Installation - Nailing

LIFESPAN products should be installed in accordance with the normal industry standards. Proper application and nailing practices are essential for maximizing the performance and appearance of LIFESPAN products.

Building construction features that maximize performance of exterior wood products include: wide roof overhang, wide flashing at roof edges, correctly installed flashings around doors, windows and other openings, effective vapor barriers, adequate eave troughs and downspouts, exhaust fans to remove excessive moisture, and adequate attic insulation and ventilation.

In order to allow for normal seasonal wood movement, nailing should be such that it does not restrict movement – do not nail through overlapping pieces.

Unlike treatments that contain high levels of copper or other metals, the active ingredients in LIFESPAN do not promote the corrosion of nails and fastenings. To fasten LIFESPAN in exterior applications, hot dipped galvanized nails are all that is needed. High tensile aluminum or stainless steel fasteners are also suitable for use with LIFESPAN. To fasten in interior applications, LIFESPAN requires no specialty nails; simply fasten as you would with any other interior wood product.

Hand nailing is recommended so that the factory primer seal will not be broken. If a nail gun is used, the precise adjustment of air pressure is necessary to achieve a flush finish. Alternatively, nails can be countersunk 1/16” and filled with putty to obtain a smooth surface. Pre-drilling near the ends is recommended to avoid any possibility of end splitting.

All nailing should be over studs and total effective penetration into a solid wood base should be at least 1-1/2”. Nailing patterns should comply with industry practices (see Exterior Wood in the South – Selection, Applications and Finishes. 1991. US Department of Agriculture. Forest Products Laboratory. General Technical Report, FPL-GTR-69).