What British Standards Apply to Roofing?
Here are some of the main British Standards to consider if you’re working on a roofing project:
BS 5534:2014+A2:2018 Slating and tiling for pitched roofs and vertical cladding - Code of practice
This roofing standard provides recommendations for the materials, design and application of slates, tiles, shingles and shakes, as well as the associated fittings and accessories used in the construction of pitched roofs.
Rain and wind resistance, along with durability, thermal insulation, the control of condensation, fire resistance, sound, environment, and health and safety issues are also covered. It should be read in conjunction with BS 8000-6 (see below).
BS 5534:2014 was published in February 2015, and two amendments have been issued since its original publication, all of which aim to improve security, durability, and weather-tightness of both new and refurbished pitched roofs. The second amendment was published in February 2018 which also refers to a new standard, BS 8612:2018, which will be discussed below.
BS 8000-6:2023 Workmanship on building sites. Code of practice for slating and tiling of roofs and claddings
This roofing standard covers the laying and fixing of clay tiles, concrete tiles, natural slates and fibre cement slates, as well as their associated fixings and accessories.
BS 5250:2021 Management of moisture in buildings – Code of practice
Moisture can be a big problem in buildings, leading to issues such as damp, structural damage, and even potential health hazards. BS 5250 provides advice for management of moisture in buildings and includes the causes and effects of surface and interstitial condensation.
The standard provides detailed guidance on how to manage condensation and recommends that prevention can be achieved through the provision of natural air ventilation.
It also recommends that building designers pay close attention to the sources of moisture (such as water incorporated during construction, precipitation after construction, water vapour arising from occupants and their activities and condensation that occurs due to weather conditions) and emphasises the importance of ceilings that are well sealed and airtight.
BS 8612:2018 Dry-fixed ridge, hip and verge systems for slating and tiling - specification
The standard, BS 8612 was released in February 2018 and sets out minimum performance requirements for dry-fixed roofing systems in regards to fixing, wind load resistance, durability and ventilation according to BS 5250. It applies to both new-build and refurbished roofs.
The new standard was created in response to significant growth in the dry-fix market. BS 8612 aims to ensure that the products used in a build are suitable and sets out the minimum standards for dry-fix products.
As one of the early pioneers of the dry-fix industry, Marley developed some of the very first high-performance and purpose-made dry-fix roofing systems, and our products meet the requirements of BS 8612.
Other roofing standards to consider
Of course, the British Standards listed above are not the only ones that relate to roofing. There are many more that will need to be considered, depending on the details of your project - and specific elements of your roof, such as drainage and ancillary components, are covered by their own standards.
With so many different standards that relate to roofing specification and best practice, it can be useful to get expert guidance throughout the planning and building stages of a project. If you’d like to learn more about how the British Standards apply to your pitched roofing project, or if you’d like to discuss your requirements with a member of our technical team, please get in touch.