The Best Fasteners for Roofing: Installation Tips & Common Issues

Selecting the right roofing fasteners is crucial to ensuring a secure, weather-resistant, and long-lasting roof. The wrong choice can lead to leaks, structural weaknesses, and costly repairs. In this guide, we’ll cover the best fixings and fasteners for different roof types, proper installation methods, common issues, and how to avoid them.

Choosing the Right Fasteners for Your Roof Type

Different roofing materials require specific fasteners to ensure maximum durability and stability. Here’s a breakdown of the best fasteners for various roof types:

🏠 Asphalt Shingle Roofs

✅ Best Fasteners: Galvanized roofing nails

Corrosion-resistant to prevent rusting over time.
Large flat head provides strong holding power.

🏠 Metal Roofs

✅ Best Fasteners: Self-drilling Tek screws with rubber washers

Strong grip and water-tight seal.
Prevents leaks and wind uplift.
Rubber washer ensures waterproofing by sealing the hole.

🏠 Slate and Tile Roofs

✅ Best Fasteners: Copper or stainless steel nails

Corrosion-resistant for long-term durability.
Soft metal avoids cracking the tiles or slates.

🏠 Flat Roofs (Felt, EPDM, or Rubber Roofing)

✅ Best Fasteners: Clout nails or specialized adhesive fixings

Large flat head provides a secure grip.
Adhesives prevent punctures, which is crucial for waterproofing.
Ensures a flexible, leak-proof installation.

For a full range of roofing fixings, check out Jones DIY Roofing Fixings Collection .

Installation Best Practices

Using the right fasteners is only half the battle for a professional roof install. Proper installation is key to ensuring long-term roof performance. Here are some best practice tips to consider.

1. Select the Correct Fastener Size

Fasteners should be long enough to penetrate the roofing material and anchor securely into the decking or battens.
Using short nails or screws can result in a weak hold, leading to loose materials during strong winds.

2. Follow Proper Placement Guidelines

Asphalt shingles: Place nails about 1 inch above each shingle’s cutout to prevent wind damage.
Metal roofing: Screws should be placed in the flat portion of the panel rather than the raised ridges to avoid leaks.
Slate or tile roofing: Position nails in the pre-drilled holes, ensuring they aren’t overdriven to prevent cracking.

3. Avoid Overdriving or Underdriving Fasteners

Overdriven nails or screws can damage the roofing material and compromise its integrity.
Underdriven fasteners won’t hold the roofing material securely, making it prone to movement and leaks.

4. Use Corrosion-Resistant Fasteners

Choose stainless steel, copper, or galvanized steel to prevent rusting and extend the lifespan of your fasteners.
This is especially important in high corrosive environments such as coastal or high-humidity areas, corrosion occurs much faster in these areas.

5. Ensure Proper Spacing and Alignment

Nails and screws should be evenly spaced according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Uneven spacing can cause weak spots, leading to shingle curling, panel lifting, or even complete roof failure in extreme weather.

6. Install Rubber Washers for Metal Roofs

Always use rubber washers with metal roofing screws to create a waterproof seal.
Tighten the screw just enough to compress the washer slightly without crushing or compromising it.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

Even with the right fasteners and installation, roofing issues can still arise. Here are some of the most common problems and how to prevent them:

1. Rust and Corrosion

🔴 Problem: Fasteners rusting over time, weakening the roof structure.
✅ Prevention Measures:

Use stainless steel, copper, or galvanized fasteners for rust resistance.
Avoid using standard steel nails or screws, especially in highly corrosive environments.

2. Loose Fasteners Over Time

🔴 Problem: Nails and screws working loose due to wind, temperature changes, or vibrations.
✅ Prevention Measures:

Use ring shank nails or screws with a strong grip to prevent loosening.
Inspect your roof annually and re-tighten or replace any loose fasteners.

3. Leaks Due to Improper Fastening

🔴 Problem: Water seeping in due to overdriven screws, missing washers, or gaps.
✅ Prevention Measures:

Ensure fasteners are driven in straight, without over-tightening.
Use rubber washers for metal roofing to create a watertight seal.
Check for missing or poorly placed fasteners during inspections.

4. Cracking of Roofing Material

🔴 Problem: Nails or screws causing cracks in slates, tiles, or metal panels.
✅ Prevention Measures:

Use soft metal fasteners such as copper or aluminum for tile and slate roofing.
Pre-drill holes in fragile materials to prevent stress cracks.

Conclusion

Choosing the right roofing fixings and fasteners is essential for ensuring a strong, durable, and weatherproof roof. By selecting the correct fasteners for your roof type, following best installation practices, and addressing common issues proactively, you can extend the life of your roof and prevent costly repairs.

At Jones DIY, we offer a wide range of high-quality roofing fixings to suit different materials and conditions. Whether you're working on a new roof installation, repairs, or a DIY project, we’ve got the right products for you.

🔗 Browse our full collection of roofing fixings here: Jones DIY Roofing Fixings Collection

FAQs

1. How do I know which roofing fastener to use?

It depends on your roofing material, galvanized nails for shingles, Tek screws for metal roofs, and copper nails for slate/tile roofs.

2. Can I use regular nails instead of roofing nails?

No. Regular nails lack the proper coating and design needed for weather resistance and long-term durability.

3. How often should I check my roofing fasteners?

It's recommended to inspect your roof annually or after severe weather events to check for loose or missing fasteners.

4. How do I prevent leaks from fasteners?

Ensure proper installation by driving screws straight, using rubber washers, and following manufacturer guidelines for placement.

5. Where can I buy quality roofing fasteners in the UK?

You can find a wide selection of top-quality roofing fixings and fasteners at Jones DIY.

by Hayley Jones