The Best Stainless Steel Roofing Screws: Wafer Head Style

Wafer head screws are used for a variety of applications, including roofing, siding, and general construction. They are available in different materials such as steel, stainless steel, and carbon steel, with various finishes and coatings to resist corrosion. The #8 stainless steel roofing screw wafer head is an example of a specialised fastener designed for specific applications. This screw features a flat top and a cone-shaped bearing surface, creating a flush fit. It is designed to attach standing seam roof clips to plywood, OSB, or wood purlins, providing excellent pull-over strength while maintaining a low profile.

Self-drilling wafer head screws

Wafer head self-drilling screws are a type of fastener used in a variety of applications, including roofing, siding, and general construction. They are designed with a large head that sits flush against the material being fastened, which helps to prevent "pull-out" and ensures a secure connection.

The self-drilling feature of these screws allows for easy installation, as they can drill their own hole and tap their own threads into the material. This makes them ideal for use with plywood or composite board, as well as light to medium-gauge steel. Wafer head self-drilling screws are typically made of stainless steel, although they can also be found with a zinc-plated finish or an epoxy coating.

When choosing wafer head self-drilling screws, it is important to consider the size and length that are appropriate for your specific application. They are available in a range of sizes, including #8, #10, and #12, and lengths from 1/2" to 2". The type of drive can also vary, with Phillips and Torx/star drive options available.

In addition to their functionality, wafer head self-drilling screws can also provide a clean and finished look to your project. The large head distributes the bearing surface over a wider area, which can help to prevent damage to the material and create a neat appearance. This makes them a popular choice for furniture, cabinetry, and other applications where aesthetics are important.

Corrosion-resistant

#8 stainless steel roofing screw wafer heads are designed to be corrosion-resistant. This is an important feature as it helps to prevent rust and ensures the screws have a long lifespan.

The corrosion resistance of these screws is due to the grade of stainless steel used. For example, Buildex Stainless Steel Teks are made from Grade 304 stainless steel, which offers high corrosion resistance. This grade of stainless steel is recommended for use in corrosive environments, such as fixing aluminium and stainless roof sheets to steel or aluminium.

Another example is the #8 Stainless Steel Hex Head Roofing Screws from Amazon. These screws are made from 410 stainless steel, which is harder than normal 18-8 stainless steel. While 410 stainless steel is not marine grade and will rust when exposed to saltwater or salt air, it still offers corrosion and rust resistance.

The inclusion of a washer can also help to improve the corrosion resistance of the screw. For instance, the #8 Stainless Steel Hex Head Roofing Screws from Amazon feature a neoprene EPDM rubber-backed stainless steel washer. This washer acts as a barrier to prevent water from entering the building and stop leaks from occurring near the screw head.

Overall, the corrosion resistance of #8 stainless steel roofing screw wafer heads is an important feature that helps to ensure the longevity of the screws and protect the structure they are used in.

Wafer head design

Wafer head screws are designed for general wood-to-wood fastening where a low-profile head is needed. They typically feature a flat top surface and a countersunk head, with a conical-shaped bearing surface. The wafer head design provides added clearance for concealed fastener panel systems.

The wafer head screw is also known as a washer head screw, which can have either a pan or round head with a built-in washer extending beyond the circumference of the basic head diameter. The round washer head design is one of the most versatile available, combining the advantages of a pan head but with a washer built onto the head to increase head diameter and prevent overdriving in softwoods while providing a maximum bearing surface.

Some wafer head screws have a small increase in the top of the head to add extra strength around the recess for added driving power. This is particularly useful for applications requiring extra clamping force, such as hanging cabinets, as well as door and window hardware and brackets.

The SPAX® T-STAR plus Wafer Head HCR-X™ is a specialised type of wafer head screw, designed for use in multiple material connections. It features a low-profile, large-diameter wafer head for applications requiring additional surface area under the head.

Star drive

When using star drive screws, it is important to ensure that the screwdriver bit is securely seated in the star recess to prevent stripping or damage to the screw head. Additionally, starting slowly and gradually increasing the speed can help ensure a smooth and controlled driving process.

Installation and use

#8 stainless steel roofing screw wafer heads are used for attaching metal roofing and siding panels to metal stud framing. They are also used for fastening wood to metal.

To install #8 stainless steel roofing screw wafer heads, you will need to use a wrench or socket tool. The wafer head screw has a flat top with a 70-degree cone-shaped bearing surface and a small slope between the top and the bearing surface, helping to create a flush fit.

The star drive, or Torx drive, has a six-pointed indentation that provides a large contact area for the driver, better resisting slippage than a Phillips or slotted drive. A star drive requires the use of a Torx driver for installation and removal.

When fastening wood to metal, ensure that the drill point length is long enough to penetrate both materials before the threading portion reaches the material.

Frequently asked questions