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Roofing Screws

What are roofing screws?

Roofing screws are weather-sealing fasteners for attaching metal roof panels, trims, ridge caps, closures, and accessories to wood or metal framing. Most roofing screws use a hex-washer head with an EPDM sealing washer to create a long-lasting, watertight joint. Options include wood-to-metal (sharp point/Type-17), metal-to-metal (self-drilling TEK points), and low-profile pancake styles for concealed clip attachment.

Types of roofing screws

  • Wood-to-metal roofing screws — sharp or Type-17 points for steel or aluminum panels into wood purlins/OSB.
  • Self-drilling roofing screws — TEK points sized for the combined steel thickness in metal-to-metal connections.
  • Pancake / low-profile roofing screws — thin, wide heads for standing-seam clips and concealed fasteners.
  • Stitch / lap screws — shorter fasteners for panel-to-panel sidelaps and trim laps.
  • Color-matched roofing screws — painted heads to blend with common panel colors.

Materials & finishes for roofing screws

  • Carbon steel with protective coatings (zinc, zinc-aluminum, ceramic, polymer) for broad corrosion resistance.
  • 304 / 18-8 stainless steel for durable corrosion resistance in most environments.
  • 316 stainless steel for coastal, marine, or chloride-rich exposure.
  • 410 stainless drill points on select self-drillers (hardened tip combined with stainless shank/head).
  • EPDM sealing washers — UV-stable rubber that compresses under the head to form a weather-tight seal.

What size roofing screws do I need?

Match diameter, length, and point to your substrate and panel profile. Common diameters are #9, #10, and #12. Choose length to penetrate the framing member (often ~1″ embedment in wood) or to fully engage the first metal member in metal-to-metal joints. Use Type-17 or sharp points for wood, and TEK drill points sized for the total metal thickness you’re fastening.

Common applications for roofing screws

  • Attaching steel or aluminum panels to purlins, girts, and sheathing
  • Standing-seam clip attachment with pancake/low-profile heads
  • Ridge, eave, rake, and trim installations, including stitch/lap joints
  • Pole-barn and post-frame construction; agricultural and light-commercial roofs

Why choose roofing screws from us

  • Weather-tight sealing — matched head geometry and EPDM washers for reliable, long-term seals.
  • Fast installs — hex-washer heads and self-drilling options drive quickly with standard tools.
  • Corrosion-resistant choices — coated carbon steel and stainless grades for demanding sites.
  • Color options — painted heads to blend with popular panel systems.

Installation tips for roofing screws

  • Set the driver clutch so the EPDM washer compresses evenly without bulging or splitting.
  • Drive screws perpendicular to the panel; avoid angled installs that compromise the seal.
  • Place fasteners at the crest or valley as specified by the panel manufacturer.
  • Use the correct TEK point number for metal-to-metal fastens; pre-drill only where required.
  • In coastal sites, prefer 304/316 stainless or premium coated systems and rinse salt deposits where practical.