Introduction
Planning to adorn your home with the timeless beauty of cedar siding? The rich hues, natural durability, and appealing texture of cedar make it a perennial favorite for homeowners. However, achieving a lasting and visually appealing installation isn’t just about the cedar itself; it’s equally about the fasteners that hold it in place. Choosing the wrong nails can lead to a host of problems, from unsightly rust stains marring the wood to structural weakness and premature siding failure. And if you’re planning to wield the speed and efficiency of a nail gun, the stakes are even higher. While a nail gun can significantly accelerate the installation process, it also demands careful consideration of nail selection to prevent damage and ensure long-term performance.
This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of selecting the best nails for cedar siding when using a nail gun. We’ll delve into the unique characteristics of cedar wood, explore the various nail materials and their suitability, discuss the crucial aspects of nail size and shank design, and offer practical tips for using your nail gun effectively. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions and achieve a flawless, long-lasting cedar siding installation.
Understanding Cedar Siding and its Unique Properties
Before diving into nail selection, it’s essential to understand the fundamental properties of cedar wood itself. This knowledge will help you appreciate why certain nails are more suitable than others. Cedar isn’t just one single type of wood; it encompasses several distinct species, each with its own characteristics.
Western Red Cedar, perhaps the most popular choice for siding, is prized for its rich reddish-brown color, natural resistance to decay and insects, and exceptional dimensional stability. It’s a relatively soft wood, which makes it easy to work with but also requires careful consideration when choosing fasteners.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar, despite its name, is not a true cedar but a cypress. It’s known for its pale yellow color, incredible strength, and excellent resistance to moisture and rot. While more expensive than Western Red Cedar, its superior durability makes it a worthwhile investment for demanding climates.
Beyond the specific species, all cedars share some crucial properties that affect nail selection. One of the most important is their natural acidity. Cedarwood contains natural oils and acids that can corrode certain types of metal, leading to unsightly rust stains and weakening the nail itself. This is why the material of the nail is so critical.
Furthermore, cedar siding is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in humidity. This movement puts stress on the fasteners, and if the nails aren’t strong enough or don’t have sufficient holding power, they can loosen over time, leading to gaps and even siding failure. The type of nail shank plays a significant role in resisting this pull-out force.
Finally, cedar is a softwood, making it more prone to splitting or damage if the wrong type of nail or installation technique is used. Using nails with the correct shank and employing proper nailing techniques are key to avoiding this issue.
Key Considerations When Choosing Nails for Cedar Siding
Now, let’s explore the critical factors to consider when selecting nails for your cedar siding project.
Material Composition Rust Resistance is Paramount
The material of your nails is the most crucial decision you’ll make. Because of cedar’s corrosive properties, choosing a nail material that can withstand the wood’s acidity is essential to prevent rust and staining.
Stainless Steel nails are the gold standard for cedar siding. These nails offer unmatched corrosion resistance, ensuring they will remain strong and rust-free for decades. While more expensive than other options, the peace of mind and long-term performance they provide make them a worthwhile investment. Within stainless steel, grades like 304 and 316 offer varying levels of corrosion resistance. Grade 316, containing molybdenum, is particularly resistant to salt water and harsh chemicals, making it ideal for coastal environments or areas with heavy pollution.
Hot-Dipped Galvanized nails are a more affordable alternative to stainless steel. These nails are coated with a thick layer of zinc, which provides a protective barrier against corrosion. However, the galvanized coating can be damaged during installation, especially if the nail is bent or scratched. If the coating is compromised, the underlying steel will be exposed and begin to rust. While offering decent protection, it’s not as durable as stainless steel, and careful installation is a must.
Electro-Galvanized nails are generally *not* recommended for cedar siding. These nails have a very thin coating of zinc that is easily scratched off, providing minimal protection against corrosion. They will quickly rust and stain the cedar, compromising both its appearance and structural integrity. Save yourself the headache and expense of replacing siding down the road and steer clear of these nails.
Nail Size Length and Diameter for Secure Fastening
The size of your nails, both length and diameter (gauge), is critical for ensuring a secure and lasting installation.
The nail length should be long enough to penetrate deeply into the framing members behind the siding, providing adequate holding power. A general rule of thumb is to use nails that are at least one and one-quarter inches to two and one-half inches long. The exact length will depend on the thickness of the cedar siding and the depth of penetration required by local building codes. Ensure the nail penetrates deeply enough into the studs or sheathing.
The nail diameter, or gauge, is also important. Too thin, and the nail may not have enough holding power. Too thick, and it could split the cedar. An eight-penny or ten-penny nail is often a good choice for cedar siding, providing a balance of holding power and reduced risk of splitting.
Nail Shank Type Holding Power Matters
The shank of the nail plays a crucial role in its ability to resist pull-out due to the expansion and contraction of the cedar.
Smooth Shank nails are the simplest type of nail, with a smooth, straight shank. They offer the least amount of holding power and are generally not recommended for cedar siding.
Ring Shank nails feature a series of rings along the shank, which grip the wood fibers and provide significantly better holding power. These nails are highly recommended for cedar siding, as they resist pull-out caused by seasonal expansion and contraction.
Spiral Shank nails have a twisted shank that also enhances holding power. However, they can sometimes cause splitting in cedar, especially if the wood is dry or brittle. Use caution when using spiral shank nails.
Nail Head Type Balancing Aesthetics and Function
The head of the nail also influences both aesthetics and functionality.
Round Head nails are the most common type of nail head. They provide good holding power and are generally easy to conceal with wood filler or paint if desired.
D-Head (or Clipped Head) nails are often used in nail guns. They have a partially clipped head that allows for more nails to be loaded into a strip or coil. While convenient, they can sometimes leave a more noticeable mark on the cedar.
Regardless of the head type, the goal is to achieve a flush finish without damaging the cedar. This means the nail head should be level with the surface of the wood, without being driven too deep (over-driving) or left protruding (under-driving).
Nail Guns and Cedar Siding A Marriage of Convenience and Care
Nail guns offer a significant advantage in terms of speed and efficiency, but they also require a degree of care to ensure a successful cedar siding installation.
When selecting a nail gun, consider whether a pneumatic or cordless model is best suited for your needs. Pneumatic nail guns are powered by compressed air and typically offer more power and consistent performance. Cordless nail guns are more portable and convenient, but they may not be as powerful.
An adjustable depth control is an essential feature for any nail gun used with cedar siding. This allows you to precisely control the depth to which the nail is driven, preventing over-driving and damage to the wood.
The firing mode is another important consideration. Sequential firing requires you to press the safety tip against the wood before pulling the trigger, ensuring that each nail is driven precisely where you intend. Bump firing allows you to hold the trigger down and drive nails rapidly by bumping the nail gun against the surface. While faster, bump firing is less precise and increases the risk of misfires or damage to the cedar.
Proper technique is paramount. Maintaining consistent spacing, typically every eight to twelve inches, depending on the siding type, is critical. Ensure each nail is driven straight, avoiding any angling that could weaken the hold or cause splitting. Maintaining a proper distance from the edge of the cedar is key to avoiding splitting, usually around three-quarter inches is safe. Over-driving can easily damage cedar fibres, creating a weakness in the material; ensure the nail is flush, not embedded, into the wood.
Recommended Nail Brands and Models
Choosing the right brand and model of nails is essential. Look for nails specifically designed for cedar siding and compatible with your nail gun. [Include specific brands and models with active links here after researching. Aim for 3-5 options at different price points and availability of coil/strip.] Be sure to check for availability in collated strips or coils to match your nail gun.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with the best preparation, problems can sometimes arise. Nail gun jams can be caused by a variety of factors, including dirty air filters, incorrect nail size, or a worn driver blade. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for troubleshooting tips. Bent nails can result from using the wrong nail size, an improperly adjusted depth setting, or a misaligned nail gun. Splitting cedar is often caused by using too thick of a nail, over-driving the nail, or nailing too close to the edge. And rust staining can be prevented by using the right nail material.
Safety Precautions
Always wear safety glasses when operating a nail gun to protect your eyes from flying debris. Use hearing protection, especially with pneumatic nail guns, which can be quite loud. Carefully read and follow the nail gun manufacturer’s instructions. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep a safe distance from others.
Conclusion
Selecting the right nails for cedar siding and using a nail gun effectively is an investment in the longevity and appearance of your home. By understanding the properties of cedar, choosing the appropriate nail material, size, and shank type, and employing proper nailing techniques, you can achieve a professional-looking cedar siding installation that will last for years. Don’t compromise on quality when it comes to your fasteners; the right nails will protect your investment and ensure a beautiful, durable, and long-lasting siding system. By following these guidelines, you can approach your cedar siding project with confidence, knowing you’re setting yourself up for success.
