I did it on my house like 5 years ago and I was told it was a bad idea after I did it. But no problems yet.

It is Absolutely Okey to use roofing nails for Dens Shield. 2013 TCNA Handbook F 144-13 "fasten backer units with corrosion resistant fasteners per manufactures instructions" Dens shield installation guide has Galv Roofing nails at the top of their list. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...zkeMEDBN99jT36A&bvm=bv.54934254,d.b2I&cad=rja

I switched to Galvinized roofing gun from collated screws about 6 months ago and will never go back. SO MUCH FASTER. When you are installing 300+sf of backer as fast as you can, getting it fastened before the mortar starts to set is most important.

It would be nice if they made them with a ring shank for better holding power, like underlayment nails.

you have that Right. I have asked why Galv siding nails are not approved, I got something about the holding power of the head. Not sure if that is why or not.

http://www.senco.com/FastenerDetails.aspx?c=5&g=RingRCN&n=Senco+Ring+Shank+Roofing+Coil+Nails

http://www.mazenails.com/catalog/catalog.php?page=PAGE10&group=CLW

$38.57 per 1000, wow no wonder I have never seen them.

Why not?

Those are not coated though, hard to find nails these days lowes and Home Depot have cut way back on inventory. I looked for galvanized couple years ago they were on other coast of Florida due to building code .

I use roofing nails with a pneumatic nailer and have since 1999.

I do have to hand drive a lot of nails which don't go down as I like them.

What is your fear?

Simpson makes 1 3/4" ring shank stainless nails that work great for Harding siding and backer board! A bit pricey though.