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Hi all,
I need advise for selecting the correct fastener to install western red cedar handsplit shakes as wall siding.The shakes are to be attached to 1×3 ferring strips over 1.5″ rigid insulation covered wih house wrap.The supplier where I purchased the shakes recommended 1″ hot galvanized roofing nails(1″ so as not to puncture the house wrap).I finished one side of the house with these nails using a nailer.Result were good.I learned later from different sources that hot galv roofing nails may not be the best choice.Some suggested sst ringed shanked nails,aluminium nails,sst staples,aluminium staples,don’t do it with a nailer,etc.I’m now confused.I have 3 sides of the house left to complete and the weather is getting nasty.Should I continue with the roofing nails or switch to something else?Should I use longer nails(does it make a difference if I puncture the house wrap under the ferring)?Not many folks in my area(Quebec,Canada)use this type of siding so good advice is hard to come by.Thanks very much.
Gaby
(frustrated homeowner)
Replies
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The person who told you to use coilated roofing nails is not right. I'm surprised you haven't had the shingles split on you. The correct nail to use is a ring shank box nail, either galv(poor),bronze or silicone bronze(better), or stainless(best).Galvanized fasteners will have a reaction and cause staining and streaking. The nails you are using in the gun are not even galvanized,they are yellow zinc.For the right fastener contact: McFeelys,800 443 7937 in the States, website:www.mcfeelys.com, or Swan Secure Products, 800 966 2801, website: http://www.swansecure.com. Also, you don't have to drive the nail all the way through the nailer to have the appropriate holding power.Don't overnail!If you crush the fibers your nailing too tight.Swan Secure has stainless nails for senco air guns.I assume you paid a good price for the shakes, so use the best nail you can afford.Properly done this siding will easily last a lifetime.Reinhard
*Thanks for the advice Reinhard.I found a place where they have sst coil nails and the guy will lend me his gun.The nails are .080 shank dia but they're spiral shank and not ring.Do you think they'll be okay.Gaby
*Gaby,I'm glad to see you are using the ss nails,and spiral shanks are fine. I hope your projects turns out well.Reinhard
*Gaby If You aren't familiar with shakes don't butt them tight to each other. A small space between each (less than 1/8") it what we usually use. Good choice on the nails. Are You related to Franz? Good Luck, Skip
*Hi Skip,To answer your question, no I'm not related to Franz but I get that alot.Thanks for the advice.The shakes I have are not straight and I cant't butt them closer than 1/4"-3/8".The tags on the bundles recommends min 3/8" gap or up to 5/8" for a pronounced shingled look.What do you think?Gabyp.s Shouuld I be worried about about the side of the house that I completed considering I used hot galvanized nails(I double checked after reading Reinhards advice to make sure they were in fact hot galvanized and not zinc coated).The cedar bureau recommends either hot galvanized,alummium,or sst.
*Gaby,since the nails you already used are in fact galvanized, I'd say your okay.
*Thanks Reinhard.Big sigh of relief!I'm going to finish the job with sst nails.I really appreciate the advice.Gaby