Industry sources have estimated that up to 70% of sawn-bundled lengths of wood on the UK market, carrying a variety of inked markings, are unable to meet the loadings of a genuine, BS5534 graded, Third Party Certified, roofing batten. This has sparked a lot of discussion in the trade press in recent months.
According to experts, the issue of “fake” tiling battens has become a serious concern in the construction industry. It is a well-known fact that “you get what you pay for” and “if you buy cheap you buy twice”, and this adage holds true in this situation. A mini bundle of #10 correctly graded and/or certified batten should cost around £20, and anything less than that should raise suspicions of being a fake.
Similar to fake designer goods, fake battens may come at a lower price but they cannot be relied upon to perform like the real thing. This raises serious safety concerns for contractors working at height and the overall integrity of the roof itself. With this in mind, reputable manufacturers and importers invest significant resources to ensure their battens are correctly graded before shipment and upon receipt in their yards.
In response to this issue, Woodexperts is offering a limited service to conduct BS 5534 batten checks for readers. This service involves a couple of hours of inspection by fully qualified graders at a Builders’ Merchants yard. If the battens are found to be genuine, the check will be free of charge. However, if fake battens are discovered, the company will charge a fee for the “fake batten check” as well as reasonable travel costs. This service aims to help trade buyers challenge their suppliers and ensure their stock is reliable and fit for purpose.
As this offer is limited and subject to geographical restrictions, interested parties are encouraged to book their batten check as soon as possible. By taking a stand against fake battens, companies can reinforce their commitment to supplying genuine BS 5534 battens to their customers and supply chain.