Timber

Timber Range at JJ Roofing Supplies

JB Red Timber Roofing Battens

JB Red battens are high-quality, fully pre-graded roofing battens developed for maximum consistency and reliability. They meet the performance requirements of BS 5534 and are manufactured using advanced camera and laser-scanning technology to ensure each length is accurately graded. Their distinctive red colour makes them easy to identify on site, and each batten is preservative-treated for long-term resistance to decay and insect attack. They are also responsibly sourced and third-party certified.

Premium Tanalised Battens

Our premium tanalised battens are available in several lengths, including 3.9 m, 4.2 m and 4.5 m, and in the standard 25 × 38 mm and 25 × 50 mm sizes. These battens meet BS 5534 requirements and are pressure-treated for enhanced protection against weathering and biological attack. They are available in distinctive site-visible colours and offer excellent structural integrity for pitched roofing frameworks.

Graded Blue Timber Battens

Graded blue battens provide a strong and reliable alternative to JB Red and are manufactured to meet NHBC and BS 5534 requirements. Their blue colour allows quick on-site identification, while full machine grading ensures dependable strength. They are supplied in convenient 3.6 m lengths.

Tanalised Timber Battens & Sawn Timber

Alongside fully graded roofing battens, we offer a selection of tanalised sawn timber sections such as 19 × 38 mm battens and larger 150 × 47 mm lengths. These pieces are pressure-treated for protection against decay and are suitable for general building, fencing, and non-structural roofing applications where full BS 5534 grading is not required.

OSB Boards

OSB (Oriented Strand Board) is a strong, engineered timber panel made from layered wood strands bonded with resin. OSB 3 boards are designed for load-bearing applications in humid conditions and are widely used for flat roof decking, sarking, flooring and timber-frame wall sheathing. JJ Roofing supplies both standard 18 mm boards (2440 × 1220 mm) and 18 mm tongue-and-groove boards (2440 × 610 mm) for roofing and decking.

Arris Rails

Arris rails are triangular, pressure-treated timber lengths used around the perimeter of flat roofs to create a sloping edge for felt application and to encourage effective water run-off. They are available in 2 inch and 3 inch profiles and offer a durable, rough-sawn finish suitable for exterior use.

Hardboard Timber Drip

Our hardboard timber drip formers are designed to create clean, professional felt drips on flat roofs. The felt is fixed to the drip former and folded back to produce a straight, neat edge. These drips also act as seals at door thresholds, helping prevent water ingress. Their grooved profile channels water away efficiently, and the pieces can be reversed once worn.

Quality & Standards

Pressure Treatment (Tanalising)

Tanalised timber is softwood that has been impregnated with preservative under high pressure. This treatment protects the wood from fungal decay, mould and insect attack, significantly extending its service life. The timber often has a pale green tint initially, which fades over time. Tanalised timber is widely used in external structures such as decking, fencing, and roof perimeters.

Grading & BS 5534 Compliance

BS 5534 is the UK standard governing slating and tiling, including the minimum dimensions, strength and grading of roofing battens. Fully compliant battens carry stamped markings showing their size, species, supplier and third-party certification. Machine grading ensures consistent strength and reliability across each length. JB Red, premium battens and graded blue battens all meet BS 5534. Ungraded battens should only be used in non-structural applications.

Treatment & Durability

High-quality timber battens are kiln-dried for stability and preservative-treated for performance in exposed environments. Advanced preservative treatments provide long service life and protection from biological attack. Batten colouring (red, blue or yellow) is used only for identification; compliance is confirmed through stamped markings. All graded battens supplied by JJ Roofing are responsibly sourced and certification-approved.

Typical Uses & Applications

• Roof Battening: Provides fixing points for tiles and slates on pitched roofs. BS 5534 battens (25 × 38 mm or 25 × 50 mm) are selected based on tile type, roof pitch and rafter spacing.

• Cladding Support: Creates a ventilation gap and a stable fixing background for external cladding systems.

• Structural Framing: Larger sawn timbers and tanalised battens can be used for stud partitions, soffits, fascias and decking substructures.

• Flat Roof Edging: Arris rails form a sloping edge for torch-on felt and aid water run-off. Hardboard drips assist with creating neat felt finishes.

• Decking & Flooring: OSB 3 boards provide a strong, moisture-resistant substrate for decking and interior flooring, as well as flat roof decking.

Why Buy Timber from JJ Roofing Supplies

With more than three decades of experience, JJ Roofing Supplies is one of the UK’s most trusted roofing merchants. We maintain large stocks of high-quality, responsibly sourced timber battens and boards, suitable for both trade professionals and DIY projects. Our JB Red, premium and graded blue battens fully meet BS 5534 standards, ensuring compliance with Building Regulations. We offer competitive pricing, reliable availability, next-day delivery options and knowledgeable support online, by phone or in-branch.

FAQs

What does “tanalised” timber mean?

Tanalised timber has been pressure-treated with preservative to protect it from rot, mould and insect attack. The process forces treatment deep into the wood, significantly extending its lifespan and stability, especially in outdoor or humid environments.

What’s the difference between JB Red and Premium battens?

Both are fully graded to BS 5534, offering reliable strength and consistency. JB Red is known for its distinctive red colour and advanced preservative system, while premium battens are tanalised and supplied in yellow or blue for clear site identification. The main differences relate to manufacturer, colour and treatment, but both are suitable for structural roofing applications.

Are all your timber battens BS 5534 certified?

Yes. All graded battens we supply – including JB Red, premium and graded blue – are fully compliant with BS 5534 and carry the appropriate stamped markings. We also stock ungraded tanalised battens for non-structural uses.

Can OSB boards be used for roofing?

Yes. OSB 3 boards are designed for load-bearing use in humid environments and are widely used for flat roof decking, sarking boards and timber-frame construction. Tongue-and-groove variants help prevent movement on flat roofs. OSB should not be left exposed long term without additional protection.

How should timber be stored before installation?

Store timber in a dry, well-ventilated area on level bearers. If storing outside, cover it with a waterproof sheet but allow airflow to prevent condensation. Keep timber off the ground, avoid placing it directly on concrete, and store OSB sheets flat to prevent distortion.