Roof battens and underlay

A finished roof photograph mainly shows tiles or slates. Much of the work behind that finish becomes concealed, including the supporting battens and underlay. A useful replacement specification explains those layers before attention turns to the colour of the covering.

Battens support the covering and provide fixing positions; underlay is part of the roof assembly beneath it. Their condition and suitability need to be considered with the rest of the construction rather than assumed from a distant view.

Describe the roof as a complete assembly

A quotation saying only “new tiles” leaves several decisions open. Establish what will be stripped, what will remain and how the proposed layers relate to the covering, ventilation and roof edges.

For a WWR Roofing enquiry, include records of earlier reroofing or loft work if available. Those documents can help identify known alterations, although opening up may still be needed to establish the actual condition.

Make concealed findings visible

Once the old covering is lifted, the condition may differ from what could be seen during the initial assessment. Agree how additional findings will be explained and how any change in scope will be approved.

Photographs should show the location as well as the defect. A close-up without context is difficult to connect to a quotation or understand later. Keep the explanation and any revised price alongside the original specification.

Retain a record before the roof is closed

Images of completed concealed layers can be useful in the property file, where they are available. They should support the written scope rather than replace it. Product descriptions and approved changes help make sense of what is visible in the photographs.

Read our roof replacement process guide for the sequence of work. To discuss your existing covering and the layers beneath it, contact WWR Roofing through the new roofs page.