7.2 Pitched roofs

Also see:

7.2.18 Roof coverings

Roof coverings shall be of a suitable quality and durability to protect the building from weather.

When covering a pitched roof:

  • coverings should be in accordance with the design and established building practices
  • recovered materials may be used where prior approval by NHBC has been granted (independent certification of suitability may be required).

Table 19: Standards relevant to roof coverings

MaterialStandardCode of Practice Other guidance
Clay tiles and fittingsBS EN 1304
Concrete tiles and fittingsBS EN 490 and BS EN 491
Dry fixed systemsBS 8612
Natural slatesBS EN 12326
Fibre cement slates and fittingsBS EN 492
Fully supported lead sheet roofing BS 6915 Technical requirement R3
Rolled lead sheet for building purposes BS EN 12588
Zinc and zinc alloys BS EN 988 CP 143-5 Technical requirement R3
Copper BS EN 1172 CP 143-12 Technical requirement R3
Stainless steel BS EN 508-3 Technical requirement R3
Aluminium BS EN 508-2 CP 143-15 Technical requirement R3
Roof windows BS EN 14351-1 Technical requirement R3
Natural stone slates Established practices
Thatch Standards set by the Thatching Advisory Services or other appropriate authority, in accordance with Technical Requirement R3
Shingles should be of western red cedar Grade 1 to the Canadian Standards Association
Proprietary roof coverings and products ie,
Flashings, soakers, GRP and composite products (dormers, chimneys, copings, cappings, bay window canopies, etc)
Proprietary products should hold a satisfactory assessment by an appropriate independent technical approval’s authority acceptable to NHBC.

Natural slates used for roofing should meet the requirements of Table 20.

Table 20: Acceptable characteristics for natural slates

CharacteristicsGrade to BS EN 12326:2014 (1)
Water absorption less than 0.6%W1
Thermal cycleT1
Carbonate content less than 20%S1

Notes

1. A copy of the slate manufacturers Accompanying Commercial Document (ACD), in accordance with BS EN 12326:2014, should be provided to NHBC when requested.

Last updated: 2nd January 2024

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