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Frequently asked questions: roof cladding screws
SFS Group USA Commercial Construction Product Manager Jimmy Cole answers common questions About SFS' roof cladding screws
Though small in size, screws play a large role in determining the lasting success of a roof cladding project. The right fastener can improve energy efficiency while protecting the integrity of the build materials. Below are answers to questions we’re frequently asked about roofing screws. If you want additional insights, please call us at 610-376-5751.
Q. For roof cladding screws, what are the pros and cons of using hardened carbon steel versus stainless steel versus zinc-aluminum?
A. For roof applications, it is possible for rain and snow to gather on a roof and introduce the possibility of corrosion. Geography heavily influences the likelihood of corrosion with coastal applications being the primary example. If corrosion is a primary concern for roof fasteners, there is no better option for roof cladding than a zinc-aluminum or stainless steel capped fastener. However, if corrosion is not a concern for your fasteners, then a standard carbon steel coated with VistaCoat will be the most cost-effective option.
Q. Is a sealing washer necessary? Why?
A. Yes, all roofing fasteners exposed to the weather should feature a sealing washer. If a washer is not present on an exposed roofing fastener, leaking is inevitable. For further guidance, read washer types: when to choose which.
Q. What are the different point types available for roof cladding screws? When is it better to use one over the other?
A. There are two main point options available for roofing screws: sharp point and self-drilling point. Sharp point fasteners are generally intended to be used with wood substrates, whereas self-drilling points should be used with metal substrates. Within the self-drilling points, there are several point sizes based on the thickness of the metal substrate.
Q. What are the main differences between a metal-to-wood screw versus a metal-to-metal screw?
A. The main difference is the point of the fastener, as detailed above. Additionally, metal-to-wood screws typically have a coarser thread than metal-to-metal screws. This allows more wood fibers to be held between threads, thus improving connection strength.
Q. How do I calculate how many roof cladding screws I need?
A. The amount of screws needed is based on the substrate, panel thickness, roof slope, and wind speed. The roof panel manufacturer or a design professional can help you determine the right number of fasteners and ideal spacing.
Q. Is it necessary to pre-drill holes for roofing screws?
A. Generally, it is not necessary to pre-drill holes for roofing screws. The exception to this is if you utilize self-tapping screws.
Q. Do roof screws typically need to be replaced over time?
A. No, if the correct fastener is selected and installed correctly, roofing screws do not need to be replaced.
Q. For roof cladding screws, what are the pros and cons of using hardened carbon steel versus stainless steel versus zinc-aluminum?
A. For roof applications, it is possible for rain and snow to gather on a roof and introduce the possibility of corrosion. Geography heavily influences the likelihood of corrosion with coastal applications being the primary example. If corrosion is a primary concern for roof fasteners, there is no better option for roof cladding than a zinc-aluminum or stainless steel capped fastener. However, if corrosion is not a concern for your fasteners, then a standard carbon steel coated with VistaCoat will be the most cost-effective option.
Q. Is a sealing washer necessary? Why?
A. Yes, all roofing fasteners exposed to the weather should feature a sealing washer. If a washer is not present on an exposed roofing fastener, leaking is inevitable. For further guidance, read washer types: when to choose which.
Q. What are the different point types available for roof cladding screws? When is it better to use one over the other?
A. There are two main point options available for roofing screws: sharp point and self-drilling point. Sharp point fasteners are generally intended to be used with wood substrates, whereas self-drilling points should be used with metal substrates. Within the self-drilling points, there are several point sizes based on the thickness of the metal substrate.
Q. What are the main differences between a metal-to-wood screw versus a metal-to-metal screw?
A. The main difference is the point of the fastener, as detailed above. Additionally, metal-to-wood screws typically have a coarser thread than metal-to-metal screws. This allows more wood fibers to be held between threads, thus improving connection strength.
Q. How do I calculate how many roof cladding screws I need?
A. The amount of screws needed is based on the substrate, panel thickness, roof slope, and wind speed. The roof panel manufacturer or a design professional can help you determine the right number of fasteners and ideal spacing.
Q. Is it necessary to pre-drill holes for roofing screws?
A. Generally, it is not necessary to pre-drill holes for roofing screws. The exception to this is if you utilize self-tapping screws.
Q. Do roof screws typically need to be replaced over time?
A. No, if the correct fastener is selected and installed correctly, roofing screws do not need to be replaced.
