How should siding nails be installed?

Nails should be centered and driven loosely into the nailing slots of vinyl or aluminum siding. Do not face nail. Face nailing (driving nails through visible parts of the panels) is not only unsightly, but it will also cause vinyl to buckle with changes in temperature. Do not nail any siding parts too tight.

When nailing vinyl siding nails should be?

The minimum nail size should be 1-1/2". Example: If you're applying siding over 1/2" structural sheathing, use a nail at least 1-1/2" long (1/2" sheathing + 3/4" stud penetration + nailing hem thickness + minimum 1/16" between nailing hem and fastener head).

Should siding be nailed tight?

The Nails Are Too Tight – This is one of the worst mistakes that can happen during a siding installation. The nails should be at least 1/32 of an inch loose to allow space for the siding to expand or contract due to changing temperatures. Siding that has been nailed too tight will crack, warp or bulge.

Do siding nails have to hit 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 nails do you need for 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 to Select Siding Nails

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 tight should vinyl siding be?

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.

What is a furring strip for siding?

What are Furring Strips? Furring strips are long thin pieces of material usually made of wood or metal. They are used to make a backing surface for the siding to attach to. These strips create the drainage plane that is essential for rainscreen siding to be effective in the way that it was designed for.

What is the maximum spacing of the nailing on a vinyl siding panel?

Space the fasteners a maximum of 16” (406mm) apart for horizontal siding panels, every 12” (305mm) for vertical siding panels, and every 8” to 12” (203mm to 305mm) for accessories. These distances may be increased if the manufacturer permits greater spacing based on wind load testing.

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.

Should J channel be nailed tight?

Windows and Doors

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.

What kind of nailer do you use for vinyl siding?

What Kind of Nail Gun Do You Use for Siding? While you can use roofing nail guns for siding, it is ideal to use a pneumatic siding nail gun to secure vinyl, wood, and cement siding. You should set the pressure of the nail gun to the density of the material you are using. We do not recommend using a brad gun.

Should you caulk around J channel?

In a remodeling situation, caulking should be placed between the house wrap the the new aluminum window wrappings. Caulking can be placed behind the J-Channel during installation, sealing the seam between the J-Channel and the house wrap, also sealing the seam between the J-Channel and the window itself.

Should J channel have weep holes?

The top piece of J-channel must have minimum 3/16” (4.8mm) diameter weep holes drilled no more than 24” (610mm) apart to allow for water runoff, and the starter strip (J-channel) should not rest on head flashing because it will block weep holes.

Does J channel go on bottom of siding?

Flash the Bottoms of Windows

Overlap the flashing onto the row of siding just below the window. Now, any water that runs inside the J-channels will come out on top of the siding and out the weep holes designed for this purpose.

How far apart should furring strips be?

2. Calculate the size and spacing needed for the furring strips. If you plan on stapling ceiling tiles, which are generally 12 inches square, to the strips, install the furring strips every 12 inches on center. If drywall is to be installed on the ceiling, place the furring strips every 16 inches on center.

How thick should furring strips be?

How Thick Are Furring Strips? Standard furring strips are marketed as 1-in thick, with the exception of the 2-in x 2-in strip. The actual thickness is usually just under a full inch. This makes them extremely versatile for a multitude of construction projects.

Are furring strips necessary siding?

Most panel siding requires a solid surface or backing for a secure and stable attachment. Furring strips provide reliable backing. The second — and most important — purpose of furring strips for siding is that they create a crucial gap between the siding and the weather-resistant barrier of the home's exterior.

Should vinyl siding have seams?

They function as a joint, much the same ways joints in concrete function. The seam allows the vinyl to expand and contract along with fluctuations in temperature. This prevents the siding panel from cracking in excessive heat or cold.

How far should siding overlap?

Generally, you want your siding to overlap your foundation by approximately 2 inches. However, you also want your siding to be at least 6 inches to 8 inches from the ground. Combining the reasoning for these two thresholds will help you decide where to run the bottom edge of your siding.