What Is the Difference Between AS2047 and AS4284?

When specifying aluminium windows, doors, or façade systems for an Australian building project, two Australian Standards are frequently mentioned: AS2047 and AS4284.

Although both standards relate to the performance of a building’s external envelope, they serve different purposes and are typically used for different types of projects.

Understanding the difference between AS2047 and AS4284 helps builders, architects, developers, and homeowners select the appropriate products and ensure their projects meet Australian performance requirements.

In this guide, we’ll explain what each standard covers, their key differences, and when each one applies.

What Is AS2047?

AS2047 – Windows and External Glazed Doors in Buildings is the Australian Standard that specifies the performance requirements for windows and external glazed doors.

It is commonly applied to residential buildings and many low- to mid-rise commercial projects where individual window and door systems are installed.

AS2047 evaluates the performance of complete window and door systems, including their ability to resist environmental conditions commonly experienced across Australia.

Products commonly covered include:

• Aluminium awning windows
• Casement windows
• Sliding windows
• Fixed windows
• Double hung windows
• Louvre windows
• Sliding doors
• Hinged doors
• Bifold doors

What Is AS4284?

AS4284 – Testing of Building Façades is an Australian Standard used to evaluate the performance of complete building façade systems.

Unlike AS2047, which focuses on individual windows and external glazed doors, AS4284 assesses how an integrated façade performs as a complete assembly.

AS4284 is commonly used for:

• Curtain wall systems
• Unitised façade systems
• Commercial glazed façades
• High-rise buildings
• Office towers
• Hotels
• Hospitals
• Large mixed-use developments

These façade systems often include multiple interconnected components that work together as one external building envelope.

The Main Difference Between AS2047 and AS4284

The biggest difference is what each standard evaluates.

In simple terms:

• AS2047 focuses on individual window and door products.
• AS4284 focuses on how an entire façade performs as one integrated system.

What Does AS2047 Test?

AS2047 evaluates several important performance characteristics of windows and doors, including:

Structural Performance

The system must withstand design wind pressures appropriate for its intended location.

Water Penetration Resistance

Products are tested to resist water entering the building during wind-driven rain.

Air Infiltration

The standard limits unwanted air leakage through closed windows and doors.

Operating Force

Windows and doors should operate safely and smoothly.

Durability

Moving components such as rollers, hinges, locks, and hardware are evaluated for long-term performance.

What Does AS4284 Test?

AS4284 evaluates the performance of an entire façade under simulated environmental conditions.

Testing may include:

Structural Behaviour

The façade is subjected to design wind pressures to assess overall structural performance.

Water Penetration

The complete façade assembly is tested under simulated wind-driven rain.

Air Leakage

The façade is assessed for uncontrolled air infiltration.

Building Movement

Testing may include movement between structural components to evaluate how the façade performs under building deflection and other service conditions.

Because modern commercial façades often contain multiple interconnected systems, testing the complete assembly provides a more comprehensive assessment than testing individual windows alone.

When Is AS2047 Used?

AS2047 is commonly specified for:

• Detached houses
• Duplexes
• Townhouses
• Residential renovations
• Low-rise residential developments
• Many apartment projects using conventional window systems

If your project primarily consists of aluminium windows and external glazed doors installed individually into the building structure, AS2047 is generally the relevant standard.

When Is AS4284 Used?

AS4284 is generally specified for projects that use large-scale façade systems, including:

• Office buildings
• Commercial developments
• High-rise apartments with curtain walls
• Hotels
• Healthcare facilities
• Educational buildings
• Mixed-use developments

These projects require assessment of the façade as a complete external envelope rather than evaluating each window independently.

Can a Project Require Both Standards?

Yes.

Some commercial and mixed-use developments may include:

• Individual windows designed in accordance with AS2047
• Curtain wall systems assessed using AS4284

The applicable standards depend on the design of each part of the building and the project specifications.

How Do Builders Choose the Right Standard?

The appropriate standard depends on several factors, including:

• Building type
• Façade design
• Window system
• Building height
• Architectural requirements
• Project specifications
• Applicable building regulations

During the design stage, the architect, façade consultant, engineer, and window supplier typically determine which standards apply to the project.

Choosing the Right Aluminium Window and Façade Supplier

Whether your project requires AS2047 or AS4284, selecting an experienced supplier is essential.

A professional supplier should provide:

• Custom aluminium window and door solutions
• Technical documentation
• Shop drawings
• Project coordination
• Australian Standards knowledge
• Quality manufacturing
• Reliable delivery schedules

MEICHEN Windows & Doors supplies customised aluminium window, door, and façade solutions for Australian residential and commercial projects. From luxury homes and townhouse developments to large commercial buildings, our team works closely with builders, architects, and developers to deliver products that align with Australian project requirements.

Common Misconceptions

“AS4284 replaces AS2047.”

No.

The two standards apply to different building systems and are often complementary rather than interchangeable.

“Every commercial building uses AS4284.”

Not necessarily.

The applicable standard depends on the type of façade system specified for the project.

“Residential homes need AS4284.”

In most standard residential projects, windows and external glazed doors are typically assessed under AS2047 rather than AS4284.

Conclusion

Although AS2047 and AS4284 both relate to the performance of Australia’s building envelope, they apply to different construction systems.

• AS2047 focuses on the performance of individual windows and external glazed doors.
• AS4284 focuses on the performance of complete building façade systems, particularly curtain walls and large commercial façades.

Understanding the difference helps builders, architects, developers, and homeowners choose the appropriate products and ensure their projects are designed for Australian conditions.

Whether you’re building a custom home, a residential development, or a commercial project, working with an experienced supplier like MEICHEN Windows & Doors can help ensure your aluminium window and façade systems are tailored to your project’s specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between AS2047 and AS4284?

AS2047 applies to individual windows and external glazed doors, while AS4284 applies to complete building façade systems, such as curtain walls.

Is AS2047 used for residential homes?

Yes. AS2047 is the primary Australian Standard for windows and external glazed doors used in most residential building projects.

Is AS4284 only for commercial buildings?

AS4284 is most commonly used for commercial buildings and projects with curtain wall or complex façade systems, although its application depends on the façade design and project requirements.

Can one building require both AS2047 and AS4284?

Yes. Some projects include conventional window systems covered by AS2047 alongside curtain wall or façade systems that are assessed under AS4284.

Who can help choose the right window or façade system?

An experienced supplier such as MEICHEN Windows & Doors can work with builders, architects, and developers to recommend customised aluminium window, door, and façade solutions that suit the project’s design and performance requirements.