Do Not Face Nail Or Staple Through Vinyl Siding

Keeping siding straight and level.

Do not face nail or staple through vinyl siding.

Nail or staple i do very little vinyl work but did buy the impulse stapler and found it to be an excellent stapler. Even the smallest parts like nails and screws make a difference. I ve been hanging vinyl siding for 22 years and won t face nail it for that reason. Changes and face nailing is a problem.

A vinyl siding stapler is easier to maneuver than a nailer. Nails versus staples is an age old question in the vernacular of construction work. For more information refer to page 16 of the vsi vinyl siding installation manual. Siding is installed with slight overlap between boards a bit like the way shingles are installed.

Staples can be easier to apply than nails. 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. But the type of nails you use and your nailing technique is extra important when you install vinyl siding on your home. That overlap is very important when it comes to nailing techniques.

Allow approximately 1 32 0 8mm clearance the thickness of a dime between the fastener head and the vinyl. In face nailing a nail is driven through the face of the board driving down through two overlapping layers into the substrate below. Installing vinyl siding with nails vs. In the winter those small trim nails pop and the siding will fall off.

Homes function best when every element works in perfect harmony. The wider head of a staple will allow you to drive it in a bit off center and still be effective. Do not nail any siding parts too tight. I guess i should have explained more.

The vinyl siding stapler gun is g enerally lighter which means gravity will contribute less force when lining up a staple correctly. Here in nh we have extreme temp. Vinyl is a plastic product so it s a little bit more malleable than aluminum or wood particularly when the sun is shining overhead. Do not face nail.

Keep in mind siding is only as straight and stable as what lies under it. Do not drive the head of the fastener tightly against the siding nail hem. I know a lot of siding contractor that do but it s just easier in the long run. I have always bought tools that make the job easier and don t get hung up on will it pay for itself.

Tight nailing screwing or stapling will cause the vinyl siding to buckle with changes in temperature fig. Do not face nail or staple through siding except for one nail needed to finish at the top of a gable. These nails tend to be visible on the. Vinyl siding must be attached loosely.