What it means

Products used for building and construction work are covered by the European Construction Products Directive. This specifies that roofing slate must comply with a European Standard, EN 12326* and, if it does so, it qualifies for a CE marking.

In the UK, the Building Regulations specify that if a British or European Standard exists for a construction product, these standards must be complied with. As a result, only roofing slate tested to EN 12326 and, therefore, carrying a CE marking can be used.

* This European Standard has been adopted by the UK as a British Standard, BS EN 12326, and supersedes other British Standards relating to these products.
 

European Standard EN 12326

EN 12326 ensures that all roofing slates sold throughout Europe are tested in the same way, using the same methodology, regardless of their origin. Providing they meet some very basic requirements they qualify for a CE marking which means they can be used for building work within the UK.

However, the fact that they've been tested and have received a CE marking does not give an indication of their relative quality or likely performance in use - this can only be assessed by interpreting the results of the EN 12326 tests.

This test information has to be provided with the slates and appears on both a test certificate and a label fixed to the crates.
 

Understanding the results - what makes a good slate?

Providing you understand the significance of the various tests and know what to look for, making a good, considered judgement is relatively straightforward.

For more information, please download the brochure