For 50 years, Alspec has been a driving force in Australia's architectural landscape. As a wholly Australian-owned company, their commitment to innovation and exceptional service has positioned them as a leading supplier of aluminium window and door systems for commercial, residential, and industrial applications.

From meticulously tested systems exceeding industry standards to groundbreaking inventions like the first-ever integrated screening system for aluminium multi-fold doors, Alspec consistently delivers solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and technologically advanced.

Evidence of their dedication to creating the highest-quality products lies in their commitment to uphold and exceed the stringent quality controls defined in Australian standards. In this article, we’ll explore Alspec’s industry-leading compliance and innovation credentials.

Exceeding National Requirements: All Alspec products comply with AS2047, the mandatory standard for windows and doors in Australia. AS2047 is the mandatory minimum specification set by the Building Code of Australia (BCA) for windows and external glazed doors used in Australian buildings, and outlines requirements for materials, construction, installation, and glazing to ensure windows and doors perform adequately in terms of:

• Water penetration resistance: Windows and doors must not leak water during rain.
• Air infiltration: They should minimise air leakage to improve energy efficiency and soundproofing.
• Strength: They must be able to withstand wind loads.
• Operation: Windows and doors should be easy to open and close.

All of Alspec’s window and door products are fully designed with this standard in mind, and tested against its rigorous protocols, guaranteeing their water resistance, air control, strength, and ease of operation.

Facade Performance: AS4284 is an Australian building standard that relates to weatherproofing by determining the performance of a building façade under simulated loading conditions. Weatherproof testing displays how a façade system will perform in certain weather events, with the objective to safeguard occupants from illness or injury and protect buildings from damage caused by the ingress of water from outside the building, as well as the accumulation of internal moisture in the building.

Alspec understands that high performance is necessary across the entire building envelope, which is why their curtain wall products adhere to the rigorous testing requirements of AS4284, contributing to a weatherproof and energy-efficient building exterior.

Bushfire Protection: In bushfire-prone areas, Alspec's aluminium windows and doors are ideal. The BAL system is a standardised rating system that categorises the level of bushfire threat a specific location faces by considering factors like vegetation type, proximity to flammable materials, slope, and wind speed. As a non-combustible material, aluminium offers inherent fire resistance, and Alspec products comply with BAL 40 standards for high bushfire risk zones.

• BAL 40 signifies a very high threat of bushfire attack. This means the location is likely to experience fires with:
• Windborne embers: A significant risk of embers landing on the building, ignited by wind.
• High radiant heat: Exposure to high levels of radiant heat from nearby flames.
• Some direct flame contact: There's a possibility of the building being directly exposed to flames from the fire front for a short duration.

To ensure safety in a BAL 40 zone, windows and doors must be made from fire-resistant materials and comply with specific BAL 40 glazing requirements. BAL 40 standards are crucial for bushfire-prone areas as they help ensure buildings have a better chance of withstanding a bushfire, protecting lives and minimising property damage.

Additionally, all Alspec products are tested against the requirements for the ubiquitous standard for non-combustible materials, AS1530.1.

Child Safety: Alspec prioritises safety. Their windows are designed to comply with AS5203, a standard for fall prevention. AS5203 is specifically concerned with preventing falls from openable windows, particularly for children aged five and under. It doesn't specify window types or designs. Instead, it outlines a testing method to assess the performance of window safety devices or restricted window openings in preventing falls.

• Key performance criteria: The standard focuses on two key criteria for window safety:
• Impact resistance: The window safety device or restricted opening must withstand a force of 250 Newtons (N) to simulate a child's weight and movement.
• Gap size: Openings must not exceed 12.5 centimetres (cm) to prevent a child's head from fitting through.

By establishing a standardised testing method, AS5203 helps ensure the effectiveness of window safety devices and restricted window openings in preventing falls and keeping children safe.

Security Assurance: Alspec security screens for windows and doors meet the requirements of AS5039. This standard guarantees their strength against forced entry attempts, providing peace of mind for homeowners.

This standard sets out the minimum performance requirements for hinged and sliding security screen doors and security window grilles used primarily in residential situations. It's aimed at manufacturers, installers, and anyone concerned with the general requirements of security screens for homes.

AS5039 is primarily concerned with a building's resistance to forced entry. It does not address issues related to emergency egress (escape in case of fire). The standard outlines a series of tests to assess the strength and structural integrity of security screens. These tests include:

• Knife shear test: Measures the mesh's resistance to sharp objects.
• Impact test: Evaluates the screen's ability to withstand forceful blows.
• Anti-jemmy test: Assesses the screen's resistance to prying tools.
• Pull test: Measures the overall strength of the screen and frame.
• Probe test: Evaluates the mesh's resistance to penetration by small objects.
• Shear test: Measures the strength of the screen's fixings.

For security screens to be classified as compliant with AS5039, they must pass all the specified tests. This ensures a minimum level of security performance for homes. By setting these standards, AS5039 helps to protect consumers by ensuring they are purchasing security screens that have been independently tested and meet specific performance criteria.

By adhering to these comprehensive standards, Alspec aluminium window and door solutions deliver exceptional performance, safety, and durability, making them a trustworthy choice for any building project.

But Alspec’s commitment to quality goes much further than most - all the way to ensuring they can administer rigorous testing at their very own NATA-accredited testing facility in Brisbane. Here, windows endure simulated harsh weather conditions to ensure they meet national standards for water resistance, air infiltration, and wind loads. This commitment to quality assurance guarantees Alspec products perform flawlessly for years to come, and their Invisi-Gard product is backed by a comprehensive warranty, ensuring that this high-performance screen can be specified with considerable peace of mind.

And to cap it all off, quality doesn’t come at the cost of sustainability - in fact, Alspec upholds sustainability as a key facet of their business. This is typified by the upcoming development of the Alspec Industrial Business Park in Western Sydney, which will not only serve as Alspec's new national headquarters, but stand as a testament to the company's dedication to pushing the boundaries of environmentally-friendly design and construction. The company has also announced a partnership with the Australian Institute of Architects, which will see Alspec support training and development programs for Australia’s built environment professionals. The collaboration will highlight sustainability and innovation in construction materials.

For half a century, Alspec's commitment to innovation and exceeding industry standards has solidified their position as a leading supplier of aluminium window and door systems. Their meticulous testing and adherence to sustainability principles ensure exceptional performance, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility for any building project.