In the world of construction, top hat battens have become increasingly popular products due to their superior quality and efficient installation.
However, with so many different types and sizes available, it can be challenging to choose the appropriate option suitable for your project.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about metal roof battens, including their uses, benefits, available sizes, and installation techniques.
So, whether you are an architect, construction professional, builder, or DIY enthusiast, this guide is for you.
These include 22 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 64 mm, 75 mm, 96 mm, and 120 mm.
22 MM
| Section | BMT | Product Code | Mass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 mm | 0.48 | No1TH2042 | 0.35kg/m |
- Standard Lengths: 6.1m
- Download Product Specifications Brochure
40 MM
| Section | BMT | Product Code | Mass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 mm | 0.48 | No1TH4048 | 0.60kg/m |
| 40 mm | 0.55 | No1TH4055 | 0.67kg/m |
- Standard Lengths: 6.1m & 7.5m
- Download Product Specifications Brochure
50 MM
| Section | BMT | Product Code | Mass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mm | 0.75 | 50TH0.75 | 1.09kg/m |
| 50 mm | 0.95 | 50TH0.95 | 1.37kg/m |
| 50 mm | 1.15 | 50TH1.15 | 1.63kg/m |
- Standard Pack: 100 Lengths
- Download Product Specifications Brochure
64 MM
| Section | BMT | Product Code | Mass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64 mm | 0.75 | 64TH0.75 | 1.26kg/m |
| 64 mm | 0.95 | 64TH0.95 | 1.58kg/m |
| 64 mm | 1.15 | 64TH1.15 | 1.91kg/m |
- Standard Pack: 100 Lengths
- Download Product Specifications Brochure
75 MM
| Section | BMT | Product Code | Mass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75 mm | 0.75 | 75TH0.75 | 1.41kg/m |
| 75 mm | 0.95 | 75TH0.95 | 1.77kg/m |
| 75 mm | 1.15 | 75TH1.15 | 2.14kg/m |
- Standard Pack: 100 Lengths
- Download Product Specifications Brochure
96 MM
| Section | BMT | Product Code | Mass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96 mm | 0.75 | 96TH0.75 | 1.74kg/m |
| 96 mm | 0.95 | 96TH0.95 | 2.19kg/m |
| 96 mm | 1.15 | 96TH1.15 | 2.65kg/m |
- Standard Pack: 100 Lengths
- Download Product Specifications Brochure
120 MM
| Section | BMT | Product Code | Mass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 mm | 0.75 | 120TH0.75 | 2.17kg/m |
| 120 mm | 0.95 | 120TH0.95 | 2.73kg/m |
| 120 mm | 1.15 | 120TH1.15 | 3.30kg/m |
- Standard Pack: 100 Lengths
- Download Product Specifications Brochure
Top hat battens are structural elements used in roofing and walling applications. They come in different sizes and materials, but the most common type are steel battens.
They have a distinctive shape, just like a top hat, which gives them their name. They are mainly used in roofing applications to provide a stable and secure base for metal roofing, cladding or tiles.
They are also used in walling applications to provide additional support and stability to the structure.
Whilst the majority of Top Hat battens are manufactured from TRUECORE® steel or ZINCALUME® steel, there are applications where they can be manufactured from Galvanised steel. These applications can suit garages, sheds and carports.
In recent years, steel battens have become the go-to option for construction professionals due to their many benefits.
Firstly, they are much lighter than traditional timber battens, which means they can be easily transported and installed by a single person.
Secondly, they are much stronger and more durable than timber, which means they are less likely to warp, twist, or break over time.
Finally, they are fire-resistant, which makes them an ideal choice for buildings in bushfire-prone areas.
One significant advantage of steel battens is that they can be used as an alternative to traditional 70 x 35 pine battens.
Pine battens are susceptible to rotting, warping, and cracking, which means they require frequent maintenance and replacement.
Steel battens, on the other hand, are virtually maintenance-free and can last for decades without needing to be replaced. This makes them a cost-effective and reliable alternative to pine battens.
Top hat battens come in different sizes, known as top hat section sizes, which are denoted by their height, width, and thickness.
The most common top hat section sizes are 40mm and 22mm.
The 40mm battens are typically used in roofing applications, where a larger span is required.
The 22mm top hats are generally used in walling applications, where a thinner profile is required, internal applications such as in residential buildings.
It's important to choose the appropriate top hat section size for your project, as it will affect the overall performance and stability of the structure.
They are roll formed with a flange for strengthening and fastening making them suitable for a variety of applications.
Once fixed in place, they provide an ideal mounting surface for all your ceiling, metal roof, wall cladding, construction project requirements.
CONSISTENT QUALITY:
Timber battens' issues are related to its consistency in quality. Timber quality can vary based on moisture, temperature, and wood grain.
Steel battens have consistent quality, are rust-resistant, and offer better resistance to climate changes.
DURABILITY AND LONGEVITY:
Steel is resistant to humidity, rot and are long-lasting compared to timber.
They can also withstand high humidity levels and do not deteriorate like timber, which can vary depending on moisture levels.
Steel battens therefore have a much longer life span than typical timber battens.
COST EFFECTIVENESS:
Steel battens may cost more initially than timber, but they are cost-effective in the long run.
They require less maintenance and are more durable than their timber counterparts, resulting in fewer repairs and replacements in the future.
Less need for rework means less labor and costs saving. Hence the higher initial cost of steel battens is outweighed by their long-term benefits.
They are also quicker (less labour) to install which means that installation times are significantly reduced, which can save you time and money on your project.
Additionally, steel top hats are always in stock, which means you can purchase them when you need them without having to wait for delivery times.
The size of the batten will depend on the type of top hat section size being used and the weight load that is expected to be placed on it.
Refer to the specific span tables in the Product Specifications for specific guidance on the most appropriate size section to use.
Downloads:
- 22mm Product Specifications
- 40mm Product Specifications
- 50mm Product Specifications
- 64mm Product Specifications
- 75mm Product Specifications
- 96mm Product Specifications
- 120mm Product Specifications
As always, it's important to consult with an experienced contractor or engineer before selecting the appropriate size of roof battens for your project.
The length of a roof batten span will depend on the type of top hat section size being used and the weight load that is expected to be placed on it.
Refer to the specific span tables in the Product Specifications for specific guidance and requirements on the maximum length a top hat section can span.
Steel top hats are available in stock lengths of 6.1m & 7.5m.
It's important to purchase the correct length for your project so that you can cover the entire ceiling, wall or roof area without any gaps between sections.
Need more help, refer to the associated Australian Standards listed below for further guidance.
• AS 1170.0:2011, AS 1170.1:2002, and AS 1170.2:2011 - Loading Codes
• AS/NZS 4600:2005 - Cold-formed Steel Structures
• AS 3623:1993 - Domestic Metal Framing
• AS 1397:2011 - Steel Sheet & Strip - G550 MPa Steel
• AS 1397 G550 - AM150
• AS 4055 - Wind Loads for Housing
In conclusion, top hat battens offer several advantages over traditional timber battens, including their superior strength, durability, and fire resistance.
Steel top hats, in particular, are becoming the go-to option for construction professionals due to their many benefits, including faster installation times, consistent quality, and suitability for walling applications.
When selecting top hats for your project, it's important to consider the appropriate top hat section size and material to ensure optimal performance and stability.
We hope this comprehensive guide has provided valuable insights and information to help you make informed decisions for your construction project.
