Roofing materials as vertical cladding

Continuous innovations in cladding materials mean more people than ever are looking beyond traditional materials to create stand-out cladding designs. But, when it comes to ultimate design flexibility and striking aesthetics, vertical tiling is hard to beat.

Vertical cladding - project examples 

Vertical tiling provides continuity between roof and facade and is fast becoming a popular architectural choice for modern, clean lines. Products like concrete tiles and plain clay tiles from Marley can all deliver visually appealing and low maintenance solutions. 

Clay wall cladding for a zero-carbon house - When looking for a unique and aesthetically striking cladding option for a self-build, zero-carbon house in Belgium, Blaff Architects opted for Marley's Acme Single Camber clay plain tiles. The result was a visually impressive building that also met the technical and sustainability requirements for high-performance thin wall construction. 

Installing clay and concrete tiles as vertical cladding 

Marley's plain clay tiles can provide a weatherproof and attractive cladding to vertical walls, and many of our concrete tiles are also suitable for vertical applications - including our Edgemere interlocking tiles, which give a slate effect.  

Here are some tips for installation:  

Use counter battens over masonry construction (38mmx25mm minimum) to reduce the need for direct fixing. 

Be careful to ensure tiling details do not interfere with the opening of windows and doors.  

Lead flashings and soakers should be used around openings in accordance with Lead Sheet Academy recommendations. 

Use double courses of tiles at eaves. This can be accomplished by laying the first course of eaves/tops tiles with a course of full tiles over it. 

At the tops of walls or under sills, use a course of eaves/tops tiles laid over a course of full tiles. Dress a Code 4 lead cover flashing over by 100mm.  

At all 90° corners, use internal (available for concrete plain tiles only) and external tiles. Purpose made 135° angle tiles are also available. For other angles, close mitre tiles and use Code 3 lead soakers.  

All tiles should be nailed twice. 

Feature and ornamental tiles may be used with plain clay tiles to create decorative patterns.  

Changes to the British Standard for Slating and Tiling BS 5534

As a code of practice, BS 5534 sets out guidance and makes recommendations for the installation of slates and tiles, and all aspects of pitched roofing above the rafters. It applies to new-build pitched roofs and vertical cladding and has undergone several updates since its publication.

What is BS 5534?
BS 5534 is the code of practice for installing slates and tiles to new-build pitched roofs and vertical cladding. It was the first guidance of its kind to provide recommendations on the design, performance and installation of new-build pitched roofs using slates, tiles, shingles and shakes. It also covers normal re-roofing work and repairs.

Installing to BS 5534 isn’t required by law, but its inclusion in a specification can be upheld in court if necessary and following its guidance aids compliance with building regulations.

The British Standard’s contents include batten selection, methods of fixing, wind uplift formulas and a means of calculating fixing specifications. Product manufacturers in the roofing industry typically make sure their installation guides are aligned with BS 5534, with any deviation requiring documented evidence to prove suitability.

Third-party warranty providers like the NHBC and Zurich expect installations to comply, and the standard is also a foundation for competency schemes like Competent Roofer.

If you need any further guidance please contact our Technical Team, they will happily help you with your next project.