If you are thinking about having new vinyl siding installed on your North Carolina home soon, you are probably knee-deep in research. There are so many vinyl siding styles on the market today that it can be a bit overwhelming to decide which type you want to purchase! While you are busy focusing on the big picture, it is all too easy to forget about the minor details of your siding job.
Have you ever, for instance, stopped to think about the nails that are used to secure vinyl siding to a house? If you’re like most other homeowners, the answer is probably “No.” Nails, however, play a critical role in vinyl siding installation. Here, you’ll learn four important facts about vinyl siding nails that will help you better understand the process during your upcoming renovation.
- Choose galvanized roofing nails – Just because these nails are marketed as “roofing nails” doesn’t mean they can’t be used for other projects as well. Galvanized roofing nails are great for siding projects for a few reasons. First, they won’t rust when they are exposed to precipitation. Second, they are typically about two inches long, which helps hold the siding boards in position. Finally, galvanized roofing nails are usually crafted from steel, which is a very strong material that won’t give way for many years.
- Proper nailing techniques prevent rippling – Although you might have never considered it before, there are proper nailing techniques that should be used when hanging siding. If nails are not hammered in correctly to account for heat expansion during hot North Carolina springs and summers, vinyl siding boards can begin to warp and ripple. Not only is this unsightly, but it can lead to water damage and insect infestations in your walls.
- Nails should not be placed directly next to trim – When pieces of siding are put on a home, nails should never be placed directly next to a piece of trim, such as around a window or door. This is, again, to account for heat expansion. Approximately ¼ inch of space should be left between every siding board and the strip of trim. This allows for expansion without popping any nails when the outside temperature is hottest.
- Nails must not be crooked – While it is good practice to never line-up nails crookedly during any renovation project, it is especially important during the siding installation process. Crooked nails can ultimately cause siding boards to sag and, in some cases, come completely loose. It is also crucial for nails to be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart on every piece of siding.
If you are ready to get your upcoming siding project on the books, give the Hatch Homes office a call today. We look forward to helping you select the ideal vinyl siding for your North Carolina home. No matter where you are in the decision-making process, we are here to help. Our knowledgeable team can answer any questions you may have about vinyl siding brands, product lines, and colors. We are excited to hear from you soon.