In traditional roofs, battens are fixed to the roof structure, and tiles or slates are fixed to the battens. The battens maintain the roof covering in straight, consistent rows and provide a strong anchor for the nails or clips to secure the tiles or slates. They must be capable of carrying both the ‘dead’ loads and ‘live’ loads. Battens are typically timber but can also be plastic, not decaying as quickly. 

In short, battens are wood or metal lengths between rafters to secure the roofing felt, preparing your roof for tiles or slates. They go by several other names, including battening and roofing lath. However, ‘roof battens’ tends to be the most commonly used term. As the name suggests, steel battens are made of steel. 

The installation method and orientation of the battens are determined by the roofing material, the roof pitch, and the environmental conditions that are likely to be encountered, such as wind or snow. 

Most battens share several similarities. The most common is the stamping that should be found on most reputable batten lengths. This should contain information, including the tree species from which the wood has come, which will affect strength and durability. 

 

What Size should Roof Battens be? 

It is important to note that not all manufacturers produce battens that meet industry standards and specifications. This does not necessarily mean they are faulty or unreliable. However, it is best to stick to officially certified battens from reputable, well-known timber manufacturers for practicality as much as peace of mind. 

That’s not to say there aren’t outliers and exceptions; many are also officially certified and sure to meet industry-standard requirements. However, when browsing steel batten sizes, it is a good idea to keep in mind a standard size recommendation, which, according to the guidance from LABC, is 50 x 25mm (width x depth). Naturally, this will differ depending on your roof covering, which we will explore more below. 

 

 

But What About the Length of the Roof Battens?  

This tends to vary hugely and will no doubt depend on manufacturer options. Some will cut the battens to the needed length, while others will have a series of set sizes. In the latter case, it is important to purchase a larger size that exceeds the requirements of your project and cut it down rather than combining lengths of battens to make them longer, as this can negatively affect the strength of your battens and, by extension, your roof. 

 

What Size Roofing Batten do You Need? 

This brings us to the big question. However, the answer entirely depends on several circumstances relating to your project, including the size of your roof, the materials you intend to use, and the span of the roofing supports. Below are some methods to help you find the best size batten for your build. 

BS 5534 is the code of practice for slating, tiling, and roofing shingles. These are the most common roofing materials (for pitched roofs), so we’ll focus on them. BS 5534 applies to all new-build pitched roofs and vertical cladding, as well as any refurbished roofs. 

This standard also dictates the grading of battens, with minimum requirements and tolerances relating to several factors, including size, stated clearly. The standard requires graded battens to be more marked with vital information in an obvious and legible way. 

 

In conclusion 

A batten panel seam metal roof is durable, energy-efficient, and attractive for any building. Proper installation and regular maintenance can provide reliable protection for many years. As the demand for high-performance building materials grows, metal panel roofing and siding remain at the forefront of innovation, providing cost-effective and reliable solutions for diverse architectural designs and environmental conditions.