The Roof Tile Association has welcomed the latest dry fix standard, BS 8612: Dry-fixed Ridge, Hip and Verge Systems for Slating and Tiling. This came into effect at the end of January 2018 and sets out the minimum performance requirements for dry-fix roofing products, ensuring they are fit-for-purpose and provide everybody in the supply chain confidence that products are of the highest quality.
Since BS 5534: Slating and Tiling was revised in 2014, there has been a significant shift in the market towards the use of dry fix systems. However, the popularity of the products means that there has been a huge increase in the amount of systems available and although they may look similar they can vary significantly in terms of quality and performance. To help address this, BS 8612 sets out key quality and performance criteria and test methods under six essential requirements:
- Material specification and durability.
- Mechanical resistance
- Ventilation for ridge and hip systems
- Rain performance
- Geometric characteristics
- Marking, labelling and installation instructions
Previously there was no agreed way of ensuring these products were fit for purpose but now, compliance with BS 8612 will not only ensure that products are manufactured to the highest quality, but also contribute to improving standards of pitched roofing across the industry, which is good news for all.
The new standard is out now and is available from the BSI website.