Fastening

Use aluminum, galvanized steel or other corrosion-resistant nails or staples when installing vinyl siding. Nail or staple approximately in the center of the slot - a maximum of 16" for horizontal siding, 12" on center for vertical; 6" to 12" for accessories. NOTE: Check with the manufacturer if studs are 24" on center. DO NOT NAIL OR STAPLE TIGHTLY.

The panels should float on the nails or staples to provide for expansion and contraction. Nail or staple into studs where possible. Be sure the nails or staples hold securely. Do Not nail at an angle which can pull the siding up or down.

Nail Selection
Select only corrosion-resistant nails that are long enough to allow for 3/4" penetration into a solid, nailable surface. Nail head should be 5/16" minimum in diameter. Shanks should be 1/8" in diameter. Length: 1 1/2" for general use, 2" for residing, 2 1/2" minimum for going through siding with backerboard, and 1" to 1 1/2" trim nails.

Nailing Procedure
Vinyl siding expands and contracts as much as 1/4" over a 12'6" length with changes in temperature. For this reason:

1. Do Not face-nail. Face-nailing is not only unsightly, but it will cause the vinyl to buckle with changes in temperature.
2. Do Not nail any siding parts too tight. Leave 1/32" between the nail head and the vinyl. The nail head should not extend past the lock. Vinyl siding must be attached loosely.
3. Center nails in slots to permit expansion and contraction of the siding.
4. Drive nails straight and level to prevent distortion and buckling of the vinyl.
5. Start nailing vertical siding and trim pieces in the top of the uppermost slots to hold them in position. Place all other nails in the center of the slots.
6. Space nails a maximum of 16" apart for horizontal siding panels, every 12" for vertical siding panels, and 6" to 12" for the accessories.
7. Make sure the panels are locked at the bottom, but do not pull them too tight when nailing.

(See individual manufacturer's instructions for fastening specific accessories and recommended spacing.)

Use of Screw Fasteners
In installations where metal studs are in the wall construction, screw fasteners can be used provided the screws do not restrict the normal expansion and contraction movement of the vinyl siding panel on the wall. Screws must be centered in the slot with 1/32" space between the screw head and the vinyl.

Screws shall also be:

1. Size No. 7 (0.151" body diameter), truss head (0.343" diameter) or pan head (0.288" diameter).
2. Corrosion-resistant, self-tapping sheet metal screw.

Power-Driven Fasteners/Stapling
The power fastening method of installations made possible with the use of a special vinyl siding guide attachment on power equipment. (Contact siding manufacturers for recommendations.) With proper fastening, the installation will be as satisfactory as if installed with conventional nailing techniques.

When nailing or stapling, one must conform to the manufacturers instructions relative to the correct movement of the siding panels upon completion of the nailing or stapling.

Use of Pneumatic Staplers/Nailers
The unit must always be help parallel to the siding panels. The guide should be placed into the nailing slot and a fastener placed in the center of the nail slots. A space of 1/32" clearance between the fasteners crown and the siding panel must be provided. All panels shall move freely under the fastener to allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.

Fasteners (Staples/Nails)
For all applications, the fasteners must be corrosive-resistant, such as cadmium coated, galvanized steel or aluminum.
Staples must be:

• Not less than 16 gauge semi-flattened to an elliptical cross-section.
• Long enough to penetrate into a solid substrate at least 3/4". Staple crown will be 7/16" minimum width.

Gun Air Pressure
Power fasteners are designed to operate at specific air pressure settings. Set the initial air pressure according to the manufacturer's recommendation.

Test the gun, air pressure and your power gun technique on the first course of siding. Make the required adjustments or changes so that the following conditions are present on all panels fastened.

• Fastener depth - 1/32" clearance between the staple crown or nail head and the siding panel.
• Fasteners should be placed at every stud or a maximum of 16" into solid substrate.
• Fastener leg is centered in the nail slot.
• Panel is loose so that it can move freely in a lateral direction.
• During installation, regularly check to be sure you are fastening correctly.

Use of Manufacturer's Instructions
Vinyl siding should be installed in accordance with the installation instructions provided by the siding manufacturer.

The pneumatic power fastener manufacturers provide instructions for the safe and proper use of their guns. Consult instructions for complete operating and safety information prior to use of the equipment.


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