How can roofing contractors meet the batten grading requirements of BS 5534

For roofing contractors who want to ensure they meet the roof-batten grading requirements of BS 5534:2014+A2:2018, we have two main recommendations. The first is to do your research to understand the requirements of the standard; the second is to select high-quality products that are made by a reliable manufacturer and specifically labelled “roof battens” – such as Marley’s JB Red roof battens. 

Let’s start with gaining an understanding of the standard and its requirements for roofing battens. 

What is BS 5534 and why is it important when selecting roof battens? 

The code of practice for slating and tiling for pitched roofs and vertical cladding, BS 5534:2014+A2:2018 aims to raise the standard in roofing, providing extensive guidance on the design, performance and installation of pitched roofs. In regard to battens, it sets out specific requirements for how roofing battens should be manufactured, treated, tested, labelled and installed. 

 
BS 5534 applies to all new-build roofs and re-roofing projects. However, the recommendations may not be appropriate in some cases, such as where traditional or reclaimed materials are used. It’s also important to note that BS 5534 does not cover the structural design of the roof. 

 
Adhering to the standard helps roofers install high-quality roofs that can be guaranteed by the manufacturer and qualify the work for insurance purposes. Failing to meet the standards may void such protections. Compliance is also required for members of trade associations such as the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and the Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CORC). 

When was BS 5534 last updated? 

BS 5534 was extensively updated in 2018. The changes made to the standard reflected improvements to working practices and introduced some fundamental changes to product selection, such as: 

 

Battens: Roof battens must meet the requirements of the standard, be factory-graded and marked correctly. 

Wind loading: BS 5534 introduced new methods of calculating roof wind loadings, resulting in increased fixing specifications and addressing areas where there had been roof failures. 

Fixing specifications: All single lap tiles must be mechanically fixed, using all nails, clips and/ or a combination of both. There were also changes for slates and plain tiles. 

Underlays: New testing methods and guidance regarding wind uplift, drape and possible ballooning. 

Mortar: Mortar is now deemed to have no tensile strength so areas such as hips and ridges must be mechanically fixed. 

 

 What type of batten is right for roofing?

There are many uses for timber battens that are not connected with roofing, so it is important that the end use is identified so the correct product is selected.  
 

The only battens suitable for roofing projects are those that have been factory-graded to BS 5534. These should be individually marked with BS 5534 and other relevant information. 

How are roofing battens graded? 

BS 5534 requires that all timber roofing battens be graded and marked with relevant information at the point of delivery. This means that on-site grading is not possible. 

 
Pre-grading roof battens can be done either visually or by machine using high-speed cameras and laser-scanning technology. Machine grading is preferable, due to it being more accurate and consistent.

 
The grading process looks at the thickness of the battens, the size and number of knots, and defects and distortion. Wood species and preservative treatments are also considered. 
 

How to tell if roof battens meet the requirements of BS 5534 

Once you understand the requirements of BS 5534, it’s time to select compliant roofing battens. 

 
As we’ve already mentioned, only battens that have been pre-graded and passed the inspection can be called roofing battens. To distinguish roofing battens from other types of battens, suitable products are often tinted, and they must be individually marked with relevant information, including: 

 

• Supplier 
• Origin (species code) 
• Graded BS 5534 
• Size 
  
  

Documentation should also be readily available, which provides more detailed information, including:  

• Name of supplier 

• Origin (species code) 

• Graded in accordance with BS 5534 

• Basic size 

• Type of preservative and method of treatment 

• Third-party accreditation, if relevant 
  
  

Unfortunately, in recent years, a number of counterfeit products have entered the market, meaning that tinting and marking are not always guarantees that selected battens meet the relevant standards. That’s why it’s also important to source roofing battens from trustworthy suppliers and from reliable manufacturers. 

Marley’s JB Red roof battens are manufactured to provide quality and reliability. They are machine graded to ensure they meet the requirements of BS 5534 and have third-party accreditation from the BBA and CCPI product verification. 

To learn more about our roof battens, visit the JB Red roof battens product page or download our roofing battens brochure. You can also get in touch with a member of our technical team if you have any questions about ensuring a product is suitable for your project.