AS/NZS 1397 is the standard for the coated steel that a steel frame and a steel roof are made from. The coating is what stands between the steel and decades of Queensland humidity.
What AS/NZS 1397 actually means
AS/NZS 1397 specifies continuous hot-dip metallic-coated steel sheet and strip. It sets the base steel grade and, importantly, the metallic coating — zinc (Z), aluminium-zinc alloy (AZ) and aluminium-zinc-magnesium (AM) coatings, each with a designation indicating coating mass. The coating determines the corrosion protection built into the steel.
Where it applies in your new home
Cold-formed steel frames, roof sheeting and many light-gauge components are rolled from AS/NZS 1397 coated sheet. The coating class chosen for the product and the environment is a durability decision — heavier or more advanced coatings for more corrosive conditions.
What VG Inspect checks against it
An inspector does not measure coating thickness on site, but does check that steel-frame members and connections show intact coating with no early corrosion, and that cut edges and site damage have not compromised the protection. In coastal environments this attention increases.
What it does and doesn't cover
AS/NZS 1397 covers the coated steel sheet. The screws fixing it are covered by AS 3566, galvanised articles by AS/NZS 4680, and the frame design by AS/NZS 4600 and the NASH Standard.
A VG Inspect QBCC-licensed inspector (QBCC Licence 1318443) checks steel-frame condition at frame stage. Call 07 3180 8041 or book a frame inspection online.