AS/NZS 1562.

3:1996

Australian/New Zealand Standard

Design and installation of sheet roof

and wall cladding

Part 3: Plastic
 AS/NZS 1562.3:1996

This Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard was prepared by Joint Technical

Committee PL/22, Plastic Building Sheets. It was approved on behalf of the
Council of Standards Australia on 15 January 1996 and on behalf of the Council of
Standards New Zealand on 5 February 1996. It was published on 5 March 1996.

The following interests are represented on Committee PL/22:

Australian Building Codes Board
Building Research Association of New Zealand
Composites Institute of Australia
CSIRO, Division of Building, Construction & Engineering, Australia
Housing Industry Association, Australia
Plastics Institute of New Zealand
Plastics and Chemicals Industry Association, Australia
University of Adelaide
WorkCover Authority of N.S.W.

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Zealand Standards are subject to periodic review and are kept up to date by the issue of
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This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 94407 (in part).

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 AS/NZS 1562.3:1996

Australian/New Zealand Standard

Design and installation of sheet roof

and wall cladding

Part 3: Plastic

PUBLISHED JOINTLY BY:

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
1 The Crescent,
Homebush NSW 2140 Australia
STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND
Level 10, Standards House,
155 The Terrace,
Wellington 6001 New Zealand
ISBN 0 7337 0356 9
AS / NZS 1562.3:1996 2

PREFACE

This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand
Committee PL/22 on Plastic Building Sheets, to amalgamate and supersede
AS 2424 — 1991 (in part) and AS 2921— 1987 (in part).
It is the third part in a series of sheet roof and wall cladding Standards which, when
complete, will comprise:
AS
1562 Design and installation of sheet roof and wall cladding
1562.1 Part 1: Metal
1562.2 Part 2: Fibre-reinforced cement*
AS/NZS
1562.3 Part 3: Plastic (this Standard)
Plastic roof and wall cladding materials are installed using the normal procedures for
other types of building sheets but with certain modifications to fixing techniques because
of the inherent properties of the material. The purpose of this Standard is to reinforce
general safety rules in relation to sheet installation and to highlight the differences in
fixing techniques required for plastic sheets as compared with those used for sheets of
other materials.
This Standard applies to the suite of Standards on plastic roof and wall cladding materials
which, when complete, will comprise:
AS/NZS
4256 Plastic roof and wall cladding materials
4256.1 Part 1: General requirements
4256.2 Part 2: Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) building sheets
4256.3 Part 3: Glass fibre reinforced polyester (GRP)
4256.4 Part 4: Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) wall cladding and boards
4256.5 Part 5: Polycarbonate
In New Zealand technical requirements for building construction are contained in New
Zealand Building Code and the Building Regulations. The following Code clauses are, or
may be, relevant in respect to plastic building sheets: B1 Structure, B2 Durability, C3
Spread of Fire, E2 External Moisture, E3 Internal Moisture, F2 Hazardous Buildings
Materials, G7 Natural Light, H1 Energy Efficiency.
The term ‘normative’ has been used in this Standard to define the application of the
appendix to which it applies. A ‘normative’ appendix is an integral part of a Standard.

* In course of preparation.
 3 AS / NZS 1562.3:1996

CONTENTS
Page

SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3 REFERENCED STAND ARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

SECTION 2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

2.1 SCOPE OF SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . .. .. .. .. .. 5
2.2 MATERIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .... .... 5
2.3 TRANSPORT, HANDLING AND STORAGE . . . . . .. .. .. . .. .... .... 5
2.4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... . . .. .. . .. . 5

SECTION 3 DESIGN OF PLASTIC ROOF AND WALL CLADDING

3.1 SCOPE OF SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. .. .. .. 7
3.2 AGGRESSIVE ENVIRONMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ... ..... . 7
3.3 LOADINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ... ..... . 7
3.4 SUPPORTING STRUCTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ... ... .. . 7
3.5 RAFTERS, BATTENS AND PURLINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ......... 7
3.6 STUDS AND NOGGINGS (DWANG S) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ......... 8
3.7 FASTENERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. ... .... 8

SECTION 4 INSTALLATION
4.1 INSTALLATION OF ROOF AND WALL CLADDING SHEETS . . . . . . . . . 9
4.2 INSTALLATION OF uPVC WALL CLADDING BOARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

SECTION 5 TESTING
5.1 APPLICABILITY OF TESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.2 RESISTANCE TO WIND FORCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.3 RESISTANCE TO IMPACT (SANDBAG) FOR ROOFING SHEET
MATERIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.4 RESISTANCE TO IMPACT (SANDBAG) FOR WALL CLADDING
BOARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

APPENDICES
A LIST OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
B SAFETY MESH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
C SAFETY MESH — LOAD TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Originated in Austr alia as part of AS 2424 — 1981.

Previous edit ion AS 2424 — 1991.
AS 2424 — 1991 and AS 2921 — 1987 revised, amalgamated and redesignated
in part as AS/NZS 1562.3:1996.
AS / NZS 1562.3:1996 4

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA/ STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND

Australian/New Zealand Standard

Design and installation of sheet roof and wall cladding

Part 3: Plastic

S E C T I O N 1 S CO P E A N D G E NE R A L

1.1 SCOPE This Standard sets out procedures for the design and installation of plastic
roof and wall cladding materials for walls and roofs.
The Standard is primarily intended to apply to the use of plastic roof and wall cladding
materials complying with the AS/NZS 4256 suite of Standards (see Preface).
NOTES:
1 The sheets do not contribute to the structural or load-bearing capacity of the structure and
due allowance should be made to the surrounding structure to compensate for the opening
areas. For applications where structural design requirements must be satisfied, reference
should be made to the design and testing provisions of AS 1562.1 for roofing without
transverse joints.
2 For use of the sheets in abnormal environmental conditions (e.g. extremes of temperature),
the advice of the manufacturer should be sought.

1.2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS The documents referred to in this Standard are

listed in Appendix A.

1.3 REFERENCED STAND ARDS To facilitate the use of Joint Australia/New

Zealand Standards in either country, where separate national Standards exist, cross-
reference to these Standards in the text is designated AS XXXX/NZS YYYY. Compliance
with this Standard is therefore achieved by reference to the Standard that is applicable to
the country in which this Standard is being used.

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 5 AS / NZS 1562.3:1996

S E C T I O N 2 G EN E R AL R E Q UI R E M E N T S

2.1 SCOPE OF SECTION This Section sets out requirements for the handling,
transport, storage and safety precautions in the use of plastic roof and wall cladding
materials.

2.2 MATERIAL Plastic roof and wall cladding materials installed in accordance with
this Standard shall comply with the relevant Australian/New Zealand Standard.

2.3 TRANSPORT, HANDLING AND STORAGE Plastic roof and wall cladding
materials shall be transported and handled in a manner which prevents damage or
disfigurement.
Sheets shall be protected from damage at all times and shall be stacked on a firm base to
avoid damage or distortion. They shall be kept out of direct sunlight either by siting the
stack in a shaded area or by covering the stack while providing adequate ventilation to
prevent heat build up. The height of such stacks shall not exceed 750 mm.

2.4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

2.4.1 General Special care should be exercised when long length sheeting is being
handled, particularly in windy conditions. Should work be interrupted for any reason, all
loose sheeting or incomplete sections should be adequately secured against possible
movement by wind.
2.4.2 Fire precautions Plastic materials are combustible and shall be stored and
handled so that they do not contact sources of heat likely to cause combustion.
2.4.3 Safety mesh
2.4.3.1 General Safety mesh used in conjunction with plastic roof and wall cladding
materials shall comply with the requirements of Appendix B.
2.4.3.2 Provision of safety mesh Safety mesh shall be used in roof construction, subject
to local statutory or national building code regulations.
In Australia, safety mesh is not required where one or more of the following conditions
prevail:
(a) The roof makes an angle to the horizontal of —
(i) for Class 2 to 9 buildings, as defined by the Building Code of Australia,
40 degrees or more; and
(ii) for Class 1 and 10 buildings, as defined by the Building Code of Australia,
30 degrees or more.
(b) There is a substantial and closely boarded floor or similar structure below the roof
at a vertical distance of not more than 3 m measured from the highest point of the
plastic sheet incorporated into the roof.
NOTE: This means that safety mesh may only be applicable to those parts of the roof that
are over 3 m above a closely boarded floor or similar structure (i.e. only part of the roof
may require safety mesh).
(c) There is a raised single arch profile of overall height not less than 100 mm from the
base support line and both female side lapping ribs are fixed over the supporting
male underlapping ribs on either side for the entire length of the sheet. The resultant
effective cover width shall be not greater than 450 mm.

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AS / NZS 1562.3:1996 6

(d) The roof sheet has an effective cover width not greater than 300 mm, and a
matching metal sheet is located on either side to support the plastic sheet throughout
its entire length.
(e) The rafters supporting the roof sheeting are not more than 300 mm apart.
(f) For Class 1 and 10 buildings, as defined in the Building Code of Australia, where a
roof or a model of the roof passes the resistance to impact test (sand bag test)
specified in Clause 5.3 and the plastic roofing material is not being used as an insert
surrounded by the main roofing material with each insert being less than 60% of the
length of the adjacent main roofing material.
NOTE: Failure of the resistance to an impact test adjacent to the edge purlin requires safety
mesh to be used only for the end spans provided a pass is obtained adjacent to the
intermediate purlin in the centre span.
(g) For Class 2 to 9 buildings, as defined in the Building Code of Australia, where a
specific roof lifetime is defined and the roof sheet durability against the resistance
to impact as defined in Clause 5.3 can be demonstrated for the same period of time.
NOTE: Failure of the resistance to an impact test adjacent to the edge purlin requires safety
mesh to be used only for the end spans provided a pass is obtained adjacent to the
intermediate purlin in the centre span.
2.4.4 Walking and standing on roofs
2.4.4.1 General Where it is necessary to walk on plastic sheets, then roof ladders or
walkboards shall be provided.
NOTE: This information should be included in the fixing instructions.
2.4.4.2 Walkways Where it is necessary to use the roof as an access-way, properly
constructed walkways or walkboards shall be provided (see AS/NZS 1657). This Clause
does not apply to domestic installations.
2.4.4.3 Notices Notices in accordance with statutory regulations warning persons not to
step onto the roof sheeting shall be provided in conspicuous positions on walkways and
on all usual points of access to the roof. This Clause does not apply to domestic
installations.

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 7 AS / NZS 1562.3:1996

S E C T I O N 3 D ES I G N O F P L A S T I C R O O F A N D
WA L L C L A D D I N G

3.1 SCOPE OF SECTION This Section sets out requirements for the design of plastic
sheet roof and wall cladding.

3.2 AGGRESSIVE ENVIRONMENTS Care shall be taken in the selection of the type
of plastic cladding to be used in chemically aggressive environments. In such cases, the
suitability of the sheet shall be confirmed by consultation with a qualified expert.

3.3 LOADINGS
3.3.1 Wind forces The complete plastic cladding system and the supporting structure
and its fastenings shall be designed to withstand, with the appropriate margins of safety,
forces not less than the design forces derived from AS 1170.2/NZS 4203, for the
particular circumstances in which the cladding system will be used.
The complete plastic cladding system shall be regarded as being designed for the
appropriate margin of safety if, on being tested in accordance with Section 5, they fulfil
the requirements of that Section.
NOTES:
1 The designer’s attention is drawn to the necessity to provide, at roof edges, ridges and hips,
for the combination of high negative wind pressures on the upper surfaces of the roof with
high positive pressures on the underside. (For further information on pressure factors, see
AS 1170.2/NZS 4203.)
2 The designer’s attention is drawn to the necessity to provide, at roof edges, ridges and hips,
for the combination of high negative wind pressures on the upper surfaces of the roof with
high positive pressures on the underside. (For further information on pressure factors, see
AS 1170.2/NZS 4203.)For roof and wall applications in cyclonic areas (cyclonic areas are
defined in AS 1170.2), the designer’s attention is drawn to the particular testing
requirements described in Section 5.
3.3.2 Loadings during construction Such other forces as may reasonably be expected
to apply during the construction of the roof or wall shall be taken into account. Particular
attention shall be given to the effect on the intensity of internal wind pressures of the
possible temporary absence of ceilings, walls, glazing and the like.
3.3.3 Bracing Plastic cladding shall be deemed not effective in restraining the lateral
deflection of that flange or surface of the structure to which the cladding is connected.

3.4 SUPPORTING STRUCTURE The structure supporting the plastic roof sheeting
shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of one or more of the following
Standards, as appropriate:
A S 1 250 /N Z S 34 04.1 , A S 153 8, A S 16 84/N ZS 360 4, A S 17 20.1 /N ZS 3603 and
AS 1720.2/NZS 3603, AS 3600/NZS 3101.1, AS 3700/NZS 4229, AS 4100/NZS 3404.1.
NOTE: The structure must comply with local statutory or national building regulations.

3.5 RAFTERS, BATTENS AND PURLINS

3.5.1 Alignment The alignment of rafters, battens and purlins shall comply with the
following requirements:
(a) Any mismatch at the abutting ends of rafters, battens and purlins shall not exceed
2 mm for the surface in contact with the cladding.

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AS / NZS 1562.3:1996 8

(b) The tops of the rafters, battens or purlins shall be substantially in a plane parallel to
the specified roof slope. Deviations from the plane shall be accepted provided that
any deviation does not exceed 5 mm/m of rafter or batten spacing and that the
deviations are smooth.
3.5.2 Width and depth The sizes of rafters, battens and purlins shall be determined in
accordance with the provisions of the appropriate Standard listed in Clause 3.4.

3.6 STUDS AND NOGGINGS (DWANGS)

3.6.1 Alignment The alignment of the studs and noggings (dwangs) shall comply with
the following requirements:
(a) Any mismatch at exterior face of the abutting ends of studs and noggings (dwangs)
shall not exceed 2 mm for the surface in contact with the cladding.
(b) The exterior face of the studs and noggings (dwangs) shall be substantially in a
plane parallel to the wall. Deviations from the plane shall be accepted provided that
any deviation does not exceed 5 mm over a distance of 2 m when checked in both
the horizontal and vertical directions.
3.6.2 Width and depth The sizes of studs and noggings (dwangs) shall be determined
in accordance with the appropriate Standard listed in Clause 3.4.

3.7 FASTENERS Fasteners used for fastening plastic roof sheeting to rafters and
battens, rafters and battens to purlins and trusses, purlins to wall plates, trusses to walls
and columns, and wall plates to walls, shall be designed to resist the forces specified in
Clause 3.3.
NOTE: Particular attention should be given to combinations of internal wind pressure and
external wind suction.

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S E C T I O N 4 I N S TA L L AT I O N

4.1 INSTALLATION OF ROOF AND WALL CLADDING SHEETS

4.1.1 Scope This Section sets out requirements for the installation of plastic roof and
wall cladding sheets in a roof or wall structure.
4.1.2 General provisions
4.1.2.1 Inspection The installer shall inspect prior to installation, the rafter and batten
spacing in roofs, and the stud and nogging spacing in walls, to establish that their layout
will provide the required laps and any specified overhangs, e.g. eaves.
4.1.2.2 Cutting of sheets Cutting and cut edge finishing shall be carried out as
recommended by the manufacturer/supplier or by other means to achieve a cut with
minimal damage to the sheet.
4.1.2.3 Supports at hips and valleys Hip and valley trimmers shall be provided and
shall be fixed flush with the top face of purlins and spanning between them. They shall
run parallel to the edge of the sheeting, and shall be placed so as to permit the fastening
of the sheeting or of hip ridging.
4.1.2.4 End laps At all end laps (including those with dissimilar materials), a minimum
of 200 mm overlap shall be provided and such lap shall be supported with a rafter, batten,
stud or nogging (dwang).
All sheets, when fastened, shall have full bearing on rafters, battens, studs or noggings
(dwangs) and their ends shall extend not less than 150 mm beyond the point of fastening.
At all end laps between plastic and dissimilar material sheeting, two lines of compressive
foam strip or of flexible sealant shall be placed across the full width of the lap
approximately 150 mm apart and with one line 25 mm from the end of the plastic
sheeting.
NOTES:
1 The compressive foam strip should be light in colour for PVC and preferably be of the type
impregnated with a weather-resistant viscous fluid.
2 Some sealants are not compatible with certain types of plastic materials and can lead to
stress cracking if incorrectly used. The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed
carefully.
4.1.2.5 Side laps at inserts Each individual plastic building sheet shall overlap and be
supported by adjacent roof or wall cladding in accordance with the manufacturer’s
installation instructions.
At the overlapping joint between plastic sheeting and adjacent sheeting additional side-lap
fasteners may be required in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. In these
cases the fasteners will bond the plastic sheeting and the adjacent sheeting together with
appropriate allowances for the differential expansion rates of the materials and with the
provision of a suitable sealing washer at each fixing point.
4.1.2.6 Projections through sheeting Where any projections such as pipes, ducts,
chimneys and the like pass through sheeting, they shall be adequately insulated and
flashed.
For roofs, such projections shall pass through the pan of pan type sheets or through the
crest of the corrugation of corrugated type sheets. Where this is not possible because of
the position or size of the projection, ribs or corrugations shall be cut away as required,
provided that such cut ribs or corrugations are adequately flashed and that where
necessary, all cut sections of the sheeting are supported by additional roof framing. In
such cases, all cutting and flashing shall be arranged so that adequate provision is made
for drainage of all pans or corrugations.

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AS / NZS 1562.3:1996 10

4.1.2.7 Fastening procedure Plastic sheeting shall wherever possible be fastened

concurrently with the other materials. Normal sheet installation shall be followed and the
sheets shall be installed using fasteners which are strong enough to securely fasten the
sheet. All fasteners shall be provided with adequate sealing. All fasteners shall be
tightened sufficiently to provide a weatherproof seal without deformation or damage to
the sheet profile. The number of fasteners shall be in accordance with the sheet
manufacturer’s instructions.
Unless otherwise specified, side lap fasteners shall be provided at joins with other more
rigid sheeting material in accordance with the sheet manufacturer’s instructions.
4.1.2.8 Fastener types Nails and pop-rivets shall not be used to secure plastic roof and
wall cladding sheets. The following types of fasteners may be used:
(a) Hook bolts and nuts.
(b) Cranked hook bolts and nuts.
(c) Square-bend L-hook bolts and nuts.
(d) Square-bend U-bolts and nuts.
(e) Round-bend U-bolts and nuts.
(f) J-bolts and nuts.
(g) Self-tapping screws.
(h) Roofing bolts, nuts and clips.
(i) Cone-head roofing screws.
(j) Toggle fasteners.
(k) Compression fasteners.
(l) TEK fasteners.
4.1.2.9 Fastener holes In roofing applications, holes shall be drilled through the crest
of any profiles except where valley fasteners are specified for the installations. For walls,
fastening may be through the crest or valley of the profile.
All holes for fasteners shall be pre-drilled in exact positions to suit supporting members,
i.e. on the centre-line of timber or metal supports, or, if normal hook bolts are used, as
close as possible to the edge of the supports.
NOTE: It is usual for such holes to be drilled with the sheet in position. Stack drilling methods
should not be used. Holes are drilled oversize to accommodate thermal expansion. The
coefficients of linear expansion of plastic roof and wall cladding materials may be taken as
follows:
(a) uPVC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 × 10−5 per 1°C.
(b) GRP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5 × 10−5 per 1°C.
(c) Polycarbonate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 × 10−5 per 1°C.
Hole sizes shall be drilled in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification.
4.1.2.10 Washers All washers must be of a type that will compress to provide a
weatherproof seal over the fixing hole and of a type that will support the sheeting during
actual wind load conditions.
NOTE: Some washers are not compatible with certain types of plastic materials and can lead to
stress cracking if incorrectly used. The manufacturer’s instructions should be adhered to.
4.1.2.11 Sealing at flashings on roofs Plastic roof sheeting is not easily reshaped after
manufacture and will require special weather seals to be provided at all flashing and
capping points. Typically a foam closure strip matching the profile of the plastic sheeting
should be provided to seal the corrugations or pans of the profile under each flashing. The

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foam closure should be bonded to the pans or valleys of the plastic sheeting with a
flexible waterproof sealant and should be continuous over the entire width of the plastic
sheeting. Ideally it should be fitted at least 100 mm behind the turn down of the flashing.
NOTE: Some sealants are not compatible with certain types of plastic materials and can lead to
stress cracking if incorrectly used. The manufacturer’s instructions should be adhered to.
4.1.2.12 Unsupported overhang The following is the maximum unsupported overhang
allowable for the following plastic sheeting types:

Maximum unsupported
Sheet type
overhang
GRP 150 mm
PVC 50 mm
Polycarbonate 50 mm

4.1.3 Installation of safety mesh Where wire safety mesh is incorporated under plastic
roofing sheeting and where the safety mesh passes over the supporting member (purlin,
batten or the like) directly under the plastic sheeting, a compressive foam strip of
minimum 6 mm thickness or solid strip of minimum 1 mm thickness shall be provided
between the plastic sheeting and the safety mesh. The protective strip of material must be
the full width of the face of the supporting member and extend at least 25 mm past both
edges of the plastic roof sheeting (or safety mesh).
NOTE: The compressive foam strip should be light in colour for PVC and preferably be of the
type impregnated with a weather-resistant viscous fluid.
When plastic roof sheeting is supported at both edges of each sheet by the adjacent
roofing, safety mesh will be the full width of the opening between the two adjacent roof
sheets. Where the plastic sheeting is not supported at the edges, the safety mesh must
extend a minimum of 600 mm past the unsupported edge of the plastic sheet.

4.2 INSTALLATION OF uPVC WALL CLADDING BOARDS

4.2.1 Scope This Standard sets out requirements for the installation of uPVC wall
cladding boards for external walls.
4.2.2 Application This Section is primarily intended to apply to the use of uPVC
cladding (Type A and Type B) complying with AS/NZS 4256.4.
4.2.3 General provisions
4.2.3.1 Inspection The installer shall inspect prior to installation, the stud, nogging
(dwang) or girt spacing as applicable for walls, to establish that their layout will provide
the necessary support for the required laps and any specified overhangs, e.g. eaves.
4.2.3.2 Cutting of boards Cutting and cut edge finishing shall be carried out as
recommended by the manufacturer/supplier or by other means to achieve a cut with
minimal damage to the board.
4.2.3.3 End laps At all end laps (including those with dissimilar materials), a minimum
of 50 mm overlap shall be provided. Sealant may be required in some circumstances in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE: Some sealants are not compatible with certain types of plastic materials and can lead to
stress cracking if incorrectly used. The manufacturer’s instructions should be adhered to.
4.2.3.4 Butt joints For all butt joints, either on-stud or off-stud, proprietary joiners
shall be used.

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AS / NZS 1562.3:1996 12

4.2.3.5 Projections through boards Where projections such as pipes, ducts, chimneys
and the like pass through boards, they shall be adequately insulated and flashed.
4.2.4 Handling and storage uPVC cladding and accessories shall be transported,
stored and handled in a manner which prevents damage or disfigurement. Cladding shall
be safely stacked on a firm, even base to avoid damage or distortion.
4.2.5 Installation precautions
4.2.5.1 Fire uPVC cladding and accessories shall be stored and handled in a manner
that will prevent them from coming into contact with sources of heat likely to cause
combustion or distortion.
In Australian bushfire prone areas, the installation of either type A or type B shall be over
a flame retardant sarking, to restrict the entry of flame to the cavity under the
weatherboards.
4.2.5.2 Termites Where building regulations require provision for protection against
termites, a barrier shall be installed to prevent entry of termites to the cavity between the
uPVC wall cladding and the supporting structure.
4.2.5.3 Wall vents The installation of uPVC cladding shall not obstruct ventilation
openings in existing walls as required by building regulations.
4.2.6 Installation
4.2.6.1 Preparation Decayed material of an existing wall over which cladding is to be
installed shall be renewed or repaired prior to installing cladding. Existing walls shall
incorporate effective damp-proof courses or flashings to prevent rising damp from
entering the existing wall.
4.2.6.2 Spacing Type A cladding shall be fixed to the framing at not more than
600 mm centres. Type B cladding shall be supported by a backing attached to the framing.
The backing shall be of a non-brittle structural nature (e.g. plywood) and the cladding
shall be fixed to the backing, according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions, at
not more than 450 mm centres. All cladding shall be installed so that the resistance to
impact requirements (see Clause 5.4) are satisfied.
4.2.6.3 Thermal expansion Cladding shall be installed so that thermal expansion and
contraction do not cause the wall to misalign. (See Clause 4.2.6.6.)
NOTE: A 3 m length of uPVC cladding will expand about 7 mm with a 30°C increase of its
temperature. Different claddings are designed with different means for allowing for thermal
expansion. Reference should be made to manufacturers’ installation instructions.
4.2.6.4 Fasteners Fasteners shall be selected and used in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions so that they do not cause staining of the cladding and so that
they are compatible with the structure to which they are attached and the environment
where they are to be used.
NOTE: Galvanized fasteners are recommended for this purpose; however, special consideration
should be given to fasteners attached to preservative treated timber.
4.2.6.5 Waterproofing Cladding to every external wall (including the junction between
such wall and any window or door and any service penetrations) shall be installed to
prevent rain or other water from entering the inner parts of a building.
4.2.6.6 Alignment Installed cladding shall satisfy the following requirements:
(a) Not deviate by more than 5 mm over a distance of 2 m when checked with a
straightedge in both horizontal and vertical directions. (See Figure 1.)
(b) Be fixed in a straight line over the full length of any wall so that the long edges of
all cladding deviate from a straight line by not more than 5 mm for any 2 m length
of wall or, 1 mm per metre length of wall to a maximum of 10 mm. (See Figure 2.)
NOTE: A string line may be used to provide the straight line.
(c) Line up horizontally to within 5 mm of where cladding meets at corners.

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FIGURE 1 ALIGNMENT OF CLADDING — PLANENESS

FIGURE 2 ALIGNMENT OF CLADDING — STRAIGHTNESS

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AS / NZS 1562.3:1996 14

S E C T I O N 5 T E S T I N G

5.1 APPLICABILITY OF TESTS If testing is required in order to demonstrate the

compliance of plastic roof and wall cladding materials or the fastenings of plastic roof
and wall cladding materials with this Standard, the provisions of this Section shall apply.

5.2 RESISTANCE TO WIND FORCES

5.2.1 General The provisions of Section 5 of AS 1562.1 apply except that plastic roof
and wall cladding materials and their fastenings are not subjected to live loads and need
only comply with the provisions of that Section for ‘strength test’.
5.2.2 Resistance to wind pressures for non-cyclone regions
5.2.2.1 General Cladding systems to be used in non-cyclone regions shall be tested for
their capacity to resist the wind pressures as specified in Clause 5.2.2.2.
5.2.2.2 Strength test The cladding system shall be subjected to the test pressure for
strength limit state for non-cyclone regions, as specified in accordance with AS 4040.2.
The pressure shall be sustained and all parts of the cladding system shall remain
substantially in position, notwithstanding any permanent distortion that might occur in the
sheeting and fastenings.
5.2.3 Resistance to wind pressures for cyclone regions
5.2.3.1 General The cladding systems to be used in cyclone regions shall be tested for
their capacity to resist low-cycle fatigue loading in accordance with AS 4040.3. These test
requirements apply to cladding for both roofs and walls.
5.2.3.2 Strength test When subjected to the sequence of fatigue loading for cyclone
regions specified in AS 4040.3, or 0.65 Pu is applied 10 000 times at a maximum rate of
3 Hz, and then a single static load of 1.2 Pu is applied, the cladding system shall remain
substantially in position, not withstanding any permanent distortion, fracture or damage
that might occur in the sheeting and fastenings.
NOTE: Pu = Ultimate wind design load.

5.3 RESISTANCE TO IMPACT (SANDBAG) FOR ROOFING SHEET

MATERIALS
5.3.1 General Where the resistance to impact is required (see Clause 2.4.3.1), the
method shall be in accordance with AS/NZS 4040.4.
5.3.2 Assessment When tested in accordance with the load tests set out in
AS/NZS 4040.4, the test specimen shall be considered to have failed the test if any one of
the following occurs:
(a) The sandbag penetrates the test specimen by damaging or dislodging the sheet
specimen.
(b) The test sheet fractures to allow a 75 mm diameter ball to pass through.
(c) The test sheet shatters and produces splinters more than 250 mm in length.
(d) A vertical gap, more than 300 mm high between adjacent sheets is formed.

5.4 RESISTANCE TO IMPACT (SANDBAG) FOR WALL CLADDING

BOARDS When tested in accordance with AS/NZS 4040.5, the wall cladding shall be
considered to have failed the test in any of the following cases:
(a) The cladding is permanently deformed due to the sandbag impact.

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(b) Any cladding strip is permanently dislodged from the frame or disengaged from
other strips and cannot be re-engaged.
(c) Any cladding is cracked or shattered.
(d) The cladding is permanently deformed due to penetration by underlying fasteners
through the top sheet.

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APPENDIX A
LIST OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
(Normative)

AS
1170 Minimum design loads on structures (known as the SAA Loading Code)
1170.1 Part 1: Dead and live loads and load combinations
1170.2 Part 2: Wind loads
1250 The use of steel in structures (known as the SAA Steel Structures Code)
1538 Cold-formed Steel Structures Code
1562 Design and installation of sheet roof and wall cladding
1562.1 Part 1: Metal
1684 National Timber Framing Code
1720 Timber structures (known as the SAA Timber Structures Code)
1720.1 Part 1: Design methods
1720.2 Part 2: Timber properties
3600 Concrete structures
3700 Masonry in buildings (known as the SAA Masonry Code)
4040 Methods of testing sheet roof and wall cladding
4040.2 Method 2: Resistance to wind pressure for non-cyclone regions
4040.3 Method 3: Resistance to wind pressures for cyclone regions
4100 Steel structures
AS/NZS
1650 Hot-dipped galvanized coating on ferrous articles
1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders —Design, construction and
installation
2312 Guide to the protection of iron and steel against exterior atmospheric corrosion
4040 Methods of testing sheet roof and wall cladding
4040.4 Method 4: Resistance to impact (sandbag) for sheet roof materials
4040.5 Method 5: Resistance to impact (sandbag) for wall boards
4256 Plastic roof and wall cladding materials
4256.4 Part 4: Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) wall cladding and boards
NZS
3101 The design of concrete structures
3101.1 Part 1: Code of practice for the design of concrete structures
3404 Steel structures Standard
3404.1 Part 1: Steel structures Standard
3603 Timber Structures Standard
3604 Code of practice for light timber framed buildings not requiring specific design
4203 General structural design and design loadings for buildings
4229 Code of practice for concrete masonry buildings not requiring specific design

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APPENDIX B
SAFETY MESH
(Normative)

NOTE: A Standard covering safety mesh is in course of preparation and it is anticipated that
when it is published, this Appendix will be deleted by way of an amendment to this Standard .

B1 GENERAL Safety mesh shall be constructed of steel wire with a minimum tensile
strength of 450 MPa.
The wires forming the mesh shall be welded using electrical resistance techniques under
pressure with a maximum mesh spacing according to Table B1.
The mesh shall be galvanized in accordance with AS/NZS 1650. Reference to
Paragraph B5 shall also be made for additional corrosion resistance for particular
applications.

B2 LOA D IN G In addition to complying w ith the r equir ements of

AS 1170.1/NZS 4203 for non-trafficable roof claddings, there shall be no evidence of
damage to any part of the mesh or its fixings when tested in accordance with the load
tests set out in Appendix C.

B3 DEEMED TO COMPLY For mesh complying with Paragraph B1, the

configurations shown in Table B1 are deemed to comply with the requirements of
AS/NZS 1650 and the loading requirements of Paragraph B2.

TABLE B1
REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFETY MESH

Length of staple Spacing of

Diameter Spacing of Spacing of Mass Diameter
staples or
of wire in longitudinal transverse of zine of staple
Fastening to Fastening to other
mesh wires wires coating wire
side of rafter top of rafter fastening

mm mm mm g/m 2 mm mm mm mm

2.00 150 300 75 3.5 30 40 150

3.15 150 300 75 3.5 30 40 300

B4 POSITION AND FIXING The requirements for the position and fixing of safety
mesh are as follows:
(a) Position of mesh Where safety mesh is required, it shall be fitted immediately
under the roof sheeting so that it rests upon each of the sheeting supports (purlins,
battens or the like). The mesh shall completely cover the proposed area of the roof
sheeting.
(b) Relevant positions of longitudinal and transverse wires Wires parallel to the
direction of the corrugations of the sheeting (longitudinal wires) shall be in contact
with the immediate supports for the sheeting (purlins, battens or the like). Wires at
right angles to the direction of the corrugations (transverse wires) shall be closest to
the sheeting.

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(c) Joints in longitudinal wires The longitudinal wires shall be made structurally
continuous over the full length of each roof slope. Joints in longitudinal wires shall
be such as will develop the strength of the connection of longitudinal wires to roof
members, and the apertures resulting from the joining of longitudinal wires shall not
be larger than those of the mesh, and they shall have the same orientation.
(d) Joints between adjacent lengths of mesh The runs of mesh shall be side lapped one
opening width, and if the purlin spacing exceeds 1700 mm, intermediate fixing with
3.5 mm staples shall be provided.
NOTE: Intermediate stapling of the mesh should be carried out from underneath.
(e) Fixing Safety mesh shall be fixed to roof members at the spacings specified in
Table B1, in one of the following ways:
(i) Where the rafters or other anchorages are of timber, the longitudinal wires of
the safety mesh shall be either —
(A) bent over and down, and fixed to the sides of the purlins by means of
galvanized steel staples of not less than the gauges, lengths and
spacings given in Table B1; or
(B) fixed to the tops of the rafters by means of galvanized steel staples of
not less than the gauges, lengths and spacings given in Table B1.
All staples shall be driven in such a manner that a cross-wire is between the
end of the wire and the staple, or the end of the wire is bent back and
twisted four times around the same wire so that individual wires cannot be
drawn from a staple.
(ii) The longitudinal wires of the safety mesh shall be passed once completely
around the rafter or other anchorage, the tail of each wire being twisted four
times around the main portion of the same wire.
(iii) The longitudinal wires of the safety mesh shall be secured to the rafters or
other anchorages by means of galvanized steel wire loops of not less than
3.15 mm diameter by placing the centre of the tying wire around the
longitudinal wire at a point of intersection of a transverse wire, so that a
transverse wire is between that point and the end of the longitudinal wire,
and next passing both ends of the tying wire once completely around the
rafter, and then drawing the two tails of the tying wire in opposite directions
over the two strands of the tying wire and twisting together with at least
three complete turns.

B5 CORROSIVE ATMOSPHERE In severe marine and industrial atmospheres,

safety mesh shall be protected by the application of a suitable protective coating (see
AS/NZS 2312).

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APPENDIX C
SAFETY MESH— LOAD TEST
(Normative)

NOTE: A Standard covering safety mesh is in course of preparation and it is anticipated that
when it is published, this Appendix will be deleted by way of an amendment to this Standard .

C1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out a test method for determining the strength of
safety mesh.

C2 PRINCIPLE Safety mesh is fixed to purlins in a rectangular frame and subjected

to dynamic loading followed by static loading. The extent of damage, if any, to the mesh
or to its fittings is then assessed.

C3 APPARATU S
C3.1 Test frame The test frame is intended to simulate purlins in a normal roof
construction and shall comprise three bays formed by purlin cross-members —
(a) of the same material and spacing as that to be used in practice; and
(b) with a minimum length of 2 m.
C3.2 Test loads
C3.2.1 Dynamic The dynamic test load shall consist of sand in a hessian bag,
approximately 1500 mm long by 350 mm diameter and having a mass of 165 kg.
C3.2.2 Static The static test load shall comprise a load of 350 kg suitable for
application through an area of 1 m2 .

C4 TEST SPECIMEN The test sample of mesh is fixed to the test frame by pulling
taut, and fixing to the purlins, the same fastening system and spacing as will be used in
practice.
Where in practice the longitudinal wires will be joined, the test sample shall include a
representative number of joints formed in the same manner.

C5 PROCEDURE The procedure is as follows:

(a) Drop the dynamic test load once, with the long axis of the bag parallel to the
purlins, from a height of 1400 mm into the middle of the central bay.
(b) Remove the dynamic load and apply the static test load to an area equal to a
maximum of 90% of the spacing of the purlins multiplied by the length of the
central bay, to give an area of 1 m 2. The test is to be applied to the middle of the
central bay over the dynamic impact area.
(c) Examine the wires, the welded joints and fastenings and any joints in the
longitudinal wires for damage.

C6 REPORT The following information shall be reported:

(a) The date and location of the test.
(b) The diameter of the wire.
(c) The spacing of the wires.

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(d) The purlin material and spacing.

(e) The fastening system and spacing.
(f) Any damage to the wires, welded joints or fastenings, or joints in the longitudinal
wires.
(g) Reference to this test method, i.e. AS/NZS 1562.3, Appendix C.

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