What Happens If You Dont Use Enough Metal Roofing Screws
Once youve settled on screws for your metal roofing project, the next question is how many screws you need.
Many DIY roofing installers often wonder whether there are significant consequences of using too few or too many screws/nails on the roof. Yes, the consequences can be huge.
- Dangers of Too Few Roofing Screws: The main danger of using fewer screws than needed when roofing is that you may have a weak roof. A weak roof can come off anytime. Unfortunately, it also puts you and your family/guests in danger.
- Dangers of too many screws: The main downside of too many roofing screws per square meter when roofing is the high risk of roof damage. This is an even bigger concern when the screws expand and contract during extreme weather.
How Do I Verify Measurements For My Metal Roof
Are you a do it yourself person or a contractor thats familiar with shingles but new to metal roofing? If thats you, or if you just want to answer the question How do I verify measurements for my metal roof then this vlog post is definitely for you!When it comes to figuring materials for your roof it all starts with a sketch. And over the years Ive seen all sorts of sketches. Ive seen them range from a doodle on a napkin to full-blown architectural drawings.
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How Many Screws Per Square For Metal Roofing
The fun part of being in the roofing industry is that answers to questions keep changing every few years. I remember that there used to be a time when everyone would suggest placing the screws on the ridge rather than in the valley. These days, people have changed their minds completely on screw placement.
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Its important to keep updated on the latest in roofing methodology because while clients may learn from me, most of the time, I end up learning from my clients more!
In that spirit, some of the important questions that keep coming to me revolve around screws: how many, how to put them in, what types to use, and so on. I will try to answer these questions in this article.
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Screws Vs Nails For Metal Roofing
Lets begin by comparing nails vs. screws for metal roofing installation. Which is the better option and why?
Generally, many roof experts prefer screws to nails. Though nails are more common in metal roofing projects, screws offer plenty of advantages.
- Holding strength: The first main reason screws work better for metal roofing projects is that screws hold for much longer. The threads on screw shafts allow screws to hold onto wood for much longer. On the other hand, nails have smooth shafts that are more likely to pull out.
- Resistance to expansion and contraction: Another reason screws are a better fit for metal roof nailing is that screws withstand metal roof expansion and contraction better. Such contraction/expansion often causes nails to pull out slowly over time. The threads allow screws to resist such pull-out.
- Preventing roof leaks: Finally, screws resist leaking better than nails. The expansion/contraction mentioned above often results in spaces around the roofing nails, causing leaks. By withstanding contraction/expansion better, roofing screws significantly reduce the risk of roof leaks.
That said, though, roofing screws can be an excellent choice under certain circumstances. First off, screws are expensive to purchase. Therefore, if youre looking to keep costs down, consider high-quality roofing nails.
How Long Does A Metal Roof Last
If youve been thinking about replacing your existing roof, you should consider getting a metal roof. I remember the aggravation my old shingles used to cause me, and Ive been much happier since I switched over to a metal roof. Metal roofs are gaining popularity across the United States with every passing day. They are Read more
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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.
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: 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 give installation specifications for their product including screw fastener spacing schedules .
Typically the sheet is fastened to every structural member . But that does not give the spacing distance between the fasteners along the structural member – that’s what you must be asking.
Exposed Metal Roof Fastener Schedule versus Wind Speeds or Wind Zones
Or see these
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Disadvantages Of Zinc Roofing Panels
- Less Availability
Zinc Roofing Panels Are Expensive
Similar to copper, zinc roofing panels are not the right choice if keeping your cost low is a top priority. While its cost is often justified by its long lifespan, its still one of the most expensive metal roofing options.
Chalking On Zinc Roofing Panels
Once zinc patinas and turns to its blue/gray color, its possible for a chalky residue to develop in areas where water runs on the roof. These white streaks are generally perceived as being unattractive.
Limited Availability Of Zinc Roofing
Zinc roofing panels are the most difficult material to purchase thats currently available. There are only a handful of suppliers in the United States and most of them import the zinc from Europe. VM Zinc is a supplier of pre-patinated zinc materials, but they dont manufacture the zinc roof sheeting.
If you want an article thats a much deeper dive into zinc roofing:
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Disadvantages Of Metal Roofing Panels
- Less Corrosion Resistance
Less Corrosion Resistance
Metal roofing panels are long lasting and corrosion resistant. However, aluminum, copper, and zinc will not corrode. Steel is an excellent choice as long as you dont live near the coast or in an environment with excessive moisture.
The Weight Of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing will weigh more than aluminum or copper roofing. This will create more of a load on your house that causes stress on the structure. Even with the additional weight metal is still lighter than most non- metal building materials.
How Long Does A Metal Roof Last?
Metal roofing lasts a long time and its considered a lifetime roof. Its designed to last 40 to 60 plus years, which is longer than most non-metal materials. The lifespan of your metal roof will be determined by a number of factors including the style of the panel profile, gauge of the steel, and the finish.
Even though metal is an excellent choice and its long lasting, it still has a shorter lifespan than aluminum, copper, or zinc.
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Metal Roofing On A Wood Substrate
While ideally, you should always consult with an engineer on screw spacing over a wood substrate, in practicality, this will rarely happen.
Most people usually opt for a 24-inch on-center installation of screw lines. Some might vary this by opting for 18 inch and 36-inch versions.
If you are ever in doubt, remember more is always better.
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Whats The Total Metal Roofing Price
Metal roofing prices will vary depending upon the difficulty of the installation, location of the job, and the accessories that are required.
Heres a ballpark cost including materials and labor:
- Price Of Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing Materials and Installation
$7 to $12 Per Sq. Ft.
- Price Of Standing Seam Metal Roofing Materials and Installation
$10 to $16 Per Sq. Ft.
How To Estimate Metal Roofing Panels
A metal roof is one of the most durable material options for your home. When ordering supplies, it is important to estimate materials correctly to allow for an efficient installation process.
Estimating the amount of metal roofing material you need starts with estimating the square footage of the roof itself.
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What Are Clips Benefits
But clips do much more than attach panels and make the roof look nice. Standing seam metal roof clips are specifically designed to interact with their corresponding roof panels to accommodate design loads, allow movement caused by thermal changes and minimize deflection due to friction, says Duane Sailors, vice president of engineering and sales, BPD, a LSI Group company, Logansport, Ind. Clips are designed to match the profile of the intended panel to allow for a nested installation. This nesting allows necessary movement as well as sealed seams and aesthetic appearance. It is important to understand the necessary movement is due to thermal influence: both interior and exterior.Standing seam metal panel clips are designed to enable dimensional change of the panel without fatigue of its fastening, allowing for the thermal cycling process, says Cindy DeBellis, sales director, SFS Group USA Inc., Wyomissing, Pa. They provide durability and protection from the elements as well as improved aesthetics as they are a concealed fastening system as opposed to through-fastened systems.
How Do I Handle Protrusions
When protrusions are a part of your roofing process, youll need to make sure you install adequate flashing and additional framing, where required, to support the sheeting. Depending on the position of the cut through the roof, special attention should be given to roof flashings for pipes, in particular, vent pipes.
Flashings are placed around vents, skylights and plumbing pipes, among other roof protrusions, and are usually made from galvanised steel or any other rust-resistant metal. Occasionally, flashings can be made from plastic, rubber or roofing felt.
In all cases, all cuttings to make way for protrusions and roof flashings should be so arranged that adequate provision is made for the drainage of all throughs and corrugations. As above, please contact the manufacturer for flashings kit.
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Do The Screws Go In The Ribs Or In The Flats
When it comes to corrugated metal paneling, one question that always comes up is exactly where to put the screws on the metal roofing in the first place. Many advise that screws should be put in the flats or valleys only, while others swear that the screws should go in the ribs. To get an idea of how hotly-contested this topic can get, take a minute to scroll through the comment section of this popular metal roofing comparison video shared by Skywalker Roofing owner Luke Wilson!
Why do people get so passionate about this subject? Well, the screws-in-the-rib proponents say that putting screws in the flats could subject your metal roof to more potential points of leakage, since water is naturally directed to the flat areas. Screws-in-the-flat fans counter by arguing that screws placed in the rib dont create proper gasket compression, due to the presence of a void under the rib. Another potential problem with screwing into the rib is that it presents a higher risk of the screw pulling out during a wind event.
Estimate Your Metal Roof Cost
Standing Seam Panel calculator1)2)3)simplemedium4)5)LowMid rangeHigh end
| $21,918 |
Note: Costs listed above are based on contractors prices in our Local Roofers Directory, and 705,976 roofing projects estimated by RoofCalc.org. Installation prices vary by state .$4.5-6 per square foot $7.2 7.5 per square foot$9+ per square foot$8-14 per square foot.
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How Many Solar Panels Do I Need To Power My House
We estimate that a typical home needs between 20 and 25 solar panels to cover 100 percent of its electricity usage. The actual number youll need to install depends on factors including geographic location, panel efficiency, panel rated power, and your personal energy consumption habits. Importantly, the number of solar panels you need for your home directly impacts the price you pay for solar.
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Other Metal Roof Screw Spacing Considerations
- Whats the Ideal Screw Line Spacing for Metal Roof on Solid Wood Substrate? Most jobs are often installed with screw lines at 24 inches on center. However, the general range is 18 inches to 36 inches. If youre unsure, more attachments are always better.
- Whats the Ideal Screw Line Spacing for Metal Roof Over Purlins? Depending on the purlin spacing, your building engineer will determine the ideal screw line spacing over purlins. Generally, though, you may have screws on every purlin line or every other purline line depending on the purlin spacing.
- How do you Calculate the Number of Screws Needed for a Metal Roofing Project? Take the square footage of the roofing area and multiply the number by 80%. So, for a 1,000 square-foot roof, you need 800 screws. Alternatively, work with the knowledge that you need 80 screws for every 100 square-foot f roofing area.
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Whats The Screw Pattern For
Perhaps the biggest confusion arises when dealing with -inch corrugated metal roofing. Thats because different manufacturers recommend different faster placement spacing.
First off, we believe that you decide the best screw pattern based on whether you have the screws on the highs or lows of the corrugated roofing sheets.
Many people prefer installing the screws on the high as it makes installation easier. This method also allows water to flow freely down the roof and reduces the risk of roof leaks because the screw holes are on the high ridges.
However, we often recommend installing the screws in the troughs. Although it increases the risk of leaks because of flowing rainwater, screwing in the troughs guarantees a more secure connection. The screws are also less likely to distort the metal roofing panel.
How Many Screws For Corrugated Roofing
If you are using a 37-inch corrugated panel sheet with a low screw placement method, you will need to put in a screw line of four lap screws, followed by one more panel screw at the first
low of the overlap and then another panel screw at the high of the overlap between adjacent panels
When you are using a 37-inch sheet, you will place the lap screws after every 3rd corrugation. Whereas for a 39-inch sheet, they will be placed in a 4-3-3-3-3 pattern as shown below:
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Metal Roofs: Standing Seam Vs Screw Down Panels
If youre ready for a new roof but want something different than the standard asphalt shingle roof, youre probably considering metal.
Once you decide you want a metal roof, youll find yourself having to decide which metal roof system is right for your situation. This is where the standing seam vs screw down panel argument comes into play.
We here at Bill Ragan Roofing want you to have the information you need to make the right purchasing decision. Thats why were going to break down the two types of metal roof systems and let you decide which one is right for you.
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Advantages Of Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing
LESS EXPENSIVE One of the most significant benefits to choosing exposed fastener metal roofing is that its less expensive, especially when compared to standing seam systems. There are many reasons for the lower price, including:
Wider panels
Fewer metal panels need to be purchased.
Less labor is needed because the wider panels cover the roof faster.
Thinner gauge panels
Exposed fastener systems generally use 29 to 26 gauge metal, which is thinner and cheaper.
Lower quality paint systems
Polyesters and silicone-modified polyester paint systems are popular choices for exposed fastener because theyre less expensive than the polyvinylidene fluoride paints typically used on standing seam systems.
Less accessories purchase
Exposed fastener systems are directly fastened down to the structure through the metal, so theres not a necessity to buy any kinds of clips. This can save on costs for the buyer.
Exposed fastener systems usually use less accessories and different flashing products, like foam closures, to install the roof system. Again, this cuts down on costs and speeds up the installation.
However, the installation of metal roofs spells the difference when it comes to prolonging its lifespan and dependability. Youll need professional roofers from Denver CO with in-depth metal roofing experience to help you. If you have yet to find them, you can contact us today at Roper Roofing to help you. Contact us today!
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Measuring For Metal Roofing Measurements You Will Need
Then, to successfully complete your sketch, do your best and get the following measurements covered:Start with the panel lengths measure the panel length from the eave to ridge for each different eave-to-ridge distance.Then, get your width measurements the width measurements parallel to the ridge or eave will help you determine the number of 3 panelsYoull also need to cover the slope. So be sure to note the roof pitch in each section and indicate the down slope direction with an arrow on your drawing.
