The Dangers Of Inadequate Batten
Roofing battens are one of the few timber construction products where there are
failures. Although few in number, the consequences can be costly and serious,
if not fatal. Failure is due to the widespread practice of using battens which
are below recommended sizes or which have serious flaws. This means it may not
be possible to secure adequate mechanical fixings into the battens or the batten
may not be able to support the loads on the roof.
- Battens are fundamental to the roof structure. They are load bearing and carry both the load of the roof tiles as well as any other imposed loads such a snow or wind. Importantly they also should also be able to bear the weight of a person walking on the roof after completion (although it is not recommended and crawling boards should always be used, see HSE note 33 working on roofs).
- Inadequate battens have a significant health and safety impact for those working on roofs.
- The battens also should be sufficiently thick - important when looking at the withdrawal resistance of nails.
- They should be an even thickness so that the roof tiles or slates lay evenly.
- Inadequate battens could result with the roof having to be replaced.
- The tile guarantees may becoming invalid
- Non compliance with warranty bodies such as NHBC, Zurich, Trustmark, NFRC Co-partnership, roofsure, roof sure plus and other guarantee schemes.
- Importantly they should comply with BS5534:2003.
Inadequate battens are those that at the point of fixing do not meet BS5534:2003
We believe our customers, and their workforce, deserve better.
