Roof Battens: Everything you need to know

Whether you’re building a new roof or replacing an old one, roof battens play an important role in ensuring everything stays structurally sound and weatherproof. But what exactly are they, and how are they used?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about roof battens, from their sizes and materials to their alternative uses, such as fencing.

What are roof battens?

Roof battens (also known as roofing battens) are thin strips of timber or metal fixed horizontally to the rafters of a roof. They create a fixing point for roof tiles, slates, or sheets, helping to evenly distribute weight and keep the roofing materials securely in place.

In simple terms, battens form the foundation that holds your roofing materials together. Without them, tiles would have no stable support, and the roof would be much less durable.

Why are roof battens important?

Roof battens have several purposes:

Support and spacing – They provide a stable framework for attaching roof tiles or slates, ensuring they’re evenly spaced.

Ventilation – By creating a small gap between the roof covering and the underlay, battens help prevent condensation.

Weatherproofing – While roof battens are not waterproof themselves, they contribute to an overall weather-resistant roofing system when used alongside felt or breathable membranes.

Safety and structure – They improve load distribution and can even offer footholds during roof installation.

Types of roofing battens 

Howarth stocks a range of timber roofing battens, typically manufactured from softwoods such as pine or spruce and pressure treated to help protect against rot, fungal decay and insect attack.The main distinction within the range is between fully graded roofing battens and Type-A roofing battens. Fully graded battens are manufactured and graded to meet the requirements of BS 5534 for slating and tiling and are suitable for supporting roof coverings on new-build and replacement roofing projects. They are designed for use where compliance with current roofing standards is required and provide a reliable fixing point for roof tiles and slates.Type-A roofing battens are a more economical option intended for general-purpose building and non-structural applications.

While they can be used across a variety of construction projects, they are not suitable for applications where a fully graded roofing batten is specified for supporting roof coverings.When choosing roofing battens, always check the product specification to ensure the batten is suitable for the intended application and complies with any relevant project requirements.

Roof batten sizes

Roof batten sizes can vary depending on the roofing material and pitch of the roof. Common standard sizes in the UK include:

25mm x 38mm – for lightweight roof tiles

25mm x 50mm – for heavier tiles or slates

19mm x 38mm – often used for felt and batten roofing systems

Always check manufacturer recommendations before installation to ensure the correct batten size and spacing are used.

If you’re wondering how many roof battens per m² you’ll need, this will depend on the size of your tiles and the batten spacing. On average, there are around 4 to 5 battens per square metre, but this can vary with roof design and tile overlap.

How to batten a roof

Learning how to batten a roof is an essential skill for roofing projects. Here’s a simplified process:

1. Lay roofing felt or membrane – Start by covering the rafters with a breathable underlay.
2. Mark spacing lines – Use a chalk line or batten gauge to mark where each batten should go.
3. Fix the battens – Secure each batten horizontally using appropriate nails. If you’re wondering what size nails for roof battens, 65mm nails are typical for 25mm thick battens.
4. Check alignment – Ensure battens are straight and evenly spaced before fixing roof tiles.

For more complex jobs, especially when learning how to felt and batten a roof, it’s best to follow building regulations or consult a roofing professional.

Why are roof battens different colours?

If you notice roofing battens in different colours, the colour often serves as a product identifier rather than simply indicating the type of preservative treatment used. Within the Howarth range, Red Roof Battens and Premium Gold Roof Battens are colour-coded to help identify specific roofing batten products and their grading standards. Premium Gold battens feature a distinctive gold finish and are fully graded to BS 5534 requirements for supporting roof tiles and slates, while Red Roof Battens are also manufactured for pitched roofing applications and can be easily recognised by their red colouring.

Rather than indicating different levels of performance, these colours help roofers and contractors quickly identify the correct product on site. When selecting roofing battens, it is always best to check the product specification and grading information rather than relying on colour alone, as suitability will depend on the intended roofing application and compliance requirements.

Can you use roof battens for fencing?

A surprisingly common question is whether you can use roof battens for fencing, or more specifically, how to build a roof batten fence.

Technically, roof battens can be used for fencing, but they’re designed for roofing rather than outdoor structural use. Their narrow size means they’re not as durable or sturdy as traditional fence timber. If you do want to try a roof batten fence, it’s best suited for decorative garden panels or lightweight screening.

Are roofing battens waterproof?

As mentioned earlier, roofing battens are not waterproof, but they’re designed to work with other roofing components to form a watertight system. The roofing felt or membrane provides the main moisture barrier, while battens add structure and allow airflow to prevent damp buildup.

To conclude

Roof battens may seem like a small part of your roofing system, but they play a crucial role in keeping everything aligned, ventilated, and supported. Whether you’re researching roof batten sizes, wondering why roof battens are different colours, or even considering a roof batten fence, understanding their purpose and use can make all the difference in your next home improvement project.

In summary:

• Roof battens provide essential support for tiles and slates.
• They are usually made from treated timber.
• They come in standard sizes depending on the roof type.
• They are not waterproof but contribute to a durable, well-ventilated roof structure.

If you have any more questions concerning roof battens, or you require any additional information about the roofing products we sell at Howarth, please visit your local Howarth branch, or contact our customer services on 01472 907051.

You can also explore our range of roofing products, and you can even visit us in branch for more information.