Metal Roofing Screws: Installation Tips
Metal roofing finds great popularity among homeowners for a wide variety of reasons. They hold up much better than other kinds of roofing under dangerous weather conditions, and are fire-safe and waterproof. Many of the metal roofing kits are designed to be DIY (Do It yourself), meaning they can be installed with basic knowledge, and with the minimum equipment that you have at home; without the need for expert technicians. An important element of the metal roofing is the screws that are used to attach the different parts. When installing metal roofs and screws, here are a few tips that can be of help.
● Metal roof screws are different from traditional screws. The installation of a metal roof requires such specialised screws that are fitted with a metal washer and neoprene seat on the base of it. This is necessary because the space between the metal siding and roofing often create gaps when normal screws are inserted into them. Such spaces can potentially damage the structure of the roof and the house over use and time. Roofing screws with rubber caps and washers create a proper cover, and prevent the possibility of corrosion and rusting.
● Screws of metal roofing need to be installed and secured properly, with optimal compression to ensure that the washer is adequately sealed around the hole. The work may seem easy at first sight, but needs some amount of precision, in the lack of which, the durability of the metal structure may come under question.
● A common mistake that is made is over tightening the screw. When this happens the rubber washer under the screw wears off, and in turn allows water to seep through. Even if the washer does not tear, it could get pushed out of the washer housing, and dry out and crack due to exposure. This again could lead to leaks in the roof. Another problem with over tightened screws is that they could strip the wood on which the metal gets attached to.
● Another common mistake is an un tightened screw. This can leave space among its body and the metal roofing causing water to seep through. Not attaching the screws in a perpendicular manner, or inserting them at an angle can also have the same result on the metal roof.
● To ensure that the metal roofing screw has indeed been attached properly, check how the washer appears. When properly inserted, the neoprene seat is slightly visible on all sides, but does not look squished out from the sides of the screw. In case the washer appears to be deformed, it is advisable to remove the screw and reinsert it, till it appears to be seated properly.
● Just as metal roofing screws need to be inserted properly, they also need to be placed at an optimal distance from one another on the roof. They should never be too close to each other nor too far apart. An ideal placement is where each roofing screw is about one and a half to two feet apart from one another, but not more.
● Using proper tools for screwing not only makes the work easier, but also helps you do it with precision and ina speedier manner. A proper screw kit and a drill machine such as one that is powered by an air compressor not only ensure safety but also give a strong finished look. Also, drills with depth adjustment rings make it easier for you to install successive screws into appropriate and equal depths without trouble.
Before you undertake the work of installing a metal roof, it is advisable to wear safety glasses. Also remember to clean up metal shavings in order to avoid injuries when drilling into the metal. If the neoprene around the screws crack, replace them immediately.