Framing nails are inappropriate for siding, full stop. Don't do it. Roofing nails are commonly used and are similar enough to siding nails to be acceptable. (Source: I'm a general contractor.) Answer from climberevan on reddit.com
🌐
Bestnailers
bestnailers.com › canexel-siding-nails-choosing-the-right-fasteners
Canexel Siding Nails: Choosing the Right Fasteners for Your Project – Best nailers
Canexel siding nails are specifically designed fasteners crafted to securely attach Canexel siding panels to wooden or metal surfaces. These nails are engineered with precision to provide a strong grip and prevent damage to the delicate Canexel material.
🌐
Maibec
maibec.com › wp-content › uploads › 2022 › 04 › CANEXEL-Gl-Aout-2021_CedR-Vue_EN-v2.pdf pdf
Installation Guide Maibec CanExel TM Ced’R-Vue Prefinished Lap Siding
See the maintenance guide at canexel.ca for more details. ... Min. 3/16 in. (5 mm) ... OUTSIDE CORNER 9 IN. OR ... GAP 3/8 IN. ... GAP 3/16 IN. ... SURFACE NAILS – 8 IN.
🌐
Vancouverfacade
vancouverfacade.com › canexel-installation-guide
CanExel Installation Guide
October 27, 2021 - The strapping must be securely fastened to structural framing spaced no greater than 16” OC. The minimum nail penetration should be 1-1/4 inches and the maximum nail spacing should not exceed the width of the siding.
🌐
DeckMart
deckmart.com › home › maibec canexel nails
Maibec CanExel Nails – DeckMart Building Supplies
Maibec CanExel Nails
Secure your Maibec CanExel siding with twisted nails designed for durability and a seamless finish. Available in matching colors and optimal lengths, these nails ensure a strong hold while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your home’s exterior.
Price   $31.00
🌐
Calfeutrage Apex Rive-Sud
calfeutrageapex.com › home › canexel siding caulk
CANEXEL AND SIDING CAULK | CALFEUTRAGE APEX CAULKING
May 19, 2021 - Siding nails & Garage door panels ... off. There are many types of caulk, but the best sealant for your Canexel siding is silicone caulk....
🌐
Reno Quotes
renoquotes.com › home › blog categories › wall coverings › everything about canexel exterior siding
CanExel: Installation, Pros, and Cons
November 23, 2023 - Being 12 inches wide, these have a groove that gives off the impression that two 4 ¾-inch boards are side-by-side. Fun fact: the siding can be installed both vertically and diagonally, depending on the style one wishes to create. From an aesthetic point of view, one will note that these boards allow for a flawless finish, thereby concealing any nails.
Address   200-7675 Boul Saint-Laurent, H2R 1W9, Montreal
(4.7)
Top answer
1 of 2
1

I think Canexel is something that's only available in Canada, so I cannot speak to the siding itself. Also (being from the states) I don't know much about the process of purchasing a home up there either. But here's what I would do if I were buying this home. It looks to me like the siding was laid over furring strips, and the installer probably cheaped out and didn't lay the proper number of strips down to prevent overlap or warping. Laying furring strips is a common practice here in the US under siding (typically vinyl which has a lot more flex - less so over hardie or wood because those are easier to offset for the most part). Since this is a purchase I would have the current homeowner repair before signing. It's common in the US to have repairs done as part of negotiating the contract. Again, I don't know what Canexel is so that material may factor into it as well. Best of luck!

2 of 2
1

You do have good reason to be concerned. But what I see is not warping. The siding where you see gaps at the bottom edge are where the siding is no longer held in place at the bottom. The siding is to be nailed only at the top so the next course above covers the nails that hold it in place. The bottom is held in place by locking into the top of the lower piece. It can be surfaced nailed and needs to be under windows where windows need a rip cut to go under them properly. It looks like the siding has not been locked in well enough in many of the places you have marked with arrows. Back at the surface nailing, The places that are not in plane with the other siding courses can be nailed through the lower edge to bring it back in place, but it MUST be nailed into the studs. I would rather see it done right the first time by having the bottoms properly engaged with the top of the lower course, but that would require a LOT of siding being removed. But since face nailing is acceptable by the maker, it is workable, but criteria must be met. I looked up the install guide for the product, to learn about what I am passing onto you.

The gaps you pointed out are needed as part of the install, but need to be caulked. Since Canexel is a prefinished siding, Canexel has color matched caulk and touch up paint for their products.

All this should be done by a trusted pro and get estimates, if you choose to. Deduct that cost from the selling price. Or have it done ahead of time as part of the purchase agreement...And get a guarantee from the company that fixes it. If it is not done right, you will still be the one living with it.

Find elsewhere
🌐
Patrick Morin
patrickmorin.com › building materials › exterior sidings › exterior mouldings & accessories › nails for canexel siding - barista
Nails for canexel siding - barista | Patrick Morin
Nails for canexel siding - barista
Nails for canexel siding - barista · CANEXEL · Model · CLO597 · Product Code · CANCLBA · UPC · 777793004163 · Add to Wish List Compare · Store availability · - Free in-store pickup unavailable · Delivery to · Details retailer · Free in-store pickup ·
Price   CA$20.25
🌐
Arcan Aluminium
arcanaluminium.com › accueil › boutique › canexel siding
CanExel Exterior Siding | Arcan Aliminium
September 26, 2025 - The CanExel Ridgewood D-5 siding offers an authentic wood-grain appearance. It is available in a variety of colours. This siding is installed using hidden nails to create a more attractive finish.
🌐
Patrick Morin
patrickmorin.com › building materials › exterior sidings › exterior mouldings & accessories › nails for canexel siding - red fox
Nails for canexel siding - red fox | Patrick Morin
Nails for canexel siding - red fox
Nails for canexel siding - red fox · CANEXEL · Model · CLO584 · Product Code · CANCLRR · UPC · 777793004132 · Add to Wish List Compare · Store availability · - Free in-store pickup unavailable · Delivery to · Details retailer · Free in-store pickup ·
Price   CA$17.79
🌐
Maibec
maibec.com › wp-content › uploads › 2024 › 03 › Maibec_CanExel_Notice_GI_BetB_EN_v7.pdf pdf
NAILS/FASTENING OF THE BOARD When possible, maintain a minimum 1-1/4"
Increase nail penetration if code requires. CONDITION · Snug · Flush · Visible fiber · Countersunk · 1/16". - 1/8" Countersunk · more than 1/8" CORRECTION · OK · OK · Paint · Seal with caulking · Seal with caulk · and renail · ACOMPLIANCE WITH MAIBEC CANEXEL’S INSTALLATION, STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS, AND WITH ALL APPLICABLE BUILDING CODES IS MANDATORY.
🌐
Patrick Morin
patrickmorin.com › spiral nails for outdoor siding, 2-in., red fox
Spiral Nails for Outdoor Siding, 2-in., Red Fox | Patrick Morin
Spiral Nails for Outdoor Siding, 2-in., Red Fox
Spiral Nails for Outdoor Siding, 2-in., Red Fox · CANEXEL · Product Code: CANCLRR · $26.99 · Available Financing *Certain conditions apply. Postal code, city · All stores No results found.
Price   CA$26.99
🌐
Canadian Woodworking
forum.canadianwoodworking.com › home › home improvements › home improvements
Canexcel Siding - Canadian Woodworking and Home Improvement Forum
Re: Canexcel Siding Good evening Rick. There are three basic types of siding: Canexel, Maibec and Fraser. Maibec and Fraser are wood and Canexel is a composite. The highest grade and the best quality is Maibec which costs about .50 cents more the others. A few weeks ago I put Fraser which is made in New Brunswick on our home.
🌐
Maibec
maibec.com › en › products › canexel
CanExel - Maibec
October 30, 2025 - Once you try Maibec CanExel, you'll never want anything else on your home.
🌐
BMR
bmr.ca › hardware › screws and anchors › wood fiber › twisted nails for canexel coating - 2"
Twisted Nails for CanExel Coating - 2" from CANEXEL | BMR
Twisted Nails for CanExel Coating - 2"
Install CanExcel siding in your home with these twisted nails of appropriate color and length.
Price   CA$32.98
🌐
BMR
bmr.ca › home › hardware › screws and anchors › wood fiber › twisted nails for canexel coating - 2" - yellowstone
Twisted Nails for CanExel Coating - 2" - Yellowstone from CANEXEL | BMR
Twisted Nails for CanExel Coating - 2" - Yellowstone : Install CanExcel siding in your home with these twisted nails of appropriate color and length. Buy online now!
🌐
Maibec
maibec.com › wp-content › uploads › 2022 › 04 › CanExel-Gl_D5-VStyle-UltraPlank-EN-v5.pdf pdf
Installation Guide Maibec CanExel TM Ridgewood D-5 / VStyle /
Skip to content · Maibec · Chef de file en revêtement extérieur · Recent Posts · Hello world · Recent Comments · A WordPress Commenter on Hello world · Politique de confidentialité · Proudly powered by WordPress
🌐
MittenBP
mittensiding.com › en › products › canexel
CanExel - Mitten Building Products
October 17, 2023 - Great white winters, stormy evenings, and stray hockey balls on warm nights when the neighbors come over. Those are just a few of the things your home may need to withstand. That’s why Maibec CanExel prefinished siding is designed to be exceptionally durable while maintaining its authentic beauty.