The Diamond Mark
DON’T BE FOOLED BY FAKE TILING BATTENS – A FALL OR A
FINE COULD THREATEN YOUR BUSINESS AND COST YOU MONEY
Quite a lot of correspondence has appeared in the trade press on this subject in the
last few months, since “fake” tiling battens started to appear on the UK market. Make
no mistake, this is not an exaggeration: industry sources estimate that as of June
2025, up to 70% of sawn-bundled lengths of wood, carrying a variety of inked
markings, cannot realistically carry the loadings of of a genuine, BS5534 graded,
Third Party Certified, roofing batten – whatever its colour may be!
It is well known that “you get what you pay for” and “if you buy cheap you buy twice”,
but in this case, both of those adages apply. The true cost of a pack of correctly
graded and/or certified batten, at the time of going to press, should be about £85.
Unless it’s reduced by a bulk deal or a negotiated volume order, if you pay less than
that for a pack, you’re being cheated.
A “fake” batten is, just like a fake Rolex or a knock-off Gucci handbag, something
which, whilst it costs somewhat less than the real thing, cannot be relied on to
perform like the real thing either. Are we really entrusting the safety of our customers’
contractors, working at height, or the integrity of the roof itself, to whole packs of
supposed “roofing battens” that could not possibly pass a grading check?
There is a reason why reputable manufacturers and importers spend large amounts
of money every year to ensure that battens are correctly graded before shipment,
and then also on receipt in their yard. This is because they do not want to be liable
for the consequences of not doing so. Trade buyers might be increasing margins by
buying cheap, but working at height on a roof is not a job to be entrusted to cheap
fakes.
So, what’s the answer? We need to come up with a solution. At Woodexperts we are
offering to your readers, on a limited basis, to undertake a BS 5534 batten check.
We will spend a couple of hours in a Builders’ Merchants yard, where our fully
qualified graders will check whatever stock is there that may be of concern to you. I
the battens are given a clean bill of health, this will be free of charge. However, if we
find any fakes – which you will surely want to be aware of – then you agree to pay a
us a fee for that “fake batten check” plus our reasonable travel costs. It will be well
worth it: firstly to be able to challenge your supplier; and secondly, to ensure that
your stock is reliable and fit for purpose.
Book your batten check today, as this limited offer is available on a first come, first
served basis (geographical restrictions apply). Be at the forefront in reassuring your
customers and your supply chain, that fake battens will not be allowed in your yard:
and that even if it costs a bit more, you are making a genuine commitment to supply
real BS 5534 battens.
