Moisture Content:
Wood shrinks and swells with changes in moisture content. To minimize dimensional change after installation, install siding at moisture content which matches the local climate as closely as possible. If climate in a particular reigon causes wood to maintain 8% to 13% moisture content annually, then the most ideal siding would be installed at a moisture content within that range, and the material would be stored, stickered and protected for a week to ten days prior to application (acclimatization). Ask your supplier for the specific application instruction sheets as needed.
Priming:
Often material which has been properly seasoned, stored and handled, will pick up moisture after installation and prior to painting. Later, when the siding releases its moisture, joints may open up or buckling may occur. Priming or prefinishing all sides, edges, and ends AFTER it has reached climactic balance and BEFORE it is installed, provides extra protection and is mandatory when siding is to be finished or installed over foam or foil-faced sheathings. Prefinishing can also minimize objectionable unfinished lines where joints open up due to face width shrinkage.
Nail Shanks:
Many nails have smooth shanks and will loosen under extremes in temperature. Obtain increased holding power by using ring or spiral-threaded nail shanks. Both types of shanks are readily available.
Requirements:
The folowing requirements are essential for nails used on wood siding.
Recommended Nails:
The folowing are recommended nails for use on wood siding.
- Rust resistant, preferably rustproof. SEE RECOMMENDED NAILS
- Should not cause splitting even when driven near end or edge of siding. SEE NAILS POINTS
- Nails should be able to be driven easily and rapidly.
- A nail should not emerge or "pop" at any time after driven flush with siding.
- The nail head should not cause an unsightly visible pattern on the sidewall.
- Nail butt joints at the stud or blocking.
- Nails are recommended rather than staples.
- Stainless Steel
- High Tensile Strength Aluminum. This nail is corrosive-resistant and will not tend to discolor or cause deterioration of wood siding. An economical choice when the nail count per pound is considered.
- Galvanized. Although this nail is the least expensive, use a good quality nail as the degree of protective coating varies with hot dipped galvanization (Avoid electro-plated nails)
Nail Penetration and Spacing
Suggested sizes are minimal and should be longer when siding is installed over other than wood sheathing and/or studs. Recommended penetration into studs, studs and wood sheathing combined, or blocking is 1-1/2" or 1-1/4" with ring shank nails. Vertical siding should be nailed to horizontal blocking or other wood framing members not exceeding 36" on center when face-nailed. (Some building codes require 24" maximum.) Horizontal siding should be nailed to studs at 24" on center maximum when applied over solid sheathing and 16" on center maximum when applied without sheathing.
Nail Points
The most commonly used nails points include:
- Blunt: reduces splitting
- Diamond: most commonly used
- Needle: tops in holding but they tend to cause splitting.
NOTE: All siding must be re-end trimmed on both ends. Cut a 45 degree angle to yield a good end match joint prior to installation.
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| 45 Degree Angle Cut - End View | Matching Joint - Side View |
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Plain Bevel
may be used with smooth |
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Dolly Varden
is thicker than Bevel Siding. |
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Tongue & Groove
Tongue & Groove is available |
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Channel Rustic
has 1/2" lap and 1" to 1-1/4" |