EN 1304

EN 1304, Clay roofing tiles and fittings – Product definitions and specifications, is the European Standard that sets minimum requirements for clay (terracotta) roof tiles and their fittings, such as ridge, hip and verge pieces. It is published by CEN. The current edition is EN 1304:2013, which replaced EN 1304:2005. CEN confirmed the 2013 edition in 2023.

Scope

The standard applies to clay tiles and fittings for pitched roof coverings and for vertical wall cladding and lining. It covers the tile types defined in the standard, from plain double-lap tiles to single-lap profiled tiles, and applies to the products when they are placed on the market.

Key requirements

EN 1304 deals with properties such as:

• Dimensions and regularity – length, width, straightness and flatness tolerances so that tiles lay properly.
• Impermeability – limits on water passing through the tile body.
• Flexural (breaking) strength – minimum load a tile must carry.
• Frost resistance – the ability to survive freeze-thaw cycles. Several test methods are used, reflecting different national traditions, with results declared by the manufacturer.
• Fire – reaction to fire and external fire performance. Clay tiles are widely accepted as non-combustible and as meeting external fire requirements without testing.

Test methods are given in the companion standard EN 539, which has separate parts for impermeability and frost resistance.

Why frost resistance matters

Clay is porous. Water absorbed into the tile can freeze and expand, causing flaking and cracking. Tile durability in cold climates depends heavily on firing quality and porosity, which is why frost-resistance declarations matter in northern and alpine Europe.

Related standards

• EN 490 and EN 491 cover concrete tiles.
• EN 14437 tests the wind uplift resistance of installed clay or concrete tiles.
• National codes of practice, such as BS 5534 in the UK, the German ZVDH rules and French DTU 40 series, govern installation.