Metal Roofing Screws

Purchase Metal Roofing Screws at Fasteners Plus

Metal roofing screws are essential fasteners designed to secure metal panels on roofs and other structures, ensuring durability and resistance against weather and corrosion. From residential homes to commercial buildings and agricultural pole barns, these screws provide the structural integrity needed for long-term performance.

What Are Metal Roofing Screws?

Metal roofing screws - often called pole barn screws - are specialized fasteners used to attach metal panels to substrates like wood or metal. They feature washers for waterproofing and coatings that resist corrosion, making them ideal for roofs exposed to extreme weather. Correct installation helps accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, preventing roof movement or leaks.

Features and Benefits of Metal Roofing Screws

• Weather Resistance: High-quality washers, often made from EPDM, create a watertight seal.
• Corrosion Resistance: Zinc-plated or ceramic-coated options protect against rust. 
• Efficient Installation: Self-tapping and self-drilling screws reduce installation time by eliminating pre-drilling.
• Color Matching: Painted screw heads blend with roofing panels for aesthetic appeal. Big box stores have different names for their sheet metal, be sure to use our Color Matching Tool when purchasing your screws!
• Load-Bearing Strength: Designed to resist wind uplift and hold panels securely in place during extreme weather events.

Types of Metal Roofing Screws

Metal-to-Wood Roofing Screws

Metal-to-Wood roofing screws are designed to fasten metal panels to wooden substrates, coarse-threaded screws ensure strong grip and rust resistance.

• Applications: Pole barn screws for barns and agricultural structures, wood-framed homes, and outdoor sheds or stables.
• Types of Metal-to-Wood Roofing Screws:

  • Kwikseal Woodbinder
    A #10 diameter, 1/4" Hex Washer Head fastener for steel roofing and siding in post-frame and residential metal roofing. Its fine-to-coarse threads offer superior grip in wood. A sharp point with lead thread prevents "point walking" on 29 & 26 gauge steel. The EPDM rubber washer, vulcanized to steel, ensures a lasting seal, even when installed at an angle. Kwikseal Stitch screws are available.

  • ZXL Woodbinder
    This #10 diameter, 5/16" Cupped Hex Washer Head fastener, made from ZAMAC 5 Zinc-Aluminum Alloy, provides lifetime protection against red rust. Ideal for attaching steel roofing to wood purlins, plywood, or OSB. Its washer design secures the EPDM washer even when driven at an angle. ZXL Stitch screws are available.

  • Eclipse Woodbinder
    A #10 diameter, round-head fastener with a T25 6-lobe recess for a low-profile finish on sidewall metal applications. The undercut EPDM washer ensures a tight seal, even when installed at an angle. Fun fact about the Eclipse Woodbinder, ST developed it originally because horses would scratch themselves on the old hex-head screws, injuring themselves. The pan-head design prevents this issue, making it a favorite for barns.

  • #14 Type 17 Woodbinder
    Known as a "Rescue Screw," this #14 diameter, 5/16" Hex Washer Head fastener replaces nails or smaller fasteners that have loosened over time. Its bonded EPDM washer covers elongated holes and forms a watertight seal.

  • Stainless Steel Woodbinder
    This #10 diameter, 1/4" Cupped Hex Washer Head fastener, made from 304 Stainless Steel, offers lifetime rust protection, ideal for harsh environments and animal confinement applications. Requires pre-drilling for steel but not for aluminum.

  • ST-XL Woodbinder
    A #9 diameter, 1/4" Cupped Hex Washer Head alternative to ZAMAC alloy heads, offering a smaller, low-profile design. The 304 Stainless Steel cap ensures rust-free performance in post-frame and residential roofing. ST-XL Stitch screws are available.

Metal-to-Metal Roofing Screws

Metal-to-metal screws, equipped with fine threads and self-drilling tips, are perfect for attaching panels to metal purlins without pre-drilling.

• Applications: Commercial buildings, warehouses, carports, and high-wind areas.
• Types of Metal-to-Metal Roofing Screws:

  • Maxx Steelbinder
    #12 diameter, 5/16" Cupped Hex Washer Head fastener. Self-drills through steel up to 0.210" thick without “point walking.” Features a cupped head and EPDM washer for a secure seal, even at an angle. 7/8" stitch screws fasten panel overlaps and roof pipe boots.

  • ZXL Steelbinder
    #12 diameter, 5/16" Cupped Hex Washer Head made from ZAMAC 5 Zinc-Aluminum Alloy for lifetime rust protection. Captures the EPDM washer for a tight seal. Self-drilling with strong grip and waterproof performance.

  • Eclipse Steelbinder
    #12 Truss Head with T30 6-lobe recess for a low-profile finish on sidewalls. Self-drills through steel up to 0.210" thick. The undercut EPDM washer provides a secure seal, even at an angle.

  • HG Steelbinder
    #12-24, 5/16" Hex Washer Head self-drilling screw for steel up to 0.500". The EPDM washer is vulcanized to the steel washer. Used to attach decking, roof clips, or retrofit metal to bar joists.

  • ZXL HG Steelbinder
    #12-24, 5/16" Cupped Hex Washer Head made from ZAMAC 5 Zinc-Aluminum Alloy for superior rust protection. Self-drills into steel joists up to 0.500" thick. The washer face secures the EPDM washer for reliable sealing at an angle.

  • HWH Steelbinder
    Self-drilling pole barn screws for general metal-to-metal applications, including gutter installation, HVAC, and roof decks. Designed to drill through metal up to 0.250" without “point walking.”

  • Tapping Steelbinder
    Self-tapping screws for attaching roofing and siding to metal purlins. Ideal as rescue screws for replacing loose fasteners. Powder-coated to resist UV fading and equipped with an EPDM washer for a tight seal, even at an angle.

How to Select the Right Metal Roofing Screws

• Material Compatibility: Use stainless steel or ceramic-coated screws for corrosion resistance in coastal or industrial areas.
• Screw Length: For thick insulation, use Insul Drill screws, which can be up to 8 inches long.
• Wind Resistance: Choose screws rated for wind uplift in storm-prone areas.
• Color Matching: A color tool helps prevent confusion between shades like ‘Crimson Red’ and ‘Rustic Red' - the tool is available on all of our roofing screws' product pages.
• Agricultural Applications: Pole barn screws are ideal for barns and sheds, providing rust resistance in moist environments.

Installation Best Practices for Metal Roofing Screws

Our in-house product expert Matt B. has provided the following tips for metal roofing screw installation success. For more information & help, check out our blog on metal roofing screw installation, or contact our experts.

• Correct Placement: Some people prefer screwing into the flat part of the panel for a tighter seal, while others insist on the high ribs to prevent leaks. We've been ridiculed for recommending either installation because when someone does it one way they believe that's the only way, but both methods are industry-standard.
• Torque Settings: Installing screws is like cooking—too little pressure and you undercook it, too much and you burn it. With a clutch drill, use just enough torque to see the gasket bulge slightly.
• Sharp-Point Screw Issues: If you use a sharp-point screw without enough pressure, it can spin on the surface and leave a ‘frown’—a little curl of paint peeled away. The micro-bit tip was developed to eliminate this problem.

Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Metal Roofing Screws

• Inspect screws annually and after storms for looseness or rust.
• Replace cracked washers to maintain waterproof seals.
• Reapply coatings in high-moisture environments to prevent corrosion.

Related Products for Metal Roof Installation

• Nut-setters: Available in magnetic or spring-assisted, makes quick work during installation as it "holds" the screw while setting them.
• Snow Guards: Snow guards help excess snow from sliding off all at once, which can be dangerous - take it from our product expert:

I was at a job site where snow slid off the roof and completely smashed a new Ford Explorer - thankfully no one was hurt. That’s why snow guards are essential—they keep snow from sliding off and causing damage.

Matt B.

FAQs about Metal Roofing Screws

These FAQ are taken from our blog, FAQs About Metal Roofing Screws, check it out for more information - or contact us for help!

• What’s the difference between metal-to-wood and metal-to-metal screws? Metal-to-wood screws have coarse threads, while metal-to-metal screws feature fine threads and self-drilling tips.
• How do I avoid overdriving screws? Use a clutch drill with adjustable torque to avoid damaging washers.
• What screws are best for pole barns? Pole barn screws with long shanks and rust-resistant coatings are recommended for agricultural structures.
• What happens if I use the wrong screw size? Oversized screws can penetrate too far, creating hazards inside barns.
• How do I handle color-matching issues? Use our proprietary color-matching tool to match panels and screws.

Further Questions About Metal Roofing Screws

Metal roofing screws are essential for securely fastening metal panels, providing strength and weather resistance for a variety of applications. However, selecting the right screw for your project can be challenging. Our team of experts has deep knowledge in the roofing and fastener industry. If you have any further questions, explore our guide to Metal Roofing Screws, or feel free to reach out—we’re here to help.

Find it Fast. Get it Fast.

If you have any questions about fastener options, please contact our Product Experts at (888) 794-1590 or by email at customerservice@fastenersplus.com.