When you’re building or fixing a roof, it’s easy to focus on the big parts like the tiles, solar panels or metal sheets. However, it’s always a good idea to consider what you’ll use to keep everything fastened together and protect the home from wind and rain. The last thing you want is to finish a roofing project and then get a call back from your customer a few days later, reporting that their roof has blown off in a storm.
Using the right kind of roofing screws is more important than most people think. Different roof materials need different types of screws to stay secure for a long time into the future. In this guide, we’ll explain the basics in simple terms so you can understand which screws to use, when to use them and why they matter.
Why the Right Roofing Screw Matters
Your client’s roof should protect the inside of their home from rain, wind and other poor weather conditions. Using the wrong type of screw can lead to leaks, loose panels or even property damage during a storm. You should use different screws depending on the types of materials the roof is made from.
We recently had a client who had installed basic wood screws on a metal roof. Within a year, their customer noticed water stains inside their home after heavy rain. The problem? The screws weren’t appropriate to use on a roof with metal panels, so water was sneaking in through the holes in the screws.
Our experts recommended that the client use self-drilling metal roofing screws with rubber sealing washers that fit tightly and prevent leakages. Since the fix, the roof has stayed secure and dry — even during storms. It’s a great example of how using the right screw for the right material can save time, money and your reputation.
Common Types of Roofing Screws
There are different kinds of roofing screws, and each one works best with certain materials. Here’s a quick and easy guide:
- Self-Drilling Screws: Great for metal roofs. They have a sharp tip that drills right into the metal without needing to create a hole first. This makes the job faster and gives a strong hold.
- Self-Tapping Screws: Used when a hole already exists, like in wood or composite panels. The screw makes its own threads as it goes in, so it stays in place.
- Wood Roofing Screws: Made for wooden roofs or frames. They have big threads that grip the wood tightly, so the parts won’t loosen.
- Sheet-to-Steel Screws: Used to attach thin metal sheets to steel frames, often found in factory roofing. These screws are strong and keep metal firmly in place.
- Hex Head vs. Pan Head Screws:
Hex head screws look like a bolt and are easy to tighten with a wrench. They’re commonly used on metal roofs.
Pan head screws are flat on top and give a neat, smooth finish. These are preferred when visual appeal matters.
Screw Coatings and Materials
Roofing screws also come in different coatings and materials designed to help them last longer in various environments such as coastal or tropical towns:
- Galvanised Screws: These have a zinc coating that gives basic rust protection. They’re good for most standard roofs but are not ideal for seaside homes.
- Zinc-Coated Screws: Similar to galvanised but often a bit more cost-effective. They’re commonly used in home roofing projects and hold up well in many climates, though they can corrode quicker than stainless steel.
- Stainless Steel Screws: Best for homes near the coast or in humid areas. They resist rust and corrosion extremely well. They’re more expensive, but the performance is worth it.
- Painted or Coated Heads: Screws can come with coloured heads to match your roof. This helps them blend in for a cleaner look and adds extra protection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Roofing Screws
Even if you do your research and buy the right screws, it’s still easy to make some common mistakes:
- Screwing too tight or not tight enough: Over-tightening can crush the washer or crack the roofing material. Under-tightening can lead to leaks or the screw backing out. Go slowly and double-check your work.
- Using the wrong thread type: Fine threads won’t hold well in wood, and coarse threads don’t work properly in thin metal. Always match the screw thread to the material. If unsure, get expert advice.
When you’re mending or building a roof, it’s vital to consider the location of the home, what kind of roof your client has, and what kind of stress the screws will be subjected to.
Contact our team for advice and stock availability.
