Metal Roofing: Three Essential Guidelines for Ideal Fastener Selection
The performance of your metal roofing will be affected by your choice of fasteners. In simple terms, if you purchase strong and durable roofing panels but unsuitable fasteners, the overall integrity and performance of your roof will be compromised. For instance, weak nails might not be able to withstand the stress of holding the panels in place. As a result, the panels could be prematurely dislodged, especially during inclement weather. In addition, some fasteners might damage the roofing panels. Therefore, when preparing for roof installation, you must look for the best products. Here are crucial considerations for the selection of ideal fasteners.
Choose a Compatible Design
It is important to evaluate and compare the different types of fasteners when choosing the most suitable products for your applications. This is a crucial process because your roofing will not be compatible with all types of fasteners. Under ideal circumstances, you should purchase the fasteners designs recommended by the roofing panels manufacturer. Checking the instructions is crucial because some roofing materials are meant to be installed using screws while others are more compatible with nails. When you opt for the recommended fastener design, your roof will perform optimally. Moreover, you will protect your warranty if you are building a new house or re-roofing your entire structure.
Compare the Materials
You should think about the best fabrication material when purchasing fasteners. The right material will prolong the service life of your roof and minimise the need for repairs. Where possible, you should opt for stainless steel fasteners. These products are highly durable, and their intrinsic composition promotes exceptional resistant to corrosion. You can also choose to install standard steel nails or screws. However, these should be galvanised for optimal protection from rusting. Look for hot dip galvanised fasteners because they allow for the best level of resistance. There are also aluminium fasteners, but their strength is not high, and they might not be compatible with your metal roofing.
Consider the Underlayment
Finally, you should evaluate the underlayment of your roofing structure. In simple terms, you should consider the surface onto which your fasteners will be installed during the roof installation project. This is an important factor when deciding on the length of the fastener. If a nail or screw is not long enough, it will not fully support the roofing. Therefore, you should look for fasteners which will penetrate deep into the underlayment. If the substrate is engaged, your roof will be more stable. However, avoid overly long fasteners which extend from the roof underlayment.