Vinyl siding is typically installed over a wood frame and secured in place with metal or plastic nails. The size of the nails will depend on the type of board. The most popular vinyl siding nails are galvanized steel, aluminum, or corrosion-resistant nail. Longer nails may be used to help secure the siding in place. Smaller nails are used on lightweight siding. Let’s see what size nails to use for vinyl siding.
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How to choose nails for vinyl siding?
Choose vinyl siding which is tough, durable, and long lasting. Also, check the building before buying vinyl siding nails. Because weather condition not same in all areas. So you need to choose vinyl siding which is suitable for all season.
For more thickness of the vinyl siding, you can use nails that are about 1-3/4 inches long. It depends on the type of board used. For example, fiberglass board needs longer nails than cedar lap board. Also, look for zinc coating on the nail head to protect it from corrosion and moisture.
For making roofs choose galvanized nails also called “roofing nails.” Galvanized nails are special for their long shanks and flat nail head. For example, zinc coating on the head of the nail, and some are coated with copper. Also, zinc is more resistant to corrosion and moisture.
Some homeowners do not recommend using aluminum nails because they are not enough strong like galvanized nails. But for some applications, aluminum nails are used. When selecting Vinyl Siding Nails for repairing a siding on your home or business building it is very important to note the load rating of the vinyl siding nail. If you are installing vinyl siding over wood this is an extra heavy-duty vinyl. So siding material should be installed with a galvanized nail in order to withstand the weight.
What size nails for vinyl siding?
The standard nail size length is approximately 1 1/4 inches or up to 2 1/2 inches. Choose nails that shank at least 1/8 inch and the head should be at least 5/16 inch. Galvanized nails are the most popular nail size for vinyl siding installation. Galvanized nails are rust-resistant and good for heavy duty applications. Specially designed for vinyl siding installation. It is also weather resistant, not easy to break, and long lasting product.
How many nails per square of vinyl siding?
It depends on the size of the nail head and its quality. If the head is small and weak, usually you need to use 20 nails per square of 2-inch wide vinyl siding. If the head is big and strong, only 16 nails per square are needed. The standard estimate of vinyl siding needs at least 115 nails per square foot. But you can use more nails to make vinyl siding firm and tight.
Can you hammer a nail into vinyl siding?
Yes. In order to install vinyl siding over wood, it is best to use galvanized nails. They are corrosion-resistant and can be hammered into the vinyl siding. But always test the nail before hammering it into the board to make sure it is long enough. Save your time using a nail gun to penetrate the nail through vinyl siding. But it is better to use a hammer when you want to remove the old vinyl siding.
How to measure for vinyl siding?
Measure first for the length of the board and then for the width. You need to make sure you’ll have enough space to install vinyl siding on the wall. If there is no gap between your wall and the floor, it is better to purchase long vinyl siding nails instead of short shank galvanized nails. The longer nails will penetrate into the wood easier. But remember that you need to also consider the height and wall layout. Let’s see in detail:
- First measure the height and width of the area, multiply them and get the total square foot area.
- Measure triangle-shaped areas multiply the base of the triangle to the top by half of the base’s length.
- Take measurements of the door, window, and any other area which will not be covered by the siding.
- Now add the calculated square foot area with other areas.
- The result that you get from the previous calculation subtracts this square footage from uncovered areas. It’s the final area, for getting a number of siding per square foot now divide this number by 100.
Conclusion:
Before buying vinyl siding you should calculate much siding you will need. After measuring your area add 5 to 10% to the square footage. Now divide this number by 100, it’s the final result of the vinyl siding number. For example, if you required 450 square feet of vinyl siding then divide this number by 100. Collect hammer, saw, tape measurer, level, chalk line, wood preserver spray, and nails to make your installation task easy.
