Roofing battens - do they need to be dry?

[WannabeeCarpenter]

**THANKS TO ALL THOSE THAT HAVE REPLIED!**

I'm boarding the walls of my garage and had some roofing battens delivered by a local supplier. They're stored outside but I was assured that as they're treated, this isn't a problem.

They've been under cover for a few days now and a decent amount of excess water has run out, but they're still pretty damp.

Do I need to wait for them to dry fully before use?

 

[Jameshow]

No

If they are treated I'd just use them as they are.

Cheers James

 

[WannabeeCarpenter]

No

If they are treated I'd just use them as they are.

Cheers James

Thanks James!

 

[RichardG]

In fact they don’t split when they are wet so I prefer to use them in this state.

 

[Jacob]

No but I'd wear gloves if they are wet and treated.

 

[Blackswanwood]

Mine were all soaking when they went on without problem

 

[Phil Pascoe]

It doesn't really apply in a garage but for interior use I'd make sure they were dry. When my bathroom was done they used wet battens to board off one wall and when they dried it pulled in by about 1/16th, leaving a crack down the grout line in the corner.

 

[Lons]

Jacob is right about the gloves, the stuff they treat them with isn't pleasant, if you have a habit of wiping your mouth with the back of your hand you'll find out.
I'd fix them to the walls and let them dry out before fitting the covering.