Nailing Tin Roof (Dumb Question)

[jimmyj]

Very interesting information. I have always wondered which is right.

I will only offer that you should use screws not nails. I used to use nails and now I regret it if I have to fix or change anything.

 

[tallyho8]

check with your mfg..here is a link to one
fabral
http://www.fabral.com/downloads/details-postframe.pdf

their bottom line they say nail in rib screw in the flat
tom

Very interesting that they always say to nail in the rib or ridge but to use screws in the flats.

I believe that this is because they know that nails will always eventually back out some and leak if in the valleys and they think that screws will never loosen and leak.

From my experience, screws in wood will also loosen a little over time, though not nearly as much as nails, and can cause a leak. This is why I like to check the screw tightness about every 5 years.

 

[jimmyj]

I have always put screws through the ribs / ridges and inspect the roof each 2 years or so. I find that some are always backed off. No idea why, they go into OSB or wood boards.

 

[eastexan]

I have always put screws through the ribs / ridges and inspect the roof each 2 years or so. I find that some are always backed off. No idea why, they go into OSB or wood boards.

Could it be that some of the lumber shrunk a little leaving the impression that the screw backed off? Just a thought.

 

[jimmyj]

That is a good point. It is odd though, there will be say 5 screws in a row and one will be backed off but not the others.

Anyhow, sorry for the hijack.

 

[Opti-Mist]

This past summer I cut an old pole barn in half to move it. We pulled the nails to remove the ridge cap and were a little surprised at how easily the nails pulled out. The building was a good 30 years old so the wood has certainly had the chance to dry out pretty well.

 

[Johndeere3720]

Ive built a few barns with my grandpa and uncles and learned to use the screws with rubber washers. I also rememer that I always have to pick up the screws that fall off the roof durring instalation because they cost around 5 cents each. Another thing is that you should keep the metal in a stack and pre drill holes for the screws. Once you drill the first hole, put a screw in it to hold the metal together so the holes wont move. The metal itself is pretty heavy stuff, It will take a tractor to move it over long distances.

 

[20 20]

. Another thing is that you should keep the metal in a stack and pre drill holes for the screws. .

Why would you do this?

 

[Tig]

Once you drill the first hole, put a screw in it to hold the metal together so the holes wont move.

Well that sure beats my method of breaking a drill bit off in the second hole.

 

[jimmyj]

Pre drilling makes the lines of screws all line up real purty. I did it on a building right by the house that everyone can see and it really is nice and tidy. On other sheds I don't really care so much so I've either done it ad hoc or used a string line. NOTE: You have to make sure the holes will line up with your roof strapping though. If the building is old and not straight it may not work.