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.
Roofing Screws FAQs
See the accordion below for quick answers on sizing, head styles, EPDM washers, and best practices for leak-free installs with roofing screws.
Wood-to-metal use sharp/Type-17 tips for wood purlins or OSB. Self-drilling use TEK points that drill through steel framing without pre-drilling.
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EPDM is UV-stable and compresses to form a lasting weather seal under the head. Correct compression prevents leaks and extends service life.
Larger diameters increase pull-out and shear capacity. Match to panel specs and substrate strength; #10 is common, #12 for heavier duty.
Long enough to fully penetrate the framing member in wood, or to properly engage the first metal layer in metal-to-metal joints—without excessive protrusion.
Use coated carbon steel for general conditions. Choose 304 stainless for broad corrosion resistance, or 316 in coastal/chloride environments.
Not for correctly selected self-drillers. Pre-drill only when required for alignment or by the panel manufacturer.
Follow the panel manufacturer. Many exposed-fastener panels specify fastening at the rib (crest); some details call for valley placement, always follow the system instructions.