A tile batten is a thin wooden strip fixed to the rafters on which the roof tiles are hung. Tile battens run horizontally (parallel to the ridge) and determine the spacing between rows of roof tiles. They are also called tile laths.
Tile batten in the roof construction
The tile batten sits in the top layer of the roof construction:
1. Rafters (sloped beams)
2. Underlay/membrane (water-resistant layer)
3. Tile battens — this layer
4. Roof tiles
The tile battens are nailed or screwed across the rafters. Each row of roof tiles hooks onto a batten via a nib.
Dimensions
Tile battens are always narrow and thin compared to rafters:
| Type | Size (mm) | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Standard tile batten | 25 x 50 | Roof tiles on rafters up to 60 cm c/c |
| Heavy tile batten | 30 x 50 | Heavier tiles or greater rafter spacing |
Batten spacing (tile gauge)
The spacing between the tile battens determines how the roof tiles sit. This is called the tile gauge or cover length. Each tile manufacturer specifies a minimum and maximum batten spacing.
Rule of thumb:
- Concrete tiles: approximately 32-34 cm c/c
- Clay tiles: approximately 30-33 cm c/c
> Tip: Start setting out the batten spacing from the bottom (gutter). The top row near the ridge can deviate slightly — this is not visible and is covered by ridge tiles.
When do you use tile battens?
Tile battens are specific to tiled roofs. Other roof coverings do not use them:
| Roof covering | Tile battens needed? |
|---|---|
| Roof tiles | Yes |
| Slates | Yes (different spacing) |
| EPDM | No — on roof decking |
| Bitumen shingles | No — on roof decking |
| Corrugated sheets | No — directly on purlins |
| Polycarbonate | No — directly on purlins |
Related terms
- Rafter
- Roof tiles
- Purlins
- Roof structure