Thinking about new vinyl siding for your place? Or maybe your old stuff is just looking a bit tired. Either way, when it comes to getting that siding up, there are two main ways folks do it: face-nailing and blind-nailing. And honestly, how it's installed makes a huge difference, especially right here in Orem.
So, What's the Deal with Blind-Nailing?
This is the standard, proper way to put up vinyl siding. When we blind-nail, we're actually putting the nail (or screw, though it's usually nails) through the top flange of the siding panel. This flange, you see, is designed to be covered by the next panel that goes on top. So, once we're done, you won't see any fasteners at all.
- Looks: It just looks cleaner. No visible nails means a smooth, uniform finish. Isn't that what everyone wants?
- Movement: This part is super important for vinyl. Vinyl expands and contracts a lot when the temperature changes. Just think about our Orem summers, which can hit 100 degrees, then winter when it dips below freezing. Blind-nailing lets the siding 'float' a little on the wall. We don't nail it tight; instead, we leave about 1/32 of an inch of space under the nail head. This lets the panel move without buckling or waving like crazy.
- How long it lasts: Because it can move freely, it's way less likely to crack or warp when temperatures swing. It's built to stick around for a good long while.
- Cost: It generally takes a bit more time and skill to do this right. So, yeah, you might see a slightly higher labor cost up front. But trust me, it's worth it in the end.
And What About Face-Nailing?
Face-nailing is pretty much what it sounds like: you nail right through the face of the siding panel. You'll see the nail head. Sometimes they use a color-matched nail, but you still see it. This isn't usually how you'd install vinyl as a primary method, but you might spot it in specific situations or, unfortunately, when someone's trying to cut corners.
- Looks: You'll see every single nail head. It just doesn't look as clean or professional. If curb appeal is on your mind, this isn't the route to take.
- Movement: This is where face-nailing really drops the ball for vinyl. When you nail through the face, you're basically pinning the siding tight to the wall. Then, when that Orem sun beats down and the vinyl tries to expand, it has nowhere to go. What happens then? It buckles, warps, and waves. You get that 'oil canning' effect, where the siding looks all rippled.
- How long it lasts: Since it's restricted, the siding is under constant stress. It's more likely to crack, especially around those nail holes, and can fail much sooner than siding that's been blind-nailed.
- Cost: It might be a little faster to install, so some less-than-scrupulous contractors might offer it as a 'cheaper' option. But you'll end up paying for it later with repairs or having to replace it way too soon.
My Recommendation for Orem Homeowners
Look, for vinyl siding, there's really only one right way to do it: blind-nailing. Every single time. Especially here in Orem. Our climate, with its big temperature swings from scorching summers to freezing winters, absolutely requires that your siding has room to move. If it doesn't, you're going to wind up with wavy, buckled siding that looks terrible and won't last.
I've seen plenty of homes in older Orem neighborhoods, like around the Cascade or Geneva areas, where DIYers or less experienced crews face-nailed vinyl. A few years later, those homeowners are calling us at Ace Siding Company wondering why their siding looks like a funhouse mirror. It's almost always because it was face-nailed or nailed too tightly, plain and simple.
When you're getting quotes, ask your contractor specifically about their installation method. Make sure they understand how important it is to leave that slight gap under the nail head. A good contractor will know exactly what you're talking about and will already be planning to blind-nail with proper spacing.
Don't let anyone tell you face-nailing is 'just as good' for vinyl. It's not. You're investing in your home's exterior, and you want it to look good and protect your house for decades, not just a few years. Stick with blind-nailing; it's the professional, durable, and good-looking choice for vinyl siding in Orem.