Almost 20,000 linear metres of roofing batten has been used in the roof renovation of Grade II-listed West Bromwich Town Hall and Central Library.
This large-scale re-roofing work is part of a larger £7.5 million project to restore this historic civic building, increasing public usage of the site and securing its future.
The main contractor for the project was Morgan Sindall, which appointed NRA Roofing as the specialist roofing contractor responsible for removing and replacing the existing roof covering. A primary supplier involved in the project was AccuRoof, part of SIG UK Roofing, which provided both SIGA Slate and SR Timber PREMIUM GOLD Roofing Battens.
The Dudley branch of SIG UK Roofing, which is closest to the site, supplied 19,800 linear meters of SR Timber PREMIUM GOLD Roofing Battens for all the pitched roofing areas of the project.
The existing, traditional pitched roof was more than 150 years old, and the project involved removing the slate and installing new materials. The SR Timber PREMIUM GOLD Roofing Battens meet the specifications outlined in BS 8417:2011+A1:2014 (preservation of timber) and is graded according to BS 5534:2014+A2:2018.
Additionally, it is one of the few battens that has passed assessment by the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI).
The batten provided support for the 44,000 SIGA 112S Spanish slates chosen for use on the project, which were considered a like-for-like slate ideal for the heritage roof.
NRA Roofing even visited the quarry and factory in Spain to ensure that the processes, quality, and availability met the demands of such a large and prestigious project.
The slates measured 500 x 250mm and had a thickness of 7mm. This specification was approved, and a total of 2,340m2 were supplied to site through the same SIG Roofing Dudley branch.
The SIGA 112S is a smooth, dark blue-grey slate that is suitable for a variety of roofing projects. Its resemblance to slates produced in the Vale of Ffestiniog has earned it SIGA 112S approval from Snowdonia National Park, highlighting its versatility for heritage projects.
Get your roofing batten ends covered
UK building legislation stipulates that all cut timber roofing batten ends should be properly preserved in every new pitched roofing or re-roofing project, both domestic and commercial. This not only enhances the durability and integrity of roofing structures but also adheres to industry standards, helping ensure a high-quality result for every project.
The National House Building Council specifies in chapter 7.2.17 of its 2024 standards that ‘Battens and counter battens located at wet or dry verges should have their cut ends treated with a preservative’.
This guideline is also reflected in British Standard BS5534: 2014+A2:2018, which serves as a code of practice for slating and tiling on pitched roofs and vertical cladding. It states: ‘Cut batten ends at the verge should be treated with a suitable preservative approved for this purpose.’ This requirement is emphasised in legislation and considered an important area of best practice by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors.
Roofers must ensure that all cut ends of roofing battens are treated with a preservative. BATTEN SHIELD from SR Timber has been specifically designed for this purpose. This water-based cream makes battens water-repellent, protecting the cut ends from moisture and rot. The wood pores remain open, allowing the wood to breathe and ensuring optimal moisture regulation. BATTEN SHIELD is compatible with all types of graded timber roofing battens.
* This article was originally published in the Spring 2025 issue of Supplying Timber magazine.
