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IS 13400:1992 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for aluminium doors, windows and ventilators - code of practice for construction and installation. This code of practice provides guidelines for the construction and installation of aluminium alloy doors, windows, and ventilators. It covers the selection of materials like aluminium extrusions, glass, and hardware, fabrication requirements, glazing methods, and installation procedures to ensure weather-tightness and structural stability.
Provides recommendations for the construction, assembly, and installation of aluminium doors, windows and ventilators.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Ensure weep holes are provided in the sill/bottom track and are not clogged during installation to allow proper drainage of water.
! Pay close attention to the selection of fasteners and their contact with aluminium to prevent galvanic corrosion, especially in coastal areas.
! The gap between the window/door frame and the structural opening must be properly sealed with appropriate sealants to achieve desired water and air tightness.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
aluminiumglasssealantsgasketsfastenershardware
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
BS 8213-4:2016BSI - British Standards Institution, UK
HighCurrent
Windows and doors. Code of practice for the survey and installation of windows and external doorsets
Directly covers the 'code of practice for installation' aspect with modern methodologies.
ASTM E2112 - 16(2023)ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Practice for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors and Skylights
Provides comprehensive standard practices for window installation, focusing on water management.
BS 4873:2016BSI - British Standards Institution, UK
MediumCurrent
Specification for aluminium alloy windows and doorsets
Covers the 'construction' part of the IS code, specifying materials, fabrication, and performance.
AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-17FGIA / WDMA / CSA, North America (USA/Canada)
MediumCurrent
North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights (NAFS)
Focuses on performance-based requirements for the manufactured product, which informs construction.
Key Differences
≠IS 13400 is primarily a prescriptive standard (e.g., fixed fastener spacing), whereas modern international standards are performance-based, requiring the entire assembly to pass specific tests for air, water, and structural loads.
≠The Indian standard lacks any requirements for thermal performance (U-value, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient), which is a mandatory and critical component of modern standards like NAFS and EN 14351-1 due to energy conservation codes.
≠Installation techniques in IS 13400 are dated, suggesting filling gaps with mortar. Modern standards like ASTM E2112 mandate sophisticated water and air management systems, including integration with weather-resistive barriers (WRBs), flashing tapes, and controlled-expansion foam.
≠IS 13400 has limited guidance on hardware, whereas international standards specify detailed performance and cycle testing for locks, hinges, and operators to ensure long-term durability and security.
Key Similarities
≈All standards specify the use of appropriate aluminium alloys for extrusions, typically from the 6000 series (like 6063), ensuring basic material strength and corrosion resistance.
≈Both IS 13400 and international equivalents emphasize the fundamental principle of drainage, requiring weep holes in the sill/track to drain water that enters the system.
≈There is a common requirement for the use of durable weatherstripping materials (like EPDM gaskets or wool pile) to provide a seal against air and water infiltration between sashes and frames.
≈All standards require the window or door frame to be installed plumb, level, and square, and be securely anchored to the building structure to resist operational and environmental loads.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Primary Aluminium Alloy
Specifies alloys conforming to IS 733 (e.g., HE9) and IS 1948.
Specifies alloys like 6063-T5 or 6063-T6 conforming to ASTM B221.
ASTM B221 (referenced by NAFS)
Anodizing Thickness (Exterior)
Refers to IS 1868, typically Grade AC 15 (15 microns minimum).
Specifies Architectural Class I, which is 18 microns (0.7 mils) minimum.
AAMA 611
Installation Gap Filling
Filled with cement-sand mortar (1:3) or a suitable mastic sealant.
Filled with low-expansion foam sealant and sealed with backer rod and sealant, integrated with air/water barriers.
ASTM E2112
Frame Fastener Spacing
Prescriptive: max. 150mm from corners, intermediates not exceeding 450mm centres.
Performance-based: spacing is determined by manufacturer's testing and engineering calculations for the specific design wind load.
AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-17
Water Penetration Test
Suggests a simple hose test on site but lacks a standardized laboratory test pressure.
Mandates laboratory testing under a specified pressure differential (e.g., 140 Pa to 720 Pa+) for 15 minutes with no water leakage.
AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-17
Weep Hole Size
Prescriptive: Minimum 5 mm diameter or equivalent slot.
Performance-based: Size and location are part of a tested system that must pass water penetration tests.
AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-17
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Minimum average thickness of anodic coating for exterior use15 microns
Minimum diameter of weep holes5 mm
Permissible tolerance on straightness of sections1.2 mm per metre length
Maximum permissible air leakage rate (standard conditions)50 m³/h per metre of opening joint
Maximum overall size tolerance (width/height)± 1.5 mm
What is the most common aluminium alloy for windows?+
Aluminium alloy designation 6063 (HE9) in T6 temper, conforming to IS 733, is recommended for extruded sections.
What is the minimum required thickness for anodizing on external windows?+
A minimum average thickness of 15 microns is specified for exterior grade anodic coating to ensure durability (Clause 4.4.1).
What is the purpose of weep holes in aluminium windows?+
Weep holes are small openings provided in the sill to drain any water that collects in the frame tracks, preventing it from leaking inside (Clause 5.4).
What are the key performance tests for aluminium windows?+
The key tests are for air permeability, water tightness under static pressure, and wind resistance (Clause 7).