I started my remodel 4-5 yrs ago and used an old FH article (#102)as a tutorial on my installation of wc shingles. That article recommended pre-drilling and face nailing the corner shingles through the butts to keep the corners tight (which I did on the 1st floor corners). I’ve since read that this is a no-no and causes splitting. I’m starting the second floor and didn’t face nail the corners, I do notice that with the weather changes throughout the day the corners open up even though they were tight when I applied them. I haven’t noticed any splitting on the downstairs corners, should I drill and nail the upstairs too or is this movement an acceptable result? Thanks in advance.
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Hmm, never heard that nailing corners was a no-no. Can you produce a technical bulletin or something to back it up?
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
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No, I can't. I think I actually read it on here somewhere. Just to be clear I'm talking about exposed nails in addition to the 2 nails 1" above the exposure. i.e. face nailing the first corner shingle about 1 1/2" above the butt and 1 1/2" in from the corner and face nailing the opposing/overlapping corner shingle into the edge of the other. Hope thats clear.
yes, I understand what you mean. Nailing the woven corners together. I have always seen it done that way.
Now, one topic I'd like to get some opinions on - where to locate that corner nail? I've seen guys put it near the bottom (butt) end, others locate it a bit higher. I would think lower is better because there is more meat to nail into. Maybe I'm misinformed though. Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
If my memory serves me well the article in FH #102 recommended the first face nail about 1 1/2 in up from bottom and 1 1/2 in in from corner. The second nail trough the face of one shingle into the edge of the other about 1 in up from bottom.
I don't do the first of those two nails you mention at all
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So if I understand you correctly, you don't face nail the first one into the sidewall, you only nail the butt of the overlapping shingle into the EDGE of its corresponding shingle. Right?
That is right.
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Thank you, sir
I put it about 1-1/2" up from the but. Too high and like you say, it doesn't have meat to eat, but too low and you are too near the end of the overlapping one that you are nailing through and more likely to split it.
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Mike Smith is one of the occupants of breaktime who advocates NOT nailing the corners. I am one who does nail them. IMO, the key is in reading the grain of the wood and very carefully using a 3d fine galv. Too big of a nail or a poorly placed nail will split the wood.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!