If you’re planning a new roof or a major roof replacement, roofing certification isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s part of getting your building legally signed off. In South Africa, municipalities rely on a specific paper trail to confirm that the roof was designed, built and inspected by competent people in line with national standards. This guide explains what roofing certification covers, which certificates are legally required, how to make sure your project is compliant, and the business benefits of doing it right the first time.
What is roofing certification?
“Roofing certification” is the bundle of design calculations, inspection records and formal certificates that prove your roof structure meets the National Building Regulations (NBR) and relevant SANS standards. For pitched roofs (timber or steel), the cornerstone is the Regulation A19 roof certificate—the document your local authority expects before issuing an occupation certificate. In commercial or complex projects, TR1 and TR2 certificates are also commonly required to track truss design/manufacture and site installation. Together, these documents show that a competent, accountable professional has verified the roof as safe and compliant.
The legally required certificate: A19
What is A19?
A19 is the completion certificate for a roof structure issued by a competent person (typically a registered structural engineer, technologist or accredited roof inspector) confirming that the roof complies with the approved design and relevant standards. Municipalities use it as a gatekeeper for the occupation certificate—no valid A19 usually means no occupation.
When is it required?
- New roof structures on new builds
- Structural roof alterations or re-roofs that change loading or geometry
- Often requested by insurers or during property transfers as proof of structural integrity
Who may issue it?
A competent person recognised by the local authority—frequently an ITC-SA listed inspector/designer for timber trusses, or a professional engineer for steel/complex systems. Digital workflows (e.g., the ITC-SA Roof Certificates app) now streamline this process, but do not change the underlying legal responsibility.
TR1 and TR2: tracing design and installation
While A19 is the municipality’s headline document, TR1 and TR2 certificates add traceability:
- TR1 – typically covers the truss design/manufacture: confirmation that trusses were designed to the correct codes and made by an approved plant/system.
- TR2 – confirms erection/installation on site in accordance with the design, including bracing, tie-downs and fixings.
These forms are widely used on commercial and larger residential work to separate factory responsibility from site responsibility and are often requested alongside A19 to complete the record.
How homeowners and developers can ensure compliance
- Appoint a competent person early
Engage a professional (engineer or accredited roof specialist) at design stage—not after the roof is up. They’ll determine wind zones, loading, member sizes, bracing and fixings, and will plan the inspection regime that culminates in A19. - Use accredited designers, plants and installers
For timber, look for ITC-SA registered designers and inspectors; for steel, use reputable truss manufacturers with proven QA. Ask for sample TR1/TR2 templates up front to understand who signs what. - Insist on a complete document pack
At handover ,you should receive: approved drawings, rational design/calculations (where applicable), truss layout, bracing/connection schedules, material certificates, test reports where relevant, A19 (and TR1/TR2 if specified). Many municipalities will not issue an occupation certificate without this set. - Plan inspections, don’t “retro-inspect”
Stage inspections catch problems before they’re covered up—e.g., after truss placement, after bracing/tie-downs, and at completion. Independent inspections are common and recognised nationally. - Keep records for insurance and resale
Scan and store all certificates and photos of critical details (edge fixings, bracing, hangers). Insurers and buyers often request recent proof of roof condition or compliance.
The benefits of roofing certification
- Legal occupancy – A valid A19 clears the path to the occupation certificate, avoiding costly delays.
- Safety – Verified load paths, bracing and fixings reduce the risk of failure under wind uplift or heavy weather.
- Insurance confidence – Claims assessors regularly ask for compliance proof; certification reduces disputes.
- Asset value – A documented, compliant roof helps during resale and financing, demonstrating structural integrity.
- Future-ready – Certified designs make later additions (PV panels, skylights, walkways) easier to assess and approve.
Common pitfalls—and how to avoid them
Leaving certification to the end
Retro-fitting compliance often exposes missing bracing, under-spec fixings or incorrect truss spacing. Appoint the competent person early and schedule inspections.
Mixing components without a system sign-off
Using substitute fasteners or coatings can void warranties or reduce capacity. Stick to the specified system and record any approved changes.
Ignoring edge and corner zones
Most roof issues start at the perimeters where wind suction peaks. Your fixing schedule should be denser there; inspectors will check it.
No paper trail
If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen. Keep every certificate and photo with dates and locations.
How Dezzo Roofing helps you stay compliant
- Engineer-backed design – We model trusses, purlins/battens, bracing and fixings to the correct load combinations and wind zones.
- Accredited manufacturer – Precision fabrication and QA ensure that what arrives on site matches the signed design.
- Inspection coordination – We work with ITC-SA members and professional engineers to plan stage inspections and closure.
- Certificate pack at handover – Our projects conclude with a complete documentation set, including A19 (and TR1/TR2 where applicable), to support municipal sign-off and insurance needs.
Conclusion
For South African projects, roofing certification is the bridge between a roof that looks complete and a roof that is legally, structurally and financially sound. Start with a competent person, keep to the specified system, schedule inspections, and insist on a full handover pack—A19 at minimum, with TR1/TR2 where required. Dezzo Roofing can design, manufacture and coordinate the certification process so your roof passes first time, protects your asset and keeps insurers—and building control—on your side.
FAQs
What are TR1 and TR2 certificates?
TR1 records that the roof trusses were properly designed and manufactured to the relevant standards by an approved designer/plant. TR2 confirms the on-site erection followed the approved design—bracing, tie-downs, spacing and connections. These complement the A19 completion certificate and are widely used on commercial and larger residential projects.
What is a roof structure certificate in South Africa?
This refers to the A19 certificate: a completion certificate issued by a competent person confirming the roof structure complies with approved plans and SANS standards. Municipalities typically require a valid A19 before issuing an occupation certificate.
What is an A19 certificate?
A19 is the official roofing completion certificate under the National Building Regulations. It verifies that the roof was designed/inspected by a competent person and constructed in accordance with the approved design and standards. Without it, you may not receive your occupation certificate.
How much is roofing training in South Africa?
Costs vary by provider, course level and duration (from short inspector modules to advanced design training). Expect fees to range across a few thousand rand for short courses, with specialist programmes priced higher. Check current pricing and schedules directly with ITC-SA and accredited training providers.