Installation Guide

Hot-dipped galvanized as per ASTM A-153, aluminum and stainless steel fasteners are all corrosion-resistant and
all can be used to fasten Western Red Cedar. Other types of fasteners (including electroplated and mechanically
galvanized) are not recommended. They can rust and disintegrate and react adversely with the natural preservative
present in cedar, resulting in stains and streaks.
Type
For best result use “splitless” ring shank siding nails.
These have thin shanks and blunt points to reduce
splitting. Textured heads should be used to reduce the
glossy appearance of the nail head.
Hand Nailing is Preferred.
Nails should be driven with care into the framing members. To ensure nailing accuracy, run chalk lines to mark
framing locations. Heavy nailing distorts the wood and may cause splitting. At mitered corners, near edges and
near ends, nail holes may need to be pre-drilled to avoid splitting. Avoid the use of pneumatic nailers if possible.
If a pneumatic nailer must be used, reduce the air pressure and tap nails ush.
Overdriven nails must be remedied immediately. Fill overdriven nail holes with exterior grade wood putty
specically designed for lling exterior nail holes.
Placement
Siding should be fastened to each stud or blocking with nails spaced at a maximum of 24 inches on center. Nail
placement depends on the siding pattern and width. The key is to fasten the siding securely without preventing
it from moving in response to the moisture content in the air. In general, each piece of siding must be nailed
independently. Nailing overlapping pieces together restricts the natural movements of each piece and may
cause splitting.
Size
The size of nails to use depends on the type and thickness of siding. Use ring-shank siding nails long enough so
that they penetrate solid wood by a minimum of 1 ¼”.
* Important: For application over foam sheathing, add the thickness of the foam to the tabulated nail length.
BEFORE YOU START
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