Your roofing fasteners literally keep the roof over your head – so you really need to make sure you choose the right ones. When you set out to purchase your fasteners for the next roofing project, asking the following five questions will help you to select the right product, ensure the success of the project and keep that roof battened down for a long time to come.
What fasteners does the roofing manufacturer recommend?
Start with the makers of the roofing material itself. They may prescribe a certain type of fastener, leading to the warranty being voided if you choose a different one and something goes wrong. Read through the information that comes with the material and check if there are any directions regarding fasteners.
What fasteners suit the roofing material?
Your choice of roofing material will dictate your choice of fastener to a certain extent. In some cases, you might choose the wrong fastener and it may seem to work at first, but then cause damage to the roofing material over time. This is particularly common when using metal roofing material and fastening it with bolts or roofing nails made from different metals, which could lead to corrosion over the course of time, which will eventually cause leaks.
How long should the fastener last?
As a rule, choose fasteners that are expected to last a little longer than the roof itself. If you are on a budget, and building a roof that may only last, say, 15 or 20 years, choose fasteners that are made to last for 20 to 25 years. If you are using high-quality roofing material that is made to last for a very long time, there is no point in skimping on the roofing nails, because they might cause the roof to fail earlier than expected.
Will the fasteners be exposed?
Depending on your specific roof assembly, the bolts may be either hidden or exposed. Exposed fasteners should be made of materials that last longer and are resistant to various weather conditions. If they are going to be hidden, you need to factor this in so much.
What is the best fastener for the weather conditions in my area?
Consider your area and its weather patterns and then ask for fasteners that are best suited to them. This is particularly the case if you experience high winds – you will need a fastener that can stay put when those tropical gusts come through. In such areas, you would probably want to opt for roofing nails with extra length.
For more information and advice on roofing fasteners as well as our specific range of stainless steel fasteners, contact us via email or telephone at Marsh Fasteners today.
