Caulk Siding Nail Heads

I heard an opposing opinion recently.

Caulk siding nail heads. I ve always considered it necessary to caulk any exposed nail heads on a shingle roof there shouldn t be many. Before caulking joints between dissimilar materials make sure that the manufacturer recommends the caulk for both materials. The claim was that nails have to pass through a minimum of two layers of shingles. Oil based primers and paints will also but the caulk will dry softer than the oil based primer or paint so if someone presses on a covered nail head with a fingernail the oil based primer or paint will prolly crack.

Rusted nails and paint don t mix well the rust rises to the surface of a paint job whether the paint is fresh or ages old even if the nail head itself. The advantages of using a latex caulk is that. Nail holes in exterior surfaces just as with cracks or gaps can be dealt with using a good caulking. I must admit i ve seen many builders that do not seal the nail heads.

Caulk is a substance designed to seal a joint between two surfaces and to fill small holes. Use top quality caulk outdoors where it needs to withstand extreme temperature changes and remain flexible for 30 to 50 years. The shingles are asphalt backed and this asphalt forms an adequate seal around the nail. Nail head rusting.

To remove nail head rusting from surfaces. How to paint over a rusted nail stain. The nails holding up the siding should not be caulked. James hardie believes it is good building practice to seal the joints to prevent moisture such as wind driven rain and snow from penetrating the wall cavity.

See all paint colors warning. A diyer or a novice painter might attempt to achieve a cleaner look by caulking the siding nails but the nail is guaranteed to push the caulking material out within a few months. A latex primers and paints will stick well to it. Steve shows how to fix rusty nail heads for painting projects.

Hardie plank siding has a nail line across the top of the board that is 1 down from the top and nails are supposed to fall between and 1 from the top of the board to give the best hold. How to fix it. Sand the nail heads. Apply multiple primer coats to the nail heads.

Nail holes in interior walls can generally be filled with shrink free spackling by overfilling the hole slightly then sanding smooth once it s dry. Siding nails should not be caulked another item that needs room to play is siding boards themselves. Apply a rust inhibitive or stain blocking primer to the nail heads and surrounding area. Caulk the nail heads with acrylic caulk.

Holes in wood trim are best filled with wood filler.