A counter-batten is a batten occupying a different direction or position from tile battens within the roof build-up, helping organise the layered support arrangement. The actual construction needs to be established at the building or through suitable records.
On a typical tiled roof, counter-battens are often discussed alongside the space beneath tiles and connections between underlying layers. This does not make them interchangeable with every other timber component. An exterior photograph usually cannot show the complete supporting arrangement.
When the assembly changes, ask whether the existing batten arrangement will remain and what supports that decision. A general instruction to repair timber is less clear than an identifiable description of the components involved and the limits of the investigation.
Worth asking
Frequently asked questions
Can counter-battens be identified from the street?
The exterior usually gives no complete picture. Use records and professional assessment for concealed components.
Is a counter-batten part of a tile itself?
No. It is a separate component of the underlying roof assembly.