Are Siding and Roofing Nails The Same?

Sometimes roof replacement and siding replacement go hand in hand. Other times they are completely separate installations that you choose to do at different times. One thing is for sure, you want both installations to be done correctly so they give maximum protection from outside elements. So, are siding and roofing nails the same? Let’s get into this article to learn more . . .

The fact of the matter is that nails for siding and roofing are different. These nails serve completely different purposes; they cannot possibly be
the same. Although there are rare instances where you could use roofing nails to install siding it’s just not common practice.

Siding Installation

There are different types of nails because of the way the different products are installed. Siding needs to be able to expand and contract easily with temperature changes it’s faced with every day. This is why each piece of siding should be able to move back and forth at least ¼ inch if it’s
been nailed correctly. If the siding is nailed in too tightly to the home, it has the capability of cracking or warping. Siding nails for this reason tend to be an inch to two inches longer than roofing nails. If your siding is installed incorrectly you’ll end up with pretty ugly looking panels after just a few months.

Siding works at preventing water in a different way than that roofing shingles do. Siding is not 100% waterproof which is why it has a house wrap underneath it that can disperse small amounts of water. The water then dries in the air or with the aid of breezes that come by.

Roofing Nails

Roofing nails, in opposition to siding nails, are made to be nailed fully into place. This is because roofing shingles do not expand and contract as easily as siding panels. Roofing shingles need to be tight and fully in place to prevent water damage. Most roofing nails have wide flat heads and a shorter shank. In addition, roofing nails are preferred for roofing installation because they can easily pass through both steel and wood and make installation easier.

Siding Installed By The Professionals

If you get Siding from Conservation Construction of Texas, we have an expert team that knows how to install siding the right way the first time. That’s because our teams have been installing siding for decades now. All of our siding is backed by lifetime warranties. We truly take the hassle out of siding replacement as you can just sit back and watch the siding being installed instead of having to do all the heavy lifting yourself.

Types of Siding

Of course, things can become more complicated with the different types of siding. For instance, James Hardie Siding and Vinyl Siding have their unique instructions for how to install them. This is another reason some homeowners choose to have Conservation Construction of Texas install siding for them. If the installation is not done properly, manufacturers won’t replace defective materials. That’s why it’s critical to make sure the siding is installed correctly the first time.

Final Thoughts

Just remember that siding nails and roofing nails are not the same, and they cannot be used in place of one or the other. In most situations, you want separate nails for the two separate tasks. If you’re in need of siding replacement you can always let an expert team like the one we have at Conservation Construction of Texas do the siding installation for you. This way you’re ensured that you get the siding installed correctly the first time. Get your free quote for new siding here, and comment below on which part of the article you found the most fascinating. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you next time.