Using A Framing Nailer For Fiber Cement Siding

If a homeowner intends to install his own siding the importance of using the correct nails can not be expressed enough.

Using a framing nailer for fiber cement siding.

A nail driven into the edge of a fiber cement board will split it. Framing nail guns can be used for siding installation if the nail being used is long enough to attach the siding firmly to your exterior wood sheathing. If the nails being used in the framing nailer are longer enough to firmly attach the hardie siding to the external wood covering then you can use that for your project. For instance you will need a higher air pressure for nailing into fiber cement than you would into pine siding.

Don t nail fiber cement corners together photo 4. A pneumatic nail gun should be used for siding installation especially for harder fiber cement siding. Drive the nailheads snug against the fiber cement board. Hardiplank fiber cement siding can enhance the beauty of any home but if the installer uses the wrong nails it will ruin the exterior look of your home with potential rust stains especially in humid climates.

If driven too deep the heads will crush the fiber cement board and reduce the nail s holding power. The answer is yes. While it s recommended to always use a siding nail gun for siding installation in a pinch you may be able to use a framing nailer instead. What kind of nailer do you use for hardie siding.

The gun should have adjustments so you can change the pressure used based on the type of siding you are nailing into. If you set the cleat about 1 4 low then you can adjust the position of the panel with door shims. Hardie siding is harder fiber cement siding. Avoids holding the panel while nailing.