Question 1

What is a roofing batten?

Accepted Answer

A roofing batten is a narrow length of timber fixed horizontally to roof rafters. It creates a secure fixing point for tiles, slates, or roof sheets. Battens also help maintain correct spacing between courses and provide structural support for the roof covering.

Question 2

What is a roofing lath?

Accepted Answer

‘Roofing lath’ is an older term for a roofing batten. Traditionally, laths were thinner and used with lime mortar and wooden shingles. Today, roofing lath refers to the same timber battens used to support modern roof coverings like tiles or slates.

Question 3

What are roof slats?

Accepted Answer

Roof slats are another name for roofing battens or laths. They’re narrow strips of timber laid across rafters to hold the roofing material in place.

Question 4

What’s the difference between blue and green roof battens?

Accepted Answer

Blue and green battens use different preservative formulations, but both protect against fungal decay and insects. Green battens are usually copper-based, while blue battens use an alternative treatment with added dye.

The colour alone doesn’t indicate quality roof battens though. It just acts as a quick visual identifier for graded timber. It's important to check the markings on each batten to confirm compliance before installation.

Question 5

How are roof battens fixed?

Accepted Answer

Roof battens are fixed to rafters using corrosion-resistant nails or screws. The fixing pattern depends on rafter spacing, tile weight, and wind load. Nails are usually galvanised round wire or ring-shank for better grip, while screws can be used where higher pull-out resistance is needed.

Roof battens

25mm x 50mm BS5534 Graded Sawn Treated Roofing Batten (2" x 1") 4.8m

25mm x 38mm BS5534 Graded Sawn Treated Roofing Batten (1.5" x 1") 4.8m

25mm x 38mm BS5534 Graded Sawn Treated Roofing Batten (1.5" x 1") 4.2m