Updates to the BS 5534

BSI LogoThe updates to the BS 5534 have now come into effect, having been made mandatory in March 2015. Seen as one of the most influential updates of recent years, the revision has been published since August last year and manufacturers have been working hard to inform the roofing industry. The British Standard for Slating and Tiling acts as a key Code of Practice ensuring quality and reliable roofing installations.

Firstly, the new standard has set that mortar alone is not sufficient at fixing tiles to respective fittings on a roof, and therefore components including ridges, hips and verges will now require further mechanical fixing. Hambleside Danelaw carries patented industry leading Dry Fix products; it is now widely recognised that Dry Fix is a far more reliable method of installation.

Secondly, all single lap tiles will now require mechanical fixings to ensure a secure hold; clipping may also be required.

Thirdly, due to increasing extreme weather, the updates include the requirement for secure lightweight underlays. This is in an effort to reduce ‘ballooning’ as it has been calculated that there is increasingly higher theoretical wind uplift. This change brings UK slating and tiling in line with European roofing codes of practice, where in the past uplift has been notably higher and therefore is an existing roof requirement.

GRP-Open-Valley-Trough-300x300As many projects started before the law came in, the NFRC voiced concern in order to instate a cut-off date in order not to affected existing projects. Therefore the NHBC has applied a backstop until 1st July, after which all roofs must comply with the revised BS 5534.

In order to support a smooth transition to this change in standards, Hambleside Danelaw have now produced a mechanical fixing kit for applications where the traditional appearance of mortar bedded ridge and hip tiles is still required.  The new changes may add more time and cost to a job, however the security for home-owners is significant enough to warrant the change to the standard.