4 common causes of metal roof leaks around screws

Below is a list of common causes of metal roof leaks.

1. Choosing an incorrect screw

2. Over–driven screws

3. Under-driven screws

4. Misaligned or skewed drilling

Some screws have extra features built in to enhance performance; oftentimes poor choice of fixings become the weakest link in a seemingly strong building structure.  BDN Metal-Tite® series roofing screws come with an enlarged hex washer flange, anti-static EPDM washer, double thread, Scratshank, and Ruspert anti-corrosive coating.

• The large washer flange is designed so that the EPDM washer will remain fully covered after compressed.
• Anti-static EPDM washers prevent galvanic corrosion.
• The larger diameter upper thread close to the hex washer flange increases pullout values on thin metal sheets.
• Scratshank clears out excess swarf, smooths out the drilled hole, and prevents damages to the EPDM.
• Ruspert anti-corrosive coating fully protects the screw from weathering and extends the lifespan of the screw and the sheets it is affixed to.

Eco-BDN, Green EPDM Washer Installation Guide

Building it right to make it watertight

Eco-BDN, Green EPDM Washer provide an excellent waterproof seal— even under the most severe weather conditions— if properly installed.

• The trick is not to overdrive or underdrive the screws.

• If the screw is not tightened enough, moisture leaks around the washer. An overtightened screw squishes the washer too thin, which can also result in leaks.
• Important Tip: Replace worn sockets immediately if they cause the screw to wobble during installation. Crookedly driven screws can cause water leaks.

BDN POLYXPAND™ BAZ EPDM Washer Installation Instructions

BAZ EPDM washers are the ideal washers to be used on polycarbonate sheets, especially corrugated ones. With a large diameter to fully cover expansion holes to provide the perfect sea and flexibility to conform to the curvature of the skylight, but at the same time, providing enough strength against high wind situations.

However, it is absolutely critical to not drive the screw to the point that the washer is squished, which will result in the washer losing its flexibility, and a gaping hole gouged out by the hex washer flange.

Self-Tapping vs. Self-Drilling Screws:

Do You Know the Difference?

• Self-Drilling Screw – Steel Sheet / Steel Purlins

Trident Drill Point
✔ Improved Drill Performance
✔ Time Saving

• Self-Tapping Screw – Timber

Type 17 Sharp Point
✔ Reduce Splitting

Patented Trident Drill Point

Incorrect screws create stress cracks and thus leakage on Polycarbonate or other Plastic Sheets

BDN Fasteners® POLYXPAND™ (Skylight Fixing Fasteners)

True Australian AS3566 Standard Hex Washer Flanged Head:
Separate EPDM steel bonded washer NOT required. (No risk of leakage)

Thermoset 100% EPDM BAZ washer:
☑Weathering Resistant (UV / Ozone / Acid)
☑100% Leak proof sealing
☑Perfect fit under hex washer flange
☑Optional metal washer add-on
☑Shock absorbing (for high wind areas)

Creates a 10mm dia:
Thermal expansion hole for plastics.

Winged Drilling Tip:
Wings break off once in contact with the steel purlins,
keeping the plastics sheets securely fastened.

Here at BDN Fasteners, we have categorized the kind of environments to the following based on its characteristics.  Scope of warranty for our products are also based on the category the environment is classified to.

• Dry, Rural Areas – Areas remote from the coast and sources of pollution; as well as all of the areas listed below.
• Mild Urban or Rural Areas –
  • Areas with little to no chemical pollution, including but not limited to natural chemicals such as ammonia from livestock or carbon monoxide from log-fire.
  • Areas far from the coast with no impact from salt water spray.
  • Areas at least 2 kilometers away from any type of industry, light or heavy.
• Light Industrial or Urban Areas
  • Light industrial zones, light manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, or limited light intensity activity areas.
  • Built up areas constituted of high human population and infrastructures.
  • Areas at least 1~2 kilometers away from light industrial or urban areas.
• Small Industrial Zones
  • Areas located in or adjacent to small industrial zones.
• Coastal Areas
  • Areas located approximately 2 kilometers from the coast.

BDN Fasteners – Surface Coating Class

Corrosion Resistance

• Class2 – SST 500hrs + Kesternich 5 Cycles
• Class3 – SST 1000hrs + Kesternich 7 Cycles & 15 Cycles
• Class4 – SST 2000hrs + Kesternich 15 Cycles

✓ Australian AS3566 Standard
✓ SGS Certified

The BDN Comparison-AS3566

BDN Fasteners

True Australian Standard-AS3566

Washer Diameter=13.97-14.78mm

SCRATSHANK FEATURES

• Cutting / Break out the metal filings
• Remain free of damage to sealing washer during installation
• Weatherseal

Double Scratshank: Swarf Free

BDN Fsateners – Dual-Tite™ (Roofing Screw Duofix 2 IN 1)

Double Scratshank: Removes sealing washer damaging swarf during installation.

Harpoon Thread: Anti-stripping, roof fixing threads

BDN Fsateners – Dual-Tite™ (Roofing Screw Duofix 2 IN 1)

Harpoon Thread: Anti-stripping, roof fixing threads

DEKS Dekseal® Trueblue® 100% Weather Sealed

BDN Fasteners – B//> Series: Silver Blue / SST 5000hrs / Kesternich 5 Cycles

• Hex Washer Flange: True Australian Standard-AS3566
• DEKS Dekseal® Trueblue® 100% Weather Sealed
• 100% Made In Taiwan

BN3 Series – DEKS Dekseal® Trueblue® 100% Leak proof sealing

BDN Fasteners – BN3 Series: Silver Grey / SST1000hrs / Kesternich 7 Cycles

• DEKS Dekseal® Trueblue®: 100% Weather Sealed
• Hex Washer Flange: True Australian Standard-AS3566
• 100% Made In Taiwan