What Is the Australian Standard for Windows and Doors?

When building or renovating in Australia, choosing the right windows and doors involves more than selecting a style or frame colour. Products must also comply with relevant Australian Standards to ensure they are suitable for the building’s location, performance requirements, and intended use.

There is no single Australian Standard that covers every aspect of windows and doors. Instead, several standards work together to address system performance, glazing, wind loads, bushfire protection, accessibility, and façade testing.

For most residential projects, AS2047 is the primary standard for windows and external glazed doors. Depending on the project, other standards such as AS1288, AS4055, AS3959, AS1428.1, and AS4284 may also apply.

This guide explains the most important Australian Standards for windows and doors and when they are typically used.

1. AS2047 – Windows and External Glazed Doors in Buildings

AS2047 is the principal Australian Standard for the performance of windows and external glazed doors.

It specifies minimum performance requirements for complete window and door systems, including:

• Structural performance
• Water penetration resistance
• Air infiltration
• Operating force
• Durability

AS2047 is commonly applied to:

• Detached homes
• Townhouses
• Duplexes
• Residential developments
• Many low- and mid-rise commercial buildings

When people refer to “Australian Standard windows,” they are often referring to products designed to meet the performance requirements of AS2047.

2. AS1288 – Glass in Buildings: Selection and Installation

While AS2047 focuses on the complete window or door system, AS1288 focuses on the glass used within that system.

It provides requirements for:

• Selecting the appropriate type of glazing
• Glass thickness
• Safety glazing
• Installation methods
• Human impact considerations

AS1288 helps ensure that glazing is suitable for its intended application within a building.

3. AS4055 – Wind Loads for Housing

AS4055 is used to determine the wind classification for residential buildings.

Typical classifications include:

• N1
• N2
• N3
• N4
• N5
• N6
• C1
• C2
• C3
• C4

The wind classification influences the performance level required for windows and doors installed in a particular location.

Homes in coastal areas or regions with higher wind exposure generally require products capable of withstanding greater wind pressures.

4. AS3959 – Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-Prone Areas

If a building is located within a designated bushfire-prone area, AS3959 may apply.

This standard provides requirements for construction in bushfire-prone locations, including:

• Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) classifications
• Window requirements
• Door requirements
• Glazing requirements
• Screening systems

The applicable requirements depend on the BAL rating determined for the site.

5. AS1428.1 – Design for Access and Mobility

For many public buildings, commercial developments, healthcare facilities, and accessible housing projects, AS1428.1 provides guidance for accessible design.

It includes considerations for:

• Door clear openings
• Thresholds
• Hardware
• Circulation spaces
• Accessibility requirements

This standard helps create buildings that are easier to access and use for people with varying mobility needs.

6. AS4284 – Testing of Building Façades

AS4284 is generally used for commercial façades rather than standard residential windows.

It applies to:

• Curtain wall systems
• Commercial glazed façades
• High-rise buildings
• Unitised façade systems

Instead of testing individual windows, AS4284 evaluates the performance of an integrated façade assembly under conditions such as wind pressure, air leakage, and water penetration.

How Do These Standards Work Together?

Each standard addresses a different aspect of window and door design.

Rather than replacing one another, these standards complement each other to help ensure buildings perform safely and effectively.

Which Standard Applies to Residential Homes?

For a typical Australian home, the most commonly referenced standards are:

• AS2047 – Window and door system performance
• AS1288 – Glazing selection and installation
• AS4055 – Residential wind classification
• AS3959 – If the home is located in a bushfire-prone area

The exact requirements depend on the location, design, and local building regulations.

Which Standard Applies to Commercial Buildings?

Commercial projects may require additional standards depending on the building type and façade design.

These may include:

• AS2047
• AS1288
• AS4284
• AS1428.1

Large commercial developments often involve multiple standards working together throughout the design and construction process.

Why Choosing the Right Supplier Matters

Meeting Australian Standards involves more than selecting the right product. It also requires careful coordination between the building design, glazing specification, manufacturing, and installation.

When selecting a window and door supplier, look for one that offers:

• Custom aluminium window and door solutions
• Technical support
• Shop drawings
• Glazing guidance
• Project coordination
• Experience with Australian building requirements

MEICHEN Windows & Doors manufactures customised aluminium windows and doors for residential and commercial projects across Australia. We work closely with builders, architects, developers, and homeowners to provide tailored solutions that align with project specifications and relevant Australian Standards.

Common Misconceptions

“There is only one Australian Standard for windows.”

No. Several Australian Standards apply to different aspects of window and door design, performance, glazing, and installation.

“AS2047 covers everything.”

AS2047 is the primary performance standard for windows and external glazed doors, but glazing, wind classification, bushfire protection, accessibility, and façade performance may also require consideration of other standards.

“Every project uses the same standards.”

Not necessarily. The applicable standards vary depending on factors such as:

• Building type
• Location
• Wind region
• Bushfire classification
• Façade design
• Accessibility requirements

Conclusion

There is no single Australian Standard that covers every aspect of windows and doors. Instead, a group of standards work together to ensure products are safe, durable, and appropriate for their intended application.

For most residential projects, AS2047 is the primary standard for windows and external glazed doors, supported by AS1288 for glazing and other standards such as AS4055, AS3959, AS1428.1, and AS4284 where applicable.

By understanding these standards and working with an experienced supplier like MEICHEN Windows & Doors, builders, architects, developers, and homeowners can confidently specify aluminium window and door systems that are designed for Australian projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main Australian Standard for windows and doors?

AS2047 is the primary Australian Standard covering the performance of windows and external glazed doors used in buildings.

Is AS1288 the same as AS2047?

No. AS2047 covers the performance of complete window and door systems, while AS1288 covers the selection and installation of building glass.

What standard applies to bushfire-prone areas?

AS3959 provides construction requirements for buildings located in bushfire-prone areas, including requirements for windows and doors.

Which standard determines wind requirements for residential homes?

AS4055 is commonly used to determine residential wind classifications, which influence the required performance of windows and doors.

Why should I choose MEICHEN Windows & Doors?

MEICHEN Windows & Doors provides customised aluminium window and door solutions for Australian residential and commercial projects, with technical support, custom manufacturing, and project coordination to help meet the specific requirements of each development.