Professional Builder talks to Samac Fixings’ James Robinson on the fixings and roofing materials which will help to winter proof your installations.
PB: James, as winter approaches, what are the most important fasteners and screws that contractors should use for outdoor projects?
James: Selecting the right fasteners is essential, especially with winter on the horizon. For outdoor applications, our TEK Screws are an excellent choice. They feature a 1500-hour Ruspert coating, which offers superior corrosion resistance, ensuring they perform well even under continuous exposure to harsh conditions like rain and frost. For timber-to-steel connections, our CSK Self-Drilling Screws with wings provide a robust and efficient solution.
Here’s how they work: the wings on the screw create a slightly larger cavity in the timber as they drill through, which allows for some movement due to wind or the natural expansion and contraction from temperature changes. This is critical in outdoor environments where materials can shift. Once the wings reach the metal layer, they snap off, ensuring that the screw engages properly with the steel, forming a secure and tight bond. This mechanism guarantees a long-lasting and stable connection, even when the structure is subject to the stresses of fluctuating weather conditions.
For metal-to-metal applications, our Hex Head Self-Drilling Screws are ideal. These screws, especially when combined with a galvanised bonded washer, provide an effective seal that prevents leaks and ensures structural integrity in adverse weather conditions.
PB: How does the Ruspert® coating enhance the performance of these fixings in winter conditions?
James: Ruspert coating has a multi-layer protective barrier that delivers outstanding corrosion resistance, tested to withstand up to 1500 hours of salt spray. This level of protection is crucial for outdoor installations that face constant exposure to moisture and temperature variations. By choosing fasteners with this coating, contractors can trust that their projects will be safeguarded against the harshest winter conditions.
PB: For those working with timber structures, what specific fasteners would you recommend to ensure durability throughout winter?
James: For timber projects, our Stainless Steel Performance Decking Screws are a top recommendation. Made from A2-grade stainless steel, they offer exceptional corrosion resistance, perfect for wet and cold conditions. These screws feature a Type 17 point, which allows for easy penetration without splitting the timber, ensuring a strong and reliable hold. This is particularly important during winter when timber may expand and contract due to moisture.
PB: What fixings would you recommend to ensure a secure, long-lasting timber fencing, especially in the harsh winter months?
James: Samac’s Service Class 3 Viper nail range is perfect for outdoor projects like timber fencing, where nails are exposed to adverse weather. This Service class of nail come in either Stainless steel or feature a hot-dipped galvanised coating, offering superior tolerance when coming into direct contact with harsh weather conditions and high corrosion resistance, which prevents rust and bleeding into the wood.
Viper nails annular ring shank also creates a strong bond that helps secure materials firmly, preventing loosening in high winds or under snow accumulation. The weather-resistant coating ensures that these fixings offer long-term protection, giving both contractors and homeowners peace of mind, especially when time and reliability are of the essence in winter.
While Viper’s service class 3 nails are ideal for outdoor timber fencing projects, the Viper Service class 1 and 2 range offers a variety of nails suited for different applications. From internal projects like framing, skirting, and packaging, to internal and external uses such as stud work, roof battening and joists, Viper nails provide a solution for every job.
PB: You’re known for fasteners, but what about the rest of your range?
James: Alongside our fasteners, we offer a comprehensive range of roofing products. Our Rooftec range includes products like Rooftec Flashing Tape and EPDM lead alternatives, which offer durable, weather-resistant solutions for all roofing projects. These products are designed to provide reliable protection against water ingress and other environmental factors, complementing our fasteners to give contractors everything they need to winter-proof their projects.
PB: Let’s talk about your roofing solutions – how does EPDM compare to traditional lead flashing, especially for winter applications?
James: EPDM lead alternatives are becoming increasingly popular for roofing projects, particularly in winter. They are lightweight, flexible, and easy to install, making them an ideal choice for contractors. Unlike traditional lead, which can corrode and requires skilled handling, EPDM offers UV resistance and adapts well to temperature fluctuations without cracking. This makes it an excellent choice for maintaining a secure and watertight seal, even in the face of winter’s heavy rains, frost, and temperature changes.
Samac’s Rooftec products, such as Rooftec Flex Plus, provide all the benefits of lead without the downsides. They are easy to apply, durable, and a more environmentally friendly option, offering long-term protection for all types of roofing projects.
PB: What advice would you offer contractors who are new to using EPDM Lead alternatives?
James: Experienced roofing contractors will find EPDM lead alternatives straightforward and easy to work with, as it doesn’t require specialized tools or extensive training. Our Rooftec Flex Plus products are designed to be as trouble-free as possible for the end user—simply peel, stick, and apply. The flexibility of EPDM allows it to adapt seamlessly to complex roof shapes, such as around chimneys and dormers, ensuring a complete seal. For contractors, this translates to less time spent on installation and a reduced risk of errors, guaranteeing durability and reliability throughout the winter.
For more details on the Samac Fixings range visit https://www.samacfixings.co.uk.
