Answer 5 questions — get the exact nail spec, length, coating, and SKU.
1. What type of siding?
✓ Recommended Specification
Nail Length
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Coating
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Shank Type
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The Tannin Problem: Real cedar contains tannic acid which reacts with zinc to produce black streaking and corrosion. EG is explicitly prohibited by the CSSB ("fasteners cannot be electro-galvanized as they will cause staining"). Even HDG can cause minor staining on raw cedar. CSSB requires 316 SS within 15 miles of salt water.
The #1 Vinyl Mistake: Nailing tight causes thermal buckling, waves, and warranty voids. Always leave 1/16" gap between nail head and vinyl face. Nail in the CENTER of the slot — never the ends. Use smooth shank only — ring shank prevents thermal floating.
Quick Reference Matrix — Siding × Location → Coating
| Siding | Inland (>15 mi) | Coastal (<15 mi) | Direct Oceanfront |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Hardie | HDG | 304 SS | 316 SS |
| Cedar Shake | 304 SS* | 316 SS ⚠ | 316 SS ⚠ |
| Vinyl Siding | EG / HDG | EG / HDG | EG / HDG |
* Cedar inland: 304 SS recommended — prevents any tannin reaction risk. HDG technically acceptable but may cause minor staining on raw cedar. ⚠ CSSB requires 316 SS within 15 miles of salt water for cedar.
Calculate how many boxes a job requires and the connect target per square sold.
Job Inputs
Siding Product
Squares of Siding
Box Count
Results
Nails per square—
Total nails needed—
Boxes required—
Recommended (10% buffer)—
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Coverage Reference — All Products (3,600-ct box)
| Product | Nails/Sq | 3,600-ct Covers | 15 sq job | 30 sq job | 50 sq job | Basis |
|---|
All products from the Wire Coil Siding spec sheet. Fits most 15° wire coil nailers.
| SKU # | Length | Dia | Shank | Coating | Count | Best For |
|---|
Compatible Nailers — 15° Wire Coil
Word-for-word responses for the six situations that come up every week at the counter.
Follow-up questions to ask