Unique Original Articles » Typical Problems With Fasteners That Can Cause Roof Leaks

Fasteners play an important role in a roof installation. These tiny elements will hold your metal roofing panels on or tack down the felt paper and attach the shingles, shakes and even clay tiles that your home uses as a roof. When there is a problem with the fasteners it can easily result in roof leaks. And only by specifying that specific issue and correcting the fault will you be able to look forward to a safe and dry home.

Sometimes the problems on a roof involve sealants and adhesives, other times they involve fasteners like screws or nails. Still other issues can arise when elements like flashing, skylights or vents are improperly fastened down. Each of these problems calls for a specific solution based on the individual issue.

When Sealants Are Not Properly Applied

In the case of metal roofing sealants are used in the endlaps and sidelaps of your roof. The fasteners must be installed on the dry side of the panels, meaning that if you were to slide a thin piece of boxboard under the sidelap or endlap you should hit the sealant before you reach the fasteners. This provides the type of seal necessary to keep the moisture out of your attic. Sealants should also be laid in a straight line, instead of a snake or swirled pattern.

When Building Fasteners Are Stripped

If a building fastener is stripped during the installation of your roofing panels (screws are commonly use to attach metal roofing panels to the strapping underneath), it will leave a loose fitting panel. Also, because the fastener is not fitted tightly to the roofing material it does not create a seal. In these cases it is important to back the building fastener out of the hole and use an oversized screw with a neoprene washer to provide the tight fit and seal you require.

Sealant can be used temporarily, but contractors will understand that this measure will not provide adequate protection over the long haul. Sealant will crack and deteriorate over time and cannot be expected to provide the protection and coverage that an oversized fastener will, especially when coupled with neoprene.

When Vents And Flashing Are Installed Improperly

Perhaps the most common cause of roof leaks is incorrectly installed components such as vents and flashing. There are some instances where fasteners are not used at all, which will result in a very loose, unstable installation. Other times the incorrect building fasteners are used or they are not placed in the proper location relative to the sealant.

It’s best in these cases to look at the installation guide for your roofing material. This should give you an idea of what type of flashing and vents should be used (for instance asphalt flashing will grow brittle and crack as metal roof panels expand and contract over time), as well as the type and amount of building fasteners required for the installation.

Roof leaks can be caused by faulty roofing materials, damage to shingles, panels, vents and flashing. It can also be caused by incorrect installation of these roofing materials. Whether it is vents, felt paper, roofing panels or building fasteners – all of the elements on your roof should be installed with care and expertise. This is the best way to prevent damaging and expensive roof leaks.


AJ Best writes about alternative energy sources and other eco-friendly issues. She writes for Melfast commercial fasteners, nuts and bolts, and plastic fasteners http://www.melfast.com
Article Source: JS2 Article Spinner