How many nails do I need for vinyl siding?

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].

How many nails do I need to install vinyl siding?

To estimate the total pounds of fasteners required, multiply the total square feet of siding by 0.005 for aluminum nails and 0.01 for roofing nails, staples, and screws. Every 100 square feet (9.29 square meters) is called a “square” for ordering purposes.

How long of nails do you need for vinyl siding?

Choose 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.

What nails do you use to install 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.

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.

Kaycan Vinyl Siding Installation Tips: Nailing

Do you nail vinyl siding tight?

Do not nail any siding parts too tight. Leave 1/32 inch between the nail head and the vinyl. Vinyl siding must be attached “loosely.” Center nails in slots to permit expansion and contraction of the siding.

How long should siding nails be?

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.

How long is starter strip for vinyl siding?

A: these strips are 12'6" or 150" in length - sold in cartons of 40 each.

How do you put nails in siding?

Hang a vinyl siding hook on your house. This is the most efficient method. Slip the top of the hook underneath a piece of siding and wiggle it until it "snaps" into place. This hooks it onto the bottom of the siding.

Do i need foam board under vinyl siding?

By installing insulation on the outside of the framing it causes the location of the dew point to move to the outside of the wall assembly. This reduces the likelihood of condensation within the wall cavity. The exterior insulation also helps keep the siding (all vinyl siding leaks!)

How many nails are in a board?

Boards require a minimum of two nails per truss, while sheathing requires six nails due to face width and nail spacing.

How far do you overlap vinyl siding?

Homeowners who attempt the DIY vinyl siding installation method often make the mistake of leaving too much overlap in between panels. This results in a messy and unkempt look. The industry standard warrants between one and one-and-a-quarter inch of overlap where two panels meet.

How much overlap should vinyl siding have?

Mind the Overlaps

Always refer to the installation guide on the particular vinyl siding that you're installing, but most vinyl siding panels should overlap each other by at least an inch. Add 3/8 in. on hot days because the siding will contract when the temperature drops.

What tool do you use to cut vinyl siding?

A utility knife is typically the best tool for cutting vinyl siding when you're making longitudinal cuts along the length of a plank. If you're only making a few vertical cuts, it's best to use tin snips or a hand saw.

Can you 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.

What goes under vinyl siding?

To sum it up, house wrap is a lightweight, paper-like material that is most often used to completely cover the house, directly on top of the sheathing and behind the vinyl siding. Its primary purpose is to prevent air and water leaks that may have seeped past the vinyl exterior.

Can siding nails be too long?

If the contractor nails the siding too tightly, it will restrict the movement and the siding is likely to crack. As a general rule, contractors should use a clearance of 1/32 inch between the siding and nail head.

Can I use framing nails 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.

Why do nails pop out of siding?

There are a few reasons why nails pop out of siding: Expansion and contraction of the wood; The nails are not ring-shanked or long enough; The nails are not in the studs.

Why is my vinyl siding buckling?

Vinyl siding expands significantly as it's heated. That's why it has oval-shaped nailing slots that allow it to slide back and forth under the nailhead. Nail it too tightly and you prevent this movement—and cause buckling. The problem can also come from reflected glare from insulated windows with an optical coating.

Do you nail J-Channel tight?

For the window, first position the J-channel against the window casing. Nail it to the wall, but remember not to nail it tightly. Leave at least one-sixteenth of an inch between the nail head and the vinyl to allow for expansion and contraction and to prevent dimpling.