Changed my mind about using finish nails for deck trim after a storm

I used to always use 16-gauge finish nails for deck fascia boards. Looked clean and no one could tell the difference. Then we had a bad wind storm last month here in Ohio and two of my neighbor's fascia panels blew off. He used finish nails too. I went back and checked my work from last summer and sure enough a few were already backing out. So I pulled them all and switched to trim-head screws. It took me an extra hour but those boards are not going anywhere now. Has anyone else had a similar failure with just nails on exterior trim?

3 comments

3 Comments

ellis.leo1mo ago

Go grab some strong construction adhesive next time too. Glue those boards on and the screws are just there so you don't have to hold them while it sets.

ellis.susan1mo ago

My dad always told me wood glue was a scam, so I grew up thinking construction adhesive was just overkill for stuff like this. But then I tried building a workbench with just screws, and it started wobbling after a few months. So I redid it with adhesive and screws like @ellis.leo said, and that thing is solid as a rock now. I honestly felt pretty dumb for not listening sooner, but now I swear by this method for anything that needs to stay put. The adhesive really does all the work, the screws are just there to hold it still. Appreciate you sharing this tip, it totally changed how I build stuff.

king.robin1mo ago

Wait, your neighbor actually had fascia panels blow right off? That's wild, I've never seen that happen before. I'm in southern Ohio and we get some nasty storms but I always thought finish nails were good enough for trim. Now you got me worried about my own deck, I did all the fascia with 16-gauge nails just last spring. I'm gonna have to go check mine this weekend, especially after hearing about yours backing out. I bet the constant rain we've had this year doesn't help either.