How tight should nail siding be?

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.

What happens if you nail siding too tight?

Siding is designed to hang from metal fasteners in a way that allows it to expand and contract with temperature changes. If the siding is nailed to these fasteners too tightly and it can't move, then nails will pop and create bulges, or the siding will buckle and warp because of its inability to move.

How tight should vinyl siding be nailed?

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 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.

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.

How to Select Siding Nails

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.

Can you use a nail gun for vinyl 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.

Can you hammer a nail into 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.

Can you nail in loose siding?

Vinyl siding is hung loosely to allow it to expand and contract in the sun. If it is sagging or has come loose from the outside of your house, you canmot just drive a few nails through the siding to reattach it.

What causes wood siding to buckle?

Built up moisture is one of the most commons reasons for wood siding to bulge out and warp. The most affected areas are the isolated areas around corners and sides where the siding meets to roof line. Because these areas are prone to moisture and water buildup, the prone areas need to be sealed correctly with flashing.

What kind of nails do you need for siding?

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.

What nail gun is used for siding?

The Coil Sliding Nailer is ideal for your siding and fencing applications.

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.

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.

Can I use a brad nailer for siding?

You cannot use a brad gun for installing siding because the brads leave two holes for each brad and do not hold up as well as siding nails.

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 does my siding look wavy?

Nailed Down Too Tightly

The number one cause of wavy siding is improper installation. Vinyl siding expands under high temperatures and contracts when it gets cooler. Because of this expansion and contraction, vinyl siding can't be nailed down too tightly. Vinyl needs room to move from side to side.

How long should vinyl siding nails be?

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 size nails should I use for wood siding?

Ideally, you should space the nails so that each one penetrates a stud; 8d nails, which are 2 1/2-inches long, are suitable for most siding materials.