Why AS 1288 matters

AS 1288 sets the national rules for selecting glass type, thickness and edge cover based on wind loads, human impact zones and installation height. Certifiers will not sign off a building unless glazing meets these requirements. Non-compliant panes pose safety hazards, can void warranties and may expose owners to litigation if an incident occurs. A structured compliance audit catches issues early, protecting timelines, budgets and reputations.

What our compliance report covers

• Verification of glass type, thickness and markings against schedule and shop drawings
• Measurement of clearances, edge cover and sealant depth to confirm structural support
• Checks on frame fixings, packers and setting blocks for correct spacing and material
• Review of impact safety zones such as bathrooms, door sidelights and low level glazing
• Assessment of barrier loads for balustrades and pool fencing under AS 1288 Appendix B
• Identification of scratches, chips or heat soak test omissions that jeopardise durability
• Photographic evidence, location maps and risk grading for every non-conformance
• Fixed price quotation for rectification, if required, with realistic lead times

End-to-end audit process

1. Engage - You provide drawings, schedules and any previous certifications. We agree inspection dates that minimise disruption.
2. Inspect - Uniformed auditors visit site with digital thickness gauges, laser measures and safe access equipment.
3. Analyse - Findings are compared with AS 1288 tables for wind pressure, human impact and barrier loads.
4. Report - Within five business days you receive a PDF report and spreadsheet detailing compliant and non-compliant items plus photographic evidence.
5. Rectify - If requested, Express Glass supplies and installs compliant glass or hardware under a separate fixed price.
6. Certify - A final sign-off letter and compliance schedule suitable for building approval are issued once all items are closed out.

Typical non-conformances we find

• Toughened glass installed where laminated safety glass is required near floor level
• Insufficient edge cover causing pane movement under wind load
• Incorrect bead profiles that reduce glass bite below the minimum 10 millimetres
• Frameless balustrades lacking interlinking rails or structural laminates
• Balustrade panels missing permanent compliance markings
• Sealant failures where silicone has not adhered to frame finishes

Addressing these issues before practical completion avoids dispute with certifiers, costly scaffold returns and tenant move-in delays.

Who needs an AS 1288 compliance report

• Commercial builders closing out new projects
• Architects seeking independent verification of contractor work
• Facility managers inheriting older buildings with unknown glazing history
• Strata committees planning façade upgrades or window replacement schemes
• Insurance adjusters investigating glass breakage claims
• Developers purchasing existing assets and requiring due diligence

Sustainable rectification options

When replacing non-compliant panes we recommend energy-efficient alternatives such as low-E coated glass or double-glazed units. Upgrading rather than like-for-like improves thermal comfort and may boost NABERS ratings without major design changes. Removed glass is sorted, de-glazed and sent to approved recycling facilities to minimise landfill.

Frequently asked questions

• How long does an audit take

  A typical mid-rise floor of twenty windows can be inspected in half a day. Full reporting follows within five business days.

• Can you audit occupied buildings

  Yes. We coordinate access with tenants, use portable access equipment and leave areas clean. Noise and disruption are minimal.

• Do certifiers accept your reports

  Our reports align with the National Construction Code and cite relevant clauses in AS 1288. Where required we add a sign-off from a registered structural engineer.

• What if drawings are missing or out of date

  We create a new glass schedule by measuring each pane in situ. This takes longer but ensures accurate assessment.

• Is an AS 1288 audit the same as a window safety audit

  No. Window safety audits focus on restrictors that limit opening width for child fall prevention, mainly in NSW. AS 1288 audits verify structural and safety compliance for all aspects of glazing.

Why Choose Express Glass

• Specialist expertise - Four decades dedicated to glazing means we interpret AS 1288 quickly and accurately.
• Integrated service - The same team that audits can supply and install replacement glass, streamlining procurement and accountability.
• National reach - Auditors deploy from depots in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Newcastle so travel costs stay low and schedules stay flexible.
• Transparent pricing - Fixed audit rates per opening or per floor give committees and builders budget certainty.
• Digital reporting - Cloud portals let stakeholders review findings, photographs and rectification progress in real time without endless email chains.
• Safety focus - All inspections follow documented Safe Work Method Statements with appropriate fall protection and exclusion zones, ensuring site safety while audits proceed.

Ready for a hassle-free compliance check

Avoid last-minute certifier knockbacks and protect building occupants with a professional AS 1288 compliance report from Express Glass. Contact our audit team today for a quotation and keep your project or asset on the right side of the code.