It is impossible to navigate a DIY venture without screws. The sheer importance of this historical invention is often overlooked, but mechanical fasteners are a critical component in every toolkit, and a necessity for any construction plans.

Recognising the importance of screws is the first step. Next, you need to choose the right kind. Depending on the project, there are several types to match the task. If it’s the roof you’re focusing on, you’re going to need roofing screws.

The roof is the prime part of a building’s exterior. It stabilises the structure, protects from the weather, and provides insulation to the entire property. As roofing plays such an enormous role in any construction, it’s vital that it is built perfectly and maintained to ensure the best possible protection to your home.

So, if you’re planning a DIY roofing project, make sure you use the right screws. Without them, your roof won’t hold together! Here is everything you need to know about roofing screws.

What are Roofing Screws?

Roofing screws are simply a type of fastener. They work by fixing sheeting to metal or wood structures, and are tailored specifically to roof maintenance. Although purposefully designed for external work, they are capable for use in a number of internal projects.

Roofing nails are also equipped for roof work but are only every used when installing tiles on to a roof.

Why are Roofing Screws Important?

An external roof project can be quite a big job, especially if you’ve chosen to do it without the help of a professional.

A roof requires materials to be securely fastened together to support the frame of the building. These small metal components are the devices that keep your roof together in one piece. It’s simply not possible for materials to remain fitted without being screwed or nailed down.

A properly installed roof can last decades, so getting it right is a no-brainer if you want longevity.

What Makes Roofing Screws Different From Other Screws?

Roof screws are purposefully designed to meet the demands of a roof. You choose the tools that fulfil the right goal, just as you’d choose deck screws for decking and plasterboard screws for drywall.

To insert screws requires a drilled hole. However, drilling holes in roofing leaves your home susceptible to leaking and other water-related problems. The type of screw you install is important in sealing off the hole to preserve the building.

Roofing screws most commonly come with superior washers. The washer is a component that helps to distribute a load or secure it further. These particular washers have a superior seal quality to stop water from getting into the roof.

Roofing screws with neoprene washer are a great quality solution. They are created with steel and rubber, and coated with neoprene - a special durable rubber for a watertight seal.

Types of Roofing Screws

Throughout the project, there are different types of screws you can use. There are many to select from in the DIY world, but here are some common variations.

Metal Roofing Screws

To determine which kind to use, you must think about the materials that you are handling. The screws must be able to fix one material to the other in the most secure fashion.

Self-drilling screws are a particular screw type featuring a drill point at the tip. This means it can drill a hole while forming the mating threads at the same time. These work for metal on metal jobs, great for fixing metal roofing panels. The precise screw will depend on the thickness of the material.

Wood Roofing Screws

Wood roofing screws are a common form of fastener. They can penetrate through the metal sheeting, and then through to the wood. Often, they come with an extra-sharp tip to pierce the materials without bringing damage to the metal sheets.

Type 17 screws are a good option for roof fixings. They have a long sharp point, making them an ideal screw for driving through timber. The flute design catches wood chippings, reducing the likelihood of wood splitting. The particularly sharp point is self-piercing, meaning they’re also capable of drilling into thinner steel sheeting without having to drill the hole first.

Some screws are designed for both wood and metal applications. A self-drilling galvanized roofing screw is tailored to attaching steel sheeting crests onto metal or timber battens. Again, no pre-drilling is required here.

Colorbond Roofing Screws

Colorbond roofing screws are tailored to fix colorbond steel. They are perfect for finishing roofing and cladding to steel and timber frames. This coated roofing material is durable and can withstand all weather conditions. You can purchase colorbond roofing screws in a wide range of colours.

Cyclone Roofing Screws

Cyclone prone regions need roofing to be fitted with special cyclone screws for extra strength. Cyclone roofing screws are custom made for enduring extreme wind and rain situations.

When a cyclone arrives, the roof is generally the first place to be targeted. If it isn’t strong and secure enough, major damage can be caused to the building. The roof must survive in order to protect the rest of the property. If the roof goes, there can be catastrophic effects.

Cyclone roofing screws ensure super-secure fastening in cyclonic conditions. A good solution is Cyclone Assembly screws.

Coloured Roofing Screws

A great roof prioritizes safety, but you can also factor appearance into your project. As well as different types, shapes and sizes, roofing screws are available in lots of different colours. This means you can match the colour to the shade of the metal panels you’re using. 

 

If you’re going to put a lot of time and effort into your roof, you want it to look great once it’s finished too. Coloured roofing screws are a good way to finalise the overall look. The fasteners blend in, revealing a roof that appears neat and tidy. This can be useful if you’re looking for prospective buyers too.

 

A good quality, coloured screw will remain intact for years to come, despite sitting in direct sunlight throughout the year.

Summary

There’s no denying the importance of a sturdy roof. From private homes to commercial buildings, the roof is a key part of the architecture. Whether you’re doing some general maintenance work or installing a whole new roof, always plan carefully and gather the appropriate tools. 

As a good roof can last such a long time, it’s the kind of thing you want to get right the first time around. Constant repairs can be costly, but with the right roofing screws, you can enjoy the security of your home for many years under a top quality roof. 

If you think you’re going to require a lot of screws to get the job done, you can always consider buying bulk roofing screws once you’re sure of the array you need.

FAQs

What screws are used for roofing?

Roofing screws come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. They’re specifically crafted for certain jobs, depending on the materials you want to attach. Roofing screws can be used to apply metal to wood and metal to metal. It’s important to use the right screws to secure a roof.

Are roofing screws or nails better for roofing?

Roofing screws tend to be the best choice for roof construction as they give a better grip, although nails may also be required. For metal roofs, screws are a more secure fastener. The right roofing screws can maintain a strong roof for many years to come.

What happens if I use the wrong roofing screws?

Using the correct roofing screws for a construction job is vital to the safety, protection and longevity of the roof. Many people make the mistake of installing the wrong roofing screws, but the simple misuse of screws can cause damage that would otherwise have been avoided.