Windows are an important part of any building and have to comply with several Australian Standards (AS). This is the reason why windows are made as a whole system where frame, glass, and hardware are designed as a unit to achieve the required results. If any part of such a system gets changed, it will not comply with the standards anymore and become a ‘deemed to satisfy’ or ‘engineered solution’.
When hardware details, profile details, or any components are changed, or the overall size is made larger compared to tested sizes, the window system may no longer be compliant and needs to be assessed regarding structural performance. Such alterations make it difficult for the window manufacturer to issue a certificate of compliance for wind load, water egress, etc.
It is always the whole system that gets tested, be it for water egress, wind load, energy efficiency, or bushfire. Testing to the different AS has to be done by third-party NATA-accredited testing facilities, and the window manufacturer has to provide test reports to clients on request.
Historically, architects, designers and engineers were, and still are, getting involved in facades, windows and doors. While that might satisfy the design of DTS (deemed to satisfy) or as an engineered solution, it still leaves a grey area of who is ultimately responsible for the performance of the product.
All window components combine to provide you with peace of mind. Paarhammer windows and doors have test reports for different product ranges and configurations. For example:
Wood-Alu range fixed and tilt & turn windows
Deflection Test – Pass
Mullion @+2030 Pa = Span / 252
@-1900 Pa = Span / 252
Sash Stile@+2030 Pa = Span / 3679
@-1900 Pa = Span / 4432
Air Infiltration Test – Pass
Water Penetration Test: 600Pa – Pass
No water penetration was observed during the test.
Ultimate Strength Test: +5900 & -5900Pa – Pass
No sign of collapse was observed during either pressure test.
Housing Ratings:
Residential and Commercial Buildings Ratings:
Serviceability Limit State Pressure Rating: +2000Pa and -1900Pa
Ultimate Limit State Pressure Rating: +5900Pa and -5900Pa
Air Infiltration Level: Low
Water Penetration Resistance Pressure: 600Pa
For more information and/or test results please contact us.
