What fasteners do I need to do the job?

When it comes to roofing or construction projects, choosing the right fasteners is critical to the success and longevity of your work. Fasteners ensure that your materials stay securely in place, providing structural integrity and resistance to environmental factors. But with so many types available, how do you know which fasteners you need? Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right ones for your project.

Understanding Your Project Requirements

Before diving into fastener options, it’s important to understand the specific requirements of your project. Ask yourself:

• What materials are you working with? (Timber, metal, or composite fibre?)
• What environmental conditions will your project face? (High wind, rain, coastal or temperature variations?)
• How much weight and load will your fasteners need to support?

Answering these questions will guide your selection, ensuring you pick the fastener that will meet your job’s demands.

Types of Fasteners and Their Applications

Here are the key fasteners commonly used for roofing and construction, and when to use each. For this example, we will refer to the Bremick range of fasteners and their names.

1. Vortex Roof Universal Screws

These screws are designed for securing corrugated or square rib roof sheeting to metal battens, steel purlins up to 1.5mm, or timber. The Vortex Roof Universal Screw is ideal for roofing projects due to its UltraSeal coating and thread-to-point technology, ensuring a tight, reliable fit.
Best for: Metal or timber roofing projects where a strong, durable fastener is needed.

2. SDM Deep Drillers

If you’re working with thicker steel—typically between 4mm and 10mm—then SDM Deep Driller screws are a great option. These fasteners are designed to pierce through thick steel, providing a firm grip and strong hold, even in demanding environments.  The length of the cutting blade at the tip of the screw is a sign that this is a deep driller.
Best for: Projects involving thick steel structures, such as structura I-beams, rafters and columns or industrial applications.

3. Type 17 Screws (needle nose)

These versatile screws can be used for fastening corrugated sheeting to softwood, hardwood, or .55 top hats. They are designed to handle tough materials, offering a firm grip while being corrosion-resistant. If they’re slipping when you use them, consider pre-drilling your roof sheets.
Best for: Roofing installations involving wood or hardwood battens and framing.

4. Smaller 10-16×16 Hex Screws

The 10-16×16 Hex screws are specifically designed for valley fixing in roofing projects. They are ideal for securing corrugated or square rib roofing profiles to purlins or metal battens. These screws come with a Class 4 (B8) seal that provides excellent corrosion resistance, making them suitable for outdoor use, especially in roofing applications. The hex head design offers improved torque, allowing for easier and more secure installation, while the short length ensures a tight and flush fit, preventing any material damage.
Best for: Valley fixing of corrugated or square rib roof and wall profiles to metal battens and purlins.

5. Rivets for Sheeting and Guttering

For lighter materials like roof sheeting, fencing, or guttering, rivets provide an effective, lightweight solution. They’re particularly useful when the goal is to achieve a clean finish without bulky fasteners.
Best for: Guttering, fencing, or lightweight sheeting applications.

6. Silicone Sealants

While not technically a fastener, silicone sealants like Bremseal are crucial for weatherproofing. After you’ve secured your materials with screws or rivets, applying silicone ensures that no moisture seeps into the gaps, extending the life of your roofing or guttering.
Best for: Sealing gaps and joints in roofing and guttering projects to prevent leaks.

Consider Environmental Conditions

The environment your project is in can influence your choice of fasteners. For coastal or high-humidity areas, choose fasteners with corrosion-resistant coatings like the Revolution Coating B8, which is featured on many fastener types in the guide. These coatings offer protection against rust and corrosion, extending the life of your work.

Conclusion

Selecting the correct fasteners for your job is crucial to ensuring durability and strength. Whether you’re working with metal, timber, or lightweight materials like guttering, there is a specific fastener designed to give you the best results. Make sure to consider the materials, environmental conditions, and load requirements when choosing. Using the correct fasteners will help you build projects that stand the test of time.

Still not sure what screws to use? Drop us a note at admin@shedblog.com.au and we will provide you with some assistance or connect you with someone who can.