Guides
Roof tile and batten data
Use the exact tile-system gauge, coverage and pack data from current product documents.
Tile dimensions, effective cover and batten gauge belong to a specific product and laying conditions. Gauge affects courses and consumption, but a simplified quantity result does not locate the first and last batten.
Key points
- Read gauge for the exact tile and roof conditions.
- Setting out has fixed points at eaves and ridge.
- Stock lengths from total length are not a cutting plan.
In this guide
Prepare your inputs
- Exact tile model and instructions for pitch and use.
- Slope length and roof width.
- Verified gauge, stock length and end details.
1. Collect related product data
Read permitted gauge and required laps for the product. Tiles per m² can depend on gauge; another arrangement's rate is not interchangeable. Check pitch and fixing conditions in the same instructions.
The tile tool accepts entered consumption rather than deriving it from gross tile length. Underlayment needs its own lap and coverage inputs; these do not follow from batten spacing.
Source: [1] Marley — Roofing Sitework Guide, batten gauge, pp. 60–61
2. Separate setting out from estimating
Instructions may establish eaves and ridge battens, measure between those fixed points and divide the distance into appropriate intervals. Follow the exact product procedure; edge-to-edge slope length may differ from that distance.
Our quantity tool uses ceil(slope length / entered gauge) for rows and rows × width for base length. It does not locate fixed points, automatically add every extra row or approve gauge.
Model rows = ceil(slope length / gauge)
Source: [1] Marley — Roofing Sitework Guide, batten gauge, pp. 60–61
3. Check timber and joints
After allowance, the tool divides total length by stock length and rounds upward. This assumes use of a combined length pool. Offcuts are not all interchangeable when joints must lie over specified supports.
Plan individual rows, supports, joints and additional elements. Timber section, grade and fixings follow the design and instructions, not the calculated piece count. Verify cutting before ordering.
Source: [1] Marley — Roofing Sitework Guide, batten gauge, pp. 60–61
Batten quantity in the simple model
Illustrative inputs: 5.2 m slope length, 8 m width, entered 0.33 m gauge, 5% allowance and 4 m stock.
| Stage | Result |
|---|---|
| Rows: ceil(5.2 / 0.33) | 16 |
| Base: 16 × 8 | 128 m |
| Planned: 128 × 1.05 | 134.4 m |
| Pieces: ceil(134.4 / 4) | 34 |
| Purchased length | 136 m |
The model gives 34 lengths. Check extra rows and joints before ordering; this does not set out the roof.
If the actual fixed-point distance were 5.2 m, dividing it into 16 intervals would give 0.325 m. That is a different task from counting 16 rows and requires the complete instructions.
Try this example in the calculatorCommon mistakes
| Mistake | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Applying maximum gauge without setting out ends. | Establish fixed points and follow the product procedure. |
| Treating stock count as a cutting plan. | Check each row and joint location. |
| Borrowing another tile's consumption. | Record model and conditions with the rate. |
Check before using the result
- Gauge and consumption belong to the same variant.
- Fixed points and extra elements are handled separately.
- Stock lengths suit cutting and supports.
Method limits
- The model does not select timber section, grade or fixings.
- No complete setting out, cut optimization or structural assessment.
Questions and answers
Do 16 rows mean 16 intervals?
Not automatically. Sixteen lines have 15 intervening intervals, and endpoints may introduce other lines. This calculator uses a simplified row count; establish the full arrangement from instructions.
Is smaller gauge always permitted?
Do not assume so. Products may have minimum as well as maximum gauge and other conditions. Check the full permitted range.
Sources and verification scope
- Marley — Roofing Sitework Guide, batten gauge, pp. 60–61
Product-specific setting out between eaves/ridge battens and separate fixed points. The simple quantity calculator is not that setting-out method.
Access checked: - HSE — fragile roof surfaces
Avoid unnecessary access to fragile roofs and plan competent access. UK safety guidance is context, not a statement of Polish legal compliance.
Access checked: