Lexi Webster
Metal roof battens have been used in Australia for around 40 years. They are strips of wood or plastic that form the base to which roof tiles are attached. The total length of battens required for a roof depends on the number of rows of tiles. To calculate the number of roof battens required, you must first determine the area of the roof plan by multiplying the length of the roof by its width. Then, calculate the total length of batten material required by measuring the length of the eaves for each section of the roof and multiplying the number of rows in each section by the length of the eaves. Finally, add together the length of the battens needed in each section to get the total length of batten material needed for the entire roof.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Batten spacing calculation | Measure from the top of the lowest batten to the top of the highest batten, then divide this number by the maximum gauge recommended by the manufacturer, and round this up to the nearest whole number |
| Batten spacing for hipped roofs | Multiply the length of the roof by the width, then multiply this number by the Roof Slope Factor for the roof area |
| Batten size | Determined by the weight and span of metal roof panels |
| Batten material | Metal, timber, plastic, or wood |
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What You'll Learn
Batten spacing calculations
Firstly, establish the position of the first roof batten. It should be placed at the eaves, the lowest point on the roof. Place a sample tile, ensuring that the bottom edge overhangs the fascia and guttering as per the manufacturer's guidelines. The tile's bottom edge should not extend beyond the gutter centre. Measure the tile's length and note it down. Also, measure the tile nib, from the top of the tile to the bottom of the nib, and record this measurement.
Next, calculate the spacing between the first and second battens. Subtract the length of the nib and the overhang from the total length of the tile. This gives you the correct distance between the first two battens, which can now be fixed in place.
To determine the total number of battens required, measure the length of the eaves for each roof section. Multiply the number of rows in each section by the length of the eaves for that section. This provides the total length of battens needed per side of the roof. For the entire roof structure, sum up the lengths of battens required for each section. It is recommended to add a few extra lengths to account for potential damage or mistakes.
For corrugated metal roofs, specific spacing guidelines should be followed. Battens should be spaced no further than 1.2m apart for 0.7mm thick metal roofing sheets and 1m for 0.5mm thick sheets. Polycarbonate roofing projects typically require batten spacing between 800mm and 1000mm.
In regions with heavy snowfall or high winds, closer batten spacing may be necessary to withstand additional weight and prevent uplift, respectively. The type of roofing material also influences spacing. For instance, slate requires precise batten placement, while concrete roof tiles need wider spacing for proper load distribution.
Finally, when fixing tiles or slates, use stainless steel, copper, phosphor, or silicon bronze nails. Avoid using aluminium nails. Ensure that the nail head is flush with the face of the batten to maximize the grip on the timber.
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Calculating total batten length
Calculating the total batten length for a roofing project is a critical step to ensure that you have enough battens to cover the square metreage of your roof. This process will also help you determine the correct spacing between each batten, which is influenced by the type of roofing material used, the weight and span of your metal roof panels, and the building code requirements for your area. Here is a step-by-step guide to calculating the total batten length:
Step 1: Measure the Length of the Eaves
Begin by measuring the length of the eaves for each section of your roof. The eaves are the lowest point on the roof. Make sure to record these measurements separately without adding them together.
Step 2: Determine the Number of Rows
Next, you need to determine the number of rows or courses of battens required for each section of the roof. This is influenced by the type of roofing material used and the spacing requirements. For example, for a 45-degree roof using cedar shingles, the standard batten gauge is used, plus half the thickness of your battens.
Step 3: Multiply Length by Number of Rows
Multiply the number of rows in each section of the roof by the length of the eaves for that specific section. This calculation will give you the total length of battens needed for each side of the roof.
Step 4: Calculate Total Length for Entire Roof
To find the total length of batten material required for the entire roof structure, simply add together the lengths of the battens needed for each section. For example, if both eaves are equal in length and you require 105 metres of batten material for each side, you will need 210 metres in total.
Step 5: Consider Adding Extras
It is recommended to add a few extra lengths of batten to your total to accommodate any potential damage or mistakes that may occur during installation.
Final Thoughts:
Calculating the total batten length is a straightforward process that involves measuring, multiplying, and adding. By following these steps, you can ensure you have the correct amount of batten material for your roofing project. Remember to refer to the building code requirements and manufacturer's specifications for your chosen materials to ensure compliance and optimal batten spacing.
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Roof area and slope
When it comes to roof battens, there are a few things to consider in terms of roof area and slope. Firstly, the type of roof you have will impact the way you calculate the area. For a hipped roof, you would multiply the length of the roof by the width to get the plan area. Then, you multiply this by the Roof Slope Factor to find the roof area. For a gable roof, you would use the same method.
It's important to consider the wind loadings in your location, as this will impact the type of batten you use. For example, hardwoods are recommended in high-wind areas as fasteners can be pulled out of softer woods. The weight and span of your metal roof panels will determine the size of the batten you need.
In terms of spacing, you need to ensure that the batten is placed so that ridge tiles overlap the top course of roof tiles by around 75mm. Then, you measure from the top of the lowest batten to the top of the highest batten and divide this by the maximum gauge recommended by the manufacturer, rounding up to the nearest whole number. This will give you the batten spacing or gauge.
To calculate the total length of batten material required, measure the length of the eaves for each section of the roof and multiply this by the number of rows in each section. This will ensure you have enough batten to cover the square meterage of your roof.
It's worth noting that different types of roof cladding and sheet thickness will influence the optimal span distances for battens. For example, Zincalume roof batten spacing may differ from Colorbond roof batten spacing, so it's important to check the building code requirements and manufacturer's specifications for your chosen materials and design.
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Batten size and material
The choice of batten size and material depends on the roofing material, the weight and span of the roof panels, and the wind loadings in your location.
Timber battens are the traditional choice and are suitable for all roofing types, but they may rot, warp, or be damaged by termites. Hardwoods are recommended in high-wind areas, and seasoned wood offers more pull resistance than green wood. Metal battens, typically made from steel, are becoming more popular due to their durability, ease of installation, and compatibility with a wide range of cladding profiles. They are also lightweight, resistant to warping, and do not absorb moisture.
Steel battens come in various gauges, including 0.55mm, which is suitable for residential projects, and 0.75mm, which is better for commercial applications that require higher load support. Steel battens also come in different heights, with 40mm being a standard option that provides strength and ease of handling and storage. Top hat battens, which have a distinctive shape, are another type of steel batten commonly used for roofing and walling applications. They provide a stable and secure base for metal roofing, cladding, or tiles.
When choosing batten size and material, it is important to consider the building code requirements for your area and the manufacturer's specifications for your chosen materials and design.
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Tile overlap
When installing roof tiles, the placement and alignment of roof battens are crucial for weather resistance and the overall aesthetic appeal of your roof. This is because the battens serve as a foundation for your roof tiles while also protecting your home from the elements.
To ensure proper tile overlap, the batten gauge, which refers to the spacing between roof battens, must be calculated accurately. The first step is to measure the distance from the top of the lowest batten to the top of the highest batten. This distance is then divided by the maximum gauge recommended by the manufacturer, which represents the visible portion of the tile on the roof, excluding the overlap with adjacent tiles. The result is then rounded up to the nearest whole number. For example, if the distance from the bottom to the top batten is 5200mm and the maximum tile gauge is 330mm, the calculation would be 5200mm divided by 330mm, resulting in 15.76. This number is then rounded up to the nearest whole number, which is 16mm.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the ridge tiles overlap the top course of roof tiles adequately. A standard guideline is to aim for approximately 75mm of overlap. This can be achieved by fixing the batten in place and then measuring from the top of the lowest batten to the top of the ridge tile.
To determine the number of courses required to tile your roof, you can divide the distance between the top and bottom battens by the number of courses. This calculation will help you understand how many rows of tiles you need to cover the distance between the battens.
Furthermore, when calculating the total length of batten material required, you should measure the length of the eaves for each section of the roof. By multiplying the number of rows in each section by the corresponding eave length, you can ensure you have enough batten material to cover the entire roof area.
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Frequently asked questions
To calculate the number of roof battens needed, you must first calculate the total length of batten material required. Measure the length of the eaves for each section of the roof and multiply the number of rows in each section by the length of the eaves for that section. Then, add together the length of the battens needed in each section to get the total length of batten material needed for the roof.
Measure from the top of the lowest batten to the top of the highest batten, then divide this number by the maximum gauge recommended by the manufacturer, rounding up to the nearest whole number. This will give you the batten spacing for your roof, or its batten gauge.
Your choice of batten size will depend on the weight and span of your metal roof panels. It is also important to consider the building code requirements for your area and the manufacturer's specifications for your chosen materials and design.
Roof battens are strips of wood or plastic that form the base to which roof tiles are connected. They provide ventilation and can help with drainage when water leaks under the roof if they are not made of a water-absorbent material.
