Page 4 - roofing

PITCHED ROOF

BS 5534

BS 5534 is a British Standard covering the design, materials, application,
installation and performance of slates, tiles, shingles and shakes. BS 5534:2014
is more than a simple update to the standard. It reflects some of the most
significant changes in the roofing industry during the past 50 years.

Although more far reaching, the main areas that will concern day to day roofing
are the minimum fixings for the roof covering, batten, underlay, and mortar.

SINGLE-LAP TILES DOUBLE-LAP TILES DOUBLE-LAP WOODEN SHINGLES
For all roof areas SLATES, STONE AND SHAKES
and rafter pitches, SLATES OR
mechanically fix ARTIFICIAL SLATES
every tile*. For rafter
pitches of 45° and For nibless tiles, two Double-lap slates Wooden shingles
above, nail each tile nails should be used should have a and shakes should
with at least one to secure every tile. minimum of two have a minimum of
nail. Additionally, for For nibbed tiles at nails to every slate two nails or staples
rafter pitches of 55° rafter pitches below when centre nailed. to every shingle or
and above, including 60°, two nails should Double-lap slates shake when centre-
vertical, the tail of be used to secure without nail holes nailed. Special
each tile should be each tile in at least should be fixed by considerations may
mechanically fixed. every fifth course. For hooks engaged on apply to other types
At verges and rafter pitches of 60° the centre of the tail of fixing
abutments, and and above, including of the slate. Special (see manufacturer’s
at each side of vertical, two nails considerations may instructions and
valleys and hips, the should be used to fix apply to their use at Technical Bulletin
end tile in every every tile. At verges pitches greater than 3412 published
course should be and abutments, 70° and pitches lower by the NFRC).
mechanically fixed. and at each side than 30°. Double-lap
At eaves and top of valleys and hips, fibre cement slates
edges, one course the end tile in every are normally secured
of tiles should be course should with two nails to
mechanically fixed. be twice nailed every slate and a
*Mechanical fixings where possible, or copper disc rivet
may be nails, screws mechanically fixed. connecting the tail
and clips or a At eaves and top on the centreline of
combination of all edges, two courses the slate to the two
options that provide of tiles (consisting of slates below through
adequate combined under-eaves courses the gap between
resistance to the and first full course at them. Special
total wind uplift eaves, last full course considerations apply
loads on the tiles. and tops course at to double-lap slates
top edges) should be that are head fixed or
nailed or otherwise shoulder fixed (see
mechanically fixed. Technical Bulletin
4311 published
by the NFRC).

4 ROOFING – ISSUE 1