Can you use a nail gun on Fiber cement siding?
Yes, a nail gun can be used on Fiber cement siding. Fibre siding is composed of wood flour, cellulose fibers, and cement. It is a common option of siding material due to its waterproof and fireproof properties.
However, the most important thing to keep in mind is the nail gun type to use. You should use a gun that operates at a low pressure like a cordless or an air-powered gun. These will prevent damage to the material and give a better finish.
In this blog, we will take a look at what nails to use for Hardie siding, what kind of nails to use, how to hang items on fiber cement and more.
What Nails Do You Use For Hardie Siding?
Nails for Hardie siding should have high tensile strength and be able to penetrate the wood easily. They should also have good corrosion resistance and not leave behind any metal residue on the surface of the wood.
The best nail for Hardie siding is made from 
, has an 18 gauge head, and is 3 inches long. The nails should be galvanized to resist corrosion, which can cause the nails to rust and weaken over time.
How Do You Nail Into Fiber Cement Siding?
Fiber cement siding is a long-lasting and cost-effective option for external cladding. With a hammer and a nail gun, fiber cement siding may be fastened into the wall.
The steps for nailing fiber cement siding are as follows:
- Clean the surface of the lumber with a wire brush, removing any dirt.
- Apply a coat of fiber cement primer, which will help seal the surface from moisture and create an even paint finish.
- Use galvanized finishing nails to attach the siding to the house.
- Starting at the bottom of the board and working your way up, hammer nails using the hammer.
- Drive nails into fiber cement boards with a nail gun.
What Kind Of Nail Gun Do I Need For Fiber Cement Siding?
This is a prevalent query.
The type of nails you use and the thickness of the siding will determine which nail gun you use to install fiber cement siding. Thinner panels are typically installed with a framing nailer, whereas larger panels are installed with a coil nailer.
If your siding is 1/2 inch thick or less, then a framing nailer should be used. If the siding is thicker than 1/2 inch, then you will need to use a coil nailer instead.
Since the nail gun market is diverse, finding a good nail gun makes buyers wonder; where can I get the best value of nail guns that fit my budget?
Here are suggestions for quality nail guns that are reputable and readily available on the market to buy.
1. Dewalt DW66C-1R Coil Nail Gun
The Dewalt DW66C-1R Coil Nail Gun Kit is a versatile pneumatic tool to use for indoor and outdoor construction projects. It has a 300-nail magazine with pressures ranging from 70 to 120 PSI.
This nail gun is angled at 15 degrees for improved access in tight places and includes an ergonomic handle for maximum control and comfort. It also has an LED work light for extended visibility during use.
The DW66C-1R is designed to make every task a little easier. This lightweight tool weighs only 4.9 pounds, but it drives nails into a variety of surfaces up to 2 ½ inches in depth.
Ideal for use with construction projects and home improvement tasks, the nail gun provides ample power at its 1,700-bpm firing rate for driving nails into even the hardest woods.
The tool’s front exhaust vents keep work areas cool during extended use and its rear exhaust keeps debris from flying back toward your face.
The Pros:
- It has a pneumatic power cannon with a 300-nail magazine with pressures ranging from 70 to 120 PSI.
- It is lightweight (with about 4.9 pounds) to alleviate tiredness.
- The nail compatibility ranges from 1 ¼ to 2 ½
- 15° angled for improved access
The Cons:
- It doesn’t have an adjustable depth setting
2. BOSTITCH N66C Coil Siding Nailer
Do you need to hang some siding or trim? Then the BOSTITCH N66C Coil Siding Nailer is a must-have tool. This pneumatic nail gun from BOSTITCH is an ideal tool for the projects you have at home or the job site.
You will find that it is powerful enough to drive wire nails into any type of material, especially if you are working with hardwood or vinyl siding.
This pneumatic nailer operates at 70 to 120 psi and has an aluminium body that makes it lightweight. The coil can hold up to 300 wire or plastic-collated nails, helping you save time and money.
The Bostitch N66c Coil Siding Nailer is light and precise. With an adjustable vent, you will be able to direct the airflow away from your face. This feature allows you to use this nailer in any position. It has a rubberized foot that protects delicate subjects.
The rubberized foot also ensures that the tool doesn’t move around when firing nails. This nailer accepts nails ranging in length from 1 ¼ to 2 ½.
The Pros:
- The pneumatic nailer operates at 70 to 120 psi.
- A model with a coil that can hold up to 300 wire or plastic-collated nails.
- The aluminium body is well-made and lightweight.
- The adjustable vent directs the airflow away from your face.
- The rubberized foot protects delicate subjects.
- Accepts nails ranging in length from 1 ¼ to 2 ½
The Cons:
- The nailer can be difficult to load with nails and it doesn’t have the same power as some of its competitors.
3. MAX CN445R3 USA CORP. Roofing Nailer
The MAX CN445R3 Roofing Nailer is the ideal choice for fastening shingles, shakes and other roofing materials to rafters and trusses. This power tool is a must-have for any professional or DIY project.
The comfortable handgrip with a firm hold allows you to work quickly and accurately.
Triple Position safety trigger prevents misfires even if the gun is dropped heavily or caught in clothing, while a powerful magnet holds nails securely in place to prevent jamming.
A depth adjustment wheel allows you to adjust the nailer’s depth setting with ease. This feature provides greater accuracy during installation, minimizing damage to your roof or siding.
The MAX CN445R3 roofing coil nailer is specially designed to drive roofing nails up to 1-1/2″ in length.
The coil capacity of this tool is 120 nails, which ensures that you do not have to reload often and can work continuously for a longer period. You can use this nailer at any angle as it has a swivel feature for less hassle.
The Pros:
- An innovative nose shape with a high level of tar resistance
- A strong magnet that securely holds nails in place to prevent jamming.
- Depth adjustment wheel.
- Coil capacity of up to 120 nails
- The contact foot is easily removed for cleaning.
- Tangle-free swivel for less hassle in any direction.
The Cons:
- It is not very efficient, the nails are too weak, and it often jams.
How Do You Hang Something On Fiber Cement?
To hang something on fiber cement you should drill into the fiber cement. You can make use of an anchor or screw. If you want to use a nail, you should use one that is thicker than an inch and longer than two inches. You can also use screws with anchors for hanging heavier items.
Can You Use Screws On Hardiplank?
Yes, you can; Hardiplank is a sort of building material that has been around for decades and is still a popular choice for external walls. It’s long-lasting, light, and simple to put together.
Because screws are the most popular fastening for this sort of material, you may use them on Hardiplank.
When compared to other types of external wall materials such as brick or stone, there are several advantages to adopting a Hardiplank. For starters, it is less expensive than brick or stone, and it does not require expert installation.
When installing a hard-plank, make sure the factory-applied grey finish is intact. If you need a Hardiplank installed and are concerned about the beauty of your walls, you should hire an expert.
Hardiplank’s grey finish does not require a second coat or finish, but even without one, a fresh installation will look fantastic in a few weeks!
Final Thoughts on Can You Use A Nail Gun On Fiber Cement Siding?
We hope you enjoyed our article about using a nail gun on Fiber Cement Siding. With this knowledge, we know that you can make the most of your home repairs and save money by installing your siding with the help of a nail gun.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your nail gun and start working on your home repairs today!