The National Construction Code 2016 (NCC) Part 2.2 Damp and Weatherproofing Objective states:
F2.2.1 Surface water: A building including any associated sitework is to be constructed in a way that protects people and other property from the adverse effects of redirected surface water.
F2.2.2 Weatherproofing and dampness: A building is to be constructed to provide resistance to moisture from the outside and moisture rising from the ground.
Doors without Sills
The trend towards using bifold doors without sills and sliding doors with extremely low sills or zero transition height requires careful consideration to ensure compliance with the NCC
These doors will not meet the water penetration resistance pressures required to comply with AS2047-2014, and consequently will not meet the “Deemed to Satisfy Solution” in the NCC.
However, there is an alternative called the “Performance Solution”. Using this path the building designer and/or the builder employs an alternative method of protecting the doors from wind driven rain. This could be in the form of a 3.0m overhang protecting the door or some other method. The responsibility for weatherproofing then lies solely with the building designer/builder.
It is important that any Form 15 or Glazing Certification excludes the water penetration resistance of the door.
It is critical for your protection to get a signed statement from the building designer/builder stating that the building is using a “Performance Solution” rather than “Deemed to Satisfy” in case of any potential future problems.
1.0.1 Compliance with the NCC
Compliance with the NCC is achieved by satisfying the Performance Requirements.
1.0.2 Meeting the Performance Requirements
The Performance Requirements can only be satisfied by a—
(a) Performance Solution; or
(b) Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution; or
(c) combination of (a) and (b).
