Compliance Explained
Your guide to the Stage 1 NCC amendments that affect windows and doors.
Whether you’re a builder or designer, the upcoming changes to the National Construction Code will impact the way you work. From improved accessibility requirements to tighter restrictions around energy efficiency, the changes will affect every new building – no matter the size. Here, we’ll outline the proposed amendments and what they would mean for your future projects.
Stage 1 – Key Amendments
Key amendments for stage 1 of the NCC associated with windows and doors include the following:
Accessibility
A new introduction for the NCC 2022 is that buildings will need to achieve a higher standard of accessibility. The provisions are based in principle on the Livable Housing Design Guidelines (silver level). The change will affect several building elements.
Door openings will need to be wider in many instances:
One step-free entrance point will be required to access the home and a suitable pathway from the property’s boundary. The step-free path can be achieved by:
Once a step-free path to the home is achieved there is a specific threshold requirement for the entrance door that connects the step-free path to the home:
The threshold of an entrance door into the home must:
It is worth noting that some of the amendments in the final preview of the NCC regarding thresholds are open to interpretation and because of this there will be a clarification document released by the ABCB at a later date to remove any ambiguity.
In addition, Part 2.4 Livable Housing specifies that an external step free entrance is required to include a drainage grate in front of doors without a sill.
Installation of windows and doors
Housing provisions has updated advice regarding the installation of windows and doors.
For window and door installation regarding all construction methods:
For timber window and door installation regarding double brick construction:
Window and door fixings
There is a new mandate for the minimum number and type of fixings needed when installing windows and doors into a home. In response to these amends, AGWA released Version 2 of their Window and Door Fixing Guide. This clarifies the minimum requirements across different frame material types, from timber and masonry to lightweight steel. It also covers what’s needed for varying wind ratings.
AGWA’s guide features a handy table that shows the required nail diameter in relation to window width and height. It’s worth noting that if a product is more than 1200mm from a corner, the minimum number of fixings required reduces by 40%.
Window and door flashing
There have been no major updates to flashing on windows and doors since the introduction of NCC 2019. However, we recommend builders ensure they use the materials highlighted in the NCC 2022, as it’s likely to become a focus of compliance in the future, in particular Alcor flashing to door sills. For more detailed drawings and notes on flashing, see the latest NCC Housing Provisions document.
For further information and a more detailed overview of what’s to come in the NCC 2022, head to abcb.gov.au.
*This article has been developed to provide general guidance, awareness and education. It should not be viewed as a definitive guide and should be read in conjunction with the requirements of the National Construction Code ( www.abcb.gov.au ). While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate, A&L expressly disclaims all and any liability to any person for anything done in reliance on this publication. No responsibility is accepted by A&L for any mistakes, errors, or omissions in this content.