Self-drilling screws are the primary means of roof sheeting attachment. They have to provide firm anchorage and wealhertight seating around surface fastening points. 
             
      Roofing fasteners are subject to a variety of forms of loading. These include installation torques which, if excessive, can easily strip the threads formed in thin-walled support members resulting in partially failed fastenings; and in-service loadings (wind action. sheet expansion/contraction) that transmit tensile and shear loads to the fasteners. These loads may produce an insidious mode of failure called "fastener backout" which leads to rainwater leaks because of loss of clamping force.  |