Cladding in commercial construction projects in Australia, as per AS 2124, AS 4000, AS/NZS 1170, and the Building Code of Australia (BCA), refers to the external covering or skin of a building. It is a non-structural element that serves various purposes, including weatherproofing, insulation, and aesthetic enhancement.
Cladding materials can be made from various materials, such as metal, stone, brick, concrete, fiber cement, and composite materials. The choice of cladding material depends on factors like the building's location, climate, design, and budget.
In Australia, cladding must comply with several standards and codes to ensure safety, durability, and performance. These include:
AS 2124: This standard outlines the general conditions of contract for construction projects in Australia. It includes provisions related to the design, supply, installation, and testing of cladding.
AS 4000: This standard sets out the standard form of contract for building and engineering construction work in Australia. It includes clauses related to the design, supply, installation, and testing of cladding.
AS/NZS 1170: This standard specifies the design loads for buildings and structures in Australia and New Zealand. It includes provisions related to wind loads, snow loads, and other environmental factors that can affect the performance of cladding.
Building Code of Australia (BCA): The BCA is a part of the National Construction Code (NCC) and sets out the minimum requirements for the design and construction of buildings in Australia. It includes provisions related to the fire resistance, weatherproofing, and structural performance of cladding.
To ensure compliance with these standards and codes, cladding must be designed, supplied, installed, and tested according to the relevant requirements. This includes using appropriate materials, designing the cladding system to resist the expected environmental loads, and installing the cladding according to the manufacturer's instructions and industry best practices.
In addition to these technical requirements, cladding must also comply with any local planning and building regulations, as well as any specific requirements set out in the contract between the builder and the client. This may include requirements related to the appearance, color, and texture of the cladding, as well as any specific performance criteria or sustainability targets.
