Fasteners are the last things that come to mind when talking about metal roof assemblies. However, your choice of roof fasteners can very well dictate how intact your whole roofing system will be. After all, fasteners are the ones that hold all the components of your roof together.
Choose According to Application
Determining which type of fastener to use will depend on whether you have a metal-to-wood or metal-to-metal configuration. Drill points are also often overlooked, but they are crucial and have specific applications for specific material thickness. For instance, a #3 drill point is ideal for materials that are 0.21 inches thick while #5 drill points are better suited for combined material thickness of 0.5 inches.
Size Matters
There’s also the question of which fastener size will work well with which type of material or installation technique utilized. Reputable roof contractors know exactly what length of fastener is needed for specific roofing jobs. The fasteners have to penetrate the roofing components that they have to hold together, but no more than that. Overshooting the protrusion can cause damage in the long run.
Material Choice Is Crucial
If you’re looking for alternatives to plain carbon steel fasteners, stainless steel or aluminum screws are your next best bet. You’d also be better off with fasteners with caps so that the exposed segments of the screws are protected against the elements. Whatever your material choice is, the one thing you have to keep in mind is to use the same fastener material as the roof to avoid galvanic corrosion.
Fasteners might be small in size, but they play a significant role in your roof’s performance.
Got roofing needs? Call Atlas Construction at (828) 544-1110 to book your appointment. We look forward to working with you!
