For most LP SmartSide siding installations, corrosion-resistant nails are the standard fastening choice. Screws may seem stronger, but they are not automatically approved for every LP SmartSide product or installation. The correct fastener depends on the siding type, thickness, framing, exposure, and current manufacturer instructions. Choosing the right nail—and installing it at the right depth—helps the siding stay secure without damaging its surface or compromising the installation.
The right nail is not identified by one feature alone. The installation instructions for the specific siding product should be checked for the required nail material, type, length, shank diameter, head size, spacing, and penetration. Requirements can differ among lap siding, panel siding, shakes, and trim.
Corrosion resistance
Use fasteners that meet LP’s corrosion-resistance requirements for the product and exposure. LP documentation commonly identifies hot-dipped galvanized, stainless steel, or other approved corrosion-resistant fasteners. Ordinary interior nails are not suitable for exterior siding. In coastal areas or other corrosive environments, stainless steel may be appropriate or required; confirm the product instructions and local conditions before choosing a coating.
Fastener compatibility matters as well. Some treated materials, metals, coatings, or environmental conditions can accelerate corrosion. A fastener that looks galvanized is not necessarily equivalent to a specified hot-dipped galvanized product. The package labeling and manufacturer’s technical information are more reliable than appearance alone.
Nail style and dimensions
LP’s instructions specify nail characteristics for individual products. Depending on the application, the approved option may be a siding nail or another listed nail type, such as a ring-shank nail. The required length must account for the siding thickness and provide the prescribed penetration into framing or the approved substrate. A longer nail is not automatically better if it creates conflicts behind the wall or is inconsistent with the instructions.
Do not rely on a generic “siding nail” label without checking the specifications. Nail diameter, head size, and length can affect holding strength and the finished appearance. For pneumatic nailers, confirm that the tool accepts the approved fastener and can be adjusted to drive it correctly.
How to Fasten LP SmartSide Siding Correctly
Fastener selection is only part of the job. Correct placement and driving depth help prevent visible damage and installation problems. The exact method varies by siding profile, so the product-specific guide should be on site and followed from start to finish.
- Verify the product and instructions. Identify the LP SmartSide product, thickness, profile, and approved substrate. Use the current installation guide for that exact product.
- Confirm the wall assembly. Check that framing, sheathing, weather-resistive barrier, flashing, clearances, and other required components are properly installed. Siding fasteners do not replace these parts.
- Use the specified fastener and spacing. Follow the guide for nail size, placement, and spacing. Do not assume that the spacing for one siding style applies to another.
- Drive fasteners flush. Set nails so the head is properly seated without crushing, tearing, or overdriving the siding. A proud nail can interfere with the next course; an overdriven nail can reduce holding performance.
- Inspect the work. Correct misdriven fasteners and address damaged siding according to LP’s repair guidance. Do not simply cover a problem with caulk or paint.
LP SmartSide instructions may specify fastening into studs, approved sheathing, or another substrate depending on the product and application. The required attachment is not interchangeable across all installations. Where the instructions require framing penetration, a nail that stops in the sheathing does not meet that requirement.
Can Screws Be Used on LP SmartSide?
Sometimes a product or accessory may allow screws, but screws should not be treated as a general replacement for siding nails. The answer depends on the exact LP SmartSide component and its published instructions. Siding, trim, soffit, and accessories can have different fastening requirements, even when they are part of the same exterior project.
Before using screws, check the installation guide for explicit approval and confirm the required screw type, material, length, head, placement, and installation depth. If the guide lists nails and does not list screws, using screws without written manufacturer guidance may put the installation outside the documented method. This can also complicate inspections, warranties, or later repairs.
Where screws are approved, the installer should use the specified corrosion-resistant product and avoid over-tightening. The screw head should finish as directed by the manufacturer, and any required predrilling or spacing should be followed. Generic deck screws are not an automatic substitute for a listed exterior siding fastener.
Nails vs. Screws at a Glance
| Consideration | Nails | Screws |
|---|---|---|
| Typical role | Commonly specified for LP SmartSide siding | Use only where the specific instructions allow them |
| Installation | Efficient with a hammer or correctly adjusted nailer | Requires controlled driving to avoid over-tightening |
| Surface finish | Can sit flush when properly driven | Head and thread placement may be more visible |
| Key risk | Overdriving, underdriving, or using the wrong nail | Using an unapproved screw or damaging the siding by tightening too far |
| Best practice | Match the nail to the product guide | Confirm explicit approval and follow the stated screw specification |
Common Fastening Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing fasteners by habit: A fastener used successfully on another brand or siding type may not meet LP’s requirements.
- Using noncorrosion-resistant nails: Rusting fasteners can stain siding and weaken the attachment over time.
- Overdriving nails: Crushing or breaking the siding surface can reduce the effectiveness of the fastening and create a blemish.
- Leaving nails proud: Raised heads can disrupt the profile, interfere with overlapping courses, or catch water and debris.
- Fastening in the wrong location: Edge distances and fastening zones are product-specific. Follow the diagram in the relevant guide.
- Assuming extra fasteners fix every problem: More fasteners do not compensate for incorrect placement, missing framing attachment, or a damaged panel.
- Ignoring the exposure: Coastal or otherwise corrosive conditions may call for a different approved material than a standard inland installation.
What to Check Before Buying Fasteners
Before purchasing, write down the exact product name and profile, then consult its installation instructions. Confirm whether the project uses lap siding, panel siding, shakes, or trim; identify the framing or approved substrate; and check the specified fastener material and dimensions. It is also useful to verify that the nailer’s collation and operating range match the selected nails.
For a repair, match the replacement fastener to the product and existing installation where possible, but do not assume the original fasteners were correct. If the siding is loose, cracked, swollen, or otherwise damaged, determine the cause before refastening. Water management, substrate condition, and installation details can be as important as the fastener itself.
Where to Find the Official Requirements
LP’s product documents are the primary source for deciding between nails and screws. Review the current guide for the specific product, rather than relying on a general article, retailer description, or advice intended for a different siding system. LP makes installation information available through its product literature and resources pages. Product instructions can change, so installers should confirm they have the current version.
Local building codes and project plans may add requirements. If a proposed fastener is not clearly listed, the installer should seek written clarification from LP or consult the building official before proceeding. That check is especially important for unusual substrates, coastal exposure, repairs, and installations that differ from the standard details.
The Bottom Line on LP SmartSide Nails or Screws
For typical LP SmartSide siding, corrosion-resistant nails are the usual choice because they are commonly specified in the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Screws are appropriate only when the exact product documentation allows them and specifies how to use them. Correct material, size, placement, penetration, and driving depth matter more than choosing a fastener based on a general belief that nails or screws are always stronger.