Sorry for the cryptic subject! I’m currently installing pre-finished Hardiplank over OSB sheathing and Tyvek. I’m blind nailing into studs following James Hardie’s directions using Hitachi Hardinails. Basically, I think I’m doing everything right (at least relating to the siding installation!). The siding planks are ending up surprisingly loose – many show a little gap between themselves and the plank below them. If I press on the plank the gap closes up, but then it opens again when I release the plank. Is this normal? Have I done something wrong? Does it matter?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Fine Home Building
Follow
-
Fine Homebuilding
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now -
GBA Prime
Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
- Home Group
- Antique Trader
- Arts & Crafts Homes
- Bank Note Reporter
- Cabin Life
- Cuisine at Home
- Fine Gardening
- Fine Woodworking
- Green Building Advisor
- Garden Gate
- Horticulture
- Keep Craft Alive
- Log Home Living
- Military Trader/Vehicles
- Numismatic News
- Numismaster
- Old Cars Weekly
- Old House Journal
- Period Homes
- Popular Woodworking
- Script
- ShopNotes
- Sports Collectors Digest
- Threads
- Timber Home Living
- Traditional Building
- Woodsmith
- World Coin News
- Writer's Digest
Replies
Try turning down the pressure on your compressor.
If that doesn't work use small stainless steel finish nails on the bottom of the planks.
I find that you have to use your hammer and smack everyone which tightens them up.
Where do you smack them with your hammer? And why would the compressor pressure make a difference - the nails are being driven to the manufacturers required depth (ie flush or just a tiny bit proud)
on top of the nail?
The compressor pressure makes a difference because you are lapping the siding.
Too much pressure and the plank may bend even though the nail stays flush.
You could be nailing too high on the board which will not impart the ever so slight bend across the width of the board which helps hold it down. Your reveal may be too small for the width of the board, which will leave a gap.Your nails may be flush (or proud) but the board is still not tight to the wall. Handling the board or other than flat stacking could have stretched or bent the board so it will not close over the previous course. They can be finicky that way. Your wall may not be flush all the way across. If your studs are bowed or the edges of the OSB are of different thickness you can see gaps. You may be forced to face nail at some points.
Edited 7/9/2003 9:22:54 PM ET by Ralph Wicklund
have you checked that u have not put the nails in back to front , actually i have found that when ever i have done this particular job i'm using a #### load of glue what about u
Are the nails getting a good hold in the OSB/Studs? How is the surface of the exterior wall? Is flat? Bumpy or wavy?
I put up some HardiPlank on my home about 3 years ago and didn't have this problem. We were nailing on top of OSB and foam board in someplaces.
What's your exposure? I believe the planks we used were 7 1/4 inches tall and you there is supposed to be a 1 1/4 coverage (or overlap) so 5 inches was exposed (or it might have been 8 1/4 and 6 inches).
Edited 7/10/2003 11:54:24 AM ET by DW
Edited 7/10/2003 11:55:09 AM ET by DW