Attaching Vinyl Siding With Nails

We like to attach our vinyl siding to a lattice of wooden studs over a plywood base. This ensures a level plane without any waves and troughs. Then we can complete the job by attaching the vinyl siding with nails. There is an art to this, as we explain.

The Best Nails for Attaching Vinyl Siding

We recommend using galvanized roofing nails to attach the siding. We don’t readily use screws, because these can easily drive in too far and attach the vinyl siding too tightly.

The nail shafts should allow just sufficient leeway for the material to flex during seasonal temperatures changes. Somewhere between one-and-a quarter and two-inches should do it. We want to make sure the nails penetrate at least three-quarters of their length into the studs.
The heads of the roofing nails are equally important. A five-eighths-inch-diameter can do the trick and hold the material firmly. However, as we mentioned, it is important not the dent the vinyl material with the nails heads. The ideal is around one-sixteenth-inch clear way.

Steps to Follow to Nail Vinyl Siding Correctly

There’s definitely an art to attaching the vinyl siding with nails.

Always be mindful you want to hold the material in place, not nail it down tight.
Center each nail in a conveniently-spaced slot, to allow for sideways flexing.
Drive the nail in straight, and level so you can’t distort or buckle the material.
Horizontal vinyl siding needs fixing with nails no more than fifteen-inches apart.
Although trim pieces will require closer fixing. This depends on the circumstances.

Could I Use Power Nailing to Speed up the Job?

Sure you maybe could, although you will definitely need to know what you are about. That’s because if you drive a nail in too far, and with such force, then it is difficult to remove it without damaging the siding. There are special adapters that help avoid this. Make sure you have the nailing pressure set right!

There’s More to Fixing Vinyl Siding Than You Thought

If reading this article left you feeling somewhat surprised, because you thought nailing vinyl siding was simple, then we achieved our goal. The truth is, there is a right way and a wrong way to most things, although some contractors like to skate between them.

We’re not ashamed to say no, we won’t cut corners at Valiant Exteriors. Please call us at (403)829-1661 or write an email to Martin if you are interested in a quality job. You may find decent work does not have to come at such a high price.

More Information

How Sheathing Under Siding Matters

Oriented Strand Board or Plywood