AS/NZS 1562.

2:1999

Australian/New Zealand Standard™

Design and installation of sheet roof

and wall cladding
Primary referenced Standard
Building code of Australia

Part 2: Corrugated fibre-reinforced

cement
AS/NZS 1562.2:1999
This Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard was prepared by Joint Technical
Committee BD/40, Fibre Cement Building Products. It was approved on behalf of the
Council of Standards Australia on 5 November 1999 and on behalf of the Council of
Standards New Zealand on 9 April 1999. It was published on 15 November 1999.

The following interests are represented on Committee BD/40:

Australian Building Codes Board
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Australian Institute of Building
Federation of Wall and Ceiling Industries, Australia and New Zealand
Housing Industry Association, Australia
New Zealand Manufacturers Federation
Master Builders, Australia

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This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 98495.

 AS/NZS 1562.2:1999

Australian/New Zealand Standard™

Design and installation of sheet roof

and wall cladding

Part 2: Corrugated fibre-reinforced

cement

Originated as part of AS CA44—1969.

Final edition AS 1639—1990.
Jointly revised and redesignated in part as AS/NZS 1562.2:1999.

COPYRIGHT
© Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand
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.
Jointly published by Standards Australia International Ltd, PO Box 1055, Strathfield, NSW 2135
and Standards New Zealand, Private Bag 2439, Wellington 6020
ISBN 0 7337 2715 8
AS/NZS 1562.2:1999 2

PREFACE

This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand
Committee BD/40, Fibre Cement Building Products, to supersede (in part) AS 1639 — 1990,
The design and installation of fibre-reinforced cement roofing and wall cladding.
This Standard is the second part in a series on sheet roof and wall cladding Standards. To
date the series comprises the following:
AS 1562 Design and installation of sheet roof and wall cladding
AS 1562.1 Part 1: Metal
AS/NZS 1562.2 Part 2: Corrugated fibre-reinforced cement (this Standard)
AS/NZS 1562.3 Part 3: Plastic
Additional part under consideration is as follows:
Part 4: Methods of testing sheet roof and wall cladding
The objective of this Standard is to provide the manufacturers, specifiers and installers of
corrugated fibre-reinforced cement roof and wall cladding with the specifications covering
the performance, application and installation of such corrugated products for use in
domestic, commercial and industrial applications.
The main changes of this revision to the previous edition are as follows:
(a) Develop it as a Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard.
(b) Amalgamate AS 1639 — 1990 into the AS/NZS 1562 series.
(c) Update the Standard to include newly developed technology and information.
The terms ‘normative’ and ‘informative’ have been used in this Standard to define the
application of the appendix to which they apply. A ‘normative’ appendix is an integral part
of a Standard, whereas an ‘informative’ appendix is only for information and guidance.
 3 AS/NZS 1562.2:1999

CONTENTS
Page

SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE ........................................................................................................................4
1.2 APPLICATION ...........................................................................................................4
1.3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS ..................................................................................4
1.4 DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................4
1.5 RESISTANCE TO WIND FORCES............................................................................4

SECTION 2 MATER1ALS
2.1 FIBRE-REINFORCED CEMENT SHEETING ...........................................................6
2.2 OTHER MATERIALS ................................................................................................6
2.3 FASTENINGS.............................................................................................................6
2.4 SEALANTS AND WASHERS....................................................................................6
2.5 SAFETY MESH ..........................................................................................................6

SECTION 3 DESIGN
3.1 GENERAL ..................................................................................................................8
3.2 LOADINGS.................................................................................................................8
3.3 SUPPORTING STRUCTURE .....................................................................................8
3.4 FIXING OF STRUCTURAL MEMBERS ...................................................................9
3.5 PURLINS AND BATTENS.........................................................................................9
3.6 ROOFS ........................................................................................................................9
3.7 ROOF DRAINAGE ...................................................................................................10
3.8 SAFETY MESH ........................................................................................................10
3.9 WALKING AND STANDING ON ROOFS..............................................................11
3.10 FLASHING AND PROJECTIONS THROUGH ROOFS ..........................................11
3.11 EAVES AND GABLE ENDS....................................................................................11
3.12 TOP EDGES AND ABUTMENTS............................................................................11
3.13 MOVEMENT JOINTS ..............................................................................................11

SECTION 4 INSTALLATION
4.1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ........................................................................................12
4.2 CUTTING AND DRILLING.....................................................................................12
4.3 SUPPORTS AT HIPS AND VALLEYS....................................................................12
4.4 POSITION AND FIXING OF THE SAFETY MESH ...............................................12
4.5 LAYING THE SHEETING .......................................................................................13
4.6 FIXING THE SHEETS..............................................................................................14
4.7 FIXING FIBRE-REINFORCED CEMENT ACCESSORIES....................................15

APPENDICES
A GUIDANCE NOTES ON ROOF VENTILATION....................................................16
B REFERENCED DOCUMENTS ................................................................................17
C TEST FOR THE DETERMINATION OF RESISTANCE TO WIND FORCES .......18
D SAFETY MESH—LOAD TEST ...............................................................................22
AS/NZS 1562.2:1999 4

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA/STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND

Australian/New Zealand Standard

Design and installation of sheet roof and wall cladding

Part 2: Corrugated fibre-reinforced cement

S E CT I ON 1 S COP E AND GE NE RAL

1.1 SCOPE
This Standard sets out requirements for the materials, design and installation of corrugated
fibre-reinforced cement roof and wall cladding.
NOTE: Advice on the provision of roof ventilation is included in Appendix A.

1.2 APPLICATION
This Standard will be referenced in the Building Code of Australia by way of BCA
Amendment No. 6 to be published by 1 January 2000, thereby superseding the previous
edition of AS 1639—1990, which will be withdrawn 12 months from the date of publication
of this edition.

1.3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

A list of documents referred to in this Standard is given in Appendix B.

1.4 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions below apply.
1.4.1 Accessories
Gutters for rainwater, ridge capping, valley gutters, flashings, down pipes, gutter brackets
and the like.
1.4.2 Loaded panel
An area bounded by adjacent purlins or battens in one direction and by lines of adjacent
fastenings in the other.
1.4.3 Span
The distance between the centre-lines of sheet fastenings to adjacent purlins or battens
measured normal to such centre-lines.

1.5 RESISTANCE TO WIND FORCES

The completed cladding shall be resistant to the following wind forces when tested in
accordance with Appendix C:
(a) Working load test When the roof or model is subjected for 15 min to a force derived
from the combination of internal positive pressure and external negative pressure
specified in AS 1170.2 or NZS 4203 for the particular part of the roof being tested, no
pull-through of fixings, no permanent local deformation, or no fracture or failure of
any part of the sheeting or of the fastenings shall occur. The maximum deflection
between adjacent purlins or battens of the sheeting and fastening system shall not
exceed S/90, where S is the span as defined in Clause 1.4.3. The residual deflection
5 min after the removal of the force shall not exceed S/900.

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If a model is tested in an inverted position, the test force shall be equal to the wind
forces as specified in the preceding paragraph, less forces equal to twice the dead
load of the sheeting.
(b) Ultimate load test When the roof or model is subjected for not less than 1 min to a
force 1.8 times that derived from the combination of internal positive pressure and
external negative pressure, as specified in AS 1170.2 or NZS 4203 for the particular
part of the roof being tested, all parts of the sheeting shall remain substantially in
position notwithstanding any permanent distortion that might occur in the sheeting
and fastenings.
If a model is tested in an inverted position, the test force shall be 1.8 times the wind
force as specified in the preceding paragraph, less forces equal to twice the dead load
of the sheeting.

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AS/NZS 1562.2:1999 6

S E CT I ON 2 MAT E RI ALS

2.1 FIBRE-REINFORCED CEMENT SHEETING

Corrugated fibre-reinforced cement sheeting shall comply with AS 2908.1.

2.2 OTHER MATERIALS

Corrugated sheeting complying with the dimensional requirements of AS 2908.1 but of
composition different from that specified in AS 2908.1 may be used providing—
(a) it complies with the strength requirements of AS 2908.1; and
(b) its resistance to wind forces complies with the requirements of Clause 1.5 of this
Standard.

2.3 FASTENINGS
Steel fastenings (bolts and nuts, screws and washers) used for securing fibre-reinforced
cement sheeting and accessories shall be corrosion resistant.
Corrosion-resistant coatings, where used, shall be sufficiently robust to remain substantially
undamaged by the fixing process.
Self-drilling screws shall comply with AS 3566.
Fastenings for safety mesh shall comply with AS 2334.
NOTE: See AS/NZS 4791 for testing the corrosion resistance of zinc coating applied by hot-dip
galvanizing.

2.4 SEALANTS AND WASHERS

2.4.1 General
All sealants and washers, where used, shall be in accordance with the sheeting
manufacturer’s recommendations, and shall be applied as may be necessary to make the
roof completely waterproof.
2.4.2 Diamond washers
Diamond washers shall be galvanized in accordance with AS 1397, and shall have the
following dimensions:
(a) Width .......................................................................................................... 35 mm.
(b) Thickness ................................................................................................... 1.2 mm.
(c) Radius of curvature ..................................................................................... 38 mm.
(d) Length ........................................................................................................ 45 mm.
(e) Diameter of hole ............................................................................................ 8 mm.

2.5 SAFETY MESH

2.5.1 Requirements
2.5.1.1 General
Safety mesh shall be constructed of steel wire with a minimum tensile strength of 450 MPa.
The wires forming the mesh shall be welded using electrical resistance techniques under
pressure with a maximum mesh spacing of 300 mm.
The mesh shall be galvanized in accordance with AS/NZS 4791.

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2.5.1.2 Loading
In addition to complying with the requirements of AS 1170.1 or NZS 4203 for non-
trafficable roof claddings, there shall be no evidence of damage to any part of the mesh or
its fixings, when tested in accordance with the load tests set out in Appendix D.
2.5.2 Deemed to comply
For mesh complying with Clause 2.5.1.1, the configurations shown in Table 2.5.2 are
deemed to comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 4791 and the loading requirements of
Clause 2.5.1.2.

TABLE 2.5.2
ACCEPTABLE SAFETY MESH CONFIGURATIONS
Configuration
Item
A B
Diameter of wire 3.15 mm 2.00 mm
Spacing of longitudinal wires 300 mm or 150 mm 150 mm
Spacing of transverse wires 300 mm 300 mm
2
Mass of zinc coating 75 g/m 75 g/m 2
Diameter of staple wire 3.5 mm 3.5 mm
Length of staple for fastening to side of purlin 30 mm 30 mm
Length of staple for fastening to top of purlin 40 mm 40 mm
Spacing of staples or other fastenings 300 mm 150 mm

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AS/NZS 1562.2:1999 8

S E CT I ON 3 DES I GN

3.1 GENERAL
Wherever possible, the roof and walls shall be designed to employ standard size sheets.
NOTE: Where there is doubt as to the suitability of the sheets for any particular situation, the
advice of the sheeting manufacturer should be obtained.

3.2 LOADINGS
3.2.1 General
The cladding as a whole shall be designed to withstand the relevant design loadings
specified in AS 1170.1 and AS 1170.2, or NZS 4203.
NOTE: For roofs, particular attention should be given to the design and fixing of eaves and gable
ends.
3.2.2 Construction
Such other loads as may be reasonably expected to apply during the construction of the roof
shall be taken into account. Particular attention shall be given to the effect of the possible
temporary absence of ceilings, walls, glazing, and the like, on the intensity of internal
pressures.

3.3 SUPPORTING STRUCTURE

The structure supporting the sheet roof or wall cladding shall be designed in accordance
with the relevant Standards (see Table 3.3).
Where steel purlins are used they shall comply with AS 1397 and shall be at least
commercial grade galvanized steel having a minimum yield stress of 250 MPa and with a
minimum corrosion resistant coating of 300 g/m2 of zinc.
If site welding is required, it shall be in accordance with AS/NZS 1554.1.
Roof sheeting shall not be considered to —
(a) act as bracing to the roof or building structure; or
(b) effectively restrain the lateral deflection of that flange or surface of the purlins to
which the sheeting is connected, unless the fixing is by bolts or screws in accordance
with Clause 4.6.3 and the purlin manufacturer’s recommendations.
NOTE: The designer’s attention is drawn to the fact that purlins are subjected to reversal of stress
because of internal pressures or external suction during construction and in service; therefore, due
allowance for this should be made in the design of purlins and in all tests.

TABLE 3.3
APPLICABLE STANDARDS

Form of construction Standard

Steel structures AS 4100 or NZS 3404.1
Prestressed concrete AS 3600
Cold-formed steel structures AS/NZS 4600
Aluminium structures AS/NZS 1664.1 or AS/NZS 1664.2
Timber AS 1684, AS 1720.1, or NZS 3604
Concrete structures AS 3600
Masonry AS 3700

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3.4 FIXING OF STRUCTURAL MEMBERS

Fasteners used for fixing —
(a) roof sheeting to purlins or battens;
(b) purlins to trusses;
(c) battens to rafters;
(d) rafters to wall plates;
(e) trusses or other roofing systems to walls and columns; and
(f) wall plates to walls,
shall be designed to resist the loads specified in Clause 1.5.
Particular attention shall be given to combinations of internal positive pressure and external
negative pressure due to wind forces.

3.5 PURLINS AND BATTENS

3.5.1 General
Purlin, batten or girt spacing and number of fastenings per purlin, batten or girt shall be in
accordance with the manufacturer’s literature as appropriate to the design wind pressure.
3.5.2 Alignment
The mismatch of the abutting ends of purlins or battens shall not exceed 2 mm.
Between adjacent fastenings, both longitudinally and transversely, the deviation from plane
shall not exceed 6 mm per linear metre of the distance between adjacent fastenings. The
gradation of the measured deviation shall be generally uniform over the distance between
the adjacent fastenings.
3.5.3 Batten joints
All joints in battens shall coincide with a rafter, truss or beam. No adjacent battens shall be
joined on any given rafter, truss or beam.
3.5.4 Width and depth
The sizes of purlins and battens shall be determined in accordance with the requirements of
the appropriate Standard (see Clause 3.3), provided that, where timber battens are used with
screw fixings, the nominal size of the timber battens shall be not less than 75 mm × 38 mm.

3.6 ROOFS
3.6.1 Roofs with end laps
End laps shall be of a length sufficient to prevent leakage, and in no case less than 150 mm
nor longer than 300 mm. End laps shall be sealed in accordance with the requirements of
Table 3.6.1.
NOTE: All transverse joints between fibre cement and translucent plastic sheets should be sealed
with a suitable sealer.

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AS/NZS 1562.2:1999 10

TABLE 3.6.1
END LAP REQUIREMENTS

Roof pitch Rafter length

Specification
degrees m
>5, <7.5 Seal end laps and accessories with plastic bituminous
0 to 11
sealing compound
Seal with plastic bituminous sealing compound—
(a) end laps and accessories for top 11 m of rafter from
>11, ≤22 ridge line; and
(b) end and side laps and accessories on lower portion of
roof
≥7.5, <10 Seal end laps and accessories with plastic bituminous
0 to 21
sealing compound
Seal with plastic bituminous sealing compound—
(a) end laps and accessories for top 21 m of rafter from
>21 ridge line; and
(b) end and side laps and accessories on lower portion of
roof
≥10 No restrictions No special requirements

3.6.2 Roofs without end laps

Where no end laps occur, the roof pitch shall be not less than 2.5° (1 in 24) except where
the Note in Clause 3.6.3 applies.
3.6.3 Side laps
Side laps shall be such as will prevent leakage. Where roofs are laid at slopes less than 7.5°
and the length of the slope exceeds 11 m, all side laps shall be sealed from the eaves line to
a point 11 m from the ridge or top of the roof, except where the note below applies.
NOTE: The requirements of Clauses 3.6.2 and 3.6.3 are based on the rainfall rate of 125 mm/h for
a duration of 10 min. Attention is drawn to the fact that in locations where high wind velocities
together with high rainfall intensities may be expected, and in exposed positions, the minimum
slopes specified herein should not be used. In such cases, designers should specify minimum
slopes in keeping with the local conditions.

3.7 ROOF DRAINAGE

The selection and installation of rainwater goods shall be in accordance with
AS/NZS 3500.3.2.

3.8 SAFETY MESH

Safety mesh shall be fitted (see Clause 4.4) before any roof is sheeted with fibre-reinforced
cement, except where, at least, one of the following conditions apply:
(a) The roof makes an angle of 50° or more to the horizontal.
(b) The roof is that of a private dwelling or one of its outbuildings.
(c) There is a substantial and closely boarded floor or like structure at a vertical distance,
when measured from the highest point, of the roof of not more than 2.5 m below the
roof.
(d) The members immediately supporting the roof sheeting are spaced at not more than
600 mm, measured from centre to centre.

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3.9 WALKING AND STANDING ON ROOFS

3.9.1 Walkways
For non-domestic installations where it is necessary to use the roof as an access way,
walkways shall be provided in accordance with AS 1657.
3.9.2 Notices
Notices, warning persons not to step onto the roof sheeting, shall be provided in
conspicuous positions on walkways and on all points of access to the roof.

3.10 FLASHING AND PROJECTIONS THROUGH ROOFS

3.10.1 Ventilators and roof lights
Ventilators and roof lights shall be of such structural strength, and shall be so supported,
that they are equivalent in load-carrying capacity to the sheeting which they have replaced
and will not reduce the structural performance of the sheeting.
3.10.2 Projections through roofs
Any projections, such as pipes, ducts, chimneys, and the like, which pass through roof
surfaces, shall be adequately flashed.

3.11 EAVES AND GABLE ENDS

All eaves sheets shall be supported as near to their ends as practicable, and the unsupported
end overhang shall be not more than 300 mm.
Sheets at gable ends (verges) shall be supported for the full width of the sheet.
NOTE: If required, fibre-reinforced cement accessories and matching closed cell polymer foam
products may be used to close the corrugations on eaves and above glazing.

3.12 TOP EDGES AND ABUTMENTS

3.12.1 Top edges
Where fluted fibre-reinforced cement flashing pieces are used at top edges of roof sheeting
that abuts walls consisting of vertical sheeting, the vertical sheet shall lap over the upstand
of the flashing piece, and the fluted apron shall lap over the roof sheeting.
Where the wall is of concrete or masonry, the fluted apron shall be secured to the sheeting
and metal cover flashings shall be used over the upstand.
3.12.2 Abutments
At a sloping abutment, if the direction of the corrugations is parallel to the wall face,
suitable cover flashings shall be used; if the direction of the corrugations runs away from
the wall face, metal flashings having a minimum cover of 225 mm on the roof slope shall be
used.
All upstands to roof flashings shall be provided with cover flashings which in turn shall be
secured to the wall. If the corrugations run into the wall face, the edge of the sheeting shall
be kept back at least 125 mm clear of the wall face, and a suitable gutter, in accordance
with AS/NZS 3500.3.2, shall be provided.

3.13 MOVEMENT JOINTS

Movement joints shall be installed where the length of roof or wall exceeds 50 m. One
movement joint shall be provided in continuous structures up to 80 m long, and one more
joint shall be provided for each additional 30 m in length.
Movement joints in the cladding shall always be arranged to coincide with any movement
joint in the structure.

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AS/NZS 1562.2:1999 12

S E CT I ON 4 I NST ALL AT I ON

4.1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

NOTES:
1 No persons other than workmen employed by the roofing contractor should be permitted
access to any area over which the sheeting is being laid, except as required for supervision
and inspection.
2 Where it is necessary to walk on roofing sheets, this should be done along the line of screws,
i.e. along purlins or battens. Rubber-soled footwear should be worn, and particular care
should be taken when the roof is wet or frosty.

4.2 CUTTING AND DRILLING

Holes shall not be punched in fibre-reinforced cement sheets. The sheets may be cut and
drilled, as necessary.
The holes for fixings shall be 2 mm larger in diameter than the diameter of the bolt or
fixing screw used and, for roof sheeting, shall always be drilled through the crowns of
corrugations.
Holes for fixing the sheeting shall be drilled in exact positions to suit the supporting
members, i.e. on the centre-line of timber or metal supports or, if hook bolts are used, as
close as possible to the top edge of the supports.
No hole-edge shall be nearer than 75 mm to any edge of a sheet.
NOTE: It is usual to drill fixing holes with the sheeting in position.

4.3 SUPPORTS AT HIPS AND VALLEYS

Adequate support shall be given to the raking cut edges of roof sheets at hips and valleys.
Hip and valley trimmers shall be provided and fixed flush with the top face of purlins, and
shall span between the purlins. The trimmers shall run parallel to the edge of the sheeting,
and shall be placed so as to permit the fixing of the sheeting or of hip ridging.

4.4 POSITION AND FIXING OF THE SAFETY MESH

4.4.1 General
Where applicable (see Clause 3.8) safety mesh shall be fitted immediately under the fibre-
reinforced cement roof sheeting, or vapour barrier if it is installed, so that it rests upon each
of the sheeting supports (battens, purlins or the like).
No roof sheeting work shall be carried out unless safety mesh, where required by
Clause 3.8, has first been fixed to a margin around all positions at which such work is to be
carried out. The margin shall be at least 5 m wide, unless the roof or other boundaries
render this distance impracticable.
4.4.2 Relevant positions of longitudinal and transverse wires
Wires parallel to the direction of the corrugations of the sheeting (longitudinal wires) shall
be in contact with the tops of the immediate supports of the sheeting. Wires at right angles
to the direction of the corrugations (transverse wires) shall be on top of the longitudinal
wires.
4.4.3 Joints in longitudinal wires
Longitudinal wires shall be made structurally continuous over the full length of each roof
slope. Joints in longitudinal wires shall not be weaker than the connection of longitudinal
wires to roof members.

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The spacing of the wires resulting from the joining of longitudinal wires shall be—
(a) not greater than the nominal spacing of the wires in the mesh; and
(b) oriented in the same direction as the other spaces in the mesh.
4.4.4 Joints between adjacent lengths of mesh
Adjacent lengths of mesh shall not, when fixed, be more than 25 mm apart, and shall be
strongly fastened together at intervals not exceeding 1 m.
4.4.5 Fixing
Safety mesh shall be fixed to purlins, or the like, at the spacing specified in Clause 2.5, in
one of the following ways:
(a) Where the purlins or other anchorages are of timber, the longitudinal wires of the
safety mesh shall be —
(i) bent over and down and fixed to the sides of the purlins by means of galvanized
steel staples, of not less than the gauges, lengths and spacing given in
Clause 2.5; or
(ii) fixed to the tops of the purlins by means of galvanized steel staples of not less
than the gauges, lengths and spacings given in Clause 2.5.
All staples shall be driven in such manner that a cross-wire is between the end of the
wire and the staple, or the end of the wire is bent back and twisted twice around the
same wire so that individual wires cannot be drawn from a staple.
(b) Where the purlins or other anchorages are not of timber, the longitudinal wires of the
safety mesh shall be either—
(i) passed once completely around the purlin or other anchorage, the tail of each
wire being twisted twice tightly around the main portion of the same wire; or
(ii) secured to the purlins or other anchorages by means of galvanized steel wire
loops of not less than 3.15 mm in diameter by placing the centre of the tying
wire around the longitudinal wire at a point of intersection of a transverse wire,
so that a transverse wire is between that point and the end of the longitudinal
wire, next passing both ends of the tying wire once completely around the
purlin, and then drawing the two tails of the tying wire in opposite directions
over the two strands of the tying wire and twisting together with at least three
complete turns.
4.4.6 Corrosive atmospheres
Safety mesh shall not be used where it is likely to be affected by corrosion agents. In such
situations purlins or battens spaced in accordance with Clause 3.8(d) shall be used.

4.5 LAYING THE SHEETING

The purlin spacing and the length of the sheets shall be such as to provide the required laps
of the sheeting and the specified overhang of the roofing at the eaves.
All sheets when fixed shall have full bearing on purlins or battens, and their ends shall
extend not less than 75 mm beyond the point of fixing.
Close laying of the sheets at the junction of side and end laps shall be obtained by mitring
two of the sheets, where they overlap at the corners, so that they butt closely and lie in one
plane. The mitre joint shall be covered top and bottom by the other two sheets, so as to be
weatherproof and to be concealed from view.

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4.6 FIXING THE SHEETS

4.6.1 General
In order to prevent deterioration of the fixing and leakage through the fixing hole, all
screws and bolts for fixing sheets shall be corrosion resistant and shall be used with an
appropriate washer and sealant.
4.6.2 Fixing to timber purlins
For fixing sheets to timber purlins, pointed corrosion-resistant screws shall be used, having
not less than the following dimensions:
(a) For roof purlins or battens, as follows:
(i) For single thickness of sheet ............................................75 mm long × No. 14.
(ii) For double thickness (end laps)........................................90 mm long × No. 14.
(iii) For accessories, ridging, apron flashing .........................100 mm long × No. 14.
(b) For wall girts, as follows:
(i) For single thickness and for double thickness
(end laps) of sheets ........................................................ 40 mm long × No. 14.
(ii) For accessories, ridging, apron flashing ...........................50 mm long × No. 14.
Screws used to secure sheets shall not be hammer-driven, nor shall they be over-tightened.
4.6.3 Fixing to steel purlins or girts
For fixing sheets to steel purlins or girts, steel fastenings of length and gauge as
recommended by the sheeting manufacturer shall be used, provided that the gauge of the
bolt or screw used is not less than No. 14.
Where an embracing fastening is used for fixing to tubular purlins, at least half the
periphery shall be encompassed and precautions shall be taken to prevent distortion and
rotation of the purlin.
In the case of light gauge, cold-formed metal purlins, hook bolts or U-bolts shall not be
used. The nuts of bolts, or the heads of screws, shall bear on purpose-made washers to
render the fixing hole weather-tight.
4.6.4 Sealing
Each bolt and screw shall be fitted with a purpose-made washer overlaying a matching
sealing washer. Where the fastenings are attached by stud welding, a hollow crown nut shall
be used to secure the washers.
NOTE: Mastic sealing compound should be placed on the sheet surrounding the fixing hole, in
sufficient quantity so that it squeezes up through the washer when the fixing is tightened.
Bolts or screws shall be tightened firmly, but only to the extent that they seat the washers
over the corrugations to provide sealing whilst still permitting slight movement between the
structural frame and the sheeting.
4.6.5 Number of fastenings
The number of fastenings per purlin or batten shall be in accordance with the
manufacturer’s installation specifications for the appropriate anticipated wind loading.
Where three fixings are required for each roof sheet on each purlin or batten, the fixings
shall be placed through the crown of the second, fourth and seventh corrugations. Where
two fixings are required, the second and sixth corrugations shall be so fixed.
Wall sheets shall be fixed in the first and fifth valleys.

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4.7 FIXING FIBRE-REINFORCED CEMENT ACCESSORIES

Accessories shall be secured to the roof by the same fastenings as are used to secure the
sheets to supports, with allowance being made in the length of fastenings for the extra
thickness of the accessory material. Bird-proofing may be provided by suitably contoured
accessories.

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APPENDIX A
GUIDANCE NOTES ON ROOF VENTILATION
(Informative)

A1 CONDENSATION
Condensation will occur on the undersurface of roofing when the temperature of the surface
falls to or below the dewpoint of the air in contact with it.
Climatic conditions in many parts of Australia are such that condensation of this type may
occur.
In the case of fibre-reinforced cement roofs however, the presence of this phenomenon
generally causes no trouble because of the insulating properties of the material.

A2 VAPOUR BARRIERS
Water vapour from any source whatsoever should not be vented into the roof space. To
prevent the passage of water vapour into the roof space, it is recommended that a vapour
barrier be included in the roof system, particularly in areas where condensation is known to
cause trouble. Vapour barriers commonly used include impermeable plastic films or
metallic foils. The vapour barrier should be placed on the underside (‘warm’ side) of the
roof lining, as far removed from it as practicable. Any separate insulating material included
in the roof system should be above (on the ‘cold’ side) of the vapour barrier and should not
be in direct contact with the sheeting. Where the building has a ceiling, the vapour barrier
should be placed on the underside (‘warm’ side) of the ceiling. However, for aesthetic
reasons it is usually placed immediately above the ceiling and under any insulating material
incorporated in the ceiling.
To preserve continuity of the vapour barrier, openings around light fittings recessed into
ceilings, and around flues passing through ceilings, should be adequately sealed to prevent
the passage of water vapour.
Where impermeable insulation materials, such as aluminium foil, are used in close
proximity to fibre-reinforced cement roofing, the space between the roof sheets and the
insulating materials should be adequately ventilated to permit the evaporation of any
condensate, which may collect on the insulating material.
NOTE: For further information on the use of the vapour barriers, see Notes on the science of
building, Numbers 61 and 78, published by the CSIRO.

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APPENDIX B
REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
(Normative)
The following documents are referred to in this Standard:
AS
1170 Minimum design loads on structures (Known as the SAA Loading Code)
1170.1 Part 1: Dead and live loads and load combinations
1170.2 Part 2: Wind loads
1397 Steel sheet and strip — Hot-dipped zinc-coated or aluminium/zinc coated
1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders — Design, construction and
installation
1684 Residential timber-framed construction (all parts)
1720 Timber structures
1720.1 Part 1: Design methods
2334 Steel nails — Metric series
2908 Cellulose-cement products
2908.1 Part 1: Corrugated sheets
3566 Screws — Self-drilling — For the building and construction industries
3600 Concrete structures
3700 Masonry structures
4100 Steel structures
AS/NZS
1554 Structural steel welding
1554.1 Part 1: Welding of steel structures
1562 Design and installation of sheet roof and wall cladding
1562.3 Part 3: Plastic
1664 Aluminium structures
1664.1 Part 1: Limit state design
1664.2 Part 2: Allowable stress design
3500 National plumbing and drainage
3500.3.2 Part 3.2 Stormwater drainage— Acceptable solutions
4600 Cold-formed steel structures
4791 Hot-dipped galvanized (zinc) coatings on ferrous open sections, applied by an
in-line process
NZS
3404 Steel structures standard
3404.1 Part 1: Steel structures standard
3604 Code of practice for light timber frame buildings not requiring specific design
4203 Code of practice for general structural design and design loadings for
buildings
CSIRO Notes on the science of building, Numbers 61 and 78

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AS/NZS 1562.2:1999 18

APPENDIX C
TEST FOR THE DETERMINATION OF RESISTANCE TO WIND FORCES
(Normative)

C1 SCOPE
This Appendix sets out test methods for determining the resistance of a roofing or walling
system to wind forces.

C2 PRINCIPLE
The loading resulting from wind forces is simulated on the test specimen to determine
deflections of the cladding and performance of the fastenings.

C3 APPARATUS
C3.1 General
The apparatus shall consist of a supporting structure, or model of the supporting structure,
and a loading system to simulate the wind loading.
C3.2 Strengthening of the supporting structure
Where the ultimate-load test requirements with respect to wind forces are in excess of the
ultimate wind-force carrying capacity of —
(a) the supporting structure, as determined in accordance with the appropriate Standards
referred to in Clause 3.3; or
(b) that part of the model that is a reproduction of the supporting structure;
provision shall be made to strengthen the supporting structure. However, in no case shall
the stiffness of the supporting structure for the test exceed that of the proposed system by
more than 40%.
NOTE: The ultimate load test specified in Clause 1.5(b) is intended to assess the resistance of the
roof sheeting and its fastenings to collapse, in the sense of the removal of sheeting from the
purlins; that is under wind pressure, the sheeting should not blow off. The tests are not intended
as tests of the purlins or the supporting structure and, therefore, strengthening and stiffening of
the supporting structure and purlins is permitted in tests. However, because deflection of a
supporting structure, particularly of a purlin under its appropriate design load, may influence the
holding power of certain types of roof fastening, the degree to which the supporting structure and
purlins may be stiffened is limited by Paragraph C3.2. Only a nominal limitation can be
incorporated in Paragraph C3.2, and the designer should take into consideration the likely effect
on particular fastening systems of deflection, including possible rotation, of members of the
particular supporting structure and the particular purlin system used.
C3.3 Loading system
Methods of applying the required loads are not specified, although inflatable bags or stacks
of materials, e.g. bricks, have been found to be suitable.
If inflatable bags are used as a loading medium, the bags shall be sufficiently flexible to —
(a) apply force evenly to the area under test by making contact over the entire soffit of
the area of sheeting to be loaded; and
(b) maintain such contact, irrespective of the deflection.
The backing boards against which the bags react shall not be attached to the purlins or
battens, but may be attached to a rafter structure.

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NOTES:
1 It is essential that care be taken to ensure that the air pressure as measured, e.g. by a
manometer, is actually the pressure in the bag. Gauges on the inlet side may not always give a
correct reading and it has been found in such cases that measurement of the pressure on the
outlet side of the system is necessary.
2 Rigid unit materials may be used as a loading medium and the stacks of these should be
arranged so that no bridging from stack to stack takes place. In the ultimate-load test, where
stacks of materials such as bricks may be high enough to become unstable as the sheeting
deflects, it may be necessary to use denser materials to reduce the height of the stacks.
C3.4 Deflection measurement device
In deflection tests, the deflection directly under the point of application of the force, and
normal to the plane of the roof, shall be determined by means of a measuring device
capable of measuring the deflection to an accuracy of not less than ±0.05 mm. The device
shall be arranged either —
(a) in such a way that the deflection characteristics of the roof-supporting structure do
not influence the deflection readings for the sheeting fastenings; or
(b) in such a way that the effects of the deflection characteristics of the supporting
structure can be evaluated and compensated for in the deflection readings for the
sheeting and fastenings.

C4 TEST SPECIMEN
C4.1 General
Resistance to wind forces shall be determined by field tests of the actual structure or by
laboratory tests of full-scale models of sections of the structure.
A model structure shall consist of sheeting, fastening, and purlins or battens, assembled
together in a manner identical with those parts of the practical structure of which the test
specimen is intended to be a model.
Prior to commencing the test, the sheet to be tested shall be saturated by immersion in water
for at least 48 h. As far as practicable, sheets shall be maintained in the saturated condition
during the test.
NOTE: The tests given in this Appendix are designed to test the roof sheeting and its fastenings
and, therefore, the model roof used to assess resistance to wind suction is so specified that fully
sheeted full length purlins need not, in general, be used.
C4.2 Width of the specimen
The width of a model structure or of the test section of an actual structure shall be not less
than the width represented by the attachment of a single sheet to each batten or purlin.
One side lap shall be incorporated into the test specimen.
A test specimen incorporating only two purlins or battens may be used for testing—
(a) the resistance to wind forces of corners of roofs and those parts of a roof that adjoin
eaves, ridges or verges; and
(b) the resistance of a roof to concentrated forces.
For testing parts of the roof other than those listed in Item (a) above, for resistance to wind
forces, the test specimen shall incorporate no fewer than three purlins or three battens.
For normal applications, sheets shall be tested at the maximum allowable span of 1260 mm.
For applications where high wind loads may be expected, testing may be carried out at a
reduced span.

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NOTE: Attention is drawn to the importance of reproducing in the model, not only the effects of
forces on the sheeting and its fastenings that would occur if the prototype roof were subjected to
the factored load, but also the bending effects in the sheeting and fastenings that would also
occur. Such bending effects play a particularly important part in the performance of fastenings for
eaves, ridge and verge under wind forces. The behaviour of the roofing system at these positions
can be reproduced in single-span specimens and at the outer purlins or battens of specimens with
two or more spans by a proper arrangement of load.
At intermediate purlins the fasteners can be regarded as being subject only to a load normal to the
roof. To reproduce such a load without the rotational effects peculiar to the edges of the roof, a
specimen incorporating at least three purlins or battens is needed. All the tests specified in this
Standard can be carried out on multi-span test specimens.

C5 PROCEDURE
C5.1 General
The forces specified in Clause 1.5 may be applied by any method that will —
(a) reproduce the distribution of load, suitably factored, appropriate to the part of the
structure being tested, and
(b) maintain such distribution irrespective of the extent of deflection.
The force shall be arranged so that the relationships that exist between bending moment and
reaction in the proposed system are reproduced in the test specimen.
Irrespective of the particular part of the roof being tested, force appropriate to the
remainder of the test specimen shall be applied to it, except that it shall be permissible to
regard a model roof as singly or doubly symmetrical with respect to the parts of the roof it
reproduces.
NOTE: If suitably constructed, the model can be used to test two eaves fixing systems
simultaneously or even four eaves-verge corners.
Relative movement between fastenings and purlins or battens shall be considered to be part
of the deflection of sheeting and fastenings.
C5.2 Working load test
The specimen shall be subjected to the force specified in Clause 1.5(a) for a period of
15 min.
The deflection at the centre of the loaded panel that is subjected to the highest intensity of
loading shall be measured—
(a) immediately before application of the force;
(b) when the force has been applied for 15 min; and
(c) 5 min after the completion of removal of the force.
The deflection of the sheeting and its fastenings, after 15 min of full loading, and the
amount of recovery, as determined 5 min after the removal of the force, shall be determined
from the measurements.
The sheeting and its fastening shall be examined for pull-through of fastenings, the
occurrence or non-occurrence of which shall be recorded.
C5.3 Ultimate load test
The model shall be subjected to the force specified in Clause 1.5(b) for a period of not less
than 1 min.
The behaviour of sheeting, fastenings, purlins or battens and substructure shall be observed
and recorded.

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C6 REPORT
The following information shall be reported:
(a) The date and location of the test.
(b) Details of the structure under test.
(c) For the working load test —
(i) the deflections determined in accordance with Paragraph C5.2; and
(ii) the performance of the fastenings, noting whether pull-through occurred.
(d) For the ultimate load test, the behaviour of the specimen as recorded in accordance
with Paragraph C5.3.
(e) The number of this Standard, i.e. AS/NZS 1562.2.

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APPENDIX D
SAFETY MESH — LOAD TEST
(Normative)

D1 SCOPE
This Appendix sets out a test method for determining the strength of safety mesh.

D2 PRINCIPLE
Safety mesh is fixed to purlins in a rectangular frame and subjected to dynamic loading
followed by static loading. The extent of damage, if any, to the mesh or to its fittings is then
assessed.

D3 APPARATUS
D3.1 Test frame
The test frame is intended to simulate purlins in a normal roof construction and shall
comprise three bays formed by purlin cross-members —
(a) of the same material and spacing as that to be used in practice; and
(b) with a minimum length of 2 m.
D3.2 Test loads
D3.2.1 Dynamic
The dynamic test load shall consist of sand in a hessian bag, approximately 1500 mm long
by 350 mm diameter and having a mass of 165 kg.
D3.2.2 Static
The static test load shall comprise a mass of 506 kg suitable for application through an area
of 1200 mm by 1200 mm.

D4 TEST SPECIMEN
The test sample of mesh is fixed to the test frame by pulling taut, and fixing to the purlins
using the same fastening system and spacing as will be used in practice.
Where in practice the longitudinal wires will be joined, the test sample shall include a
representative number of joints formed in the same manner.

D5 PROCEDURE
The procedure shall be as follows:
(a) Drop the dynamic test load once, with the long axis horizontal, from a height of
1400 mm into the central bay, such that it strikes a minimum of 10 longitudinal wires.
(b) Remove the dynamic load and apply the static test load to an area of 1200 mm by
1200 mm in the central bay.
(c) Examine the wires, the welded joints and fastenings and any joints in the longitudinal
wires for damage.

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D6 REPORT
The following information shall be reported:
(a) The date and location of the test.
(b) The diameter of the wire.
(c) The spacing of the wires.
(d) The purlin material and spacing.
(e) The fastening system and spacing.
(f) Any damage to the wires, welded joints or fastenings, or joints in the longitudinal
wires.
(g) The number of this Standard, i.e. AS/NZS 1562.2.

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