Knowledge Builders

what kind of nails do you use on vinyl siding

by Hilda Tillman Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

What type of nails to use for siding?

  • Vinyl siding: The ideal nails for use in vinyl siding are galvanized steel nails or aluminum nails. ...
  • Hardie siding: Corrosion-resistant nails would be best for a Hardie siding. ...
  • Wood siding: For wood siding, you will have to use hot-dip galvanized nails. ...
  • Cedar siding: For cedar siding, you should opt for hot-dipped galvanized nails. ...

Use only corrosion-resistant nails (aluminum, stainless or galvanized roofing.) Nails should have a minimum head diameter of 5/16". CertainTeed recommends the use of stainless steel nails or other corrosion-resistant fasteners when installing siding in coastal areas.

Full Answer

What tools are needed for vinyl siding?

Tools Needed for Installing Shutters on Vinyl Siding

  • Shutters (preferably vinyl)
  • Pencil
  • Spirit level
  • Tape measure
  • Drill and appropriate drill bits
  • Shutter screws
  • Ladder

Can you put nails into vinyl siding?

Yes, you can use roofing nails for vinyl siding also. But you have to use the galvanized aluminum roofing nails with a diameter of 1/8″ and a nail head of 3/8″ or larger. If you have other materials between your base and siding, you must use an even longer nail. 2.

What are the most popular types of vinyl siding?

Types of Vinyl Siding

  • Clapboard
  • Dutch Lap
  • Beaded
  • Board and Batten
  • Cedar Shake

What nail gun should I use for siding?

Which siding nailer is best?

  • BOSTITCH Coil Siding Nailer.
  • Freeman Pneumatic Siding Nailer.
  • Metabo HPT Coil Siding Nailer.
  • MAX CN565S3 Siding Coil Nailer.
  • HBT 15 Degree Coil Siding Nailer.
  • Hitachi Coil Siding Nailer.
  • DEWALT DW66C-1 Fencing Nailer.

image

What nails are best for vinyl siding?

What kind of nails do you use to hang vinyl siding? Use electro, or hot-dipped galvanized steel or aluminum roofing type nails with a diameter of 1/8″ and a nail head of 3/8″ or larger. The nails should penetrate 3/4″ into a solid wood base.

How long should nails be for vinyl siding?

1-3/4 inchesChoose the Right Nails Use galvanized stainless steel or aluminum roofing nails with a head diameter of 3/8 inch. The nails should measure at least 1-3/4 inches in length, long enough to penetrate into the nailable base at least 3/4 inch.

How should vinyl siding be nailed?

Vinyl siding must be attached “loosely.” Center nails in slots to permit expansion and contraction of the siding. Drive nails straight and level to prevent distortion and buckling of panel. Start nailing vertical siding and trim pieces in the top of the uppermost slots to hold them in position.

Can you nail into vinyl siding?

To make your home more beautiful or to celebrate different holidays or seasons, you may want to hang decorations on the side of your house. This can be tricky with a vinyl-sided house because you shouldn't drill or nail through the siding. Holes can cause water to seep behind the vinyl, creating problems for your home.

Why do nails pop out of siding?

If your nails have popped out, this means your siding has experienced some sort of movement or has been expanding and contracting. Rusty nails can signify moisture damage over time and can leave streaks down your siding.

Should I use screws or nails for vinyl siding?

Use aluminum, galvanized steel, or other corrosion-resistant nails, staples, or screws when installing vinyl siding. Aluminum trim pieces require aluminum or stainless steel fasteners. All fasteners must be able to penetrate a minimum of 1 1/4” (32mm) into nailable material, such as wood sheathing and framing (Fig.

What size nails do you use for siding?

Most contractors agree that nails used in siding projects should measure at least 1 ½ inches long—or up to 2 ½ inches if you're installing backerboard with the siding. Nail heads require a 5/16 inches minimum in diameter.

Do you have to nail vinyl siding into studs?

Siding must be secured into metal studs if the substrate is not a nailable surface such as exterior dry wall, gypsum board, etc.

What kind of fastener is used for vinyl siding?

When installing vinyl siding, use a galvanized nail, stainless steel nail, or aluminum nail; something that won't rust. Roofing nails with a 3/8″ diameter head work well with vinyl siding.

Is it OK to screw into vinyl siding?

So, can you drill into vinyl siding? You can safely drill into any vinyl sidings if you take a few precautions and follow the correct steps. However, you should avoid doing drilling when the weather is cold as the siding can become brittle. You may want to consider using vinyl siding clips instead of drilling.

Can I use roofing nails for siding?

Yes, 1-¾” roofing nails are appropriate for installing vinyl siding as long as the nailheads are not visible on the siding's surface. You should not be able to see the head of the nail whatsoever. You should use ⅛'' diameter aluminum nails and a nailhead ⅜” or larger.

How do you attach something to vinyl siding?

One easy and safe option for attaching things is with vinyl siding hooks. They're often made of stainless steel to give you a durable hook that resists rusting from outdoor moisture. The hooks vary in size and shape, so choose a design with a hook that will hold the item you want to hang securely.

What size are siding nails?

But, siding nails typically come in a size that ranges between 1.25-inches to 2.5-inches. You should always use at least a 1.5-inch nail for your siding projects to be safe. This length will handle the usual width of a siding board, which is . 75-inches thick.

Can you use a framing nailer for siding?

The answer is, yes. Framing nail guns can be used for siding installation, if the nail being used is long enough to attach the siding firmly to your exterior wood sheathing. While it's recommended to always use a siding nail gun for siding installation, in a pinch, you may be able to use a framing nailer instead.

How many vinyl siding nails do I need?

It's best to estimate the square footage of the vinyl siding to determine approximately how many nails you need. You'll also want to consider the space for the nails. On average, you'll need to install about 115 nails per square [or 100 square feet].

Does vinyl siding need to be nailed into studs?

NOTE: Vinyl siding must be applied over a rigid sheathing that provides a smooth, flat surface or an underlayment (such as wood, wood composition, rigid foam or fiber sheathing) that is no more than 1" thick. Vinyl siding cannot be applied directly to studs.

Why is it important to nail vinyl siding?

Why Proper Nailing Is So Important for Vinyl Siding. Homes function best when every element works in perfect harmony. Even the smallest parts, like nails and screws, make a difference. But the type of nails you use—and your nailing technique—is extra important when you install vinyl siding on your home. Vinyl is a plastic product, so it’s ...

How long should nails be for siding?

Most contractors agree that nails used in siding projects should measure at least 1 ½ inches long—or up to 2 ½ inches if you’re installing backerboard with the siding. Nail heads require a 5/16 inches minimum in diameter.

How long should a roofing nail be?

Most builders agree that you should opt for roofing nails for this sort of project. Roofing nails have longer shanks—between one and two inches —and a flatter nail head to keep the material below held securely in place. They’re also extra sharp, so you won’t have to work as hard to nail them in. Most contractors agree that nails used in siding projects should measure at least 1 ½ inches long—or up to 2 ½ inches if you’re installing backerboard with the siding. Nail heads require a 5/16 inches minimum in diameter. Nail shanks? At least ⅛ inches in diameter.

Why is my siding sagging?

It’s always important to drive your nails in straight and level on any construction project. However, when you’re putting up siding, a nail that’s crooked will cause your siding to buckle and sag—especially if you leave room for extra expansion.

Why does vinyl siding buck?

Vinyl siding that’s nailed on too tight doesn’t leave room for the materials to expand and contract, and that causes ripples to form come summertime. For the best results, leave at least 1/16 inch between the nail head and the siding to give it some room to grow.

How far should nails go from edge of panel?

Ideally, nails should go in about 1/32 of an inch from each panel’s edge, although you should read the manufacturer’s guidelines for the proper measurements.

Where should nails be fixed on siding?

Plus, they can cause siding to buckle as well. Nails should be fixed squarely in the middle of the slots at the end of each panel. That way, they’ll be covered by the next panel’s overlap.

Why does vinyl siding crack?

Vinyl siding will pop and crackle with every change of sunlight and temperature if nailed incorrectly. Here's how to fix the problem if you have it, and how to nail (or renail) siding so that it moves freely and silently for the life of your house.

How far back should siding go?

Each piece of siding should move back and forth at least 1/4-in. if it’s been nailed correctly. Test all the pieces on the noisy wall, and mark pieces that don’t move.

How much play do you need for siding?

Manufacturers require about 1/4-in. play at both ends, so if it’s nailed properly (loosely), you should be able to slide it 1/4 to 1/2 in. If all the siding is tight, it was installed wrong and should be redone.

Does vinyl siding contract with temperature?

Vinyl siding tends to expand and contract considerably with temperature changes. For this reason, manufacturers design it to hang loosely on the nails rather than to be tightly nailed like wood siding. The problem should be easy to diagnose.

How far apart should nails be for siding?

Space nails a maximum of 16 inches apart for horizontal siding panels, every 12 inches for vertical siding panels, and 6 to 12 inches for accessories. (See individual manufacturer’s instructions for fastening specific accessories and for recommended spacing.)

How to nail siding with pneumatic stapler?

Always hold the pneumatic stapler or nailer parallel to the siding panels. Place the guide into the nailing slot, and shoot a fastener in the center of the nail slots. All panels should move freely under the fastener to allow for the expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes.

What gauge should vinyl siding be?

Staples and nails must be resistant to corrosion, such as cadmium-coated, galvanized steel, or aluminum varieties. Staples should be at least 16-gauge and semi-flattened to an elliptical cross-section.

How much can vinyl siding expand?

As outside temperatures change, vinyl siding can expand and contract as much as 1/4 inch over a 12-foot 6-inch length. For this reason:

How much clearance between staples and siding?

For fastener depth, provide 1/32-inch clearance between the staple crown or nail head and the siding panel.

Why do you put center nails in slots?

Center nails in slots to permit expansion and contraction of the siding.

How wide should staples be?

Staples should be at least 16-gauge and semi-flattened to an elliptical cross-section. The staple’s crown must be at least 7/16 inch wide and its length should be long enough to penetrate into a solid substrate such as sheathing or backerboard of at least 3/4 inch.

Vinyl Siding Installation Tips

Vinyl comes in a variety of grains, thicknesses and colors, making it a practical choice for many homeowners. We'll give you tips on preparing your home, cutting vinyl siding and installing the siding panels.

Vinyl Siding Cutting Methods

Start cutting with your tin snips at the top interlock and continue toward the bottom of the panel.

Surface Preparation for Vinyl Siding Installation

Securely nail all loose boards and wood trim and replace any rotten boards.

Use Exterior Siding Furring

In new construction, furring strips aren't usually necessary. However, older homes often have uneven walls. These walls should be furred out to prevent a wavy appearance in the finished vinyl siding job.

Insulation for Vinyl Siding

House wrap or foam board insulation helps insulate and level out the exterior of a house. Some manufacturers strongly caution against the use of drop-in type foam or fiberboard behind their vinyl siding. This type of insulation may change and flatten the contour of the panel, causing the siding to bulge or ripple.

Vinyl Soffit and Fascia Installation Guide

Use the following instructions for vinyl soffit and fascia installation.

image

1.Nailing Vinyl Siding: Nail Size & Nail Guns Explained

Url:https://homeinspectioninsider.com/nailing-vinyl-siding-nail-size-guns/

14 hours ago  · Use aluminum, galvanized steel, or other corrosion-resistant nails, staples, or screws when installing vinyl siding. Aluminum trim pieces require aluminum or stainless steel fasteners. All fasteners must be able to penetrate a minimum of 1 1/4 into nailable material, such as wood sheathing and framing (Fig.

2.Why Proper Nailing Is So Important for Vinyl Siding

Url:https://modernize.com/homeowner-resources/siding/proper-nailing-vinyl-siding

4 hours ago 3 rows ·  · Read on to discover whether you can use roofing nails to secure vinyl siding. 2. Can I ...

3.How to Nail Vinyl Siding Correctly (DIY) - Family Handyman

Url:https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-nail-vinyl-siding-correctly/

24 hours ago Most contractors agree that nails used in siding projects should measure at least 1 ½ inches long—or up to 2 ½ inches if you’re installing backerboard with the siding. Nail heads require a 5/16 inches minimum in diameter.

4.How to Nail Vinyl Siding | HomeTips

Url:https://www.hometips.com/diy-how-to/nail-vinyl-siding.html

1 hours ago  · Galvies will work fine for the vinyl, but if you are putting up any aluminum trim make sure you use aluminum nails. T. Do not try this at home! I am a trained professional!

5.How to Install Vinyl Siding | Lowe’s

Url:https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/install-vinyl-siding

19 hours ago  · Find the tight nails and cut them (Photo 4). Renail right next to the old nail, leaving at least a 1/16-in. gap between the nailhead and the vinyl to allow easy movement. Required Tools for this Project. Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration. Hammer; Handsaw; Pry bar

6.Siding Nails - Nails - The Home Depot

Url:https://www.homedepot.com/b/Hardware-Fasteners-Nails-Siding-Nails/N-5yc1vZc2c1

23 hours ago  · Because vinyl siding panels must be fastened in place loosely, as described above, power-nailing or stapling panels requires a special adapter that fits on the power nailer or stapler and allows for a slightly-loose attachment. This roofing nailer works well for nailing vinyl siding when fitted with the adapter shown. Bostitch You can buy these vinyl siding tools online at …

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9