What Size Nails for Hardie Plank Siding?

Knowing what size nails for Hardie plank siding is crucial. It ensures a secure fit, prevents damage to the siding, and contributes to the longevity of your home’s exterior.

This blog will guide you through the process, ensuring your siding stands strong against all weather conditions.

Discover the different types of nails suitable for Hardie plank siding, and step-by-step instructions on proper installation.

What Size Nails Should You Use for Hardie Plank Siding?

For installing Hardie Plank siding, it’s recommended to use corrosion-resistant nails, either hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel. The nail size should be a minimum of 1.25-inch-long x 0.095-inch shank diameter roofing nail for HardiePlank lap siding to ensure a secure and durable installation.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Hardie Plank Thickness	Recommended Nail Size
4-inch	1.5-inch nails
6-inch	2-inch nails
8-inch	2.5-inch nails
10-inch	3-inch nails

Recommended Nail Sizes for Different Types of Hardie Plank

4-inch Hardie Planks

When you’re working with 4-inch Hardie planks, the best choice is to use 1.5-inch nails. Imagine you’re building a small birdhouse.

The planks are thin and light, just like the walls of the birdhouse. So, you’d use smaller nails to avoid splitting the wood.

6-inch Hardie Planks

Moving on to 6-inch Hardie planks, it’s similar to constructing a sturdy bookshelf. You need something a bit stronger, so 2-inch nails are your go-to.

They provide the right balance between strength and size, ensuring your planks stay secure without causing damage.

8-inch Hardie Planks

For 8-inch Hardie planks, think of it like building a fence. You need something robust and reliable. That’s where 2.5-inch nails come in.

They’re long enough to hold the planks firmly in place, but not so long that they’ll poke through the other side.

10-inch Hardie Planks

Finally, when dealing with the largest 10-inch Hardie planks, it’s like constructing a deck. You need the biggest nails for this job – 3-inch nails.

They’re strong enough to support the weight and size of these large planks, ensuring your construction is safe and secure.

Types of Nails Suitable for Hardie Plank Siding

Galvanized Nails

Galvanized nails are like the trusty old raincoat you wear during a downpour. They’re resistant to rust and corrosion, making them a great choice for Hardie plank siding, especially in areas with wet weather.

Stainless Steel Nails

Think of stainless steel nails as the superhero of nails. They’re strong, durable, and resistant to rust, much like a superhero is robust and resilient. These qualities make them an excellent option for Hardie plank siding.

Roofing Nails

Roofing nails are like the sturdy boots you wear for a hike. They have a large flat head and are very sturdy, making them suitable for installing Hardie plank siding.

Just like how your boots keep you grounded on a hike, roofing nails keep your siding securely in place.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Nails for Hardie Plank Siding

Material of the Siding

The siding material is crucial in determining the nail type and size. For Hardie plank siding, which is typically made of fiber cement, you need nails that can penetrate this tough material without causing damage.

Material of the Wall Frame

The wall frame’s material also influences your choice of nails. If you’re working with a wooden frame, you’ll need nails that can securely fasten the siding without splitting the wood.

On the other hand, metal frames might require specially designed nails or screws.

Local Climate and Weather Conditions

The local climate plays a significant role in nail selection. In areas with high humidity or frequent rain, rust-resistant nails like stainless steel or galvanized nails are ideal.

These nails can withstand these harsh conditions and prevent premature deterioration of your siding.

Weight of the Siding

The weight of your siding directly impacts the strength and length of the nails you need. Heavier siding requires longer and stronger nails to ensure it stays securely attached to the frame.

Cost Considerations

While durability and quality are important, cost is also a factor to consider. Stainless steel nails are more durable but also more expensive than other types.

It’s essential to find a balance between cost and quality that fits your budget.

Building Codes and Regulations

Lastly, always check your local building codes and regulations before starting your installation project.

Different regions may have specific requirements or restrictions regarding nail size, type, and installation methods for siding.

How to Properly Install Nails in Hardie Plank Siding

Step 1: Position the Hardie Plank Siding

Start by holding a HardiePlank siding board with the top edge against the chalk line and 1/8 inch away from the corner trim.

This is similar to positioning a picture frame on a wall, ensuring it’s level and at the right height.

Step 2: Nail the Siding to the House

Next, nail the board to the house every 16 to 24 inches with a roofing nail along the nail line printed on the top of the siding board. It’s like adding hooks to a pegboard, spacing them evenly for balance and support.

Step 3: Measure and Mark

Measure down from the top of the installed board 1 1/4 inches every four feet and make a mark. This is akin to marking spots on a wall where you want to hang pictures, ensuring they’re evenly spaced.

Step 4: Attach Flat Tabs

Before installing, attach flat tabs at the back of the Hardie trim. This is like adding adhesive strips to a poster before sticking it on a wall.

Step 5: Use a Pneumatic Staple Gun

Use a pneumatic staple gun to drive for staples. It’s similar to using a stapler to secure papers together, only on a larger scale.

Step 6: Attach Hardie Trim

Start attaching the Hardie trim to the side of your building. It’s like adding decorative molding around a door frame, enhancing its appearance and providing a finished look.

Step 7: Choose the Right Nails

Using 6d or 8d stainless or galvanized siding nails is best recommended for this. It’s like choosing the right screws for assembling furniture, ensuring it’s sturdy and secure.

FAQs

Conclusion

Choosing the right nail size for your Hardie plank siding is essential for a successful installation.

By considering factors like plank thickness, material, local climate, weight, cost, and building codes, you can ensure a secure fit that will last for years to come.