You're putting new siding on your house, or maybe just thinking about it, and someone mentions 'face nailing' or 'blind nailing.' What's the difference? And more importantly, which one is right for your home here in Great Falls?
It's a common question, and honestly, the answer isn't always cut and dry. Both methods have their place, but for our specific climate and what I've seen over the years, one usually comes out on top for most homeowners.
What's Face Nailing?
Face nailing is exactly what it sounds like: you nail the siding directly through the face of the board, into the wall studs or sheathing. The nail head is visible. Think of old wooden fences or barns – that's typically face-nailed. It's a straightforward, strong connection.
Pros of Face Nailing:
- Strength: When done right, it's incredibly strong. The nail goes straight through the material, securing it firmly. This is great for thicker, heavier siding materials that need a serious grip.
- Simplicity: It's a simpler process, which can sometimes translate to a slightly faster installation, though not always significantly.
- Cost: Often, the labor cost can be a little lower because it's less finicky.
Cons of Face Nailing:
- Appearance: The biggest drawback for most folks. You see the nail heads. While some modern sidings come with color-matched nails, or you can caulk and paint over them, they're still there. It's not usually the clean, seamless look people want these days.
- Moisture Intrusion: Every nail hole is a potential entry point for water if not properly sealed. Over time, caulk can fail, and those holes can become a problem.
- Movement Issues: Siding expands and contracts with temperature changes. If it's face-nailed too tightly, this movement can cause stress cracks around the nail heads, or even cause the siding to buckle.
What's Blind Nailing?
Blind nailing, also called concealed nailing, means the nails are hidden. For most lap siding, the nail goes into the top edge of the board, which is then covered by the overlapping piece of siding above it. So, you never see the nail head once the installation is complete.
Pros of Blind Nailing:
- Aesthetics: This is the big one. A clean, smooth, uninterrupted look. No visible fasteners, just the beautiful siding material. It's the standard for a high-quality finish.
- Better Weather Protection: Since the nails are covered, they're not directly exposed to rain, snow, or UV rays. This drastically reduces the chance of moisture getting into your wall through a nail hole.
- Allows for Movement: Because the siding is essentially hung from the top edge and allowed to move slightly underneath the overlap, it can expand and contract more freely. This reduces stress on the material and prevents buckling or cracking.
Cons of Blind Nailing:
- More Complex Installation: It requires more precision and skill. Each board needs to be perfectly aligned and nailed correctly so the next board overlaps properly.
- Not for All Siding Types: Thicker, heavier panel sidings, or certain trim pieces, might still need face nailing for adequate support.
- Cost: Due to the increased skill and time required, blind nailing can sometimes have a slightly higher labor cost.
My Recommendation for Great Falls Homes
For most residential siding applications in Great Falls, especially with materials like fiber cement or quality engineered wood, I'm going to lean heavily towards blind nailing. Here's why:
Our weather here is no joke. We get those brutal cold snaps, scorching summer days, and everything in between. That constant expansion and contraction puts a lot of stress on siding. Blind nailing allows the siding to breathe and move, which means less cracking, less buckling, and a longer lifespan for your investment.
Think about the wind we get, too. While face nailing is strong, the hidden nature of blind nailing, combined with proper flashing and house wrap, creates a much more resilient barrier against moisture. You don't want water finding its way behind your siding, especially when the ground freezes and thaws around neighborhoods like the Northside or the Heights, which can sometimes have drainage challenges.
Sure, the upfront cost might be a touch more, but the longevity, reduced maintenance, and superior curb appeal you get from a blind-nailed installation are well worth it. When you're looking for a siding contractor, make sure they understand and prioritize proper blind nailing techniques. It's a detail that makes a huge difference in the long run. At Genesis Siding Solutions, we always aim for the best long-term solution for your home, and that usually means a meticulously blind-nailed finish.