Why Do You Need Roof Battens?

Why Do You Need Roof Battens?

Roof battens are an important part of your roofing structure. They serve several purposes:

1. Battens help distribute the roofing material’s weight evenly across the roof deck. This is important, as it prevents the roof from sagging and keeps the roofing material in good condition for longer.
2. Battens also provide a surface on which the roofing nails or screws can be inserted, holding the roofing material in place. Without battens, the roofing material would likely be less secure and could come loose over time.
3. Finally, battens help to protect the roof decking from water and weather damage. By redirecting rain and snow away from the roof decking, battens help to keep the decking in good condition, preventing rot and other damage.

What Is The Purpose Of Roof Battens?

Roofing battens or battening, also known as roofing laths, are used to secure roofing materials such as shingles or tiles. Batten spacing on trusses or rafters is determined by the kind of roofing material and is placed horizontally like purlins.

Roof battens are pieces of lumber installed perpendicular to the rafters on the roof deck to provide a nailing surface for roofing materials and to help rafters spread the weight of the roofing materials over the entire roof area.

How Long Do Roof Battens Last?

Most battens come with an industrially applied treatment technique that guarantees a 60-year design life under Use Class 2. BS 8417:2011 Preservation of Wood is the applicable Standard.

The actual life span will depend on exposure to weather and elements like direct sunlight, temperature changes, and high wind velocity. Also, the level of maintenance required will have an effect on the batten’s life span.

Batten lifespan depends on many factors, including how well the batten is installed; how properly the batten is protected and maintained; whether the batten is exposed to corrosive atmosphere or moisture; and how closely a roof’s parapets are secured to the trusses and rafters.

Does the Metal Roof Need Battens?

Some metal roofs cannot be put over battens in this manner. Metal roofs put on battens can be erected on solid decking as well. It is preferable to have a solid construction for the roof deck.

The battens should be placed at the specified interval and be wide enough for the roofing material. The battens should be positioned over each truss or rafter pair, with horizontal battens placed directly above each rafter set, as recommended in the installation instructions.

If you are thinking of installing metal roofing over your home, consider talking to one of our expert consultants, who will provide all kinds of help to you.

This helps your decision-making process and provide expert guidance in choosing a proper type of roofing material that will last longer and is worth every penny you spend on it.

How Far Can Metal Roof Battens Span?

The 1200mm maximum span Internal spans may be spaced up to 1200mm apart. 900mm is the maximum length of the end spans. Note: The batten spacing must not be more than the manufacturer’s maximum suggested support spacing for the roof cladding material.

It would be advisable to check with the manufacturer of your cladding material for this information.

When battens are placed at the specified span and length, they must be installed over each truss or rafter pair. The corners of the batten can be joined by placing one end into the corner and fastening it with a dab of mortar. This is repeated on every corner up to two or three times, depending on how many corners there are.

Are Roof Battens Treated?

According to BS 8417, roofing battens should be preservative treated to Use Class 2. Different manufacturers utilize varied forms of preservative treatment, which may result in different warranties. MicroPro, a patented preservative, is used in JB Red Battens.

Are Roof Battens Tanalised?

Tanalith E-treated pressure preservative for a long-lasting finish. Available in a variety of finished lengths and sizes, Tanalith E is a Class A preservative that can be used in water and absorbed by the roof batten.

It is delivered in a single-use cartridge, which is installed into the roof batten with a simple twist of the cartridge.

Are Roof Battens Structural?

YES. Roof battens, in any case, are a structural component of any roof. Roof battens are one of those parts of roof building that are frequently misunderstood and disregarded.

Roof battens, on the other hand, provide certain critical structural roles to safeguard your roof in addition to their aesthetic roles.

A well-built and maintained roof is more than just the way it looks. It provides protection from the harshest weather and has significant economic benefits. Roof battens are an integral part of almost any roof, providing critical structural and aesthetic stiffness for the building.

Roof battens, combined with other components such as rafters, purlins, flashing, and underlayment, all work together to fulfill a number of much-needed structural roles within the building.