each window is made to, matched to your site classification
- Glass type and thickness for each window, per AS 1288
- Uw and SHGC for each window, for your energy assessor
- BAL compliance, if your site is bushfire-prone
We send all of this with the quote. Factory performance figures for every series are on each product page.
Questions
What is AS 2047?
The Australian Standard for windows and external glazed doors in buildings. It covers strength under wind, water penetration, air infiltration and installation.
Do imported windows have to meet AS 2047?
Yes. Any window installed in an Australian building has to comply, wherever it is made. Ask for the test report for the series.
What is AS 1288?
The Australian Standard for selecting glass in buildings: where safety glass is required and what thickness is needed for size and wind.
What BAL do my windows need?
The BAL in your bushfire assessment or planning report. Windows must meet the requirements of AS 3959 for that level.
What is a window U-value?
A measure of heat loss through the window in W/m²K. Lower is better. Energy reports set a maximum U-value and an SHGC for the windows.