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.

What changed in BS 5534:2015?

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.

How do I determine the wind zone for my site?

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.

Do I need to clip tiles as well as nail them?

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.

BS 5534 Wind Zones — Slating and Tiling

Approximate UK Basic Wind Speeds

Reference: BS 5534:2014+A2:2018, derived from BS EN 1991-1-4. These are 3-second gust speeds at 10m height in open terrain.

Region	Basic Wind Speed (m/s)	Notes
London, SE England (inland)	21 – 23	Most sheltered areas
Midlands, East Anglia (inland)	22 – 24	—
South coast, Bristol Channel	24 – 26	Coastal exposure
Wales (inland)	24 – 26	—
North England (inland)	24 – 26	—
Wales, Cornwall (coastal)	26 – 28	Exposed coastline
Scotland (lowland, inland)	25 – 27	—
Scotland (coastal, west)	28 – 32	Most exposed mainland
Scotland (highlands)	28 – 34	Altitude factor significant
Orkney, Shetland, Western Isles	30 – 36+	Extreme exposure

Site Exposure Categories

Category	Description	Effect on Wind Load
Sheltered	Dense urban centre, heavily wooded area	Significant reduction
Town	Suburban housing estate, small town centre	Moderate reduction
Country	Open farmland, scattered villages	Baseline (no reduction)
Exposed	Hilltop, coastal, open flat terrain	Increase in wind load

General Fixing Requirements

Roof Zone	Low Exposure	Moderate Exposure	High Exposure
General field	Nail every tile	Nail every tile	Nail + clip every tile
Eaves course	Nail + clip	Nail + clip	Nail + clip
Top course	Nail + clip	Nail + clip	Nail + clip
Verge tiles	Nail + clip	Nail + clip	Nail + clip
Ridge and hip tiles	Mechanically fixed (dry ridge system)	Mechanically fixed	Mechanically fixed

Additional Factors

Altitude: Above 100m AOD, add approximately 1 m/s to the basic wind speed per 100m of altitude (varies by method)
Topography: Hilltops, ridge crests, and escarpment edges significantly increase local wind speed — apply topography factor per BS EN 1991-1-4
Roof pitch: Lower pitches generally experience greater uplift. Tiles on pitches below the minimum recommended by the manufacturer may need enhanced fixing
Roof height: Taller buildings experience higher wind speeds at roof level. The height factor increases wind load on buildings over 10m tall
Perimeter zones: Corners, eaves, verges and ridges experience higher local wind pressures than the general field of the roof

Note: This is a simplified overview. The actual fixing specification must be determined by a BS 5534 wind load calculation for the specific site, using the tile manufacturer's product-specific data. Many tile manufacturers provide online BS 5534 calculators. Refer to BS 5534:2014+A2:2018 for the full standard.

See the Roof Tile Coverage Rates and the Rafter Span Tables.

BS 5534 Wind Zones — Slating and Tiling

Approximate UK Basic Wind Speeds

Site Exposure Categories

General Fixing Requirements

Additional Factors

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