Auto Drive Horizon
TECHNICAL | WINDOWS
AWA TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
RUSSELL HARRIS
National Technical Manager Australian Window Association
The AWA Technical Committee held its first meeting for the year in late February. The major points of discussion are outlined below.
SEALS, SEALANTS & GASKETS
A Technical Sub-Committee has been formed to investigate and develop an Industry Guide covering various aspects of seals, sealants and gaskets for the window industry including;
• Raw Materials – selection and composition.
• Seal Types / Categories.
• Factors affecting performance.
• Compatibility.
• Installation.
• Testing.
The kick-off meeting was held in early April, so it is early days yet. However, a draft guide is expected to be completed in the second half of this year and will support the development of a new on-line course to complement the existing suite of AWA training.
BASIX ENERGY STRINGENCY
The New South Wales Government has announced that from July 2017, the energy targets for houses and low-rise units will increase by around 10 per cent, and by 5 per cent for mid and high-rise units. The settings for thermal comfort heating and cooling will also change, in line with the proposal in the 2013-14 BASIX Target Review.
NCC ENERGY STRINGENCY
The ABCB has announced their intention to increase energy stringency levels as part of their 30 year trajectory. The changes announced for 2019 affect Class 2 – 9 buildings( Volume 1, Section J) and are expected to increase the energy performance of these building by around 10 per cent. Changes following in 2022 will affect housing( Volume 2) and are anticipated to achieve a 5 – 10 per cent increase in overall efficiency.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR AS 1530.8 PARTS 1 AND 2
AS 1530.8( Parts 1 and 2) Methods for Fire Tests on Building Materials, Components and Structures was released for public comment in April, with the deadline for submissions falling in June. A copy of the draft Standard can be obtained from the SAI Global Infostore: www. infostore. saiglobal. com. au
For more information, or if you have any questions, please forward your enquiry to technical @ awa. org. au
UATTROLIFTS
Auto Drive Horizon
Video: Auto Drive Horizon
350kg capacity One man operation
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Rick: 0411 591 807 quattrolifts @ gmail. com www. quattrolifts. com. au
WINDOWS MAGAZINE 25