Using air nailer brads for roofing battons

[r.p.mcmurphy]

is it advisable? are they made from stainless steel?

steve

[Andy Hall]

Brads are normally 18gauge and are going to be too flimsy for roof battens, Steve.

I am dubious that even the slightly larger 16 or even 15 gauge nails are adequate.

The normal nails are galvanised, although stainless steel is available.

When I did my cabin roof a couple of years ago, I fitted the battens to strips orthogonal to them and running down the roof using 50mm x

2.something mm stainless nails in a framing nailer. The final roof is cedar shakes, which although lighter than tiles are still quite heavy. Result was very solid.

I can recommend this company

a source of nails for nailguns. If they don't have stock, they will try to get them, but you may have to buy 1000.

[Rick]

My roofer uses one, but I have done all mine the old fashioned way before he arrives.

Rick