Don’t Compromise on Safety: Install Marley JB Red BS 5534-Compliant Roofing Batten

There's no need to take a risk. Choosing to install a BS 5534-compliant roofing batten, like JB Red, will help keep you and your team safe up on the roof. As an essential part of the roof structure, compliant timber battens also support the roof's longevity for the homeowner or client.

Machine grading is key to quality battens

Only pre-graded battens can be used as roof battens. JB Red is precision graded to the millimetre using the dedicated Goldeneye scanning line. The computer-controlled laser scans each length of timber to ensure it meets the performance criteria set out in BS 5534.

Installers need to be wary of counterfeit or ungraded batten that has entered the UK market, and it's important to understand that this batten does not comply with BS 5534 and therefore should not be used as roofing batten.

Look for the stamp of assurance on every batten. Each batten should be indelibly marked with the following information:

• Supplier details e.g. JB Red

• Size e.g. 25 x 50

• Timber species e.g. WPCA

• Relevant standard, e.g. BS 5534

• Third-party certification, e.g. BBA

Quality treatment helps extend service life

The preservative treatment used on battens is another important consideration. All JB Red battens are treated with Koppers MicroPro® to BS 8417 Use Class 2, helping to protect the timber against wood-rotting fungi and insects, with a life expectancy of up to 60 years.

Choose timber for strength and sustainability

JB Red is manufactured from kiln-dried sideboards from slow-grown Scandinavian timber. This cut provides greater stability and is less likely to distort than centre cuts.

Also, with sustainability high on the agenda, roofing batten should have a full chain of custody, like JB Red, to ensure it only comes from managed forests.

Select the right compliant roofing batten for the job

Choosing the right size timber batten depends on several factors, including span, type of roof covering, and whether the tiles are laid with a single or double lap.

Clay and concrete tiles can be installed in a single or double lap, and this will play a part in determining the timber batten size. For double-lap clay and concrete tiles, the correct timber batten size is 38x25mm. Single-lap installations should use 38x25mm batten for 450mm joist spans and 50x25mm batten for 600mm joist spans.

Slates should always be installed with a double lap. Concrete slates require 38x25mm battens for 450mm joist spans and 50x25mm battens for 600mm joist spans.

Marley JB Red is available in a number of sizes, including 25x38mm, 25x50mm, 38x50mm and 50x50mm.

Build with Confidence, Choose JB Red

Choosing the right roofing batten is essential for a safe, durable and compliant roof. By selecting a quality-assured product such as Marley JB Red and ensuring the correct size is used for the application, installers can have confidence in the finished roof and the performance it provides for years to come.

For more information on Marley JB Red, speak to your local Roofbase team or find out more HERE.