Watch Out for Fake or Unsafe Window Products
Scams aren’t just online — more and more fake or non-compliant building products are turning up in New Zealand homes.
We’re seeing an alarming rise in windows, glass, plumbing, and electrical products being sold to New Zealand consumers that don’t meet the New Zealand Building Code. These products pose a threat to Kiwi’s safety, and have compromised performance and durability – putting both your family and your home (probably your most valuable investment) at risk.
What’s been found in New Zealand:
- Imported window frames don’t meet New Zealand standards.
- Suppliers using fake certificates to make poor-quality products look compliant.
- Local manufacturers assembling window systems that don’t meet the Code.
- Imported product is sometimes used beyond the scope of its design
An increasing number of windows being sold in New Zealand do not meet Building Code requirements for structural performance, durability, or energy efficiency.
It used to be the case that poor quality products were confined to the ‘cheap’ end of the market, and if you spent a bit more you’d get a better quality product. Unfortunately that’s no longer the case – even more premium products can turn out to be illegal or unsafe.
How to Protect Yourself
The Window and Glass Association New Zealand was established in 1965 to develop and maintain high technical and professional standards to protect consumers from poor products, poor workmanship and unethical practices. Now, more than ever, engaging with an Association member is critical to protect yourself from fraudulent, unsafe products and practices.
Choosing a Window & Glass Association member means your supplier has been vetted and certified - so you can trust their products meet New Zealand requirements.
If you buy from a non-member, make sure you check where their products come from and whether the certification is genuine. Unfortunately, fake documents are common, so it’s not always easy to tell.
Find a trusted Window & Glass Association member near you: wganz.org.nz/find-member
How can I avoid being sold non-compliant products?
Ensuring your supplier is a Window and Glass Association member is the best way to make sure you’re being sold NZ compliant products. Members typically display their association membership on their websites, but if in doubt. It also pays to check their membership is current.
Are my windows and doors compliant for my location?
Different locations have different performance requirements. Wind Zones determine strength and weathertightness, Exposure (Coastal) Zones determine surface finish, Climate Zones determine thermal performance and frame/glass selection, Earthquake Zones determine glass/frame clearance, Critical Locations determine safety glass requirements.
Check if there are labels on the frame, which confirm the performance rating of the unit. In NZ the label indicates the test standard (NZS 4211), the brand, the wind-zone rating the unit is designed for, and its air-leakage grade (“LEVEL”) and ultimately compliance with the NZ Building Code. Check both windows and doors as they often have different performance ratings.
Check the test reports and/or performance specifications. Engage an expert to compare overseas performance ratings with those demanded by your location. Recognise that confidence and trust in your supplier is vital. If necessary, check the test reports in detail to confirm their legitimacy
Is there a safety risk from non-compliant product?
Yes, poor quality components and construction can lead to failure and poses a safety risk to the occupant. Compromised performance can also impact the health of your home’s occupants.
Who do I contact if I have concerns?
In the first instance, we recommend discussing your concerns with the supplier. If you feel there’s a concern that needs to be taken further, you can contact us.
What’s being done to stop this happening?
Recognising that this issue is a systemic failure that requires greater involvement and policing from MBIE the Window and Glass Association has formally raised this issue with central government, and is working with other building material suppliers to champion change.
