Answering the most common roof batten questions

There are many questions about roofing battens, particularly regarding roof batten grading, selecting suitable products and the requirements of BS 5534:2014+A2:2018. Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about roofing battens and provide links to more detailed information.

What’s the difference between roofing battens and other battens?

Timber battens for roofing applications are BS 5534 graded to ensure they have the right characteristics for roofing applications.

BS 5534:2014+A2:2018, the code of practice for slating and tiling for pitched roofs and vertical cladding, sets out the standards for roofing battens, including:

• Roof batten dimensions
• Knots, splits and other imperfections
• Wane, distortion and grain slope
• Preservative treatments to protect against insect attack, rot and decay

Roof battens meeting the requirements of BS 5534, ensures the quality and integrity of the finished roof and is important for protecting the safety of roofing contractors, as roof battens are often used as footholds during installation.

Why are roofing battens coloured?

Marley’s JB Red roofing battens are pigmented red. The red colour is applied during the preservative treatment process, and it’s intended to serve as a clear, visual signal that the battens being used meet the requirements of BS 5534:2014+A2:2018. JB Red roofing battens are machine graded, BBA accredited and CCPI verified.

JB Red battens are manufactured from sideboard timber and kiln dried before treatment which  gives a straight, distortion-free batten 

Not all roofing battens are red. Colours are commonly used to distinguish battens, so you might see roofing battens in blue, orange or a natural timber colour.

It’s also important to note that counterfeit battens have been reported – so colour is not the only thing to look for if you want to avoid the dangers of inadequate roofing battens. We’ll cover that in the next FAQ.

What should I look for when selecting roof battens?

To ensure that battens are suitable for roofing applications, the first step is to choose a  reputable supplier. Next is to look at the markings on the battens. Roofing battens should be individually and indelibly marked with four pieces of information:

• Manufacturer
• Origin (species code)
• BS 5534 graded
• Size

The supplier should provide documentation that covers these details, as well as other information such as the type of preservatives used, third-party accreditations and other information such as CCPI verification.

How are roofing battens treated?

Roofing battens should be preservative treated in accordance with BS 8417:2011+A1:2014, the code of practice for preservation of wood, to Use Class 2. This treatment class is defined for  internal use with a risk of wetting, with treatment against rot fungi and insect attack.

As mentioned above, details of the preservative treatment should be readily available from suppliers. You can also look for the presence of a BPR label. The GB Biocidal Products Regulation (GB BPR) defines how products that contain biocides should be packaged and labelled. The information on a GB BPR label should include:

• The identity and classification of the biocides used
• The concentration of those biocides in metric units
• Any hazard and precautionary statements
• Details of possible side effects
  
  

What is factory grading of roofing battens?

Factory grading simply means that the roofing battens were checked by the manufacturer and determined to meet the requirements of BS 5534:2014+A2:2018. This can be done through a variety of methods – ranging from visual inspection, through to high-tech scanners.

JB Red roofing battens are factory graded using our Goldeneye machine technology – Europe’s only dedicated roofing batten scanning line. It comprises a computer-controlled system of laser and camera scanning that checks our timber battens to ensure compliance with BS 5534. This technology provides quick, consistent and accurate grading, for the peace of mind of merchants, buyers, roofing contractors and homeowners.

Is it necessary for roofing battens to be BS 5534 compliant?

Compliance with BS 5534:2014+A2:2018 and following its recommendations can help to achieve compliance with building regulations. It is also required to achieve the standards set by the National House Building Council (NHBC).

How can I find out more about roofing battens?

To find out more about roofing batten specification and selection, download our roofing battens grading guide. You can also get in touch to discuss any queries with a member of our team.