With less than one month to go until more stringent roof fixing standards become mandatory in the UK, roofing and facades manufacturer Marley is urging contractors and specifiers to consider the implications now and get new fixings specifications in place, rather than wait until the end of the month.
When it comes into force at the end of February, BS 5534 will be the biggest change to pitched roof fixing requirements for 20 years and is designed to make roofs more secure in the face of increasingly extreme weather events.
As a result, every single lap tile will have to be mechanically fixed, with a degree of clipping required on most roofs and mortar alone will no longer be deemed sufficient to secure tiles and fittings to a roof.
According to Marley, there is still some confusion about the changes and many of the BS 5534 enquiries received by its technical helpdesk are about the timing of the new standard. The manufacturer is concerned that this confusion could mean contractors and specifiers won’t be ready when BS 5534 comes into force and is urging them to contact its technical advisory service for advice if they are unsure.
Steve Bryceson, technical manager at Marley, explains: “Most queries we receive from contractors are still about timing of projects and the new standard. The revised BS 5534 was announced in August but there has been a six month crossover period where the two standards (BS 5534:2003+A.1:2010 and BS 5534:2014) have coexisted. However, from 1 March all new pitched roofing work using tiles, slates and shingles should be specified to the recommendations of the new standard, BS 5534:2014. Some exceptions may apply to ongoing sites of multiple properties under the control of the NHBC, where contracts have been agreed to the old standard, in which case any outstanding roofs may be completed using BS 5534:2003+A.1:2010 up until 1st July 2015.”
Marley is reminding contractors and specifiers that despite some NHBC exemptions, most ongoing schemes that cross over into the new standard will need a new fixing specification and is recommending them to get these done now rather than wait until the end of the month.
The manufacturer is also advising contractors to give early consideration to the impact the increased fixing requirements will have on their workload and installation programmes.
Steve Bryceson adds: “BS 5534 means there will be a much greater requirement for clipping, one of the most time consuming roof fixing methods. There are products available to help reduce the impact of this, such as our SoloFix one piece clip and nail, which can reduce roof clipping time by 30% and provides outstanding strength and durability. As well as a full range of dry fix systems, we also offer security ridge and hip kits to provide mechanical fixing where mortar bedding is still needed.”
Inta is introducing its slickest showering range to date, with a family of beautiful Italian-crafted, highly polished chrome products that give users the most emotive and desirable bathroom experience yet.
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