32018 sees the introduction of a new British Standard, BS 86 12: Dry-fixed Ridge, Hip and Verge Systems for Slating and Tiling. Marley Eternit explain how it affects roofing contractors.
The new Standard aims to bring consistency to the quality of components used in different dry fix systems. It defines the performance requirements including durability, mechanical fixing and weather resistance and is the first quality Standard specifically for dry fix products. It’s a positive move and should help contractors make more informed choices about the systems we buy.
As most of the onus is on manufacturers to make sure their products are compliant with the new requirements the Standard shouldn’t have a huge impact on roofing contractors.
Having said that, there are still a couple of things you’ll need to do differently as a result:
• Make sure all dry fix systems you use that require BS 8612 compliance meet the requirements or have BBA Certification. To check this, look at the product’s accompanying documentation, which should be marked BS 8612 compliant and also show the maximum wind speed for the system
• Under the new Standard, Dry Verge products can no longer be installed just with a nail straight into the end grain of the batten. In anticipation of this change, Marley Eternit has developed a new Batten End Clip, to help you ensure that the dry verge is fixed securely and centrally into the end of the batten
The best advice is not to wait until the end of the transition period. Switch over to BS 8612 compliant products as soon as possible. To help you ensure all the products you use comply, all of Marley Eternit’s dry fix systems have been tested rigorously, giving you peace of mind that they will be compliant with BS 8612 as soon as it’s launched.
