New standard gets contractors out of a fix

We continue to see an ongoing increase in demand for dry-fix solutions, following the introduction of the new BS 8612: Dry-fixed Ridge, Hip and Verge Systems for Slating and Tiling – Specification standard.

Dry-fix accessories can be fixed with just a few tools in minimal time whilst providing a more reliable and effective roofing fixing solution than just mortar bedding. Russells has been producing dry-fix accessories for more than 25 years and for the last 22 years, it has been at its own dedicated plastics factory in Burton which has seen significant growth.

One of the reasons for this growth was the introduction of the BS 5534 Code of Practice for Slating and Tiling in 2014. which highlighted that mortar bedding for ridge, hip and verge tiles was no longer deemed to be a long term secure reliable fixing method.

Historically, dry-fix was used more across the north of England and Scotland. However, harsher weather conditions across the whole of the UK meant that dry-fix solutions had to be adopted across all regions of the UK because it was a quick, secure and more cost-effective method.

However, in recent times with no standards in place in regards to dry-fix solutions, this allowed for products to enter the market which had not had effective testing to work in every region and this led to regional installation issues and failures.

As a result, Russells strongly welcomed the standard when it came into effect on 31st January as it will prevent some inferior and inadequate dry-fix products from being sold. The new standard specifies the requirements and methods of testing for dry-fix products by setting out both quality and performance criteria.

When looking for a suitable roofing solution, customers will now have more control of their products and should now get the assurance they deserve.

While the new standard is not a legal requirement for manufacturers to follow, specifiers can look to manufacturers like Russells, which has always met the highest standards in manufacturing, to ensure that the standard is being met in all fixing specifications and their roofing solutions are durable and long-lasting. This, in turn will allow Russells and other leading manufacturers to be recognised for its high quality and standards.

Mark Parsons, Technical Director at Russell Roof Tiles, said: “The introduction of the new BS 8612 has been needed for some time and now it is important that contractors remain ahead of the game to ensure that all their specifications meet the necessary standards by stating that all British standards must be met at the start of the process by a trusted manufacturer.

“Russell Roof Tiles’ dry-fix products have a proven track record, having been used across the UK for over 25 years. The materials used are of a high grade and are designed to last. As manufacturers, we work closely with the house builders to ensure that they have the best fixing specification through our dedicated fixing spec tool.”

Russell Roof Tiles is a leading independent roof tile manufacturer providing leading UK house builders and high-profile social housing and commercial projects, where sustainability and eco-credentials are of the utmost priority.