What is a tile batten (tengel)?
A tile batten is a thin timber lath fixed to the rafters on which roof tiles are hung. Tile battens run horizontally (parallel to the ridge) and determine the spacing between the rows of tiles. They are sometimes called roofing battens or pan battens.
Tile battens in a roof structure
The tile batten sits in the topmost layer of the roof construction:
- Rafters (sloping timbers)
- Underlay / membrane (water-resistant layer)
- Tile battens ← these
- Roof tiles
The tile battens are nailed or screwed across the rafters. Each row of tiles hooks onto a batten by its nibs.
Dimensions
Tile battens are always narrower and thinner than rafters:
| Type | Dimension (mm) | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Standard tile batten | 25 × 50 | Roof tiles on rafters up to 60 cm c/c |
| Heavy tile batten | 30 × 50 | Heavier tiles or wider rafter spacing |
Tile batten spacing
The spacing between the battens determines how the tiles fall. This is called the gauge or tile course length. Every tile manufacturer specifies a minimum and maximum batten spacing.
Rule of thumb:
- Concrete tiles: approximately 32–34 cm c/c
- Ceramic tiles: approximately 30–33 cm c/c
> Tip: Start setting out the batten spacing from the bottom (eaves). The top row at the ridge can vary slightly — it won’t be noticeable and will be covered by ridge tiles.
When are tile battens used?
Tile battens are specific to tiled roofs. They are not used with other roof coverings:
| Roof covering | Tile battens needed? |
|---|---|
| Roof tiles | Yes |
| Slates | Yes (different spacing) |
| EPDM | No — on roof boarding |
| Bitumen shingles | No — on roof boarding |
| Corrugated sheets | No — directly on purlins |
| Polycarbonate | No — directly on purlins |
Related terms
- Rafter
- Roof tiles
- Purlins
- Roof structure
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