Common Roofing Issues: Fastener Failure
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What to Do When Roofing Fasteners Fail
Roofing fasteners is the technical name for roofing screws and nails that keep roofing materials in place. They are the smallest component of a roof, but they are critical for its performance. As simple as they seem, big issues can happen if the roof fasteners fail.
You may not be able to see the condition of the roofing fasteners from the ground, but you might see the signs of failing fasteners. If the roofing material is coming loose or you spot signs of a leaking roof, both are indicators that the fasteners are failing.
Material incompatibility could be a roofing issue that impacts the entire roof or a certain aspect of it. Either way, when roofing materials are incompatible the problem needs to be corrected before it causes serious damage.
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Common Roofing Fastener Issues to Watch Out For
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Roofing Fasteners That Are Too Loose
When screws are too loose it's an issue for a few reasons. Most importantly, loose screws and nails can allow water to leak in and damage the roofing materials.
Loose screws also make a roof more susceptible to wind uplift. It's particularly problematic if the loose fasteners are along the roof edges. This problem could be the result of an improper installation or screws can loosen over time if the roofing material expands and contracts.
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The Roofing Material Isn't Appropriate For the Pitch of the Roof
The pitch of the roof also makes a difference. Flat roofs are a great example. Common materials like corrugated metal roofing and asphalt shingle roofing aren't appropriate for this type of roof system. To avoid a leaking roof you have to select a material like TPO, modified bitumen or EPDM.
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Roofing Fasteners That Are Too Tight
Roofing fasteners that are too tight are problematic as well. Screws that are too tight will strip the screw hole. When fasteners are too tight it can also damage the roofing material. Even metal roofs can be damaged by overly tight screws.
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Roofing Fasteners That Are Too Short or Too Long
To ensure the roofing material is properly attached the roofer must use fasteners that are the right length. When fasteners are too short they roof won't be properly secured. Fasteners that are too long can puncture the membrane that is supposed to be water tight to prevent leaks.
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Fasteners That Aren't Corrosion Resistant
Metal roofing screws and nails should be made of a material with good corrosion resistance. Fasteners that are made of standard steel with no coating will likely rust, which degrades them and can cause a roof leak. It's also possible for galvanic corrosion to occur if the fasteners are touching metal roofing materials or flashing.
Stainless steel, galvanized steel or fasteners with a zinc coating should always be used for roofing.
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Fasteners That Aren't Straight
A roofing contractor must be careful when they're using fasteners. If they aren't straight it can be problematic in a number of ways. Crooked fasteners won't seal properly and can cause roof leaks. They also won't hold the roofing system securely in place.

What to Do If Your Roofing Fasteners Are Failing
Failing fasteners happen from time to time. It's a pretty common problem that may not seem like a huge deal, however, it can have an impact on the roof's integrity and longevity. This is the case whether it's residential roofs made of asphalt shingles or flat roofs with TPO.
Fortunately, there are solutions for correcting a poor installation so that fasteners won't fail.
Have a Professional Inspect the Roof
To know for sure if roofing fasteners are failing you need to get a close look. This is a job best left to a professional that will know if the fasteners are installed properly, usually just by looking at the condition and placement.
The roofer should also look for leaks and diagnose the cause for the fastener failure.
Fix the Fasteners
The fix for fastener failure depends on the issue. When you have some loose screws that are otherwise in good condition they probably just need to be tightened down. Screws that were installed crooked may just need to be reset. However, if the fasteners are corroded or damaged they'll need to be replaced. The same is true for fasteners that aren't the correct size.
If needed the roofing contractor can provide extra reinforcement by sealing around the fastener. This will help further safeguard against leaks.
The roofers at LOA can fix fasteners in a jiff! Our highly trained professionals can spot fastener problems and will provide roofing solutions that are affordable and effective. If you live in the Austin, TX area, give us a call at 512-375-3654.
