AS 2047-2014: windows and external glazed doors in buildings

TL;DR

AS 2047:2014 (with Amendment 2:2017) is the performance standard for all external windows, sliding and swinging glazed doors, French doors, bi-fold doors, adjustable louvres, shopfronts, and window walls installed in Australian residential buildings. The NCC 2022 calls it up under H1D8 as the deemed-to-satisfy (DTS) path for structural and weatherproofing compliance. Every window and external glazed door on a Class 1 build must be rated to the site’s AS 4055 wind class (N1 to N6 for non-cyclonic, C1 to C4 for cyclonic regions): getting this wrong in a coastal or elevated site is a PI claim waiting to happen. Each product must carry a permanent performance label showing its wind and water ratings; check it on delivery against the wind class shown on the structural drawings. The standard is paywalled; the ABCB Housing Provisions Part 8.2 covers the installation rules and is free.

In plain English

AS 2047:2014 sets minimum requirements for the design, manufacture, testing, and installation of external glazed assemblies in buildings. It covers structural performance under wind load, water penetration resistance, air infiltration limits, and operating force. The 2014 edition superseded the 1999 edition. Amendment 1 (2016) and Amendment 2 (2017) refined the scope and test requirements; the current document in use is AS 2047:2014 Amd 2:2017 (verified 2026-05-08, Standards Australia product page).

The NCC 2022 Volume Two calls up AS 2047 under clause H1D8 as the DTS path for satisfying Performance Requirement H1P1 (structural) and the weatherproofing performance requirement H2P2. If the window or glazed door is designed and constructed to AS 2047, it satisfies both structural and weatherproofing compliance in one hit for Class 1 and Class 10 buildings (verified 2026-05-08, NCC 2022 Part H1 Structure).

The matching installation requirements live in Part 8.2 of the ABCB Housing Provisions 2022, which sets out what the builder must do when fitting the product on site. The product standard (AS 2047) and the installation standard (Housing Provisions Part 8.2) work together: a compliant product fitted incorrectly is still non-compliant.

What it requires

Scope: products covered

AS 2047 applies to these external glazed assemblies:

Product type	Covered by AS 2047?
External windows (fixed, awning, casement, sliding, louvre)	Yes
Sliding glazed doors (framed)	Yes
Swinging glazed doors (framed)	Yes
French doors (framed)	Yes
Bi-fold glazed doors (framed)	Yes
Adjustable louvres	Yes
Shopfronts and window walls (one-piece framing)	Yes
Internal doors	No
Revolving doors	No
Fixed louvres	No
Skylights and rooflights	No
Non-vertical (pitched) windows	No
Frameless sliding or swinging doors	No
Greenhouse/horticultural windows	No
On-site constructed or heritage windows	No (AS 1288 applies)

(Exclusions per NCC 2022 H1D8 and Housing Provisions 8.2.1, verified 2026-05-08, Housing Provisions Part 8.2.)

Performance testing: five tests

AS 2047 requires manufacturers to test each product design to five standardised tests (tested in a NATA-accredited laboratory):

Deflection (serviceability strength): Window tested under positive and negative wind pressure at design wind load. Measures maximum deflection of framing members under load.
Ultimate strength: Window tested to failure load (1.5x design pressure). Verifies the assembly does not collapse at the required ultimate wind pressure.
Water penetration resistance: Water sprayed at a controlled rate while static wind pressure is applied for 15 minutes. No water penetration into the building permitted.
Air infiltration: Measures air leakage through the closed assembly at low pressure. Lower leakage = better energy and acoustic performance.
Operating force: Measures the effort required to open and close sliding and hung components.

Wind class ratings: AS 4055 drives the spec

The performance level a window must achieve is set by the site’s wind classification under AS 4055:2021. AS 4055 designates 10 classes: N1 to N6 (non-cyclonic) and C1 to C4 (cyclonic). The classification is a function of wind region, terrain category, topography, shielding, and building height (verified 2026-05-08, Standards Australia AS 4055:2021).

Water penetration resistance test pressures under AS 2047 by wind class (from AGWA/AWA industry data, AS 4420.5 test method):

Wind class	Non-exposed WPR (Pa)	Exposed WPR (Pa)
N1, N2	150	200
N3, C1	150	300
N4, C2	200	300
N5, C3	300	450
N6, C4	450	650

The wind class for the site is determined by the structural engineer or the certifier, and is shown on the structural drawings. For simple Class 1 housing, AS 4055 provides a simplified classification method without requiring a full AS 1170.2 wind study. For more complex structures or extreme exposures, AS 1170.2 (the full wind actions standard) is used instead.

Performance label requirement

Every window and external glazed door product sold in Australia for use in buildings must carry a permanent performance label showing its wind and water ratings. The label is typically applied to the inside of the frame or at the head. The label is the primary verification tool on site: the builder checks the label against the wind class shown on the drawings before installation (verified 2026-05-08, AGWA compliance information).

Manufacturers who are members of the Australian Glass and Window Association (AGWA, formerly AWA) undergo annual factory compliance audits by NATA-accredited auditors confirming that the product manufactured matches the tested design. The AGWA Performance Certification scheme is the primary industry certification pathway.

Installation requirements (Housing Provisions Part 8.2)

The ABCB Housing Provisions 2022 Part 8.2 sets out the on-site installation requirements that complement AS 2047’s product requirements:

No structural loads transferred to the window assembly. The surrounding structure (frame, lintel, or masonry) must carry its own loads independently. Windows are not structural elements.
Minimum 10 mm clearance between the top of the window assembly and any loadbearing framing or masonry above. This gap prevents the structure bearing down on the window frame as the building settles or deflects.
Packing, if used, must be positioned along the sides and bottom only, fixed so the assembly stays square and straight, and kept clear of flashings.
Aluminium sills in contact with masonry must be isolated using a bituminous membrane, caulking, or equivalent to prevent galvanic corrosion between the aluminium and the masonry substrate.
Window assemblies must be installed square and true, with no diagonal distortion or twist. Distortion compromises weathertightness around the perimeter even on a correctly rated product.

Flashing at the head and jambs is governed by the external wall cladding and sarking requirements in the Housing Provisions (Part 2 and Part 8), not solely by Part 8.2. The general principle is the shingle rule: upper layers of flashing overlap lower layers, shedding water to the outside.

What it doesn’t cover

AS 2047 does not cover:

Glass selection and sizing: That is AS 1288:2021, which specifies how to select glass thickness and type for a given opening size and wind load. AS 1288 is called up separately under NCC 2022 H1D8 for internal glazed assemblies, frameless doors, and overhead glazing.
Energy and thermal performance of glazing: NatHERS modelling (7-star requirement under NCC 2022) treats windows as components with U-values and solar heat gain coefficients (SHGC). The WERS (Window Energy Rating Scheme) provides rated product data for NatHERS input. AS 2047 does not set energy performance requirements directly; it governs structural and weatherproofing performance only.
Human impact (safety glazing): AS 1288 governs which glass types are required in human impact zones (frameless showers, sidelites, low panels). NCC 2022 H1D8 cross-references AS 1288 and Housing Provisions Part 8.4 for human impact requirements. Products covered by AS 2047 (framed windows and doors) still require safety glass where AS 1288 calls for it.
Swimming pool fences and balustrades: Covered by NCC 2022 H1D7 and relevant state pool fence regulations.
Commercial buildings (Class 5-9): Those fall under NCC Volume One, which references a different clause pathway.

Practical implications

What to check at delivery

Before any product goes in:

Performance label is present and legible. Confirm the label shows the rated wind class (e.g. N3, C1) and water penetration rating.
Label rating matches site wind class. The wind class on the drawings is the controlling figure; if the window is rated for N2 and the site is N3, it cannot be installed.
Product is undamaged. Inspect frame corners, seals, and glazing for transport damage before installation.
Structural opening is correct. Check head height allows for the required clearance above the frame. The subcontract glazier or carpenter doing the install is responsible for the opening tolerances.

Workmanship tolerances

The numerical workmanship tolerances for window installation (maximum gap between frame and surrounding structure, squareness tolerances for frame setting) are specified in the HIA Guide to Materials and Workmanship. Verified values pending HIA member access: [HIA-037].

Cyclonic regions

For sites classified C1 to C4 (northern WA, NT, northern QLD), window selection requires specific cyclonic-rated products. Cyclonic ratings are tested to higher wind and water pressures than non-cyclonic equivalents at the same numeric class (e.g. C1 and N3 share the same serviceability wind speed but cyclonic products must additionally withstand debris impact and cyclic loading). Check with the structural engineer for the site classification before ordering.

State adoption of NCC 2022

NCC 2022 has been adopted in all states and territories, with some states phasing in specific provisions. The glazing and windows provisions (H1D8, Housing Provisions Part 8.2) generally took effect from 1 May 2023. Some states may have variations; confirm adoption dates and any state amendments with the local building certifier .

Common defects and failures

Defect	Cause
Water ingress at window head	Missing or incorrectly lapped head flashing; sealant substituted for flashing
Frame racking and diagonal distortion	Window installed out of square; structure bearing on the top of the frame
Condensation and water pooling at sill	No sill clearance, drainage holes blocked, or sill slope insufficient
Air leakage around perimeter	Foam backing rod and sealant omitted at jambs; seals on product degraded
Glass failure under wind load	Product rated for lower wind class than site requires; wrong product specified
Corrosion at sill-masonry interface	Aluminium sill in direct contact with masonry without isolating layer
Glazing seal failure	Incompatible glazing gasket and sealant products in composite system

Source link

Standards Australia: AS 2047:2014 product page (verified 2026-05-08). Paywalled. Amendment 2 (2017) is the current version: AS 2047:2014 Amd 2:2017 (verified 2026-05-08). The ABCB Housing Provisions 2022 Part 8.2 covers the DTS installation requirements and is free at ncc.abcb.gov.au.

References

Standards Australia, AS 2047:2014 Windows and external glazed doors in buildings (product page). https://store.standards.org.au/product/as-2047-2014 (verified 2026-05-08).
Standards Australia, AS 2047:2014 Amd 2:2017 (current amendment). https://store.standards.org.au/product/as-2047-2014-amd-2-2017 (verified 2026-05-08).
Australian Building Codes Board, Part H1 Structure, NCC 2022 Volume Two (H1D8 glazing). https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-two/h-class-1-and-10-buildings/part-h1-structure (verified 2026-05-08).
Australian Building Codes Board, Part H2 Damp and weatherproofing, NCC 2022 Volume Two (H2P2). https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-two/h-class-1-and-10-buildings/part-h2-damp-and-weatherproofing (verified 2026-05-08).
Australian Building Codes Board, Part 8.2 Windows and external glazed doors, ABCB Housing Provisions Standard 2022. https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/housing-provisions/8-glazing/part-82-windows-and-external-glazed-doors (verified 2026-05-08).
Standards Australia, AS 4055:2021 Wind loads for housing (product page). https://store.standards.org.au/product/as-4055-2021 (verified 2026-05-08).
Australian Glass and Window Association, AGWA Compliance and Accreditation. https://www.agwa.com.au/AGWA/Content/FAQs/Compliance-and-Accreditation.aspx (verified 2026-05-08).
Wideline Windows, Water Rating Performance Tested Windows and Doors (water penetration test pressure table). https://www.wideline.com.au/technical-info/water-ratings/ (verified 2026-05-08).

NCC 2022 Volume Two, the residential code that calls up AS 2047 under H1D8 for structural and weatherproofing compliance
AS 4055, the wind loads standard for housing that determines the required window performance class for each site
AS 1170 (wind actions), the full wind actions standard used for sites outside AS 4055 scope or requiring engineering assessment
NCC structure and BCA/PCA, the overarching structural performance requirements under which H1D8 sits
NCC bushfire BAL, bushfire attack level requirements that affect glazing specification in BAL-12.5 and above zones