IS 15224 : 2002Laying of Plastic Translucent Sheets Made from Thermosetting Polyester Resin (Glass Fibre Reinforced) Alone or in Conjunction with Asbestos Cement Sheets/Steel Sheets/Aluminium Sheets - Code of Practice
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IS 15224:2002 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for laying of plastic translucent sheets made from thermosetting polyester resin (glass fibre reinforced) alone or in conjunction with asbestos cement sheets/steel sheets/aluminium sheets - code of practice. This code of practice outlines the methods for handling, storing, laying, and fixing translucent plastic sheets made from glass fibre reinforced polyester resin (GRP). It covers installation for roofing and side cladding, either as the primary covering or in conjunction with other roofing materials like steel or asbestos cement sheets, to ensure a durable and weather-tight installation.
Laying of Plastic Translucent Sheets Made from Thermosetting Polyester Resin (Glass Fibre Reinforced) Alone or in Conjunction with Asbestos Cement Sheets/Steel Sheets/Aluminium Sheets - Code of Practice
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Architectural — Flooring, Wall Finishing and Roofing
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Always pre-drill holes for fasteners and make them 2-3mm oversized to accommodate thermal expansion, preventing stress cracks in the sheet.
! Fasteners must be fixed through the crest (top) of the corrugation profile, never in the valley (bottom), to minimize the risk of water leakage.
! Store sheets flat on a level surface, preferably indoors or under a cover, to protect them from distortion, discoloration, and physical damage before installation.
AS 1562.3:2018Standards Australia, Australia/New Zealand
HighCurrent
Design and installation of sheet roof and wall cladding, Part 3: Plastic
Covers design and installation of plastic roof and wall cladding, including GRP, very similar to the IS code's scope.
MCRMA Technical Paper No. 14Metal Cladding and Roofing Manufacturers Association (MCRMA), UK
HighCurrent
Guidance for the design of buildings with GRP rooflights
Provides detailed industry best practice for installing GRP rooflights in conjunction with metal roofing systems.
NFRC TGD 2021:01National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), UK
MediumCurrent
Profiled GRP and Polycarbonate Rooflights in Built-up Metal Roof and Wall Cladding Systems
A detailed technical guide focused on installation of rooflights within metal cladding, sharing many principles.
BS 8219:2001British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
LowCurrent
Installation of sheet roof and wall coverings. Profiled fibre cement. Code of practice
Covers installation of a different profiled material (fibre cement), but shares fundamental principles of lapping and fixing.
Key Differences
≠Modern international standards (e.g., AS 1562.3, MCRMA guides) place a much stronger emphasis on non-fragility classifications and specific safety measures for fall protection during installation and maintenance, which is less detailed in the 2002 Indian standard.
≠IS 15224 explicitly includes guidance for installation alongside Asbestos Cement (AC) sheets, a practice now banned or heavily restricted in countries where the equivalent standards originate.
≠International codes of practice are often performance-based, requiring fastener spacing and purlin spans to be determined by engineering calculations based on specific wind loads (e.g., AS/NZS 1170.2). IS 15224 is more prescriptive, providing tables with recommended spans for generic 'heavy' or 'standard' duty sheets.
≠The international standards provide more detailed guidance on the chemical type of sealants, typically specifying butyl-based mastic tapes, whereas IS 15224 gives a more general recommendation for 'non-setting type mastic sealant'.
Key Similarities
≈All standards mandate the drilling of oversized holes for fasteners to accommodate the significant thermal expansion and contraction of plastic sheets relative to the metal or timber substructure.
≈Both the IS code and its international counterparts specify the fundamental principles of lapping, including minimum end and side lap dimensions, and laying sheets in a direction that sheds water and opposes prevailing winds.
≈The use of proprietary fasteners with large-diameter, bonded sealing washers (e.g., EPDM) to create a weatherproof seal at fixing points and to spread the load is a common requirement across all standards.
≈All documents emphasize the importance of correct handling and on-site storage, such as keeping sheets flat on bearers, covered, and out of direct sunlight to prevent distortion, discoloration, and physical damage before installation.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Minimum End Lap
150 mm
150 mm for roof pitch ≥ 5°, can increase for lower pitches
AS 1562.3:2018
Minimum Side Lap
One full corrugation
One full rib or corrugation
MCRMA TP No. 14
Fastener Hole Oversize
At least 2 mm larger than fastener diameter
3 mm larger than fastener diameter
MCRMA TP No. 14
Fastener Washer Diameter
Minimum 25 mm
Minimum 29 mm for self-drilling screws into steel
MCRMA TP No. 14
Purlin Spacing
Prescribed in tables (e.g., ~1400 mm for 'Standard Duty')
Determined by engineering design based on specific wind/snow loads and manufacturer's data
AS 1562.3:2018
Sealant Type for Laps
Non-setting type mastic sealant
Continuous beads of non-setting butyl-based sealant
MCRMA TP No. 14
Fastener Location
On the crest of the corrugation/profile
On the crest of the profile for roof applications
AS 1562.3:2018
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Minimum recommended end lap150 mm
Minimum recommended side lapOne full corrugation
Minimum recommended roof slope1 in 20 (approx. 3 degrees)
Oversize for pre-drilled fastener holes2 to 3 mm larger than fastener diameter
What is the minimum end lap required when laying GRP sheets?+
A minimum end lap of 150 mm is specified to ensure weather-tightness. (Clause 6.2.1)
How should I cut GRP sheets on site?+
Use a fine-toothed handsaw or a power saw with a carbide or abrasive disc. The sheet should be well-supported on both sides of the cut line. (Clause 6.1)
What is the rule for side laps?+
Side laps should be a minimum of one full corrugation and arranged to face away from the prevailing wind direction. (Clause 6.2.2)
Are special washers required for fasteners?+
Yes, sealing washers, typically of bitumen or neoprene bonded to a metal washer, must be used with all fasteners to provide a watertight seal. (Clause 6.3.3)