In recent times, timber shortages have presented many challenges with roofing battens being particularly difficult to source. However, as timber availability has subsequently improved, we are now seeing increased volumes of imported material, and in the case of roofing battens, even poor quality and under-sized products entering the UK roofing market.
Roofing battens are one of the most important parts of a pitched roof. Acting as a central structural and load-bearing element to the roof. As well as supporting the dead and heavy weight of tiles and the imposed wind loads, roofing battens that are BS 5534 graded can also be used as a secure foothold during the installation process.
There are concerns that due to the high demand for treated battens, there could be occasions when selected roofing battens are not of the required standard or perhaps haven’t been through the right preservative treatment process. This means inferior roofing battens could be used inadvertently, creating the potential for health and safety risks. This is in addition to perhaps weakening the long-term performance of the roof itself.
Marley’s top tips on what to look out for when specifying battens
Ensure compliance with regulations and to mitigate any health and safety risks and deliver a high-quality roofing solution that will last, contractors should always opt for factory graded roofing battens that meet the BS 5534 standard and are produced by an established supplier with a recognised third-party certification.
Check each individual batten is marked to show it is graded to the appropriate level and will communicate the supplier, origin code, and size – all of which are all minimum requirements to meet the British Standard.
Look for supply chain transparency and implement further checks to ensure the battens meet the required standards, such as the overall dimension and quality of the product, as well as confirming that the battens are sustainably sourced with full chain of custody documentation.
Preservative treatment is required in accordance with BS 5534 and BS 8417 UC2, which outlines roofing battens should be processed with a high-pressure preservative. This gives the assurance that the timber has been properly treated to ensure a 60-year service life recommendation.
