Industry sources estimate that as of June 2025, up to 70% of sawn-bundled lengths of wood on the UK market are potentially “fake” tiling battens. This has caused concern among trade professionals and has sparked debate in the trade press.
The issue of “fake” battens has been a hot topic in recent months and it is not an exaggeration to say that it is a significant problem. These counterfeit battens, marked with various inked labels, do not meet the necessary standards for a genuine, BS5534 graded, Third Party Certified roofing batten. This poses a serious risk to contractors working at height and the overall integrity of the roof.
The saying “you get what you pay for” and “if you buy cheap you buy twice” rings true in this case. The true cost of a mini bundle of #10 correctly graded and/or certified batten should be around £20. Buying these battens at a significantly lower price not only means compromising on quality, but also puts the safety of workers and the stability of the roof at risk.
A “fake” batten is comparable to a fake Rolex or a knock-off Gucci handbag. While it may come at a lower cost, it cannot be trusted to perform like the real thing. Reputable manufacturers and importers invest a significant amount of money annually to ensure that their battens are correctly graded before shipment and upon receipt. This is to avoid any potential liability for the consequences of using substandard battens.
The solution to this issue is to conduct proper checks on the battens being purchased. Woodexperts, a reputable company in the industry, is offering a limited service to conduct a BS 5534 batten check. This service involves qualified graders spending a few hours in a Builders’ Merchants yard to inspect the stock for any signs of “fake” battens. If the battens are found to be genuine, there will be no charge for the check. However, if any “fake” battens are identified, the customer will be required to pay a fee for the check and reasonable travel costs. This service is aimed at helping trade buyers identify and eliminate fake battens from their supply chain.
It is crucial for trade buyers to take this issue seriously and take the necessary steps to ensure that their stock is reliable and fit for purpose. This limited offer is available on a first come, first served basis, with geographical restrictions in place. By taking advantage of this service, trade buyers can demonstrate a commitment to providing their customers with genuine, BS 5534 approved battens. Book a batten check with Woodexperts today and join the fight against fake battens. Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.