Wind Uplift Performance

The British Standard for Slating and Tiling, BS 5534, provides the construction industry with a primary source of guidance and recommendations relating to major aspects of the design and installation of pitched roofing. BS 5534 gives recommendations for the design, performance and installation of Pitched Roofs and vertical cladding using slates, tiles, shingles and shakes and their associated components. It includes recommendations and guidance relating to the pitches, laps and details associated with different slating and tiling systems; the selection and sizing of battens and counter battens; the methods of securing and fixing tiles and slates; and includes design recommendations for dealing with the key structural loadings experienced by pitched roofing including recommendations and a proposed test method for assessing wind loading / uplift.

As a proactive manufacturer and supplier of a wide range of vapour permeable and high vapour resistance roofing and cladding underlays, Don & Low have undertaken a detailed testing and development programme to establish the implications of recent changes to BS 5534 on the installation and marketing of our underlay products. In particular a comprehensive testing programme of underlays was undertaken in accordance with the method of test and classification of roof underlays for wind uplift resistance (balloon test) given in BS 5534. All Don & Low products are fully compliant in terms of the required product insert and third party certification.