Once you’ve settled on screws for your metal roofing project, the next question is how many screws you need. What Happens if you Don’t Use Enough Metal Roofing Screws? This makes nails the better option for DIY roofing installation projects. Whereas screws require technical know-how and special tools to install, anyone with a hammer can nail down nails. Therefore, if you’re looking to keep costs down, consider high-quality roofing nails.Īdditionally, nails are easier to install. First off, screws are expensive to purchase. That said, though, roofing screws can be an excellent choice under certain circumstances. By withstanding contraction/expansion better, roofing screws significantly reduce the risk of roof leaks. The expansion/contraction mentioned above often results in spaces around the roofing nails, causing leaks. Preventing roof leaks: Finally, screws resist leaking better than nails.The threads allow screws to resist such pull-out. Such contraction/expansion often causes nails to pull out slowly over time. 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.On the other hand, nails have smooth shafts that are more likely to pull out. The threads on screw shafts allow screws to hold onto wood for much longer. Holding strength: The first main reason screws work better for metal roofing projects is that screws hold for much longer.

Though nails are more common in metal roofing projects, screws offer plenty of advantages. Generally, many roof experts prefer screws to nails. The idea is to place the screws close enough to ensure a firm roof installation and far enough not to distort or tear the roofing material.

Alternatively, make sure that every third corrugation has a screw, including both sides of the panel side lap. Generally, it’s best to place roofing screws one and a half to two feet apart. Above all, an appealing screwing/nailing pattern makes your roof more and the home, in general, more beautiful. Correct spacing is also critical to ensuring a level roof. The correct nail spacing holds the roofing sheets more firmly in position. One of the most important factors in a proper roof installation is screw (or nail) spacing.

Purlin and rafter spacing metal roof