Key Insight
Cladding regulations in Australia have evolved significantly over the past decade or so in response to several high-rise fires (both in Australia and internationally) in which the blaze was driven by the use of combustible cladding materials.
The use of combustible cladding materials was widespread from around the year 2000, and thousands of buildings in Australia remain clad with these materials.
All cladding used on new buildings in Australia must be deemed-to-satisfy (DtS) non-combustible cladding. Furthermore, owners of existing buildings are strongly encouraged to undertake remediation projects and recla compliant materials.
Australia’s Cladding Regulations Have Evolvedd with safer,
Australia’s regulations governing exterior wall cladding have undergone major changes in the last decade or so to 2025. As such, architects, builders, building owners, and insurers must understand and remain informed about these updated compliance requirements.
Several high-rise building fires over recent years have highlighted the severe risks posed by the use of combustible cladding materials, specifically on building exteriors. These include the London Grenfell Tower fire (which caused more than 70 people to lose their lives) and fires in Melbourne’s Lacrosse and Neo 200 complexes. Investigations into these blazes confirmed that flammable cladding materials played a key role in the rapid spread of fire.
As a result, a comprehensive audit of Australian buildings was undertaken and, alarmingly, it revealed that many thousands of buildings across the nation are clad with highly flammable materials. The response has been a complete overhaul of fire safety standards in terms of cladding in this country.
New Cladding Standards in Australia
Formalised in the 2019 update of the National Construction Code (NCC) and further clarified in an advisory note in 2020, the central goal of the amendments is to prevent the spread of fire through the exterior of a building via its cladding materials. The Standards update addresses numerous construction elements, including render and internal linings on external walls.
· If you're an architect, builder, owner, or another relevant party involved in a new building construction project or you’re planning a renovation, you must ensure all external wall components comply with these updated regulations.
· The presence or use of non-compliant cladding must be addressed. Failure to do so can carry significant penalties, including substantial fines or even imprisonment.
· External walls must now be constructed using deemed-to-satisfy non-combustible cladding. This applies to elements including insulation, internal lining, facades, and framing. These rules are mandatory for certain building types, including high-rise/high occupant premises, where the risk level is deemed greatest.
· These modifications do not override other standards that relate to the level of risk posed by bushfire or to the design and installation of sheet roofing and wall cladding.
What Makes Cladding Non-Combustible?
To be considered non-combustible and “deemed to satisfy” the new regulations, cladding materials must pass the rigorous AS 1530.1 fire test. This test allows for no more than 0.5% combustible content. Any material that continues to burn for more than 5 seconds during 30 minutes of exposure fails the test.
Are There Any Approved Exceptions?
In some circumstances, materials that don't meet this exact definition may still be approved as fit for purpose, provided their flammability is negligible. These exceptions are clearly defined in the NCC.
Certain materials are permitted, even in areas requiring non-combustible construction, under Clause C1.9 of the NCC 2019. These include:
- Plasterboard
- Perforated gypsum lath with paper facing
- Fibrous-plaster sheets
- Fibre-reinforced cement sheeting
Pre-finished metal sheeting can also be used if the combustible surface finish is no thicker than 1mm. It must also have a Spread-of-Flame Index of 0. Bonded laminated materials may also qualify, provided:
- All laminate layers are non-combustible
- Adhesive layers are ≤1mm thick individually and ≤2mm in total
- The Spread-of-Flame Index is 0
- The Smoke-Developed Index is no more than 3
Considering BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) and Fire-Rated Walls
These new cladding rules do not replace or reduce existing Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) requirements. Most non-combustible cladding materials already satisfy even the strictest BAL-FZ (Flame Zone) standards, but if you are building in a bushfire-prone area, you may also need to incorporate additional features like ember guards.
Fire-rated walls are also critical when structures are built close together or share common walls. These walls must meet the Fire Resistance Level (FRL), which is tested across three key criteria:
1. Structural adequacy
2. Integrity
3. Insulation
An FRL rating like 60/60/60 means the material maintains all three attributes for at least 60 minutes under fire conditions. These assessments consider not just outer cladding but the entire wall assembly.
What Are Some Cladding Options?
Several product options comply with the latest non-combustible cladding regulations. For example, ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 is a deemed-to-satisfy non-combustible aluminium cladding product that performs extremely well and looks fantastic.
Wrapping Up…
Cladding regulations have become far more stringent, and the primary focus is now on ensuring every component of external walls is non-combustible. While there are a few very limited exceptions, compliance with these regulations is non-negotiable for both new builds and renovations in Australia.
Choosing the right cladding materials not only ensures you're meeting the code, but it gives you peace of mind that your building, your occupants, and you are all protected both structurally and legally.
Author bio:
Ali Akbar Chohan is the Founder & CEO of Tech Rank Solution, specializing in guest posting and link building. With over 4 years of experience in digital marketing, Ali helps businesses grow their online presence through effective SEO strategies.
