• Proper Metal Roof Screw Placement
• Metal Roofing Slope Requirements
• Metal Roofing Installation
• Diy Metal Roofing Installation
• Metal Roof Installation Screw Placement

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Corrugated metal roofing can withstand the test of time and comes in a variety of colors to help match the exterior color scheme of the home. Metal roofing installation requires special metal roof screws that are equipped with a metal washer with a neoprene seat on the base of the washer. These screws must be installed at the proper compression against the metal to ensure that the neoprene washer is properly sealed around the hole in the metal.

Metal Roofing Screw Placement. Discover ideas about Roofing Screws. January 2019. Metal roofing installation begins with using the right equipment, starting with screws to anchor your panels or shingles to the structure. 'How to Install Metal Roof on a Mobile Home Installing a metal roof on a mobile home can be a do-it-yourself. Fastener Screw or Nail Spacing Tables for Exposed Fastener Metal Roof Panel Systems. Panels with nails is to drive the nail through the top of the rib so the washer is compressed securely against the metal. Nail placement must be in the ribs for roofing applications to minimize the potential for roof leaks. Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing.

1

Install a magnetic driver bit of the requisite size for the heads of your metal roofing screws into a power drill. Set the drill's direction indicator to the forward or clockwise position.

2

Position the metal roofing into the desired location. Insert the head of a self-tapping metal roofing screw into the bit on the end of the drill. Hold the drill so that the length of the screw is perpendicular to the metal roofing, and press the tip of the screw against the metal roofing. Depress the trigger on the drill and drive the self-tapping screw through the metal and into the wood below. Stop driving the screw when the neoprene washer makes solid contact with the metal roofing.

3

Inspect the washer on the head of the screw. The neoprene seat should be slightly visible on all sides of the metal washer but should not appear to be squished out from the edges of the screw. If the neoprene seat is not compressed far enough for the washer to be visible, tighten the screw until it is evenly visible around the screw. If the washer appears deformed, set the drill to reverse and back the screw out slightly until it appears to be seated properly.

Things You Will Need

• Power drill
• Magnetic driver bit
• Self-tapping metal roofing screws
• Metal roofing

Tip

• If your drill has a depth-adjustment ring, use the first few screws to make adjustments to this ring so that each successive screw will be driven to the appropriate depth.

Warnings

• Wear safety glasses and clean up metal shavings to avoid eye injury when drilling in metal.
• If any cracks appear in the neoprene seat around the metal washer, replace the screw.

About the Author

Chris Baylor has been writing about various topics, focusing primarily on woodworking, since 2006. You can see his work in publications such as 'Consumer's Digest,' where he wrote the 2009 Best Buys for Power Tools and the 2013 Best Buys for Pressure Washers.

Photo Credits

• Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

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Spacing recommendations for exposed fastener metal roof systems:

This article describes the fastener screw or nail schedule for several types of exposed fastener metal roof systems, citing manufacturers' installation manuals and guidelines. We include a discussion of the requirement for use of a greater number of metal roof fasteners in high wind zones and we give an example schedule of the number of screws recommended for metal roofs at various wind speeds or wind zones.

This article series explains the selection, applicability, and installation specifications for exposed fastener metal roof systems, also referred to as barn roofing, or agricultural building roof systems. Because this roofing material is also sometimes used on residential buildings, homeowners and home inspectors should also review this material when diagnosing roof problems. Our page top photo illustrates the fasteners on an exposed fastener metal roof installed in Hamner Springs, New Zealand.

We also provide a MASTER INDEX to this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need.

Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing Fastener Spacing Schedules & Tables vs Wind Load

At above left: a diagonal patterned, minimally-fastened exposed metal fastener roof panel system in the field of the roof on a building in Akaroa, New Zealand. But notice the closer fastener spacing on the roof's hips.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Where purlins are used in roof structure construction in this area, for wind damage protection a fastener may be installed on every other raised rib along the roof's eaves.

Below : two photographs of an older exposed metal fastener roof on St. Cuthbert's church in the Port Hills area above Christchurch, New Zealand, you can see fasteners in every other rib of this exposed fastener roof.

At below right you can see the fastener schedule for roofing panel edges along the roof valley. [St. Cuthberts church, built in 1874, was severely damaged in recent Christchurch area earthquakes.

While the church itself is not currently in use the congregation still meets nearby.]

Reader Question: (Sept 18, 2014) Jim said:

In a high wind area, how far apart should the screw lines be and how many screws should be in a row?

Reply: Fastener Screw Spacing Distances for Metal Roofing

Jim,

Roofing manufacturers (such as Fabral in the U.S. and Dimond in New Zealand) give installation specifications for their product including screw fastener spacing schedules (and other data such as unsupported spans, unsupported overhang, and different fastener types).

Typically the sheet is fastened to every structural member (purlin, rafter, truss, etc). But that does not give the spacing distance between the fasteners along the structural member - that's what you must be asking.

Here are two common examples of metal fastener spacing for exposed fastener metal roofs. We give more detail in after introducing the wind speed topic:

• Fabral roofing specifies 80 galvanized screws per square of steel material, for aluminum material, use stainless steel screws. - Fabral (2012)
• Midwest Manufacturing specifies 75 screws per square of metal roofing. - Midwest (2014)

You don't say where you live, but wind speeds and wind zone ratings are indeed a critical consideration in choosing a roof covering material itself as well as its fastener schedule. For example in Welllington New Zealand, average windspeed (measured at the Wellington airport) is 29 km/h - compare that with the Windy City (Chicago) where average wind speed is a piddling 18 km/h. In Wellington New Zealand wind speeds top gale force most of the year (288 out of 365) recorded at 104 km/h in the spring of 2014. Wellington's highest reported wind gust speed was 248 km/h. - Fitzimons, (2011).

Exposed Metal Roof Fastener Schedule versus Wind Speeds or Wind Zones

The roof shown at above left is installed on a building in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Dimond, the New Zealand company I cite above and in our resources list below gives a table of number of fasteners per metre as a function of wind zone ranging from 1 fastener per meter to 4 fasteners per meter.

• Low wind zone (32 m/sec): 1 fastener per meter
• Medium wind zone (37 m/sec) : 2 fasteners per meter
• High wind zone (44 m/sec) : 3 fasteners per meter
• Severe wind zone (50 m/sec) : 4 fasteners per meter

Based on our example wind data above, had the roof at above left been installed in Wellington we'd have expected to see 4 fasteners per meter. [Click to enlarge any image]

Watch out: be sure to check the metal roof fastener schedule with the manufacturer of the roofing product you intend to use.

Also there are other fastener details that are important besides choosing an approved fastener type, such as an assumption that the fastener is driven in perpendicular to the roof surface (not on an angle).

Proper Metal Roof Screw Placement

Fabral provides additional metal roofing fastening advice for Exposed Fastener type roofs that generally agree with Steve Bliss's original material in the article above and which we excerpt here:

FABRAL can supply either screws or nails for fastening into dimension lumber. [The company notes that nails are not recommended for fastening aluminum roofing because of thermal movement] Always use screws with solid sheathing. Screws for use with steel panels are galvanized and then coated with an organic polymer for optimum corrosion resistance. For best results with aluminum panels, use #300 series stainless steel screws.

The FabrOseal速 galvanized ring-shank nail, with its premium long- life silicone rubber gasket, assures a lasting seal and is the best nail available for steel panels when screws are not the method being used by the installer.

The correct way to fasten steel panels with nails is to drive the nail through the top of the rib so the washer is compressed securely against the metal. Nail placement must be in the ribs for roofing applications to minimize the potential for roof leaks. Over-driving the nail can split the washer and dimple the metal, causing leaks.

Wood screws with combination metal and neoprene washers should be installed in the flat area of the panel adjacent to the ribs, and tightened such that the washer is compressed as illustrated above. This will ensure a lasting, leak-proof seal. Remove any metal filings created by the drilling action of the screws or pre drilling of the holes to avoid rust staining on the panel surface. Refer to the fastening schedules in this booklet for the correct fastener locations. - Fabral (2012)

Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing Installation Manuals

• Dimond Roofing, 'Roofing and Cladding Systems Guide', Dimond Roofing Systems, Whangarei, 33 Rewarewa Rd, Ph: 09 438 1539 Fax: 09 438 6525, , retrieved 9/25/2014, original source http://www.dimond.co.nz/filescont/downloads/roofing_manual_lite.pdf
• Fabral, 'Installation Instructions for Metal Panels', Fabral Corporation: Lancaster PA, USA, www.fabral.com Tel: 800-477-2741, Exposed fastener and concealed clip metal roofing panels, retrieved 9/25/2014, original source http://www.fabral.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ Storage%20&%20Install%20Guide%2011-2013.pdf

Metal Roofing Information & Product Sources

[Bold faced roofing suppliers in the list below provided technical information quoted or adapted in the article above - Ed.]

• Classic Productswww.classicroof.comModular metal shingle panels and standing seam panels
• Dimond Roofing Systems, Tel: 0800 DIMOND, Website: http://www.dimond.co.nz The company has offices throughout both North Island and the South Island of New Zealand, of which we give just a few
  Dimond Roofing Systems, Auckland, 48 Victoria St, Onehunga, New Zealand, Ph: 09 634 0575 Fax: 09 634 6231
  Dimond is New Zealand's largest manufacturer of steel roofing, cladding, structural and rainwater goods.
  Dimond Roofing Systems, Christchurch, 89 Buchanans Rd, Hornby, Ph: 03 336 0045 Fax: 03 342 3670
  Dimond Roofing Systems, Whangarei, 33 Rewarewa Rd, Ph: 09 438 1539 Fax: 09 438 6525
• Decra Roofing Systemswww.decra.comModular metal shingle, tile, and shake panels
• Dura-Lok Roofing Systemswww.duraloc.comModular metal roofing shingles with granular coating
• Fabral Corporation: Lancaster PA, USA, www.fabral.comTel: 800-477-2741, Exposed fastener and concealed clip metal roofingpanels
• Gerard Roofing Technologieswww.gerardusa.comModular metal shake and tile panels with granularcoating
• Met-Tilewww.met-tile.comModular metal roof-tile panels
• Midwest Manufacturing, 'Helpful Hints for Residential Steel Roofing', (2014), Midwest Manufacturing, 5311 Kane RoadEau Claire, WI 54703 USA, Website: http://www.midwestmanufacturing.com, retrieved 9/25/2014, original source http://www.midwestmanufacturing.com/MidwestManufacturing/web/docs/pdf/HelpfulHints.pdf
• Atas Internationalwww.atas.comModular metal shingle, tile, and standing-seam panels
• Custom-Bilt Metalswww.custombiltmetals.comModular metal shakes and standing seam panels
• Zappone Manufacturing, website www.zappone.com/
  Zappone Manufacturing, 2928 North Pittsburg St. Spokane, WA 992071-800-285-2677, Washington State Copper Roofing Supplier of Copper scallop shingles, copper shingles, copper bay windows, vertical walls, aluminum roof shingles

...

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Technical Reviewers & References

• Fitzmons, Tom, 'How windy is Wellington, really?', (2011), retrieved 9/25/14, original source http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/6111069/How-windy-is-Wellington-really
• Architectural elements: the technological revolution: Galvanized iron roof plates and corrugated sheets; cast iron facades, columns, door and window caps, ... (American historical catalog collection), Diana S Waite, available used out of Amazon.
• 'Choosing Roofing,' Jefferson Kolle, January 1995, No. 92, Fine Homebuilding, Taunton Press, 63 S. Main St., PO Box 5506, Newton CT 06470 - 800-888-8286 - see http://www.taunton.com/FineHomebuilding/ for the magazine's website and for subscription information.
• [1] Follansbee Roofing, Follansbee WV 26037, Tel: 800-624-6906, website: www.follansbeeroofing.com and http://www.follansbeeroofing.com/products/TerneII.aspx Quoting Follansbee on TerneII properties:
  Follansbee Steel is the only manufacturer of a pre-painted or natural Terne roof and is a leading supplier of metal roofs for new and retrofit commercial, institutional, residential and historic preservation projects.

  Terne II - Classic Terne-Coated Steel ... is a new and improved version of historic Terne metal, ... Terne II has improved capability for resisting corrosion in all environments ... also has excellent formability, solderability, and affinity for paint ... without compromising mechanical characteristics. It can be used in flatlock, standing seam, vertical wall designs and virtually any other application in which original Terne has been used. It is strong and ductile, having high yield and tensile strengths as well as workability. This new material can easily be formed with conventional roofing tools.

  With Terne II roofing, it is advisable to paint the material as soon as conditions permit. Oxide formation is slower than with the original Terne and the wait for proper painting conditions provides substantially less risk. The new material is coated with Follansbee's new ZT速 alloy, a combination of zinc and tin. This coating is designed not only as a barrier but also to be anodic to the steel substrate and reduce the potential for oxidation before painting.

  The traditional oil-based paints long required on original Terne are not recommended for application on Terne II. Follansbee's Rapidri paint with its faster drying time and ease of application is much superior to the old painting system. The Rapidri acrylic paints are aesthetically pleasing while offering enhanced durability and color retention. ...

• Metal Roofing Alliance, E. 4142 Hwy 302, Belfair, WA 98528, Telephone:(360) 275-6164, Customer Support 410-534-6900, Email: support@metalroofing.com, Website: www.metalroofing.com. Quoting:
  The Metal Roofing Alliance was formed in 1998 by a small group of forward-thinking metal roofing manufacturers with the main goal of educating consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. Since our inception, we've shown millions of people just how beautiful, durable and money-saving metal roofing can be for them. Over the years, our membership has grown to include paint companies, material suppliers, industry publications and more. Be sure to take advantage of all of the great resources our members offer.
• The Metal Initiative, 4700 W. Lake Ave., Glenview, IL 60025, P:847.375.4785 Website: www.themetalinitiative.com/, Email: Louise Ristau lristau@connect2amc.com Quoting:
  The Metal Initiative is a coalition of manufacturers, individuals and associations that have come together to provide information on the features and benefits of metal in construction. Carrying its message of metal primarily to the professional building owner community, The Metal Initiative seeks to gather and disseminate useful information for decision-makers.
• Metal Roofing, an Illustrated Guide, R.A. Knowlton , [metal shingle roofs],
• Copper Roofing, by CDA
• Copper Roofing, Master specifications for copper roofing and sheet metal work in building construction: Institutional, commercial, industrial, I.E. Anderson, 1961 (hard to find)
• Corrugated Iron, Building on the Frontier, Simon Holloway
• Problems in Roofing Design, B. Harrison McCampbell, Butterworth Heineman, 1991 ISBN 0-7506-9162-X (available used)
• Grapevine Design Guidelines - Web Search 07/12/2010
• 'Copy on file as - /roof/Asbestos-to-Zinc_Metal_Roofing_NPS.pdf - From Asbestos to Zinc, Roofing for Historic buildings, Metals - ', Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
  http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/roofingexhibit/metals2.htm
• 'Copy on file as - /roof/Asbestos-to-Zinc_Metal_Roofing_NPS_3.pdf - From Asbestos to Zinc, Roofing for Historic buildings, Metals-part II, Coated Ferrous Metals: Iron, Lead, Zinc, Tin, Terne, Galvanized, Enameled Roofs - ', Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
  http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/roofingexhibit/metals.htm
• 'On file as /roof/Asbestos-to-Zinc_Metal_Roofing_NPS_2.pdf - From Asbestos to Zinc, Roofing for Historic buildings, Metals- Roofing Today - ', Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
  http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/roofingexhibit/roofingtoday.htm
• 'Copy on file as - /roof/Roofing_Historic_NPS.pdf'>Roofing for Historic buildings - ', Sarah M. Sweetser, Preservation Brief 4, Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
  http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief04.htm
• 'Copy on file as - /exterior/NPS_Preserv_Brief_16_Subs_Mtls.pdf'>The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic Building Exteriors - ', Sharon C. Park, AIA, Preservation Brief 16, Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
  http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief16.htm
• ARMA - Asphalt Roofing Manufacturer's Association - http://www.asphaltroofing.org/
  750 National Press Building, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20045, Tel: 202 / 207-0917
• 'Metal Roofing: 'Fixing' for Thermal Movement [ copy on file as /roof/Metal_Roof_Movement_NRCA.pdf ] - ', Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] p. 72, NRCA
• 'Metal Roof Systems: Design Considerations for Snow and Ice [ copy on file as /roof/Metal_Roof_Snow_Ice_NRCA.pdf ] - ', Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] p. 74, NRCA
• 'Steel [Roof] Decks: Issues for the 1990's [ copy on file as /roof/ Steel_Roof_Deck_Corrosion1_NRCA.pdf ] - ', Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] p. 74, NRCA
• 'Steel [Roof] Deck Corrosion Bulletin, NRCA [ copy on file as /roof/Steel_Roof_Deck_Corrosion_NRCA.pdf ] - ', Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] p. 58, NRCA
• 'The Many Aspects of Metal [Roof] Shingles [copy on file as Metal_shingles_NRCA.pdf ] - ', Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] NRCA
• NRCA - National Roofing Contractors Association - http://www.nrca.net/, 10255 W. Higgins Road, Suite 600, Rosemont, IL 60018-5607, Tel: (847) 299-9070

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

Diy Metal Roofing Installation

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Metal Roof Installation Screw Placement