function
The function of the counter battens is to create a ventilation zone or a free space for the insulation. In the case of a cold roof, this is intended to ensure that moist air from the interior does not hit the roof skin directly, but can escape without any problems. This is important, for example, to prevent moisture damage and mold. The air should be able to circulate in the space created. In order for this to be possible, the distances must be correspondingly large.position
Roughly speaking, the counter battens sit on the rafters. They run vertically from the ridge to the eaves and thus follow the shape of the roof from top to bottom. Roof battens or support battens running horizontally are attached to the counter battens.In detail, the structure of a cold roof from the inside to the outside can be designed as follows:
1. Rafters
2. formwork
3. Undercover
4. Counter battens
5. Support / roof battens
6. Roof tiles
The structure of the roof can vary slightly depending on the materials used, but the battens always rest on the Counter battens and thus create the necessary space for ventilation and the drainage of water that has penetrated from the outside is.Dimensions
The standard dimensions for the roof and counter battens are 30x50 and 40x60 millimeters, the minimum cross-section is 30x50 mm. In addition, the battens are only laid by professional roofers in a length of 1.35 meters and must therefore be cut accordingly. The battens are cut to this length because this makes laying easier. Longer pieces can only be attached with difficulty, especially on very steep roofs, so laying is done piece by piece with shorter and easy-to-handle slats.
Even shorter or slightly longer battens can be laid, as they are fixed to the rafters and thus a stable subsurface is provided. Remnants can also be processed without any problems and rejects usually only arise if the quality of the material is suboptimal.
quality
As with all other building materials, the counter battens must be of a correspondingly high quality. Do not use battens that:- are bent
- have many knotholes
- have odd edges
distances
Keeping the distance when attaching the counter battens is easy as they are attached directly to the rafters. The distances between the rafters determine the distances between the counter battens. A so-called lath servant can be used as a simple and practical spacer. The Lattenknecht is available in stores, but you can also build it yourself. It not only helps to maintain the correct spacing, but also makes it easier to attach the counter battens in parallel.In addition to the distances between the individual battens, the space between the sub-roof and the roofing is also decisive. This must be at least 30 millimeters. This minimum distance is already given when using the standard dimensions of 30x50 mm for the slats.
Attaching the counter battens - step by step
When the rafters, formwork and roofing are ready, the counter battens can be attached. Proceed as follows: 1. Check counter battens and sort out unsuitable specimens, then cut each to a length of 1.36 m. According to the roof pitch, the pieces lying on the ridge must be cut at the right angle.
2. In order to be able to lay the counter battens at the correct spacing and parallel, a lath servant should be used. This should be set so that the counter battens lie directly and as centrally as possible on the rafters.
3. After aligning each counter batten, it is fixed to the rafters with sufficiently long nails. Usually 120 mm long, galvanized nails are used. Three nails are placed on a meter of staff. A fixation takes place every 30 to 35 centimeters. The fixation should be at the end edges and, in the case of longer pieces of lath, also in the middle.
4. Once all the counter battens have been attached, the horizontally running roof battens or support battens are fixed on them. With these, the distances between the individual battens correspond to the fastening points of the roof tiles or roof tiles.
5. Finally, the roof is covered by adding bricks or stones.
