CodeMark Explained: Trendplank & Shou Sugi Ban Compliance
Do Trendplank and Shou Sugi Ban Timber Cladding Require CodeMark Certification?
When specifying timber cladding products like Mortlock Timber’s Trendplank and Shou Sugi Ban, a common question is whether these require CodeMark certification to comply with the National Construction Code (NCC)—particularly in relation to weatherproofing under clause FP1.4.
What is CodeMark Certification?
CodeMark is a voluntary, third-party certification scheme administered by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB). It provides a pathway to demonstrate that a building product complies with the NCC—especially useful for new, innovative, or non-standard products that fall outside the deemed-to-satisfy (DTS) provisions.
Because CodeMark can be time-consuming and expensive, it’s typically reserved for products that lack a clear compliance pathway under existing codes or standards.
Understanding NCC Clause FP1.4: Weatherproofing
Clause FP1.4 of the NCC requires that roofs and external walls—including openings such as windows and doors—must prevent water from penetrating the building in a way that could:
- Create unhealthy or unsafe conditions
- Reduce the amenity of the building
- Cause undue dampness or deterioration of building elements
To comply with FP1.4, builders can use:
- Deemed-to-satisfy solutions in the NCC
- Relevant Australian Standards
- Manufacturer-supplied installation instructions that provide a valid performance solution
Do Trendplank and Shou Sugi Ban Comply?
Yes. Trendplank and Shou Sugi Ban are traditional cladding systems that conform to well-established construction practices. They comply with FP1.4 via:
- Installation to Australian Standards – such as AS 1684.2, 1684.3, and 1684.4
- Mortlock Timber installation guidelines – which detail best practices for weatherproofing and durability
- Correct construction detailing – including breathable sarking, flashings, seals, and trims to prevent water ingress
Because these systems follow standard compliance pathways, CodeMark certification is not required for Trendplank or Shou Sugi Ban to meet NCC FP1.4.
Mortlock Timber’s Commitment to Compliance
At Mortlock Timber, we’re committed to ensuring our products comply with all relevant building codes and standards. We support builders, architects, and designers with up-to-date technical resources and guidance—so you can specify with confidence.
View our pricing and product guide
We are committed to bringing you timber products that add value and endure for years to come, even in heavy traffic and harsh weather conditions. We understand the value of efficiency when it comes to installation and keeping hardwood timber costs down. That’s why we’ve spent decades perfecting our designs to make them easier to handle, less wasteful and more efficient to install. This efficiency allows us to offer you premier products that are more cost-effective so that you can experience greater savings on timber wall costs, timber ceiling costs, timber cladding costs and timber decking costs.
Download our Pricing and Product Guide for our complete hardwood timber price list including timber decking prices, timber wall prices, timber ceiling prices and timber cladding prices.