Compliance

Compliance

Breezway takes compliance with the National Construction Code and relevant Australian Standards seriously. Our Altair Louvre Windows are extensively tested to prove their compliance. This allows us to offer clear advice based on hundreds of test results.

Compliant Code

Ensure your window is compliant!
All windows and external doors for the Australian market (whether made from timber, aluminium, uPVC or other materials) are required to undergo performance tests in accordance with AS4420.1 to verify performance claims including:

  • Deflection Test
  • Operating Force Test
  • Air Infiltration Test
  • Water Penetration Resistance Test
  • Ultimate Strength Test

All window manufacturers must therefore label their windows with their identification mark along with the product’s window rating and water penetration resistance.

AGWA sticker

AS2047 Product Performance Warranty

Altair Louvre Windows are designed to exceed the requirements of AS2047-2014 “Windows and External Glazed Doors in Buildings”.

The following tables define the window design and construction constraints that must be followed to ensure compliance with AS2047-2014. By adjusting the window height, width, blade type, number of bays and frame type a designer will typically be able to specify a window to suit their design, even in extreme conditions.

Breezway Design manual AS2047

Window Energy Ratings

Altair Louvre Windows can comfortably comply with the energy efficiency requirements of Section J and Part 3.12.2 of the National Construction Code in all climate zones, with high window area to floor area ratios possible in most climate zones when appropriate glazing and shading are used.

Various energy efficient glazing options are available to meet local requirements (with U-values ranging from 2.4 to 6.9) however external screens can also deliver additional insulating and shading benefits.

Note: The Breezway Easyscreen System is the only Window System energy rated in WERS with permanent, externally fitted metal mesh screens.

To assess compliance, please use the Glazing Calculators created by the Australian Building Codes Board from abcb.gov.au
Please note: Changes to window size, glazing type, orientation and shading devices for each climate zone and building type can impact compliance.

WERS Certified Products Directory – AFRC
Residential ratings are available from werslink.com.au.
Commercial ratings are available from werslink.com.au.

For more information, we have a range of Technical Bulletins and Performance Reports available on the energy ratings of different blade types from our Downloads page.

Breezway tinted green louvre blades

Warm Climates

The shading offered by tinted glass or timber blades reduces the amount of hot sunlight entering a building and has a positive impact on the window’s energy rating.

Breezway louvres in bathroom

Cold & Mixed Climates

The insulating properties of clear low e glass blades give comparative thermal performance to clear double glazing.

Breezway louvres fixed window

Extreme Climates

Louvre/Fixed combinations are great for achieving good ventilation and very low U-values.

breezway louvres screens

Screens

External metal mesh screens have WERS ratings and deliver additional insulating and shading benefits to Altair Louvre Windows.

The tabs provide a range of technical information relating to window energy ratings. For further details view the Breezway Design Manual
Altair Louvres meet U-value requirements for energy efficiency in all climate zones.

WERS Certified Products Directory – AFRC
Residential ratings are available from werslink.com.au.
Commercial ratings are available from werslink.com.au.

Blade TypeWERS Windows IDWERS Glazing CodeWERS Cooling Stars9WERS Heating Stars9Uw6SHGC7Tvw8

Easyscreen Single Glazed1

6mm SolTech NeutralBRZ-006-116SolT Ntl4.50.410.48
6mm thick clear glassBRZ-006-016Clr6.20.640.68
6mm thick grey tinted glassBRZ-006-076Gy6.20.510.49
6mm thick bronze tinted glassBRZ-006-026Bz6.20.480.39
6mm thick green tinted glassBRZ-006-066Gn6.20.460.57
6mm thick super green tinted glassBRZ-006-056SG6.20.40.5
6mm thick clear low E glass2BRZ-006-086LE4.40.470.66
6mm thick E-Vantage clear glass2BRZ-006-036EVan4.80.480.5
6mm thick E-Vantage grey tinted glass2BRZ-006-046EVanGy4.80.320.21

Easyscreen Single Glazed - 105.6mm Gap - Crimsafe Security Screen on Exterior3

6mm thick clear glassBRZ-990-016Clr4.60.30.27
6mm thick grey tinted glassBRZ-990-076Gy4.60.240.13
6mm thick bronze tinted glassBRZ-990-026Brz4.60.250.15
6mm thick green tinted glassBRZ-990-066Gn4.60.250.23
6mm thick super green tinted glassBRZ-990-056SpGn4.60.230.2
6mm thick clear low E glass2BRZ-990-086ET3.60.250.25
6mm thick E-Vantage clear glass2BRZ-990-036EVClr3.70.230.21
6mm thick E-Vantage grey tinted glass2BRZ-990-046EVGrey3.70.20.1

Easyscreen Single Glazed - 108.8mm Gap - Invisigard Security Screen on Exterior3

6mm thick clear glassBRZ-991-016Clr4.50.310.28
6mm thick grey tinted glassBRZ-991-076Gy4.50.260.13
6mm thick bronze tinted glassBRZ-991-026Brz4.50.270.16
6mm thick green tinted glassBRZ-991-066Gn4.50.260.24
6mm thick super green tinted glassBRZ-991-056SpGn4.50.250.21
6mm thick clear low E glass2BRZ-991-086ET3.60.260.26
6mm thick E-Vantage clear glass2BRZ-991-036EVClr3.70.250.22
6mm thick E-Vantage grey tinted glass2BRZ-991-046EVGrey3.70.210.1

Easyscreen Single Glazed - 109mm Gap - Prowler Proof ForceField Security Screen on Exterior3

6mm thick clear glassBRZ-992-016Clr4.50.310.28
6mm thick grey tinted glassBRZ-992-076Gy4.50.250.13
6mm thick bronze tinted glassBRZ-992-026Brz4.50.260.16
6mm thick green tinted glassBRZ-992-066Gn4.50.260.24
6mm thick super green tinted glassBRZ-992-056SpGn4.50.240.21
6mm thick clear low E glass2BRZ-992-086ET3.60.260.26
6mm thick E-Vantage clear glass2BRZ-992-036EVClr3.70.240.22
6mm thick E-Vantage grey tinted glass2BRZ-992-046EVGrey3.70.200.10

Easyscreen Fixed Lite Single Glazed1

6mm thick clear glassBRZ-007-016Clr6.20.720.76
6mm thick grey tinted glassBRZ-007-076Gy6.20.560.55
6mm thick bronze tinted glassBRZ-007-026Bz6.20.530.43
6mm thick green tinted glassBRZ-007-066Gn6.20.510.64
6mm thick super green tinted glassBRZ-007-056SG6.20.440.56
6mm thick clear low E glass2BRZ-007-086LE4.10.530.74
6mm thick E-Vantage clear glass2BRZ-007-036EVan4.50.530.56
6mm thick E-Vantage grey tinted glass2BRZ-007-046EVanGy4.50.350.27

SL2 Single Glazed1

6mm thick clear glassBRZ-003-016Clr60.720.52
6mm thick grey tinted glassBRZ-003-026Gy60.50.26
6mm thick super grey tinted glassBRZ-003-066SpGy60.310.05
6mm thick bronze tinted glassBRZ-003-036Bz60.540.32
6mm thick evergreen tinted glassBRZ-003-046EG60.460.39
6mm thick arctic blue tinted glassBRZ-003-056AB60.460.33
6mm thick clear low E glass2BRZ-003-136LE4.10.620.48

Innoscreen Single Glazed1

6mm thick clear glassBRZ-009-016Clr6.90.630.63
6mm thick grey tinted glassBRZ-009-026Gy6.90.500.46
6mm thick green tinted glassBRZ-009-086Gn6.90.450.54
6mm thick ever green tinted glassBRZ-009-096EG6.90.400.47
6mm thick E-Vantage clear glass2BRZ-009-046EVanClr5.70.480.48
6mm thick E-Vantage grey glass2BRZ-009-106EVanGy5.70.320.23
6mm thick EnergyTech clear glass2BRZ-009-036ET5.50.530.58
6mm thick EnergyTech grey glass2BRZ-009-076ETGy5.60.370.28
6mm thick SolTech Neutral glass2BRZ-009-056SolTNtl5.60.410.45
6mm thick Sunergy glass2BRZ-009-066Sn5.80.460.48

Innoscreen Fixed Lite Single Glazed1

6mm thick clear glassBRZ-008-016Clr6.30.730.76
6mm thick grey tinted glassBRZ-008-026Gy6.30.580.55
6mm thick green tinted glassBRZ-008-086Gn6.30.520.64
6mm thick ever green tinted glassBRZ-008-096EG6.30.460.56
6mm thick E-Vantage clear glass2BRZ-008-046EVanClr4.70.550.58
6mm thick E-Vantage grey glass2BRZ-008-106EVanGy4.70.360.27
6mm thick EnergyTech clear glass2BRZ-008-036ET4.50.610.69
6mm thick EnergyTech grey glass2BRZ-008-076ETGy4.60.410.34
6mm thick SolTech Neutral glass2BRZ-008-056SolTNtl4.50.470.54
6mm thick Sunergy glass2BRZ-008-066Sn4.90.520.58

Components in a timber frame - Single Glazed1

6mm thick clear glassBRZ-005-016Clr4.90.580.62
6mm thick grey tinted glassBRZ-005-026Gy4.90.410.29
6mm thick super grey tinted glassBRZ-005-066SoGy4.90.250.06
6mm thick bronze tinted glassBRZ-005-036Bz4.90.440.34
6mm thick evergreen tinted glassBRZ-005-046EG4.90.370.47
6mm thick arctic blue tinted glassBRZ-005-056AB4.90.370.37
6mm thick clear low E glass2BRZ-005-136LE3.40.490.57
6mm thick Sunergy glass2BRZ-005-146Sn3.70.420.48

Dualair in the Alspec Hunter EVO Acoustic 150mm Frame – Secondary Glazed11

6mm Clear / 101mm Air Gap / 6mm Clear
BRZ-010-01
6Clr/101/6Clr
3.80.460.48
6mm LowE (#2)10 / 101mm Air Gap / 6mm Clear
BRZ-010-02
6LE/101/6Clr
3.20.150.14
6mm LowE (#2)10 / 101mm Air Gap / 6mm LowE (#2)10
BRZ-010-03
6LE/101/6LE
2.90.110.05
6mm EnergyTech (#2)10 / 101mm Air Gap / 6mm Clear
BRZ-010-04
6ET/101/6Clr
3.40.400.44
6mm EVantage Clear (#2)10 / 101mm Air Gap / 6mm Clear
BRZ-010-05
6EVanClr/101/6Clr
3.40.370.38

Dualair in the Alspec McArthur EVO 150mm Centre Pocket Frame – Secondary Glazed11

6mm Clear / 101mm Air Gap / 6mm Clear
BRZ-011-01
6Clr/101/6Clr
3.40.470.49
6mm LowE (#2)10 / 101mm Air Gap / 6mm Clear
BRZ-011-02
6LE/101/6Clr
2.80.140.14
6mm LowE (#2)10 / 101mm Air Gap / 6mm LowE (#2)10
BRZ-011-03
6LE/101/6LE
2.40.100.05
6mm EnergyTech (#2)10 / 101mm Air Gap / 6mm Clear
BRZ-011-04
6ET/101/6Clr
3.00.400.45
6mm EVantage Clear (#2)10 / 101mm Air Gap / 6mm Clear
BRZ-011-05
6EVClr/101/6Clr
3.00.370.39

IGLU Louvre Components in a Timber Frame – Double Glazed

5mm Planibel G (#2)10 / 12mm Argon / 5mm Planibel G (#3)10BZW-012-01 5PbG/12Ar/5PbG2.60.40.43

Easyscreen IGLU Louvre Double Glazed

5mm Planibel G (#2)10 / 12mm Argon / 5mm Planibel G (#3)10BZW-014-01 5PbG/12Ar/5PbG3.60.410.44

Easyscreen Altair IGU Fixed Lite – Double Glazed

4mm Clear / 10mm Argon Gap / 4mm ClearBRZ-015-014Clr/10Ar/4Clr3.40.640.68
4mm Clear / 10mm Argon Gap / 4mm EnergyTech (#3)10BRZ-015-024Clr/10Ar/4ET2.70.600.63
4mm EnergyTech (#2)10 / 10mm Argon Gap / 4mm EnergyTech (#3)10BRZ-015-034ET/10Ar/4ET2.60.520.58
4mm Clear / 10mm Argon Gap / 4mm Sunergy (#3)10BRZ-015-044Clr/10Ar/4Sn2.90.570.52
5mm Clear / 8mm Argon Gap / 5mm ClearBRZ-015-055Clr/8Ar/5Clr3.50.610.66
5mm Clear / 8mm Argon Gap / 5mm EnergyTech (#3)10BRZ-015-065Clr/8Ar/5ET2.80.570.61
5mm EnergyTech (#2)10 / 8mm Argon Gap / 5mm EnergyTech (#3)10BRZ-015-075ET/8Ar/5ET2.70.510.57
4mm Clear / 12mm Argon Gap / 4mm ClearBRZ-015-084Clr/12Ar/4Clr3.40.640.67
4mm Clear / 12mm Argon Gap / 4mm EnergyTech (#3)10BRZ-015-094Clr/12Ar/4ET2.60.600.63
4mm EnergyTech (#2)10 / 12mm Argon Gap / 4mm EnergyTech (#3)10BRZ-015-104ET/12Ar/4ET2.50.520.58
4mm Clear / 12mm Argon Gap / 4mm Sunergy (#3)10BRZ-015-114Clr/12Ar/4Sn2.80.580.52
5mm Clear / 10mm Argon Gap / 5mm ClearBRZ-015-125Clr/10Ar/5Clr3.40.610.66
5mm Clear / 10mm Argon Gap / 5mm EnergyTech (#3)10BRZ-015-135Clr/10Ar/5ET2.70.570.61
5mm EnergyTech (#2)10 / 10mm Argon Gap / 5mm EnergyTech (#3)10BRZ-015-145ET/10Ar/5ET2.60.510.57
6mm Clear / 8mm Argon Gap / 6mm ClearBRZ-015-156Clr/8Ar/6Clr3.50.600.66
6mm Clear / 8mm Argon Gap / 6mm EnergyTech (#3)10BRZ-015-166Clr/8Ar/6ET2.80.570.61
6mm EnergyTech (#2)10 / 8mm Argon Gap / 6mm EnergyTech (#3)10BRZ-015-176ET/8Ar/6ET2.70.500.56
6mm Clear / 8mm Argon Gap / 6mm EVantage (#3)10BRZ-015-186Clr/8Ar/6EV2.90.510.52
6mm Clear / 8mm Argon Gap / 6mm Sunergy (#3)10BRZ-015-196Clr/8Ar/6Sn3.00.550.51
5mm Clear / 14mm Argon Gap / 5mm ClearBRZ-015-205Clr/14Ar/5Clr3.30.610.66
5mm Clear / 14mm Argon Gap / 5mm EnergyTech (#3)10BRZ-015-215Clr/14Ar/5ET2.60.580.61
5mm EnergyTech (#2)10 / 14mm Argon Gap / 5mm EnergyTech (#3)10BRZ-015-225ET/14Ar/5ET2.50.510.57
6mm Clear / 12mm Argon Gap / 6mm ClearBRZ-015-236Clr/12Ar/6Clr3.30.600.66
6mm Clear / 12mm Argon Gap / 6mm EnergyTech (#3)10BRZ-015-246Clr/12Ar/6ET2.60.570.61
6mm EnergyTech (#2)10 / 12mm Argon Gap / 6mm EnergyTech (#3)10BRZ-015-256ET/12Ar/6ET2.50.500.57
6mm Clear / 12mm Argon Gap / 6mm EVantage (#3)10BRZ-015-266Clr/12Ar/6EV2.70.520.52
6mm Clear / 12mm Argon Gap / 6mm Sunergy (#3)10BRZ-015-276Clr/12Ar/6Sn2.80.550.51

Ratings by co-principal developer of WERS Dr Peter Lyons
Based on WERS calculation methodology but beyond current AFRC procedures (not available at https://www.awawers.net, only available at www.breezway.com.au)

[table “6” not found /]

Notes:

  1. Results disclosed at Australian Fenestration Rating Council (AFRC) regulations.
  2. These blades have a microscopically thin low emissivity coating that is invisible to the naked eye and improves insulation and reduces solar heat gain.
  3. Results disclosed in Standard International Units. Results calculated to the procedures of WERS Screen Rating Methodology, 2012.
  4. These ratings are not authorised WERS ratings and should be regarded as a research report, they have been generated using the WERS calculation methodology but are beyond current AFRC procedures. Calculated performance indices are suitable for comparison with information on the WERS database.
  5. As the optical properties of cedar timber and aluminium are not contained in the International Glazing Databse (IGDB), known, default properties were used.
  6. Uw is the whole window U-value.
  7. SHGCw is the whole windows solar heat gain co-efficient.
  8. Tvw is the whole window visible (light) transmittance.
  9. Star ratings calculated using Nationwide House Energy Rating Software (AccuRate) according to procedures of WERS 2008.
  10. Numeric values next to Low E glasses e.g. (#2) and (#3) refer to the coated surface of the glazing layer. Secondary glazing figures are treated as two individual glass layers with two surfaces each. Double glazed figures are treated as a single unit with four surfaces. Surfaces counted externally to internally.
  11. The glazing is reported in the same orientation as it is simulated so that the outside is always on the left, inside is always on the right.

Static Performance (Uw SHGCw Tvw Tdw) calculated using Window 6.3 and Therm 6.3 software (LBNL), 1999-2010.

Louvre Window Acoustic Performance

Altair Louvre Windows have been both laboratory and field tested for sound transmission loss. The relatively thick glass and good sealing of our Altair Louvre Windows thus provides an effective noise insulation barrier and can achieve up to Rw35 depending on the window configuration.

Please refer to the Design Manual for more information.

Louvre Windows in Bushfire Prone Areas

The following requirements for using Altair Louvre Windows in bushfire prone areas are based on our interpretation of AS3959-2018 “Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas” and bushfire test reports. However we recommend you receive independent advice from an engineer and your local council authority to determine construction level and compliance for your individual circumstance.

For further information please view a copy of our Bushfire Test Reports or refer to the Breezway Design Manual.

AS 3959-2018

Bushfire Attack Level Low

  • Louvres and Fixed Lites
    • The degree of bushfire attack is considered insufficient to warrant specific construction requirements.

Bushfire Attack Level 12.5 & 19

  • Louvres
    • Glazing must be toughened glass if the window is within 400mm of the ground or other structures within 18° of the horizontal (such as an eave). Glazing elsewhere may be annealed.
    • Louvres are to be screened externally using corrosion-resistant steel, bronze or aluminium mesh.
    • Maximum screen aperture size of 2mm in such a way that the entire opening remains screened when the louvre is open.
    • Gaps between the screen and the window do not exceed 3mm.
    • The mesh or perforated screen must be completely supported by framing made of metal or bushfire resistant timber.
  • Fixed Lites
    • All single glaze fixed lite glass must be toughened safety glass with a minimum thickness of 5mm.
    • All double glazed fixed lite glass must be toughened safety glass with a minimum thickness of 5mm for the outer glazing layer.

Bushfire Attack Level 29

  • Louvres
    • Louvres are to be Altair Louvres within the Breezway Easyscreen Window System.
    • Glazing must be toughened glass.
    • Window must be externally screened using corrosion-resistant steel mesh or perforated screens.
    • Maximum screen aperture size of 2mm in such a way that the entire opening remains screened when the louvre is open.
    • Gaps between the screen and the Breezway Easyscreen window frame do not exceed 3mm.
    • The mesh or perforated screen must be completely supported by framing made of metal or bushfire resistant timber.
  • Fixed Lites
    • All single glaze fixed lite glass must be toughened safety glass with a minimum thickness of 5mm.
    • All double glazed fixed lite glass must be toughened safety glass with a minimum thickness of 5mm for the outer glazing layer.
    • If glass is within 400mm of the ground or others structures (like decks or eaves) within 18° of horizontal, the window must be externally screened using corrosion- resistant steel, bronze or aluminum mesh, or perforated screens.
    • Maximum screen aperture size of 2mm.
    • Gaps between the screen and window frame do not exceed 3mm.
    • The mesh or perforated screen must be completely supported by framing made of metal or bushfire resistant timber.
Bushfire Attack Level 40

  • Louvres
    • Louvres are to be Altair Louvres within the Breezway Easyscreen Window System.
    • Glazing must be toughened glass.
    • Window must be externally screened using corrosion-resistant steel mesh or perforated screens.
    • Maximum screen aperture size of 2mm in such a way that the entire opening remains screened when the louvre is open.
    • Gaps between the screen and the Breezway Easyscreen window frame do not exceed 3mm.
    • The mesh or perforated screen must be completely supported by Easyscreen framing.
  • Fixed Lites
    • All single glaze fixed lite glass must be toughened safety glass with a minimum thickness of 6mm.
    • All double glazed fixed lite glass must be toughened safety glass with a minimum thickness of 6mm for the outer glazing layer.
    • All glazing wedge must be of a Flammability Index >5. Glazing wedge supplied by Breezway on glazed and unglazed fixed lites has a Flammability Index >5.
    • Window must be externally screened using corrosion-resistant steel or bronze mesh or perforated screens.
    • Maximum screen aperture size of 2mm.
    • Gaps between the screen and the window frame do not exceed 3mm.
    • The mesh or perforated screen must be completely supported by framing made of metal.

Bushfire Attack Level 40 – Alternative Solution for Louvres

  • Alspec has completed BAL-40 testing using the Altair Louvre within an aluminium Alspec frame fitted with an Invisi-Gard stainless steel mesh screen. Please refer to www.invisi-gard.com.au/bushfire-testing for more details.

Bushfire Attack Level FZ

  • Louvres and Fixed Lites
    • Louvre Windows are to be completely protected by compliant bushfire shutters.

Louvre Windows Adjacent to Swimming Pools

Clause 2.6 of AS1926.1-2012 “Swimming pool safety. Part 1: Safety barriers for swimming pools” defines the requirements for windows opening directly into a pool area. Openable portions of the windows must comply with one of the following:

a. Be totally covered by bars or a metal screen, that are fixed to the building with fasteners that can only be removed by the use of a tool. The opening between bars and the horizontal dimensions of openings in a metal screen shall not be greater than 100mm.

b. Be fixed to the building with fasteners that can only be removed by use of a tool so that it will remain closed or will open to a maximum of 100mm.

Therefore Breezway offers the following solutions to meet compliance:

  • 152mm Altair Louvre Window with the Stronghold System and restricted opening to 100mm will comply with AS1926.1-2012 clause 2.6(b).
  • 102mm Altair Louvre Window with the Stronghold System will comply with AS1926.1-2012 clause 2.6(b).

For more information including compliance to earlier versions of AS1926, please refer to the Breezway Design Manual for more information.

Window Fall Prevention and Barriers

Altair Louvre Windows can be customised to meet ‘Fall Prevention Through Openable Window’ requirements of the Building Code of Australia (Clauses 11.3.7, 11.3.8 and D3D29) without compromising on ventilation!

Options include:

  • The Stronghold System which mechanically retains the blade inside the clip to minimise the risk of it being dislodged, and;
  • Restricted openings to limit the size of objects able to pass through the open window.
  • Alternatively, Altair Louvres can be installed with screening with their openings restricted to prevent clips from impacting screens in some frames.

To see all the Altair Louvre Window configurations that have passed testing to “AS5203:2016 – Protection of Openable Windows/Fall Prevention please refer to the Breezway Design Manual.

Please note: Altair Louvres with restricted openings or when using the Stronghold System are permanent fixtures which cannot be removed, unlocked or overridden without complex tool usage. Products that can be unlocked or overridden with a simple tool, or by a two-handed operation will require additional barriers to 865mm.

If screens are to be used to provide protection as per Clauses 11.3.7, 11.3.8 and D3D29 then Altair Louvres will not require the Stronghold System or restricted blade openings. However the window frame and securely fitted screen assembly should be tested to AS5203:2016 to ensure that the assembly will not permit a 125mm sphere to pass through it and resist a horizontal outward force of 250N.

Altair Louvre Windows are not a balustrade system. Nor are any other window types. Balustrades are one type of barrier. Altair Louvres with the Stronghold System or with restricted openings are another. It is important to ensure that a particular barrier system complies with the relevant Building Codes and associated Standards.