Challenges impacting exterior timber wall cladding

In the current landscape, exterior timber wall cladding systems face significant regulatory challenges for commercial and domestic building projects. For commercial buildings, there are no Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) solutions under Building Code of Australia (BCA) Volume One for designing and installing these timber systems. This absence necessitates the development of Performance Solutions for every unique design, introducing complexity and adding time and, therefore, cost to projects.

For home building projects following the Australian Building Code (known as BCA Volume Two), building inspectors and certifiers often ask for customised solutions whenever there are small differences from the standard rules in Part 7.5. These requirements complicate the approval process, again leading to project delays and additional construction costs. As a result, the use of timber becomes less appealing to builders and designers due to the prolonged timelines and added expenses.

This issue is further compounded by the introduction of innovative timber products, fixings, and profiles that fall outside the traditional standards set by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB). As the forest and wood market continues to expand, the lack of pre-approved solutions impedes the broader adoption of timber in building design and construction and Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) aims to remedy this.

FWPA supports WoodSolutions with research timber education

FWPA funds all research and development behind the WoodSolutions’ educational programs, ensuring design and build professionals have access to accurate and up-to-date information. By collaborating with industry bodies and technical associations, WoodSolutions effectively communicates the benefits of timber, advocating for efficient practices and standards by enhancing competency, reducing risks, and fostering market confidence in timber as a sustainable building material.

New Standard to streamline compliance

The proposed solution aims to address the compliance challenges in using exterior timber wall cladding systems by introducing a non-mandatory Industry Standard as a DTS solution. This new reference would give building designers and professionals an additional, streamlined compliance pathway for meeting condensation and weatherproofing requirements within the National Construction Code (NCC).

For commercial buildings under NCC Volume One, where no DTS options currently exist for exterior timber wall cladding, this FWPA Standard would provide the first practical, preapproved solution, saving time and reducing the need for customised Performance Solutions. In domestic construction under Volume Two, where modern cladding systems and installation techniques have evolved beyond existing DTS provisions, the new Standard would accommodate these updates, simplifying the compliance process.

By creating a clear, standardised compliance option, this proposal aims to reduce delays, lower construction costs, and support the broader adoption of timber products as a sustainable building material.

How will it get done?

FWPA has engaged in consultation with a wide range of industry stakeholders and experts including timber cladding manufacturers, suppliers, distributors as well as several building associations.

To have the FWPA Standard recognised within the NCC, it must be developed following the guidelines set out by the ABCB in the Protocol for the Development of National Construction Code Referenced Documents (April 2018). This process ensures that the standard will be readily accessible and open for industry-wide review and input during the public comment period, which is open from 8 November 2024 until 7 February 2025. This period allows any further stakeholders to review the standard, share feedback, and address their concerns, ensuring a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to compliance.

How will this new standard affect the construction industry?

This standard introduces a non-mandatory DTS compliance option, providing architects, building designers, and builders with a new, accessible pathway to meet NCC requirements. By referencing the proposed FWPA Standard for exterior timber cladding systems, building surveyors and certifiers will also benefit, as it includes detailed design and installation guidelines for modern cladding systems. This should reduce the need for Performance Solutions in cases where cladding specifics aren’t currently provided (Volume One) or where minor variations occur (Volume Two), lowering both compliance costs and project delays.

The FWPA Standard will serve as an optional compliance pathway, making it easier to meet NCC Performance Requirements. For Volume One buildings, professionals can still develop Performance Solutions when needed, while for Volume Two buildings, they have the option of following traditional DTS solutions for timber cladding or using this new FWPA Standard.

This proposal thus provides an additional, flexible choice, empowering building professionals to select the pathway that best suits each project without altering existing compliance routes.

Contribute your thoughts

FWPA and WoodSolutions invite you to contribute comments to ensure the new timber cladding standard reflects practical industry needs, fostering a more effective compliance pathway that provides benefits industry-wide.

Consultation period for comments closes on 7 February 2025.

Read more about the Standard or add your comments here.

Architecture & Design Team

WoodSolutions: Design and Build

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