My Hardiplank siding order will be coming in soon. I’ve never worked with it, but I’ve handled a lot of it and grown somewhat familiar with the product while working for a builder. I’ve read the heck out of the Best Practice material online, but I’m still wondering about nail length.
My 150 year old house has 1″ pine planks for sheathing, and I’m wondering if I shouldn’t go with longer nails, say 2″. This way I can be assured of a positive connection to the studs. I feel like shorter nails will effectively only attach the Hardie to the sheathing.
What would you do?
Replies
I would use 2 1/2 inch nails myself. But I use a siding gun. If you are using roofing nails, use the longest your gun takes and try to hit the studs. But in reality, nailing to the sheathing is probably enough. I would renail the sheathing before residing if there is any question of the old fasteners.
I resided my old 170 year old farmhouse with Hardiboard a few years ago. It's the old post and beam with 1" boards nailed vertically on the top and bottom beam. The end result turned out great!
You don't have to worry about nailing into studs. The old boards have more than enough structure to support the Hardiboard. Just nail about every 2' and hang the Hardi. It's actually easier than new construction since you don't have to find the studs and snap vertical lines to make sure your into structure.
I used a siding gun with 2 1/2 " nails, galvanized ring shank. A siding gun is highly recommended! Makes the job much easier. If your working alone, your Hardi supplier should also be able to supply you with siding hangers. The hangers let you nail 12' lengths by your self with excellent results and little stress.
When the siding was off I took the opportunity to seal all windows with Grace flashing and foamed all board joints and holes.
Good luck!
Hardie is great stuff
no oozing, warping, splitting, twisting, rotting, cracking, alligatoring, paint popping and all that wood stuff
Hardie is great stuff
no oozing, warping, splitting, twisting, rotting, cracking, alligatoring, paint popping and all that wood stuff