Batten nails are one of the primary fixings for the transfer of wind uplift loads on the roof into the roof structure. Wind suction acts on the tiles, the tiles transfer some of the load via the nails or clips to the battens, and the battens in turn transfer the load to the rafters and so on down to the foundations.

What nails to use for roofing battens?

According to BS 5534, the nails used to fix battens to rafters should usually have a diameter of at least 3.35mm. The nails should provide a minimum of 40mm penetration into the rafter, so a nail length of 65mm is generally recommended.

Can you use a nail gun for roof battens?

The nail is typically 65mm long to provide a minimum 40mm penetration into the rafter. Nails used in guns are generally of smaller diameter. This reduces the thickness of timber between the nail head and the underside of the batten, which reduces the pull-off resistance and may damage the batten.

What is the best roofing nail?

Stainless steel nails are best used for slate and ceramic roofs or asphalt shingle roofs in coastal climates. For asphalt roofing shingles, use galvanized nails. Galvanization adds a layer of zinc onto the steel that significantly inhibits rust and corrosion.

How do you nail battens?

Glue first, and finish with nails.

Apply a zigzag bead of glue to the back of a batten, but not so much that it oozes out when you position batten on the wall. With the batten in place, insert a couple of finish nails at angles to attach the bottom and the top of the batten to the trim boards.

How do you attach battens to rafters?

To make sure that it doesn’t move, use the nail gun to secure the batten in place on a few rafters. Pre-drill a hole in the first rafter and secure the batten to it with the batten screws. Repeat this process so that the batten is secured to every second rafter.

What are roofing nails?

Roofing nails are used in roof installation to fasten shingles, to install roofing felt for waterproofing and to attach roof tiles and sheet metal. There are different kinds of roofing nails, made of different materials and in various sizes. All roofing nails have wide, flat heads and short shanks.

What nails are used for roof tiles?

When it comes to securing slates or roofing tiles, most professionals would recommend that copper nails are used. The material offers great flexibility in terms of the environments it can be used in, without affecting the performance level of the nails.

What is bs5534?

BS 5534 is the code of practice for installing slates and tiles to new-build pitched roofs and vertical cladding. It was the first guidance of its kind to provide recommendations on the design, performance and installation of new-build pitched roofs using slates, tiles, shingles and shakes.

Can roofing nails be too long?

Yes, they can. If they are too long, they will protrude through the sheathing at the roof overhang and be visible.

What size nails do you need for roofing?

Roofing nails should be round-headed, sharp-pointed 11-gauge galvanized steel or the equivalent corrosion-resistant roofing nails. Nail head sizes recommended are 3/8-inch to 7/16-inch diameter. Nail heads should be low profile, smooth and flat. Nails should comply with ASTM F1667, Type I, Style 20.

How long should roofing nails be?

Roofing nails should be 1-1/4 to 2 inches long to ensure that it sufficiently penetrates and embeds in the roof sheathing. To calculate the appropriate roofing nail length, add the thickness of the shingles and underlayment to the thickness of the sheathing.

Do roof battens need to be treated?

Treatment – Roofing battens should be preservative treated to Use Class 2 in accordance with BS 8417. Different manufacturers use their own types of preservative treatment and may offer different guarantees as a result.

How far apart should battens be?

Typically, batten are spaced anywhere from 12” to 24” apart.

What is a roof verge Undercloak?

Fibre Cement Undercloak is used on roof verges to support a bed of mortar & allow mortar adhesion. Eaves Trays prevent ponding of water behind the fascia where underlay can sag between the rafters, whilst Comb Filler stops birds & insects from entering the roof void.

How do you nail batten strips?

The batten overlap should be large enough to cover the nails that are used to attach the boards. Length wise the board and batten needs to be nailed at 2′ on centers plus the two ends. Using the right size nail. The nail should always be three times as long as the thickness of the board through which it is driven.

How do you fasten a batten board?

Starting at one corner of the house, place a board flush up against the wall and make sure it’s plumb. When it is, secure the board by installing two nails at the top of the and two to the bottom of the board. Once it’s secured, install two nails every 18”-24” along the board’s length.