What is BS 5534?

Phil Wallis

Technical Manager

Phillip is a technical manager, and his area of expertise is pitched roofing – in particular, the technical governance of all aspects of roofing.

BS 5534 is the code of practice for slating and tiling for pitched roofs and vertical cladding. Intended to be read and used in conjunction with.

• BS 8000-6:2023 Workmanship on Construction Sites – Part 6: Slating and tiling of roofs and walls – code of practice 
• BS 5250 Management of Moisture in Buildings – code of practice 
• BS 8612 Dry fixed ridge, hip, and verge systems for slating and tiling - specification 

These standards often cross reference with BS 5534, which itself is centred on design and performance, while BS 8000-6 focuses on installation. In some instances, NFRC Technical Bulletins are referenced, usually for information. However, references to TB34, wooden shingles and shakes are normative and must be complied with.

Latest changes to BS 5534

All single lap tiles must now be mechanically fixed with either a clip and/ or a nail, depending on the results of wind load calculations.  
All perimeter tiles are required to be twice mechanically fixed to the structure of the property. Although still recognised in BS 5534, mortar can no longer be used as the only means of fixing roof tiles, each tile is required to also be twice mechanically fixed.

Lightweight underlays are subject to new guidelines to ensure they are securely installed.

Roofing battens must also meet new requirements, including being appropriately marked and be accompanied by documentation including the name of supplier, origin (i.e. species code), grading, basic size, and type of preservative and method of treatment used.