A large proportion of ceiling defects, such as peaking or cracked joints and popped fasteners, can be attributed to movement in the substrate. Timber ceiling substrates are more prone to temperature or moisture-induced movement and shrinkage. These issues tend to impact the surface of the plasterboard and can result in callbacks. Metal ceiling battens provide a stable substrate for plasterboard ceiling linings. Regular users of metal batten systems consistently have fewer callbacks for movement-related ceiling defects such as peaking or cracked joints and popped fasteners. Once builders change to metal battens, they appreciate the simple installation methodology and enjoy reduced callbacks. Very few, if any, revert to using timber.

 

Types of Ceiling Batten Materials:

There are two main types of timber ceiling battens:

* Metal and Wood:

Metal battens are typically made of Aluminum or steel. They are easy to install because they require no drilling. Wood battens are usually made of pine or fir. Timber battens are more expensive than metal ones, aren’t fire resistant, and are easy to source in the needed lengths. They provide better insulation. Aluminium beams have the benefits of durability, lightweight, ease of source and installation, and fire resistance.

 

How Beneficial Are the Metal Ceiling Battens?

Benefits of steel battens include;

Consistent performance- Less influence from moisture or environmental factors than timber. Unlike timber battens which can vary in grade, species with temperature and humidity, the performance of these metal battens is consistent throughout.

Lighter weight – Lower transport costs and more accessible to handle on-site

Require less storage space—Storage space is often at a premium on building sites, and house-lot componentry will occupy substantially less space on site than timber battens.

Easy to achieve a flat, stable substrate- This results in a trouble-free ceiling and reduces the risk of costly callbacks.

 

What’s the Difference between Ceiling Battens And the Furring Channels?

A steel furring channel is much more robust and is commonly used in commercial construction. Furring channels are also sometimes called the ‘top hat channels’ because if you look at them from their ends, they’re the shape of a top hat. As well as ceiling battens, furring channels can attach plasterboard to walls. Conversely, ceiling battens are used only for ceilings and residential construction.The metal ceiling battens can be made of either steel or aluminium – but steel is usually preferred because it’s straighter. In most of the cases, your plasterer should use the systems and methods that the plasterboard manufacturer recommends.

The furring channels or the ceiling battens are attached to the underside of the roof ceiling joists by using fixing clips for furring channels to run at right angles to the joists. The spacing between them will only depend on the type of plasterboard being used. Once the ceiling battens or furring channels are up, the plasterboard is hoisted up using a special’ sheet lift’ and screwed or nailed directly into the roofing channels at set spaces so that the fixings are flush with the ceiling surface of the plasterboard. When that’s done, the edges are finished with the paper tape, plaster cement base, and top coats as they were for the corners of the walls.

 

Aluminium Battens Are Lightweight:

One of the significant advantages of Aluminium is its weight relative to that of its counterparts. The weight of your ceiling roofing batten application affects the size and scope of the roofing structure required to support and suspend that roofing ceiling batten. Where Aluminium is used instead of timber, the number of support structures needed to carry aluminium battens is significantly reduced. This means the property builder needs to purchase substantially less support material. Subsequently, the installation time of the ceiling and labour costs are reduced as they don’t need to install this extra support structure. Further, lighter battens are also much easier to transport and handle and require much fewer installers to lift into position on-site, making them easier to work with overall.