Looking for better screws for exposed fastener roofing steel.

[jimgerken]

Hi Guys. I didnt know where else to ask for this info. I am roofing a house with ProRib exposed fastener roofing material. Its a multi-tone product from Menards. In the past I have built nine buildings using similar roofing material, but fastened it to 2x4 purlins. This is the first project that will be screwed to OSB for the garage, and 5/8" plywood for the house. Working on the garage this year, house next year. I have always used the old standard hex head with separate steel and neoprene (or EDPM). Now looking for something better. I have had the old standard ones slightly unscrew from the wood although never leak in 16 years so far, and have also had them rust. Do you guys have alternatives? Also, available online technical information would be a plus, and I need a source for whatever I choose.
I can post details of installation if anyone is interested. THANKS

 

[PhysAssist]

Hi Guys. I didnt know where else to ask for this info. I am roofing a house with ProRib exposed fastener roofing material. Its a multi-tone product from Menards. In the past I have built nine buildings using similar roofing material, but fastened it to 2x4 purlins. This is the first project that will be screwed to OSB for the garage, and 5/8" plywood for the house. Working on the garage this year, house next year. I have always used the old standard hex head with separate steel and neoprene (or EDPM). Now looking for something better. I have had the old standard ones slightly unscrew from the wood although never leak in 16 years so far, and have also had them rust. Do you guys have alternatives? Also, available online technical information would be a plus, and I need a source for whatever I choose.
I can post details of installation if anyone is interested. THANKS

Take a look at the Hansen's building supply/pole barn website. The fasteners they sell are specifically engineered to keep metal roofs from loosening or leaking, and I regret not having had them supply my barn needs.

Pole Barn Kits and Pole Buildings

Thomas

 

[jimgerken]

Thanks. I scoured their website and could not find any fastener details. Already asked the "Guru", not holding my breath for an answer though.

Stumbled onto the Atlas Bolt and Screw website, and have contacted them by phone. They have the most advanced screws I have seen so far, and they are sending samples of two models in four colors. I especially like: Low Profile Self Drilling Fasteners | Atlas Fasteners
and: Wood UltiMate Fasteners with DekFast Multi-Seal Washers
And they sell through Menards, so if I decide on these I can get them easily.

 

[PhysAssist]

Oh well, sorry!

I know I did see a blog post or something about how they came up with the very specific screws that they use to prevent pull through from wind and other loosening forces.

Thomas

 

[Oliver1655]

I like the Atlas screw with the cupped washer head you referred to. I use a similar screw (I don't know the brand), & really like the way it prevents the washer from spreading out which helps prevent the screws from coming loose. Make sure to use the pointed tip screws The self drilling tipped screws are for use with steel purlins.
As you will be going over wood sheeting, where the long runs are, while the metal sheets are stacked together, if you pre-drill 3/16" holes where you plan to place the screws it will make life a lot simpler. (Be sure to plan out where the wood sheeting seams are to avoid them.)
I like to use my cordless impact gun to drive the screws. It takes a lot of the torque stress off your wrist as opposed to using a drill. I also use the smaller lithium batteries which make the handle lighter & allow the impact gun to ride in my holster better.

John

 

[jimgerken]

Thanks John. I was wondering about hole size for pre-drilling. Why not make it a tight hole, so I am not making water path? If I drill it small, like 3/32", the screw would cruise right thru the hole and into the wood. Or does it try to raise the steel sheet if I do it this way? Maybe it lays the sheet tighter if the "threads" in the steel tight hole do not fight with the "threads" in the wood. I have never had the chance to pre-drill any project before this as they have all been on purlins. I will try some experiments, but sure value your input. Thanks.