BS 5534 Wind Zones — Slating and Tiling

BS 5534:2014 + A2:2018 is the British Standard for slating and tiling of pitched roofs and vertical cladding. It specifies how roof tiles and slates must be fixed to resist wind uplift. The 2015 revision introduced significantly increased fixing requirements compared to the older BS 5534:2003, meaning that all tiles and slates in most situations now require mechanical fixing (nailing or clipping) rather than relying on gravity alone.

The 2015 revision removed the concept of tiles being held by gravity alone. Previously, only exposed sites needed every tile to be mechanically fixed. Now, BS 5534:2014+A2:2018 requires a wind load calculation for every project, and in most cases every tile needs to be at least nailed. In high-exposure areas, tiles must be nailed and clipped. This applies to all new roofs and re-roofs — not just repairs using like-for-like materials.

The wind zone depends on: (1) basic wind speed from the map in BS 5534 (ranges from 21 m/s in sheltered parts of England to 30 m/s+ in exposed Scotland), (2) altitude factor (add 1 m/s per 100m above 100m AOD), (3) topography factor (hilltops, ridges, escarpments), (4) site exposure category (sheltered/country/town/suburban), and (5) distance from the coast. These factors combine to give a design wind speed which determines the fixing specification.

Whether clips are needed in addition to nails depends on the design wind speed, tile type, weight, pitch, and position on the roof. Verge tiles, eaves tiles, ridge and hip tiles always need enhanced fixing. In high-exposure areas (coastal Scotland, high altitude, hilltop sites), every tile may need to be nailed and clipped. The tile manufacturer's fixing specification for the specific wind zone must be followed — this is provided in their product data.