AS 2050—2002

(Incorporating Amendment No. 1)

AS 2050—2002

Australian Standard™

Installation of roof tiles

Primary referenced Standard
Building Code of Australia
This Australian Standard was prepared by Committee BD-008, Roof Tiles. It was
approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 28 August 2002.
This Standard was published on 30 October 2002.

The following are represented on Committee BD-008:

Australian Building Codes Board

Australian Council of Trade Unions
CSIRO Manufacturing & Infrastructure Technology
Housing Industry Association
Master Builders Australia
Master Roof Tilers and Slaters Association of NSW
Monash University
National Roof Tiling Industry Training Committee
Queensland Master Roof Tilers Association
Roofing Tile Association of Australia
Victorian Roofing Tile Association

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This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 02039.

 AS 2050—2002
(Incorporating Amendment No. 1)

Australian Standard™

Installation of roof tiles

Originated as part of AS CA5—1933, AS CA6—1933

and Int 311—1951.
Previous edition AS 2050—1995.
Fourth edition 2002.
Reissued incorporating Amendment No. 1 (December 2005).

COPYRIGHT
© Standards Australia
All rights are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the written
permission of the publisher.
Published by Standards Australia, GPO Box 476, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia
ISBN 0 7337 4827 9
 AS 2050—2002 2

PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Standards Australian Committee BD-008, Roof Tiles, to
supersede AS 2050—1995, Installation of roof tiles.
This Standard incorporates Amendment No. 1 (December 2005). The changes required by
the Amendment are indicated in the text by a marginal bar and amendment number against
the clause, note, table, figure or part thereof affected.
The objective of this Standard is to provide installers of roof tiles, complying with
AS 2049, with specifications covering the installation of such roof tiles for use in domestic,
commercial or light industrial applications.
This revision extends the subject matter beyond the installation of roof tiles. It includes
installing tolerances for battens, minimum installing requirements for tiles and accessories,
and a general requirement for compliance with the dynamic weather resistance test. It also
includes informative appendices on the recommended nail sizes for batten size relative to
A1 rafter spacing for both hand nailing and machine nailing.
The term ‘informative’ has been used in this Standard to define the application of the
appendix to which it applies. An ‘informative’ appendix is only for information and
guidance.
The use of Notes in this Standard are of an advisory nature only to give explanation or
guidance to the user on recommended design considerations or technical procedures, or to
provide an informative cross-reference to other documents or publications. Notes to clauses
in this Standard do not form a mandatory part for compliance with this Standard.
A1 Statements expressed in mandatory terms in notes to tables are deemed to be requirements
of this Standard.
 3 AS 2050—2002

CONTENTS

Page

SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE ........................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS .................................................................................. 4
1.3 DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................ 5
1.4 PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR THE COMPLETED ROOF ................................ 6

SECTION 2 MATERIALS
2.1 SARKING ................................................................................................................... 8
2.2 ROOF BATTENS........................................................................................................ 8
2.3 MORTAR .................................................................................................................... 9
2.4 INSTALLING SYSTEMS ......................................................................................... 10

SECTION 3 INSTALLATION
3.1 SARKING ................................................................................................................. 13
3.2 BATTENS AND RAFTERS...................................................................................... 14
3.3 TILES AND ANCILLARIES .................................................................................... 14
3.4 BEDDING AND POINTING .................................................................................... 15
3.5 TILING OVER SEPARATING WALLS................................................................... 15
3.6 WORKMANSHIP ..................................................................................................... 16

APPENDICES
A INFORMATION AND WORK NOT NORMALLY PROVIDED BY THE ROOF
TILER ....................................................................................................................... 17
B INFORMATION AND WORK NORMALLY PROVIDED BY THE ROOF TILER 19
C ACCEPTABLE NAIL SIZES FOR BATTEN SIZE RELATIVE TO RAFTER
SPACING FOR HAND AND MACHINE NAILING................................................ 20
 AS 2050—2002 4

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

Australian Standard
Installation of roof tiles

SECT ION 1 SCOPE AND GENERA L

1.1 SCOPE
This Standard sets out requirements for the placement and installing of roof tiles of the
types specified in AS 2049. The installation methods described in this Standard apply only
to tiled roofs of buildings that are intended for domestic, commercial or light industrial
purposes for wind classifications N1-N4 and C1-C3 inclusive.
This Standard applies only to roofs with a pitch of 15° or greater.
NOTES:
1 This Standard does not restrict the use of other installing and fastening methods or materials
where it can be shown that they are not inferior to the performance achieved by the materials
and methods described herein.
2 Where it is intended to install tiles to roofs with a pitch of less than 15°, the tile
manufacturer’s advice should be sought to determine weatherproofing requirements.
3 The type of roof construction described in this Standard may not be adequate to resist wind
forces in cases where the height of the eaves is more than 15 m above the mean surrounding
A1 ground level. In such cases, or in cyclone prone areas, or where high winds are known to
occur, the installation and fastening methods given in Appendix C are a recommended
minimum.
4 Appendix B includes information on the data normally provided by the specifier and the tile
manufacturer, and on the work normally carried out as part of the tiling operation.

1.2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

The following documents are referred to in this Standard:
AS
1170 Structural design actions
1170.3 Part 3: Snow loads
1397 Steel sheet and strip—Hot-dipped zinc-coated or aluminium/zinc-coated
1478 Chemical admixtures for concrete, mortar and grout
1478.1 Part 1: Admixtures of concrete
1538 Cold-formed steel structures code
1562 Design and installation of sheet roof and wall cladding
1562.1 Part 1: Metal
1684 Residential timber-framed construction
1684.2 Part 2: Non-cyclonic areas
1684.3 Part 3: Cyclonic areas
1720 Timber structures
1720.1 Part 1: Design methods
2049 Roof tiles
2334 Steel nails—Metric series
 Standards Australia www.standards.com.au
 5 AS 2050—2002

AS
A1
2701 Methods of sampling and testing mortar for masonry constructions
2758 Aggregates and rock for engineering purposes
2758.1 Part 1: Concrete aggregates
3566 Self-drilling screws for the building and construction industries
3566.1 Part 1: General requirements and mechanical properties
3566.2 Part 2: Corrosion resistance requirements
3623 Domestic metal framing
3700 Masonry structures
3972 Portland and blended cements
4046 Methods of testing roof tiles
4046.8 Method 8: Adhesive mechanical fastener (flexible pointing)
4046.9 Method 9: Determination of dynamic weather resistance
4055 Wind loads for housing
AS/NZS
1170 Structural design actions
1170.1 Part 1: Permanent, imposed and other actions
1170.2 Part 2: Wind actions
3500 National plumbing and drainage code
4200 Pliable building membranes and underlays
4200.1 Part 1: Materials
4200.2 Part 2: Installation requirements
4600 Cold-formed steel structures
BCA Building Code of Australia
BS
EN 12878 Pigments for the colouring of building materials based on cement and/or lime.
Specifications and methods of test

1.3 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions below apply.
NOTE: Care should be taken to ensure that the definitions and terms used in this Standard are
properly understood and that terminology appropriate to the trade in the particular locality is
used. Reference to local trade organizations may be helpful.
1.3.1 Ancillary
A product used to finish the roof and includes apex, ridge and barge tiles.
1.3.2 Anti-ponding device/board
A lining fixed along the eaves line from the top of the facia back up the rafter with a
clearance of approximately 50 mm below the first batten, which prevents the sarking from
ponding or sagging due to the accumulation of moisture.
NOTE: The anti-ponding device/board should be waterproof or water-resistant.

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AS 2050—2002 6

1.3.3 Edge of roof

The area of a roof bounded by the eaves, ridge, hips and barge, extending towards the
centre of the roof for a distance equal to 0.1 multiplied by the minimum plan dimension of
the building, measured from eaves to eaves, or barge to barge. For roofs in a domestic
application, a 1200 mm wide band bounded by the eaves, ridge, hips and barge extending
towards the centre of the roof, is deemed to satisfy this requirement (see Figures 1 and 2).
1.3.4 Flexible pointing material
Type of an adhesive mechanical fastener (see AS 4046.8).
1.3.5 High wind areas
Areas in which the basic design wind velocity is modified for terrain and height in
accordance with AS/NZS 1170.2 or AS 4055 to give wind classification N3 or greater.
1.3.6 Mechanical fastening
Component used to install a roof, e.g., nails, screws, clips, and flexible pointing material in
accordance with AS 4046.8.
1.3.7 Pliable building membrane (or underlay)
A pliable material that is installed to act as a sarking membrane, thermal insulation or
vapour barrier, or any combination of the three.
1.3.8 Rafter
Roof member that runs parallel to the fall of the roof and supports roof battens.
1.3.9 Roof tile
A moulded interlocking non-metallic product used to form the field of the roof.
1.3.10 Sarking membrane (or water barrier)
A material intended to collect and discharge any water that might penetrate a building, and
which may have some water absorbency properties for some applications.
1.3.11 Thermal insulation
A material or assembly of materials intended to provide resistance to heat flow.
1.3.12 Weatherproof
When the performance of a roofing system or component is equal to or better than that of
the datum specimen if subjected to the dynamic weather resistance test, which is detailed in
AS 4046.9.

1.4 PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR THE COMPLETED ROOF

1.4.1 Loading
The installing, as specified by the tile manufacturer, of sarking, battens, tiles and ancillaries
shall be sufficient for the completed roof to withstand the loading requirements of
AS/NZS 1170.1, AS/NZS 1170.2 (or AS 4055 for housing) and AS 1170.3.
1.4.2 Weather resistance
The completed roof shall be sufficiently free from defect or distortion to be weatherproof,
and shall perform to at least the results obtained by the datum specimen when subjected to
the dynamic weather resistance specified in AS 4046.9.

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 7 AS 2050—2002

1.4.3 Adhesive mechanical fastening

A1
Flexible pointing material to be used as adhesive mechanical fastening shall meet the
testing requirements specified in AS 4046.8 and shall include flexible pointing on collars
(cuffs).

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AS 2050—2002 8

S E C T I ON 2 M A T E R I A L S

2.1 SARKING
2.1.1 Pliable roof sarking
Pliable roof sarking shall comply with AS/NZS 4200.1.
2.1.2 Reflective foil laminate
Sarking membranes of reflective foil laminate shall have an anti-glare finish and shall
comply with AS/NZS 4200.1.
2.1.3 Rigid or semi-rigid materials
Rigid or semi-rigid materials may be used, provided that a performance and life expectancy
equal to or greater than pliable roof sarking or reflective foil laminate can be demonstrated.
NOTE: For alternative materials, regulatory authorities may require third party appraisal.

2.2 ROOF BATTENS

2.2.1 Timber battens
Timber battens shall be in accordance with AS 1684.2, AS 1684.3 or AS 1720.1, as
appropriate. The minimum acceptable roof batten sizes for roofs supporting roof tiles only,
and for nominal batten spacing of 330 mm, shall be in accordance with Tables 1 and 2. For
spans greater than 900 mm, see AS 1684.2 and AS 1684.3, as appropriate.

TABLE 1
MAXIMUM BATTEN CLEAR SPAN
(Supporting roof tiles only)
Unseasoned softwood F5

Size Wind classification

mm N1 – N4, C1 & C2 C3
25 mm × 75 mm 500 mm 450 mm
38 mm × 38 mm 650 mm 600 mm
38 mm × 50 mm 800 mm 750 mm
38 mm × 75 mm 1100 mm 900 mm
50 mm × 50 mm 1200 mm 1000 mm
50 mm × 75 mm 1200 mm 1200 mm
NOTES:
1 Battens are not suitable for the support of construction loads prior to fixing of roof tiles.
2 The roof batten sizes determined from the above table accommodate local wind pressure
effects that occur near edges of roofs.
3 Allowable spans and overhangs are based on a maximum tile roof mass of 60 kg/m 2.
Overhangs should not exceed 50% of actual backspan.

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 9 AS 2050—2002

TABLE 2
MAXIMUM BATTEN CLEAR SPAN
(Supporting roof tiles only)
Unseasoned hardwood F8

Size Wind classification

mm N1 – N4, C1 & C2 C3
25 mm × 38 mm 450 mm NS
25 mm × 50 mm 570 mm 550 mm
25 mm × 75 mm 750 mm 750 mm
38 mm × 38 mm 1000 mm 850 mm
38 mm × 50 mm 1150 mm 1000 mm
38 mm × 75 mm 1200 mm 1200 mm
50 mm × 50 mm 1200 mm 1200 mm
50 mm × 75 mm 1200 mm 1200 mm
NOTES:
1 Battens are not suitable for the support of construction loads prior to fixing of roof
tiles.
2 The roof batten sizes determined from the above table accommodate local wind
pressure effects that occur near edges of roofs.
3 Allowable spans and overhangs are based on a maximum tile roof mass of 60 kg/m 2.
Overhangs should not exceed 50% of actual backspan.

2.2.2 Steel battens

Steel battens shall be designed in accordance with AS/NZS 4600, AS 1538 and AS 3623.
They shall be manufactured from metallic coated steel with a minimum coating class of
Z275 or AZ150 in accordance with AS 1397.
NOTE: In highly corrosive areas, advice on suitability should be sought from the steel batten
manufacturer. Refer to AS 3700 for classification of corrosive areas.

2.3 MORTAR
A1
Mortar mixes used for bedding or pointing shall be in accordance with, AS 2701 and
AS 3700, and the following:
(a) Cement shall be in accordance with AS 3972.
(b) Sand shall be in accordance with AS 2758.1.
(c) Admixtures shall be in accordance with AS 1478.1.
(d) Pigments used for colouring of mortar used for pointing shall comply with
BS EN 12878.
A1
(e) Mix proportions shall be as follows:
(i) Cement mortar for bedding (1:4) 1 cement, 4 ±0.4 sand
(ii) Cement mortar for pointing (1:3) 1 cement, 3 ±0.3 sand
NOTE: Pigment proportions should be in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.

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AS 2050—2002 10

2.3.1 Flexible pointing

All flexible pointing adhesives shall be labelled with maximum ‘open’ time in high
temperature, high humidity climate to reduce chance of application spoiled adhesive.
Flexible pointing material that has met the testing requirements specified in AS 4046.8 shall
be labelled as adhesive mechanical fastening material and shall specify compatible bedding
additives and thickness of application. All other non-compliant flexible pointing material
shall be marked as flexible pointing and shall be used only in addition to other fastening
methods, such as nail/screws, to achieve the required mechanical fastening strength as
specified in Clause 2.4.2.
Any additive in bedding mix shall be to the flexible pointing manufacturer’s
recommendations only.

2.4 INSTALLING SYSTEMS

2.4.1 General
Installing systems may comprise, either singly or in a combination, flexible pointing, fillers,
cement mortars and mechanical fastenings such as clips, nails, screws and adhesives.
Irrespective of which installing system and where it is used, the applicable requirements of
AS/NZS 1170.1, AS/NZS 1170.2, AS 1170.3 or AS 4055 shall be satisfied.
2.4.2 Installing requirements
Tiles and ancillaries shall be installed using mechanical fasteners in accordance with
Table 4.
Additionally, the following applies in the application of Table 4:
(a) Table 4 shall be used in conjunction with Table 3 and the loading requirements of
Clauses 1.4 and 2.4.1.
(b) Mechanical systems shall comply with the loading criteria of Clause 1.4.
(c) Mechanical fasteners shall be designed to resist the appropriate wind classification of
the site. The following also applies:
(i) The specification for installing of the batten to the rafter or truss is dependent
on the design wind classification as nominated by the designer. Such
specification should take into account building height, the terrain category,
topographic classification and shielding classification as given in
AS/NZS 1170.2 or AS 4055.
(ii) Some regulatory authorities provide wind classification maps or wind
classifications for designated sites within their jurisdiction.
(iii) Nails for batten installing shall provide adequate withdrawal loads to resist the
appropriate wind loads as determined in tests on the substrate timber or in
accordance with AS 1720.1.
(d) Installing tiles to battens and battens to steel frames shall be by non-ferrous, stainless
steel or steel with an appropriate corrosion-resistant coating. For galvanic protection,
see Clause 2.4.3.
NOTES:
1 Appendix C gives nominal mechanical fixing when fixing battens to rafters/trusses.
2 Nails used for installing tiles to steel frames should be as specified by the manufacturer of
the steel frame.

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 11 AS 2050—2002

(e) Clout nails used to fix tiles and ancillaries to battens/purlins shall comply with
AS 2334, have a minimum diameter of 2.8 mm, and be of such a length that the nail
will penetrate not less than 15 mm into the batten.
(f) Self-drilling screws shall comply with AS 3566.
NOTES:
1 Care is necessary to avoid overdrilling, which may split the timber batten or strip the
screw thread.
2 Clips for installing tiles should be non-ferrous, stainless steel or steel with an appropriate
corrosion-resistant coating. The clip should be designed so as not to interfere with the fit
of the tiles.
3 The clips should be as specified by the roof tile manufacturer. They may need to be
sprung to allow for shrinkage of timber battens.

TABLE 3
WIND CLASSIFICATION AND MAXIMUM DESIGN GUST WIND SPEED
Maximum design gust wind speed (m/s)

Wind classification Permissible stress method Serviceability limit state Ultimate limit state
(Vp ) (V s) (Vu )

N1 28 (W28N) 26 34
N2 33 (W33N) 26 40
N3C1 41 (W41N/C) 32 50
N4C2 50 (W50N/C) 39 61
C3 60 (W60C) 47 74
NOTE: Wind classifications in Table 3 are as defined in AS 4055.

A1 TABLE 4
MINIMUM MECHANICAL INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS FOR
TILES AND ANCILLARIES
Ancillary installation (see Figures 1
Wind Tile installation
and 2)
classification
Edge of roof* Field of roof Ridge, hip and barge tiles
N1 and N2 Mechanically fasten each full tile in second Mechanically fasten each tile
course and then every second tile in every
course or every tile in each alternate course
N3 and C1 Mechanically fasten Mechanically fasten Mechanically fasten each tile
each full tile in each second full tile
second course in every course
N4 and C2/C3 Mechanically fasten Mechanically fasten Mechanically fasten each tile
every full tile every full tile
* See Clause 1.3.3.
NOTES:
1 Laboratory testing has shown that only a minor deflection of truly adherent mortar will result in a
breakage of either, or both, ridge or tile upon deflection of the roof. In most instances of mortar bedding
and pointing, a truly long-term adherent bond does not exist. Experience has shown that roofs in practice
deflect and mortar does inevitably break. Therefore, mortar bonding should not be used as a minimum
mechanical installation.
2 For pitches over 35°, extra precautions shall be taken. Refer to tile manufacturer for technical
recommendations.
3 For values greater than C3, refer to manufacturer’s recommendations.

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AS 2050—2002 12

FIGURE 1 PLAN OF A TYPICAL HIP AND GABLE ROOF SHOWING THE

MECHANICAL FASTENING REQUIREMENTS

FIGURE 2 PLAN OF A TYPICAL L –SHAPED HIP AND GABLE ROOF SHOWING

THE MECHANICAL FASTENING REQUIREMENTS

2.4.3 Galvanic protection

The installing systems used shall either be compatible with any other material with which
they may be in contact with in the roof or, if incompatible, metal fittings shall be insulated
from such material. The fastenings may be suitably plated or coated to achieve the
necessary durability or compatibility, or both.
NOTES:
1 In highly corrosive areas, fastenings should be manufactured from and coated with materials
that ensure resistance to the increased risks of corrosion these areas present. See AS 3700 for
classification of corrosive areas.
2 AS 1562.1 provides details for protection against corrosion and acceptability of direct contact
between metals or alloys.

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 13 AS 2050—2002

SECT ION 3 I NSTA L L A T I ON

3.1 SARKING
3.1.1 General
Sarking shall be provided for all roofs where the design wind classification category is
greater than N3. Where required, pliable and reflective-foil sarking shall be installed in
accordance with AS 4200.2.
Where rigid or semi-rigid material is used as sarking, it shall be installed to provide
adequate means for the water to discharge to the eaves.
NOTE: Sarking may also be necessary in other circumstances depending on roof pitch, length of
rafter, fire hazard or tile type.
3.1.2 Anti-ponding device/board
An anti-ponding device/board shall be provided as follows:
A1
(a) On sarked roofs with pitches of less than 20°.
(b) On all roof pitches where there are no eaves overhang.
3.1.3 Damage
Care shall be taken to avoid damaging the sarking during installation or tile-installing
operations. Any tears or punctures, other than those caused by the installation of fixings
over rafters, shall be repaired with a purpose-made sarking tape.
3.1.4 Requirements for roofs without general sarking
Water shall not be discharged from a gutter/valley or downpipe on to tiled roofs, unless
adequate provision is made to prevent inundation of the tiling or to conduct penetrated
water away. Such provisions would include spreader pipes, flashing or sarking.
The provision of spreader pipes or flashing shall be in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.
Where sarking is used, it shall be a minimum width of 1800 mm, either side from the point
of discharge, and extended down to the eaves gutter.
3.1.5 Long rafter lengths
Long rafter lengths may require sarking to prevent inundation of the roof. These lengths
may vary according to the tile type, the pitch of the roof and the exposure. The
manufacturer’s specifications should be consulted. Table 5 indicates maximum rafter
lengths, measured from the topmost point of the rafter downwards, below which sarking
shall be installed over the remainder of the rafter length.

TABLE 5
SARKING REQUIREMENTS IN RELATION
TO PITCH/RAFTER LENGTH
Maximum rafter length
Roof—degrees of pitch
without sarking, mm
≥18<20 4 500
≥20<22 5 500
≥22 6 000

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AS 2050—2002 14

3.2 BATTENS AND RAFTERS

3.2.1 General
Battens shall be installed in accordance with AS 1684.2, AS 1684.3 or AS 1720.1, where
appropriate, and the specific requirements of this Standard. At the eaves, the profile of the
roof shall be maintained by the use of tilting battens, fascia boards, or other means.
3.2.2 Batten alignment
Battens shall be aligned to within a tolerance of ±20 mm in 4 m.
3.2.3 Batten spacing
Battens shall be installed to the specified spacing tolerance. This tolerance shall not be
greater than ±5 mm. Unless otherwise specified, the tile end-lap shall be not less than
75 mm.
NOTE: The tile manufacturer would normally supply batten spacing and installing specifications
but this can also be provided by designers.
3.2.4 Batten installation
Battens laid on the flat shall be installed to every support with at least one nail or other
mechanical installation (see Note 1).
Battens laid on edge shall be secured by double fastening or be blocked. Battens in excess
of 75 mm in height shall be blocked or otherwise restrained from overturning. Battens
wider than 50 mm shall be secured with two fastenings to each rafter or truss.
NOTES:
1 For acceptable nail sizes, see Appendix C.
2 Variations in the materials used in trusses or rafters may increase installation requirements.
Advice may need to be obtained from the relevant manufacturer.
3.2.5 Batten joins
All batten joins shall be such that the structural integrity of the batten is maintained. All
batten joins shall be at minimum, butt joined and staggered so that each grouping of three
battens does not contain any more than one join on the one rafter, with the exception of
steel battens which may be lapped over the same rafter or joined between rafters using a
mechanical joiner designed to comply with AS/NZS 1170.1 and AS 3623.
NOTE: Batten joins would normally be over the centre of a rafter. For high wind and cyclone
areas, where the timber batten is unable to be joined over a rafter, individual engineering design
and certification, or other published documentation that is deemed to comply under the Building
Code of Australia, will need to be used.

3.3 TILES AND ANCILLARIES

3.3.1 General
Tiles and ancillaries shall be installed in accordance with Table 4. All tiles shall be aligned
vertically and horizontally.
3.3.2 Sarked roofs
Where the roof is fully sarked in accordance with Clause 3.1, the wind classification in
Table 3 may be reduced one class for the purposes of Table 4.
NOTE: Table 4 is based on AS 4055, modified for terrain and height.
3.3.3 Set out
Tiles in each course or in each alternative course shall be set out in vertical alignment so
that the tiling shall present a regular and even appearance.

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 15 AS 2050—2002

3.3.4 Gable tiles

All starters, finishers, and full tiles at the end of each course at a gable shall be
mechanically fastened. Flexible pointing shall not be used as the sole means of mechanical
fastening. Flexible pointing shall be used in conjunction with either nails, screws, or clips.
On unlined projecting gables, every tile in the overhanging portion shall be mechanically
fastened.
3.3.5 Eaves tiles
Eaves tiles shall overhang the fascia or tilting batten by an amount sufficient—
(a) to ensure that water discharges into the gutter; and
(b) to permit replacement of the gutter.
NOTE: This will usually mean an overhang of 50 ±15 mm.
Where no eaves gutter is provided, every eaves tile shall be mechanically installed in
accordance with the appropriate loading requirements.
3.3.6 Hips
Provision shall be made to align tiles and part tiles at hips to ensure that they are in the
same plane as adjacent tiling.
3.3.7 Ridging
All ridging shall be laid so as to achieve a straight and regular line of ridge tiles.
3.3.8 Barge capping tiles
All barge capping tiles shall be mechanically fastened. Screw fixing is recommended.

3.4 BEDDING AND POINTING

Bedding and pointing may be used to hold down, align, weatherproof, infill and decorate
the verge, eaves and junction of tiles and accessories. Where bedding and pointing is used,
all mortar used shall be in accordance with Clause 2.3.
NOTES:
1 Ridge tiles and fittings may be laid without bedding or pointing provided they can be
adequately installed by other means (see Table 4).
2 Bedding and pointing applied to tiles may require the formation of weep holes to permit
drainage.
3 Structural movement may result in the cracking of bedding and pointing.

3.5 TILING OVER SEPARATING WALLS

When tiling over separating walls, only roof battens, non-combustible pliable building
membranes and sarking materials may pass over the separating wall as shown in Figure 3.
The maximum batten size shall be 50 mm × 75 mm. The space between tile and wall shall
be filled with non-combustible fire-stopping material that complies with the requirements of
the Building Code of Australia. Mortar shall not be used to fill this space.

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AS 2050—2002 16

FIGURE 3 TILING OVER INTERNAL SEPARATING WALLS

3.6 WORKMANSHIP
The cutting of tiles at ridges, hips, verges and valleys shall be neat and shall present a
straight line. Tiles at ridges and hips shall extend under the capping by a sufficient distance
to be weatherproof. Similarly, tiles shall overlap valleys by a sufficient distance to be
weatherproof.
The bedding and pointing shall be weatherproof.
NOTES:
1 The pointing should be regular in appearance, and should have uniform colour and texture.
2 For durability purposes, the pointing should be trowelled off to provide a neat appearance.
3 Due to the composition of flexible pointing, some minor surface imperfections are acceptable.

 Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

 17 AS 2050—2002

APPENDIX A
INFORMATION AND WORK NOT NORMALLY PROVIDED BY THE ROOF
TILER
(Informative)
The design and construction of the supporting structure and the subsequent installing of the
roof tiles are complicated procedures involving not only the installing of the roof tiles but
also the input of information from various manufacturers and specialists together with
preparatory work by other trades. The extent of input to be expected from these other
sources is as follows:
(a) Information supplied by the designer or builder The following information would
normally be supplied by either the designer or the main contractor:
(i) Wind classification or design wind velocity (m/s).
(ii) Rafter or truss spacing and material.
(iii) Roof pitch.
(iv) Roof bracing.
(v) Corrosion potential of the site.
(vi) The need for sarking.
(vii) Statutory or regulatory requirements.
(b) Information from the tile manufacturer The tile manufacturer would normally
provide the following advice specific to the type of tile and relative to the design
wind velocity:
(i) The minimum pitch of the roof.
(ii) The need for sarking.
(iii) The maximum rafter length.
(iv) The minimum headlap and installing systems.
(v) Batten installing requirements where design wind velocity is equal to or greater
than C3, including nail or screw dimensions.
(vi) An appropriate tile installing system.
(vii) Materials safety data sheet (MSDS).
(c) Work by other trades Work normally carried out by other trades prior to tiling would
include the following:
(i) Installing all rafters and trusses and all permanent and temporary braces.
(ii) Securing the roof structure.
(iii) Installing all above-rafter boarding and ceiling sheeting.
(iv) Installing counter battens, if required.
(v) Installing bell-cast (tilting) battens, if required.
(vi) Installing gutters and downpipes.
(vii) Installing fascia boards, if required, and barge boards.
(viii) Installing flashing and flashing supports.

www.standards.com.au  Standards Australia

AS 2050—2002 18

(ix) Installing roof ventilation, other than vent tiles.

(x) Installing valley boards and valley irons.
(xi) Installing safety mesh, where required.
(xii) In Victoria and Western Australia, installing anti-ponding facilities.

 Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

 19 AS 2050—2002

APPENDIX B
INFORMATION AND WORK NORMALLY PROVIDED BY THE ROOF TILER
(Informative)
The tiling of the roof should normally include the following operations:
(a) Laying anti-glare reflective foil or sarking and, if required, fire-resistant material over
common walls that separate adjacent dwellings.
(b) Installing anti-ponding facilities, if required.
(c) Installing tile battens.
(d) Installing tiles and accessories.
(e) Bedding and pointing.
(f) Cleaning the roof and gutters of all materials associated with the roof tiling upon
completion of the works.
(g) OH&S operations.

www.standards.com.au  Standards Australia

AS 2050—2002 20

APPENDIX C
ACCEPTABLE NAIL SIZES FOR BATTEN SIZE RELATIVE TO RAFTER
SPACING FOR HAND AND MACHINE NAILING
(Informative)
These recommendations are not the only solution and equivalent performing fasteners may
be used.

TABLE C1
NOMINAL FIXINGS
Battens fixed to unseasoned hardwood rafters (J2)
Wind classification
Rafter
Batten
or truss N1 N2 N3 N4/C1 C2 C3
depth
spacing
(mm) Field Edge Field Edge Field Edge Field Edge Field Edge Field Edge
(mm)
of roof of roof of roof of roof of roof of roof of roof of roof of roof of roof of roof of roof
25 A A A A A B A B B D D E
450
38 B B B B B B B D B D D F
38 B B B B B B C D D D D G
600
50* D D D D D D B F F G G H
38 B B B B B D D F D G G H
900
50* D D D D D F F H G H H J
38 B B B D C D D H G H H J
1200
50* D D D F D G G H H J J J
*
LEGEND:
A = 1/50 × 2.8 diameter plain shank F = 1/75 × 3.05 diameter deformed shank
B = 1/65 × 2.8 diameter plain shank G = 2/75 × 3.05 diameter plain shank
C = 1/65 × 3.05 diameter plain shank H = 2/75 × 3.05 diameter deformed shank
D = 1/75 × 3.05 diameter plain shank I = 2/75 × 3.75 diameter deformed shank
E = 1/65 × 3.05 diameter deformed shank J = 1/75 No 14 Type 17 screw

 Standards Australia www.standards.com.au

 21 AS 2050—2002

TABLE C2
NOMINAL FIXINGS
Battens fixed to seasoned softwood trusses/rafters (JD4)
Wind classification
Rafter
Batten
or truss N1 N2 N3 N4/C1 C2 C3
depth
spacing
(mm) Field Edge Field Edge Field Edge Field Edge Field Edge Field Edge
(mm)
of roof of roof of roof of roof of roof of roof of roof of roof of roof of roof of roof of roof
25 A A A A A C A E D F F G
450
38 B B B B B D C F E G G H
38 B B B C B F D G F H H I
600
50* D G D G G G G H H I I J
38 B B B E D G F H G I I J
900
50* D D D G G H H I I J J J
38 B D B F F H G I H J J J
1200
50* G G G H G I H J J J J J
*
LEGEND:
A = 1/50 × 2.8 diameter plain shank F = 1/75 × 3.05 diameter deformed shank
B = 1/65 × 2.8 diameter plain shank G = 2/75 × 3.05 diameter plain shank
C = 1/65 × 3.05 diameter plain shank H = 2/75 × 3.05 diameter deformed shank
D = 1/75 × 3.05 diameter plain shank I = 2/75 × 3.75 diameter deformed shank
E = 1/65 × 3.05 diameter deformed shank J = 1/75 No 14 Type 17 screw

www.standards.com.au  Standards Australia

AS 2050—2002 22

AMENDMENT CONTROL SHEET

AS 2050—2002

Amendment No. 1 (2005)

REVISED TEXT
SUMMARY: This Amendment applies to the Preface, Clauses 1.1, Note 3, 1.2, 1.4.3, 2.3, 3.1.2 and Table 4.
Published on 5 December 2005.
 23 AS 2050—2002

NOTES
AS 2050—2002 24

NOTES
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