Home improvement projects often demand the right tools for precise and efficient execution. When it comes to siding installation, the question arises: can a coil roofing nailer be used for siding? Yes, but it is not always recommended. While the coil roofing nailer is designed for a specific purpose, it can also be used for siding installation with some considerations.
To use a roofing nailer for a siding application, it is important to blind nail. This is because the oversized heads of roofing nails can be considered unsightly, but when blind nailing, you benefit from a greater holding surface without seeing the larger heads. Siding nails traditionally have smaller nails with a ring shank and are less noticeable if you're face-nailing your siding. Please remember that you cannot use the same coil nailer for roofing and siding nails.
Here, we will discuss what is a better fit for your siding project, so let's dive deeper into the topic.
What Is a Coil Nailer?
Coil nails are specifically designed for coil nailers and offer the advantage of quick loading time, reducing the time of the project. A coil nail gun is a powerful tool created to insert nails into various materials like wood and sheet metal, simplifying construction and remodeling tasks.
Coil Roofing Nails vs Coil Siding Nails
Coil roofing nails and coil siding nails serve distinct purposes, each tailored for specific construction needs:
Coil Roofing Nails
- Primarily designed for securing roofing materials, these nails feature a sharp point and an enlarged head, ensuring a secure grip on roofing shingles.
- They're not typically recommended for siding due to their head size and shape. However, in some cases, they can be used in blind nail siding applications. Whatever you choose, please keep in mind the head size and shank diameter might not provide the optimal hold or aesthetic finish required for siding installation. Always consult the siding manufacturer’s installation recommendations.
Other Roofing Coil Nails Differents
- Roofing nail boxes typically contain 3,600 to 7,200 nails, with this range considered standard. If the nail package has fewer nails, it might be wise to explore alternative brands for your roofing needs. At FastenerUSA, we provide various quantity choices for our stainless steel nails, ranging from 600 to 7,200.
- Shingle manufacturers usually suggest using four nails per shingle across most of your roof and increasing to five nails per square in the initial row of roofing, totaling about 320 nails per 100 square feet. For areas prone to high winds, it's recommended to use five nails per shingle, adding up to approximately 480 nails per square.
Coil Nails for Siding
- Specifically crafted for siding projects, these nails possess a thinner shank and a smaller head compared to roofing nails. This design facilitates easier penetration into siding materials while maintaining structural integrity without causing damage.
- Specifically made for use with siding materials that may undergo expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. Using longer nails and smaller heads gives the siding material greater freedom of movement while ensuring a secure attachment to the house.
Loading Your Nail Gun
To properly load a coil nail gun, follow these steps:
- Get your materials ready: coil nails, safety gear, and the nail gun.
- Check the collated nails for any damage.
- Release the magazine on the nail gun.
- Insert nails into the magazine orderly.
- Close and lock the magazine.
- Test fire the nail gun before use to ensure proper loading and no jams.
Choose FastenerUSA
While the convenience of a coil roofing nailer might tempt you to consider it for siding installation, it's essential to prioritize using the appropriate tools. Coil siding nails do not fit in Coil roofing nailers. Please always verify tool compatibility prior to ordering Coil siding nails. These are designed explicitly for siding projects to ensure the best structural integrity and aesthetic results.
At FastenerUSA, we offer premium quality siding nails in various sizes to cater to diverse construction needs. We offer free shipping and immediate availability of products for you to start your project. Visit our website and explore our variety of high-quality fasteners, but if you are not sure about what to use, don't hesitate to reach out!