Code of Practice for slating and tiling (BS5534)

BS 5534: 2002 replaces the BS 5534-1: 1997 which has been withdrawn, this new document takes into account a number of significant changes in the industry. This British Standard gives recommendations for the design, materials, application, installation and performance of slates, tiles, shingles and shakes and their associated fittings and accessories used in the construction of pitched roofs and vertical cladding applications.

Rain and wind resistance, along with durability, thermal insulation, the control of condensation, fire resistance, sound, environmental and health and safety issues are also considered.

It gives recommendations for determining minimum roof pitches and calculating the minimum head-laps and side-laps that can be used for such types of slating. It is an essential reference intended for designers, manufacturers and installers of roofing products.

The main changes are:

• Clauses have been introduced to reflect the wider range of slating / tiling products now in use and to accommodate the requirements of the Construction Products (Amendment) Regulations 1994
• Design recommendations have been updated to reflect new knowledge and experience on rain resistance and wind load resistance
• The sections dealing with hook fixing of slates have been revised to provide specific recommendations and limits to their use
• The method of calculating minimum head-laps and side-laps in slating, based on angles of creep, has been replaced with a new method based on a series of factors, C and E1
• Recommendations on batten sizes, marking identification and structural design have been revised to reflect new test evidence and experience of use, together with new recommendations for marking to enable easier identification
• New annexes have been added dealing with the design and application of pitched roofing systems where insulation is placed at the rafter line, and reinforced bitumen underlays.