A home’s siding is its first line of defense against the elements and the primary element of its curb appeal. A successful siding installation results in a beautiful, weather-tight envelope that lasts for decades. However, the final quality of the project doesn’t just depend on the material you choose; it hinges critically on the installation technique. One of the most fundamental yet debated details of this process is the fastening method: blind nailing versus face nailing.
The choice may seem minor, but it dramatically impacts the finished look, durability, and even the long-term weather resistance of your home. Face nailing prioritizes speed and direct holding power, leaving fasteners visible. Blind nailing, the more meticulous alternative, conceals fasteners for a flawless, premium finish. Understanding the pros, cons, and proper applications of each technique is essential for any homeowner. This guide explores an artisan’s view on when and why each method is used.
What is Face Nailing?
Face nailing is exactly what it sounds like: the process of driving a fastener (typically a nail or screw) directly through the visible “face” of the siding plank, passing through the material and into the wall sheathing or studs beneath. The head of the nail remains visible on the exterior surface once the job is complete.
The Process & Applications
This is the most straightforward and fastest method. An installer simply locates the stud, places the nail in the correct position on the plank, and drives it perpendicular until the nail head is flush with the siding’s surface.
The Pros:
- Speed and Simplicity: It’s significantly faster and requires less precision, making it a common method for utility structures, some DIY projects, or installers working on a very tight schedule.
- Direct Holding Power: For certain materials, especially very wide or heavy wood planks, face nailing (often with two nails per stud) is required to prevent the boards from cupping or warping over time.
- Ease of Repair: If a single plank becomes damaged, it is relatively easy to pry it off and replace it without having to disturb the planks above or below it.
The Cons:
- Aesthetics: This is the most significant drawback. The grid of visible nail heads breaks the clean, free-flowing lines of the siding, which can look busy and unprofessional.
- Water Infiltration Risk: Every exposed nail hole is a potential entry point for moisture. While high-quality sealants or paint can cover the nail head, this seal can break down over time, creating a vulnerability.
- Maintenance Issues: The visible nail heads can cause problems. If not made of stainless steel or high-quality galvanized material, they can rust, leading to unsightly streaks down the siding. Temperature changes can also cause “nail pops,” where nails work themselves loose, requiring them to be hammered back in and resealed.
What is Blind Nailing?
Blind nailing, also known as concealed fastening, is the industry standard for a premium, high-quality finish. This technique involves driving the fastener through the top portion of the siding plank, in an area (often called a “nailing flange” or “hem”) that will be covered by the next plank installed above it.
The Process & Applications
The installer fastens the plank near its top edge. The subsequent course of siding is then installed so that its bottom edge overlaps and completely hides the fasteners used on the plank below. The only visible plank that may be face-nailed is the very last piece at the top of the wall, where it meets the soffit or trim, as this final row has no plank coming after it to hide its nails.
The Pros:
- Superior Aesthetics: This is the primary benefit. The result is a clean, continuous, and fastener-free surface that lets the siding’s texture and color take center stage. It is the hallmark of a professional, high-end installation.
- Enhanced Weather Resistance: With no nail holes on the face of the siding, there are far fewer penetration points for wind-driven rain and moisture, creating a more secure and weather-tight barrier.
- Manufacturer Recommended: For most modern siding materials, including fiber cement and vinyl, blind nailing is the method required by the manufacturer to ensure warranty compliance.
The Cons:
- Time and Skill: This method is more time-consuming and requires a higher level of skill and precision. The installer must be careful to place the nail correctly and at the right depth.
- Difficult Repairs: Replacing a single damaged board in the middle of a wall is significantly more complex. It often requires a specialized “zip tool” to unlock the siding courses without causing breakage.
- Substrate Sensitivity: Blind nailing demands a flat, plumb wall. If the underlying sheathing is uneven, a blind-nailed plank may not sit perfectly flat, potentially creating slight gaps or alignment issues.
How Siding Material Dictates the Method
The choice between blind nailing and face nailing is often made for you by the siding material itself.
- Vinyl Siding: This material is exclusively designed to be blind-nailed. Each panel has a built-in nailing hem with oblong slots. These slots allow the fastener to be driven in while still permitting the siding to expand and contract with temperature changes—a process known as “loose-nailing.” Face nailing vinyl is a critical installation error that will cause it to warp, ripple, and buckle, often within the first change of seasons.
- Fiber Cement: Manufacturers universally recommend blind nailing for lap siding planks. This maintains the clean aesthetic and the integrity of the board’s weather-facing surface. Face nailing is typically only permitted on trim boards (corners, windows) or the very top course, where it will be covered.
- Engineered Wood: Similar to fiber cement, blind nailing is the standard for lap siding to achieve the desired look and performance.
- Natural Wood Siding: This is where the most variability occurs.
- Tongue-and-Groove: Almost always blind-nailed at an angle through the “tongue” of the plank.
- Bevel or Clapboard: Can often be blind-nailed just above the overlap.
- Wide Planks: Very wide or heavy wood planks (e.g., 10″ or 12″) often require face nailing to keep them stable and prevent cupping.
- Board-and-Batten: This style is a built-in hybrid: the wide “boards” are often installed first, and the narrow “battens” are then face-nailed over the seams.
The “Hybrid” Approach: When to Use Both
Blind nailing is the industry standard for fixing most siding planks, but professional installers know that real-world projects are rarely perfect. We often encounter walls that aren’t perfectly flat. When a blind-nailed plank doesn’t sit tight or align perfectly due to an uneven underlying substrate, a skilled artisan has a solution.
Rather than settling for a gap, we may supplement the blind nailing with a few strategically placed face nails. However, instead of using a standard roofing or siding nail, we use sixteenth-inch small-head brad nails, which are much less obtrusive. We countersink these small nails (setting them just below the surface) and then meticulously fill and touch up the spot with matching paint or sealant. This “hybrid” approach is a compromise, solving an installation challenge while preserving the clean aesthetic as much as possible.
We also find blind nailing is the preferred method for other high-visibility applications, such as interior tongue-and-groove planking, wainscoting, and decorative moldings.
Nailing, Longevity, and Siding Replacement
The quality of the installation directly impacts the lifespan of your siding. Poorly executed face nailing, with its unsealed holes and potential for rust, can accelerate rot and degradation. Improper blind nailing, if done too tightly, can restrict the natural movement of the siding, leading to cracks and warping.
Both types of errors can cause your siding to fail prematurely. As a homeowner, it’s wise to perform a visual inspection of your home’s exterior each season. It’s important to know how to spot signs that it’s time to replace your siding. Look for issues like widespread cracking, popped nail heads, soft or crumbling sections (a sign of rot), and severe, chalky fading. When the time for replacement does come, it presents a perfect opportunity to ensure the job is done right, using the correct, modern fastening techniques for a durable and beautiful result.
The Final Verdict
In the comparison of blind nailing versus face nailing, blind nailing is the clear winner for modern siding materials and for any homeowner who values a clean, professional, and weather-resistant finish. Face nailing, while faster, is largely a utility method reserved for specific materials (like wide wood planks or battens), trim boards, or for discreet, professional-grade repairs.
Rest assured, Valiant Exteriors’ siding contractors in Calgary walk the extra mile every time, to deliver the highest quality possible, on every occasion. Call us at (403) 829-1661. We provide eavestroughing, gutters, siding, or any other exterior renovation services in Calgary.