Hardie board siding, also known as fiber cement siding, is a popular choice for its durability and low maintenance. To ensure its proper installation, it’s essential to use the right type of nails. In this guide, we’ll explore the technical details of Hardie board siding nails, their uses, and the key considerations for successful installation.

Types of Hardie Board Siding Nails

1. Coil Nails:
2. Nail Type: Coil nails are widely used for installing Hardie board siding. They often have a ring shank design for superior holding power.
3. Nail Length: The recommended nail length for Hardie board siding is 1-1/4 to 2-1/2 inches, depending on the thickness of the siding and the underlying material.
4. Collation Angle: Coil nails used for siding typically have a 15-degree wire collation angle.
5. Firing Mode: Most coil nailers for siding operate in a sequential firing mode, ensuring precision and safety.

6. Hand-Drive Nails:
7. Nail Type: Hand-drive nails for Hardie board siding are usually available as fiber cement nails with specialized features for this application.
8. Nail Length: The nail length should align with the thickness of the siding, ensuring secure fastening.
9. Coating: These nails may come with a special coating, such as epoxy or cement, to enhance their durability and resistance to moisture.

Considerations for Using Hardie Board Siding Nails

1. Nail Placement:
2. For optimal performance, nails should be driven into the center of the siding’s nailing strip. Ensure proper spacing, usually around 12 inches apart, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

3. Nail Angle:
4. Nails should be driven perpendicular to the siding surface, ensuring they penetrate the framing materials beneath.

5. Fastener Type:
6. Choose nails with a ring shank or a design that enhances holding power. This is essential to prevent siding movement and ensure long-term stability.

7. Nail Depth:
8. The depth of the nails should be set to be flush with the siding surface. This prevents overdriving, which can compromise the integrity of the siding, or underdriving, which may leave nail heads exposed.

9. Corrosion Resistance:
10. Use nails that are specifically designed for use with Hardie board siding, as they often have corrosion-resistant coatings to withstand exposure to the elements.

11. Installation Tools:
12. A pneumatic coil nailer or a hammer is typically used for driving Hardie board siding nails. Ensure that the tool is compatible with the nail type and size.

Benefits of Using the Right Nails

• Longevity: Proper nails ensure that your Hardie board siding remains securely in place for many years.

• Aesthetics: The right nails help maintain the clean and unblemished appearance of your siding by preventing nail heads from being visible.

• Weather Resistance: Using corrosion-resistant nails reduces the risk of rust or degradation due to exposure to moisture and other weather elements.

In summary, choosing the correct nails for Hardie board siding is a crucial step in ensuring the longevity and aesthetics of your siding. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation and using nails with the specified features will help you achieve a successful and durable siding project.