The NCC (or National Construction Code) is a performance-based code set out by the Australian Building Codes Board, outlining the minimum requirements for health, safety, sustainability and amenity in the design and construction of new buildings, as well as construction work taking place on older buildings, throughout Australia. It is important to for builders, architects, building designers and specifiers to stay on top of changes and make sure they stay compliant.

While the NCC used to update its codes annually, since 2016 it has been on a three-year cycle, meaning that more changes are made each update. This also means that the code stays static for longer, giving those in the construction industry more time to establish changes to their own practices before the NCC changes again. Due to the significant changes made each three-year cycle, there will be a lot of new changes to the NCC as of 1 May 2019, so ensure you're familiar with them. Some significant changes include:

NCC Acceptable Construction Practice

The NCC will now include details on acceptable construction practice and simple diagrams within the code to reference to ensure products, fixings and methods are compliant. This includes giving details of different acceptable construction practices to help builders and architects achieve systems deemed to satisfy NCC compliance outcomes.

Cladding

New Acceptable Construction Practices for cladding have been added, including flashing details with instructions on fixing vertical wall cladding using unseen wall battens – an example of this is figure 3.5.4.2. 

Metal Wall Cladding

Metal wall cladding now falls under its own section within the NCC. To remain compliant, it must meet the 2018 version of AS 1562.1 (design and installation of sheet roof and wall cladding – metal). Although this standard was updated in 2018, many metal cladding products have previously been tested under the 1992 version of the standard. Tests previously carried out under the 1992 version of AS 1562.1 remain valid, however, all tests carried out after May 2019 must be carried out using the 2018 version. DECO’s solid aluminium cladding complies with AS 1562.1 and the 2019 NCC provisions. 

Fire Safety

AS 1530.1, which refers to the combustibility of materials, and AS 1530.3, which refers to the flame retardant qualities of building materials, have been updated. This means that current AS 1530.1 and 1530.3 certifications will remain valid until 1 May 2022. After this time, products will need to be re-tested and comply with the newer version of these standards.A new standard, AS 5113,  has been added as a verification method for non-combustible cladding systems. Although this standard will verify the non-combustibility of  cladding systems, it is not a mandatory requirement to comply with the NCC, and products deemed combustible according to AS 1530.1 will still satisfy NCC requirements for performance. 

Decks and Balconies

A new Acceptible Construction Practice document has been added, containing new acceptable attachment systems for decking, including masonry anchors and waling plates to attach deck planks to a reinforced masonry external wall. 

For more deatils on the new NCC changes and how they will affect you, contact DECO and chat with our team. To find out more about DECO's NCC-compliant cladding, DecoClad, click here.