Battens are very common for homes that use standard asphalt shingle roofing materials. However, there are a number of additional roof types on the market, and not all of them will be compatible with batten structures. If you are planning to install a metal roof, specifically, it is crucial to know why steel roof battens are important for a metal roof. Including them will offer stability to the finished product. In the following segment of the blog, we shall share the details of choosing steel roof battens and the importance of battens on metal roofs. Read on to know more!

What are Roofing Battens?

First, you must understand what battens are before choosing whether they will be the right fit for the metal roof. Steel roof battens are a series of beam-like structures installed perpendicularly to the attic’s rafters. The sole purpose is to offer a clear fixing point for most roofing materials, and they can also provide extra ventilation support.

 

The Crucial Impacts of Having Battens

In most cases, steel roof battens are necessary for several reasons. They make the roof much more stable and offer you the ability to install an extension of the HVAC system in the attic. Ventilation is crucial in these areas because it helps keep the roof from overheating and prevents damage to the rest of the space. Battens can also offer component access to make the necessary repairs and replace the broken parts.

 

What is the Relation of Battens with Metal Roofing?

When deciding whether the metal roof needs battens, the answer will depend on what you buy. Most metal roofing types require you to install special steel roof battens. While planning on whether you plan to place an underlayment, it is better to consult a qualified professional. This is where we come in. We shall talk you through the complete installation process so that you know exactly what is happening.

Installing battens to metal roofs is a great practice. Why? The potential benefits of battens include creating a thermal break to help reduce the heat transfer from the metal to the roof deck. This is a great thing. One of the best and most effective ways to use battens is to cross-batten. This includes putting down the vertical battens first, attaching them through the roof deck to the rafters, and putting down the horizontal battens for the roof panel attachment.

Then, the resulting vertically oriented chambers can be ventilated by reducing the fresh air at the bottom and exhausting it to the top. This offers great results when it comes to keeping heat out of the attic. Also, it can help avoid rooftop ice formation during winter. Cross-battening can increase the roof level. Again, when you have excellent attic ventilation and insulation, these things can be helpful and be much more adequate for most residential homes.

Also, there are concealed metal shingles, shakes, and tiles available. These products have an integral airspace or an insulated cavity within the metal and the roof deck. Thus, it creates a thermal break. The dead air space in the hollow beneath the panels acts like the dead air space within the two panels of the glass in a thermal pane window. This blocks the conductive heat transfer and helps in keeping the attics cool during the summer months.

 

In Conclusion

Finally, when a structure has limited insulation and ventilation, especially in the attic, the battens can be even more helpful when a vertically seamed metal roof is installed. This is from a thermal break. A home with limited attic ventilation is at a higher risk that the moisture deposited on the inside of the living space can get into the attic and it can cause condensation there. When that moisture hits a cool surface, it will condense. It will lead to mould, which is not a good thing. Therefore, the addition of steel roof battens will reduce the roof deck temperature.