BS 5534:2003+A1:2010

BS 5534:2003+Amendment 1:2010 Code of practice for slating and tiling (including shingles)

BS 5534 gives recommendations for the design, materials, application, installation and performance of slates, tiles, shingles and shakes. It also covers their associated fittings and accessories for use in the construction of pitched roofs and vertical cladding applications.

BS 5534 takes account of the following:

• Rain and wind resistance
• Durability
• Thermal insulation
• Control of condensation
• Fire resistance
• Sounds
• Environmental issues
• Health and safety issues.

The contents of BS 5534 include terms, definitions and symbols, materials, fitting and accessories, design criteria and application and installation details.

BS 5534 does not give recommendations for workmanship. These are covered in BS 8000-6:1990 Workmanship on building sites. Code of practice for slating and tiling of roofs and claddings.

BS 5534 also does not cover the setting out and construction of special roof types such as curved or random slating. However, it does give recommendations for determining minimum roof pitches and calculating the minimum head-laps and side-laps that can be used for this kind of slating.

This 2003 edition of BS 5534 includes the following changes:

• Clauses have been introduced to reflect the wider range of slating/tiling products now in use to accommodate the requirements of the Construction Products Regulations 1994
• Clause 5 has been updated to reflect the new knowledge and experience on rain and wind load resistance
• The method of calculating minimum head-laps and side-laps in slating has been replaced with a new method
• The sections dealing with hook fixing of slates has been revised to provide specific recommendations and limits for their use
• 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 for easier identification
• New annexes have been added dealing with the design and application of pitched roof systems where insulation is placed at rafter line, and reinforced bitumen underlays.

The 2010 Amendment includes minor changes to the specification for timber tiling battens and a corrigenda.