When working on a roofing project, ensuring compliance with industry standards is a top priority for contractors. This often hinges on selecting the right materials, such as roofing battens like Marley JB Red, that meet strict performance and safety requirements.
Kevin Taylor, Training and Technical Support Manager at Marley explains what roofing contractors need to know to confidently use roofing battens that meet current standards.
Kevin Taylor, Training and Technical Support Manager
What do the stamps on battens mean, and why are they important?
Compliant batten should be indelibly marked to show the supplier, origin, BS 5534 and the size. Where applicable, it should also include any third-party accreditation. Here’s what the key markings mean:
Supplier name and batch number: Clear visibility of supplier name and batch number on each batten ensures full traceability. This is increasingly vital in today’s construction landscape where accountability and material origin are increasingly required.
Origin: Knowing the timber origin reassures contractors that they have chosen batten made from slow grown timber to ensure strength and durability.
Graded to BS 5534: Only battens graded to BS 5534 can be used as roofing battens to ensure durability, strength, and compliance for slating and tiling. BS 5534 sets comprehensive guidance for the installation of pitched roofs and is an assurance that the battens selected meet all necessary performance criteria.
Third party accreditation including BBA certification: Battens marked with BBA (British Board of Agrément) accreditation, like Marley JB Red, have undergone rigorous testing to meet the highest quality standards. Third party accreditation is not a compulsory requirement of BS 5534, but this certification adds another layer of reassurance for contractors that materials are reliable and fit for purpose.
Each stamp presents critical information at a glance, making it easier for contractors to verify compliance and select a product they can trust. Buyers of roofing battens should be aware that there are a lot of non-compliant battens on the market, despite bring stamped BS 5534, so it makes sense to insist on respected third-party accreditation
What's the difference between visual grading and machine grading?
Grading battens properly is essential in assessing their reliability and structural reliability on a roof. Unless tightly regulated, traditional visual grading techniques, where battens are assessed by eye, can lead to inconsistencies and errors. Issues like knots, wane or distortion in visually graded battens may not always be spotted, potentially impacting the roof installation. Marley have produced a useful Batten Grading Guide to help roofers know what they should look for in graded battens.
Machine-graded battens, like Marley’s JB Red, eliminate variability in the grading process. Using advanced Goldeneye technology, these battens undergo intensive scanning with lasers and cameras to ensure every piece meets strict quality and strength criteria. Unlike some visually graded battens, machine-graded battens offer consistency and reliability that can reduce risks on site.
Why are JB Red battens, red?
One of the most striking features of Marley’s JB Red battens is their distinctive red colour.
This red colour indicates that the battens have been treated with Kopper’s MicroPro® preservative to meet BS 8417 Usage Class 2 requirements. This treatment has a 60-year life expectancy against insect attack and wood rotting fungi when installed correctly in accordance with the requirements of Usage Class 2.
The red pigment plays an important role in allowing for instant identification on-site. The high visibility of JB Red battens also makes site inspections easier, as compliance with grading standards can be quickly confirmed. It should be noted that colour is not a requirement of BS 5534, and colour does not necessarily mean that battens comply with the standards.
How can battens support sustainable construction?
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important part of construction projects, and roofing contractors are no exception. Marley’s JB Red battens are PEFC-certified (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), meaning they are responsibly sourced from sustainably managed forests.
Using certified products not only aligns with growing environmental expectations in the roofing sector but also reassures contractors and their customers that projects meet sustainability criteria.
Whether you are working on a new build or refurb project, the choice of battens can have a major impact on the success and longevity of the roof. Selecting factory-graded, preservative-treated battens like JB Red ensures compliance, reduces risks on site, and enhances workability.
By understanding the key features of compliant battens – from reading stamps to recognising the benefits of machine grading and sustainable sourcing – roofing contractors can approach every project with confidence.
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