What Is AS1288?

If you’re planning a residential or commercial building project in Australia, you’ve probably come across AS1288. It is one of the most important Australian Standards for glazing and is widely referenced by architects, builders, developers, and window manufacturers.

AS1288 – Glass in Buildings – Selection and Installation provides the requirements for selecting and installing glass in buildings. Rather than focusing on the window frame itself, AS1288 ensures that the correct type of glass is used in the right location to improve safety, structural performance, and durability.

Together with AS2047, AS1288 helps ensure aluminium windows and doors are suitable for Australian building projects.

Why Is AS1288 Important?

Glass is a major component of modern buildings. It provides natural light, views, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal, but it must also be selected and installed correctly.

AS1288 helps ensure glazing is suitable for:

• Residential homes
• Apartments
• Commercial buildings
• Office buildings
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Hotels
• Retail developments

Using the appropriate glazing contributes to safer, more reliable, and longer-lasting window and door systems.

What Does AS1288 Cover?

AS1288 focuses on the selection and installation of building glass.

It provides guidance for several important areas.

1. Glass Selection

Different parts of a building require different types of glazing.

AS1288 helps determine the appropriate glass for applications such as:

• Windows
• Sliding doors
• Hinged doors
• Fixed glazing
• Skylights
• Glass panels

Common glazing options include:

• Float glass
• Toughened glass
• Laminated glass
• Insulated Glass Units (IGUs)

The appropriate choice depends on factors such as the size of the panel, its location, and the intended use.

2. Safety Glazing Requirements

Some areas of a building require safety glazing because they present a higher risk of human impact.

Examples include:

• Glass doors
• Low-level windows
• Bathrooms
• Stairways
• Entry areas
• Large glazing panels

AS1288 identifies where safety glazing should be used to reduce the risk of injury if the glass is broken.

3. Glass Thickness

The standard provides guidance on selecting suitable glass thickness based on factors such as:

• Panel dimensions
• Wind loads
• Building height
• Glass type
• Installation method

Selecting the correct thickness helps ensure the glazing performs as intended.

4. Installation Requirements

Proper installation is just as important as selecting the correct glass.

AS1288 includes guidance relating to:

• Glazing clearances
• Edge support
• Setting blocks
• Sealants
• Installation methods

Correct installation contributes to the long-term performance and durability of the glazing system.

Which Products Are Covered by AS1288?

AS1288 applies to glazing used in many building products, including:

• Aluminium windows
• Sliding windows
• Awning windows
• Casement windows
• Fixed windows
• Double hung windows
• Sliding doors
• Hinged doors
• Bifold doors
• Glass balustrades
• Commercial glazing systems

Wherever glass is incorporated into a building, AS1288 may influence the glazing specification.

AS1288 vs AS2047

Many people confuse AS1288 with AS2047, but the two standards have different purposes.

A simple way to understand the difference is:

• AS1288 asks: What glass should be used and how should it be installed?
• AS2047 asks: How well does the complete window or door system perform?

Why Do AS1288 and AS2047 Work Together?

A high-quality aluminium window depends on both the frame system and the glazing.

For example:

• A well-designed aluminium frame still requires suitable glazing to achieve the desired safety and performance.
• Premium glazing must also be installed within a properly designed window system to deliver reliable long-term results.

This is why both standards are commonly considered together during the design and specification process.

When Does AS1288 Apply?

AS1288 is relevant to many types of Australian building projects, including:

• New homes
• Home renovations
• Multi-residential developments
• Office buildings
• Hotels
• Schools
• Healthcare facilities
• Commercial developments

The glazing requirements vary depending on the building type, window size, location, and intended use.

Choosing the Right Aluminium Window Supplier

Selecting the right window manufacturer is essential to achieving a successful project.

An experienced supplier should provide:

• Custom aluminium window and door systems
• Appropriate glazing recommendations
• Technical documentation
• Shop drawings
• Coordination with builders and architects
• Manufacturing for Australian projects

MEICHEN Windows & Doors manufactures customised aluminium windows and doors for residential and commercial developments across Australia. Our team works closely with builders, architects, and developers to provide tailored window and door solutions, with glazing options selected to suit each project’s performance, safety, and design requirements.

Common Misconceptions

“AS1288 is a window standard.”

Not exactly.

AS1288 is a glazing standard. It focuses on the selection and installation of glass rather than the performance of the complete window system.

“AS2047 includes all glass requirements.”

No.

AS2047 evaluates the performance of the complete window or door system, while AS1288 provides the requirements for glazing selection and installation.

“All windows use the same type of glass.”

Incorrect.

The appropriate glazing depends on factors such as:

• Panel size
• Building location
• Window type
• Safety requirements
• Wind conditions
• Architectural design

Conclusion

AS1288 is one of Australia’s most important standards for glazing. It provides guidance for selecting and installing the correct type of glass to help improve safety, durability, and overall building performance.

When combined with AS2047, it ensures both the glazing and the aluminium window or door system work together to meet the requirements of Australian building projects.

Whether you’re building a new home, developing a residential community, or managing a commercial project, working with an experienced manufacturer like MEICHEN Windows & Doors helps ensure your aluminium windows and glazing solutions are tailored to your project’s specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AS1288?

AS1288 is the Australian Standard for the selection and installation of glass in buildings. It provides guidance on choosing appropriate glazing and installing it safely.

Does AS1288 apply to residential homes?

Yes. AS1288 applies to glazing used in residential homes, apartments, and many commercial buildings.

What is the difference between AS1288 and AS2047?

AS1288 focuses on the selection and installation of glass, while AS2047 evaluates the performance of complete window and external glazed door systems.

Does AS1288 specify safety glass requirements?

Yes. AS1288 identifies where safety glazing should be used, such as in doors, low-level glazing, bathrooms, and other locations where there is a higher risk of human impact.

Why choose MEICHEN Windows & Doors?

MEICHEN Windows & Doors provides customised aluminium window and door solutions for Australian residential and commercial projects, offering technical support, tailored glazing options, and custom manufacturing to help meet project-specific performance and design requirements.