How To Batten A Roof For Tiles

Battens are thin strips of material usually wood but sometimes metal or plastic and commonly 1 inch thick and 2 inches wide that run horizontally along the length of the roof.

How to batten a roof for tiles.

Metal roof battens may be used with steel or tile cladding. Battens should be fixed to rafters set at centres not more than 600mm apart. A batten roof can last longer be more durable deliver a higher level of energy efficiency. Here are some guidelines to bear in mind.

Batten roofing is a great option for re roofing. Metal roof battens offer extraordinary strength to weight values and are lighter than timber battens. Step 1 rest a sample tile on the roof so the bottom edge overhangs the fascia and guttering by the distance recommended by the tile manufacturer taking into account any local ordinances that apply to your building. Battens for single lap tiles when fixed on rafters spaced at centres up to 450mm should be 38 x 25mm in section.

Battens should be secured by nailing into each rafter using galvanised or sherardized smooth round nails. Setting out up the roof gauge set the first batten at eaves to allow the tails of the eaves course tiles to overhang the fascia by 40 to 45mm ie. According to bs 5534 the appropriate batten size will depend on the span of the rafters and the roof covering. Metal roof battens have been in use in australia for around 40 years.

Metal roof battens may also be used with steel or timber support framing. On roofs with a steep slope tiles are usually fastened to battens. In some roofing options like tile roofing battens are a must to ensure tiles are uniformly installed and excess overhangs which can invite water damage are not present. If the roof has a steep slope battens may be required to hold the tiles in place.

Guidance on the installation of underlay and tile battens is given in section 7. The updated bs 5334 code of practice for slating and tiling specifies a number of batten sizes based upon the span of the rafters and the product being used. Just short of the centre of the gutter. According to cemtile most roof tile manufacturers allow direct nailing but on roofs with a slope greater than 7 12.

For example 25x50mm battens should be used for single lap modern roof tiles when laid on rafters with a 600mm span. Underlay and tile battens.