Building a solid base for tiles and slates in Arundel
A good roof in Arundel starts with a strong base for your tiles or slates. Between coastal winds, driving rain and the character of our historic town, the structure beneath the visible covering matters as much as the tiles you see. Get the grades right, set your spacing correctly and choose the right fixings, and you lay the groundwork for a long lasting roof that looks smart and performs well.
Why a solid base matters in our local climate
The base carries the load, resists wind uplift and manages water. In Arundel, open stretches along the Arun and exposure from the Downs can amplify gusts, so secure fixings and correct battening are essential. Heritage properties often use natural slate or clay tiles, which are beautiful yet unforgiving of sloppy batten work.
Grades that meet British Standards
Roofing battens should be graded to BS 5534. Look for stamps that confirm compliance. Typical sizes are 25 x 50 mm or 38 x 25 mm depending on rafter centres and tile type. Battens must be straight, free of excessive knots and preservative treated for Use Class 2. Moisture content should be controlled to help stability and fixings.
If you are using sarking boards, choose suitable timber boards, OSB3 or exterior plywood with adequate thickness and fix securely to the structure. Underlay should also comply with BS 5534 and be selected for the wind zone. In exposed parts of Arundel, a reinforced or high wind uplift rated underlay is often a wise choice.
Spacing and gauges for tiles and slates
Correct spacing ensures proper headlap and weathering. The batten gauge is set by the product manufacturer and must be followed.
For interlocking tiles, the gauge is usually in the 320 to 345 mm range, set by the tile’s nibs and headlap. Clay plain tiles often sit at a smaller gauge around 100 to 115 mm. With natural slate, the batten gauge is calculated from the slate length and the required headlap. A common rule of thumb is gauge = (slate length minus headlap) divided by two. Headlap depends on roof pitch and exposure. In more exposed sites around Arundel you may increase headlap to improve weathering.
Lay battens level and parallel, and set the eaves and ridge courses precisely so that courses align neatly at verges and abutments. Stagger batten end joints and make all joints over a rafter. Support every batten on at least three rafters wherever possible.
Fixings that hold in wind and weather
Fix batten to rafter with corrosion resistant nails. A common choice is ring shank galvanised or stainless steel at around 3.35 mm diameter. Nail length should be at least 2.5 times the batten thickness, often 65 to 75 mm for 25 mm battens. Drive nails flush without splitting the timber.
Fix slates with copper or stainless steel nails of the correct length so they do not punch through. Tiles should be nailed or clipped to BS 5534 recommendations, which typically means full clipping in exposed zones, and secure fixings at eaves, verges, ridges and hips. Mechanical fixing kits for ridges and hips give tidy finishes and strong resistance to wind uplift.
Extras that make the system last
Breathable underlay needs a slight drape between rafters to shed any water. Counter battens over sarking create drainage and ventilation pathways. Provide ventilation at the eaves and ridge to limit condensation. Coordinate flashings, soakers and abutments in lead or suitable alternatives, and make sure gutters and fascias align with the eaves course for clean water run off.
Roofing expertise for Arundel homes
From cottages near the Castle to newer estates, we match the right batten grade, spacing and fixings to your roof covering and pitch. We respect conservation requirements and can source heritage clay tiles or natural slates to blend with neighbouring roofs. If you want straight advice or a clear quotation, speak to Roofing Arundel and we will plan a specification that suits your home and budget.
Quick on site checks
- Battens stamped to BS 5534 and correctly sized
- Consistent batten gauge that matches tile or slate specification
- Batten joints over rafters with secure nailing at every support
- Underlay with the right wind uplift rating and a slight drape
- Perimeter tiles clipped, and ridges and hips mechanically fixed
- Clear ventilation paths at eaves and ridge
Book a survey today
If your roof is ready for repair or renewal, we can survey, specify and install with care. For friendly local help and a dependable finish, contact Roofing Arundel and we will get your roof base right so the tiles or slates above can do their best work for years to come.