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The first thing people do when buying, building or renovating their home is seek advice from people they know. That's why recommendations and endorsements are important. Completing a job on time, within budget and to specifications is of vital importance to owner builders and renovators. Equally important is the provision of accurate, helpful and reliable advice throughout all stages of construction. The Australian Window Association (AWA) is the peak body representing the window and door industry in Australia. One of the association's core aims is to provide those building with information to help them choose the right windows and doors. Tracey Gramlick, AWA Technical Director says. "In 2006 the AWA will focus on promoting the importance of compliant window products and the dangers associated with non-compliance. "The responsibility and liability for the continued performance of a window is very much on the builder, so they must be aware of the simple steps to follow to ensure they install windows that comply with Australian Standards as set out in the Building Code of Australia." The standards are AS2047 (Australian Standard for Windows in Buildings) and AS1288 (Australian Standard for Glass in Buildings). AS2047 This specifies the requirements for materials, construction, installation and glazing for windows, sliding glazed doors, adjustable louvres, shopfronts and window walls with one-piece framing elements. AS1288 This sets out the procedures to be used for selection and installation of glass in buildings, subject to wind loading, human impact and special applications such as overhead glazing, balustrades and glass assemblies. The standard does not cover buildings and structures without public access intended for horticultural or agricultural use; windows and doors in heritage buildings as defined by relevant state or territorial authority or restoration; and repairs to existing leadlights. Changes to AS1288 in 2006 - New section on installation requirements for glass - Mandatory manifestation - Introduction of new and increased areas of safety glass in locations subject to risk of human impact - Change from permissible design stresses for wind loading to Ultimate Limit State (ULS) design - New design charts for wind loading based on ULS and taking into consideration panel aspect ratio - New sections and detailed specifications for overhead glazing, balustrades, faceted glazing and fin-supported glazing Contact Standards Australia or www. standards.org.au for further information regarding Australian Standards AS2047 and AS1288. Builder responsibilities Windows that do not comply can become a major cost to the builder and home owner, so it's important to receive clear instructions from the client about the type of windows they need. Builders should consider the guidance in AS2047: - The purchaser should nominate the window ratings when ordering newassemblies for housing and other residential buildings - The purchaser should nominate the design wind pressures for the window assemblies when ordering the windows - The manufacturer should verify the window rating or design wind pressures Most consumers will not be aware of these obligations, so its important for owner builders and renovators to be educated about the process. Compliance certificate Always ask to see a compliance certificate from the window manufacturer. Issued by the AWA, the compliance certificate is awarded to members who take part in an annual accreditation program implemented by the independent National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). The compliance certificate is only awarded to AWA members, and confirms they: - Provide a 7 year warranty against faulty workmanship and materials - Have met the requirements of the annual AWA Compliance Audit conducted by a NATA accredited auditor - Are committed to the AWA Code of Conduct The AWA label Products bearing the AWA label mean they have passed the NATA accredited annual audit. The process protects the builder and manufacturer from lawsuits, customer complaints and negative attention that comes with products that are not compliant. As always time spent researching to make correct choices will pay dividends to owner builders and renovators. This is particularly important when making window and door choices. The impact of well informed choices will deliver better outcomes to the project, now and long into the future. Properly specified NATA accredited products will provide a more comfortable lifestyle, living environments that are less reliant on external heating and cooling and knowledge the manufacturer is an AWA member providing a 7 year warranty and signatory to the industry code of conduct. The increasing trend toward importing building materials for the Australian construction industry is raising a real issues regarding those imports meeting Australian Standards. Australian Standards ensure the materials will be fit for purpose in Australian conditions. Goods manufactured in other countries do not have any guarantee they will be suitable in Australia, unless they are NATA tested and accredited. Practical Owner & Builder always recommends that owner builders and renovators research their preferred choice of any building material before they commit. For more information we strongly recommend contacting the Australian Windows Association by phone on 02 9498 2768, via email at info@awa. org.au or by visiting www.awa.org.au |
  
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