The Rule of “Loose Nailing”
The most important part of using proper siding fasteners in Central Michigan is leaving a gap. A professional installer never drives the nail head flush against the siding. Instead, there should be about a 1/32-inch gap (roughly the thickness of a dime) between the nail head and the siding.
This allow the panels to slide back and forth along the nailing hem as they grow and shrink with the Michigan weather.
Choosing the Right Material
In our climate, the material of your siding fasteners in Central Michigan is non-negotiable. You must use corrosion-resistant nails, typically galvanized steel or aluminum. Standard steel nails will rust quickly when exposed to the elements, leading to “rust streaks” on your beautiful new siding and eventual failure of the fastener.
Using a 1.5-inch to 2-inch nail ensures that the fastener penetrates deep into the wooden studs, providing the strength needed to withstand high winds.
Centering the Nails
Another key to proper siding fasteners in Central Michigan is where the nail is placed in the slot. Each siding panel has a “nailing hem” with long, horizontal slots. The nail should always be placed in the exact center of the slot.
If a nail is driven at the far end of a slot, it “pins” the siding in place, preventing movement and causing the panel to warp or “smile” when the sun hits it.
Fastener Spacing and Wind Resistance
To ensure your home is protected during a Michigan storm, siding fasteners in Central Michigan should be spaced no more than 16 inches apart. This ensures that the panels are securely anchored to the wall studs rather than just the thin sheathing.
Properly fastened siding can withstand wind speeds of over 100 mph, whereas poorly nailed siding can be stripped off the house in a moderate gust.
Call Energy Plus Home Improvements
Tired of “wavy” siding? Energy Plus Home Improvements pays attention to the technical details of fastening to ensure your home stays beautiful for decades.
