The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Installing, and Using Roofing Screws
Every roofing contractor has had a customer call them a few months after the roof was put on to say it was leaking. Usually, the fastener is the problem, not the roofing panel.The screws that hold everything together are responsible for leaks, rusting too soon, and ineffective installations in the roofing industry.
When the wrong roofing screws are selected or installed in the wrong way, contractors must go back and fix things, which costs money and upsets customers. Because metal roofing lasts longer and consumes less energy, more people are choosing it. The choice of roofing screws is therefore more crucial than ever for builders, contractors, and wholesalers. You'll learn how to choose, buy, and install roofing screws that will last for decades in this guide that cuts through marketing jargon.
Most Common Types of Roofing Screws
Professionals can choose the right roofing screw for the job by knowing the different types of screws. Here are the main differences:
By Material and Coating
Carbon steel with a coating that protects against rust is the most common type. Zinc plating or mechanical galvanizing is used on most screws. High-end options have special coatings that last longer.
Stainless steel roofing screws are better at not rusting than other kinds of screws. They work well in coastal areas, places where industrial chemicals are used, or high-end building projects. Stainless steel costs more, but it doesn't get red rust or stains.
Roofing screws made of aluminum are not susceptible to rust, but they aren't as strong as steel.Consequently, aluminum panels are only effective in certain circumstances to prevent galvanic corrosion.
By Head Style
In business and industry, hex head roofing screws are the most common type of screw. The hex washer head makes it easy to use power tools, can handle more torque, and keeps the clamping force the same. The low profile fits perfectly with the panel ribs when it is put in the right way.
Flat head screws are good for jobs that need a countersunk look, but they aren't used as much in modern metal roofing.
Truss head screws have a bigger bearing surface for thin materials, but they can't turn as much torque.
By the kind of washer
The washer affects how well the screw seals. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is the standard material for bonded washers in the industry. This monomer can handle a lot of weather, stays stable in UV light, and is flexible between -40°F and 250°F. When you put it in, the rubber squishes together to make a seal around the fastener shaft that keeps water out.
Metal-backed washers keep EPDM in place between the screw head and a metal cap. This stops the rubber from coming out and protects it from UV rays more.
Self-Drilling vs. Self-Tapping
With self-drilling roofing screws, there is no need to drill holes beforehand since they have a drill-point tip (usually a #2, #3, or #5 point). Drill point creates pilot hole on its own, and threads finish it.You need self-drilling screws when working with metal to make threads and install things quickly.
For self-tapping roofing screws, you need to drill a pilot hole first. These screws are usually only used on wood surfaces or for certain retrofit projects.
Things You Shouldn't Do When Picking and Installing Roofing Screws
Even the best roofing screws will break if you don't choose or install them right. Here are the most common mistakes we see and how to avoid them:
1. Choosing the wrong size or length.
If the screws aren't long enough, they won't go deep enough into the substrate (wood or metal), which means the hold will be weak and come loose when it vibrates or expands. If screws are too long, they might not hit the solid frame at all or hurt the materials below. To get the best grip, screws should go at least ¾ of an inch into wood. If they don't, the pull-out strength could drop by as much as 40%. #9, #10, and #12 are the most common sizes of roofing screws. The best size for metal roofing is #12.
2. Not paying attention to the EPDM washer
The EPDM rubber washer is the most important thing to stop leaks, but many people don't use it or use cheap washers. Because EPDM is resistant to UV light and compresses tightly, it is different from other washers.Avoid neoprene and cheap rubber washers because they break down quickly in the sun and let water through.
3. Installing with the wrong torque
The EPDM washer could break if you tighten the screws on the roof too much, or the threads could be stripped. If you don't tighten them enough, water can get through the spaces. Use a cordless drill that has a clutch that you can change. Try out your torque on some scrap metal before you use it on the real installation. We recommend setting it to 20 to 25 inch-pounds so that the washer is compressed enough but not broken.
Why Should You Choose Our Screws for Roofing?
At sinsun fastener, we only sell high-quality roofing screws. They are easy to put together, last a long time, and keep leaks out. Here are some of the things we sell:
EPDM rubber washers that make a seal that keeps out the weather and stops leaks even when things aren't going well. - Materials and coatings that resist rust (304/316 stainless steel, hot-dip galvanization, and a rust-proof coating) make the product last a long time. - Self-drilling tips let you put things together quickly without having to drill first. - Heads in different colors that can match your roof panels for a smooth look. - All of our products meet the building codes, so you can be sure that your roof meets the standards of the industry.
