At the March Slating and Tiling Technical Committee, the National House-Building Council confirmed that the new BS 8612 ‘Dry Fixed Ridge, Hip and Verge Systems for Pitched Roofs’ standard would form part of its June technical newsletter, giving companies time to implement the requirements by January 1, 2019, when the standard becomes enforceable.
However, the second amendment to BS 5534 ‘Slating and Tiling for Pitched Roofs and Vertical Cladding’ code of practice (BS 5534:2014 + A2:2018), which was published on February 28, 2018, will be effective from July 1, 2018, and in Clause 4.15.8 reference is made to BS 8612:
“Users should pay particular attention to the resistance to wind loads, rain resistance and durability performance of dry-fix roofing products. Dry-fixed ridge, hip and verge products should conform to BS 8612. NOTE Proprietary dry-fix products outside the scope of BS 8612 may be used in accordance with Clause 4.6”. (Clause 4.6 Use of Proprietary Products is not covered by a British/European Standard).
This means that by association, BS 8612 could also be enforceable from July 1, 2018, by individuals, companies or organisations unwilling to provide contractors with a transition period.
Therefore, the NFRC is advising that any project commencing after July 1 should comply with both BS 5534 and BS 8612, unless members have written confirmation from the client that it is not required.
