The Ontario Building Code | Size and Spacing of Fasteners
9.27.5.4. Size and Spacing of Fasteners
(1) Nail or staple size and spacing for the attachment of cladding and trim shall conform to Table 9.27.5.4.
Table 9.27.5.4.
Attachment of Cladding
Forming Part of Sentence 9.27.5.4.(1)
| Item | Column 1 Type of Cladding | Column 2 Minimum Nail or Staple Length, mm | Column 3 Minimum Number of Nails or Staples | Column 4 Maximum Nail or Staple Spacing, mm (o.c.) |
| 1. | wood trim | 51 | — | 600 |
| 2. | Lumber siding or horizontal siding made from sheet metal | 51 | — | 600 |
| 3. | Metal cladding | 38 | — | 600 (nailed to framing) |
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| 400 (nailed to sheathing only) |
| 4. | wood shakes |
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| up to 200 mm in width | 51 | 2 | — |
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| over 200 mm in width | 51 | 3 | — |
| 5. | wood shingles |
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| 200 mm in width | 32 | 2 | — |
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| over 200 mm in width | 32 | 3 | — |
| 6. | Asbestos-cement shingles | 32 | 2 | — |
| 7. | panel or sheet type cladding |
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| up to 7 mm thick | 38 | — | 150 (along edges) |
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| more than 7 mm thick | 51 | — | 300 (along intermediate supports) |
In Plain Language
Fasteners for cladding must meet the size and spacing requirements set out in this article, ensuring adequate holding power distributed appropriately across the cladding surface.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.