James Robinson, Sales and Marketing Director at Samac Fixings, explains why selecting the right screw for each specific job is essential.
As the construction industry rapidly evolves with updated Building Regulations and technological advances, the demand for specialised, superior-quality fasteners and fixings has reached an all-time high. With precision-engineered designs and sophisticated coatings, screws have evolved from basic wood screws to complex structural fasteners, providing builders and contractors with opportunities for significant savings in time and expenses while ensuring top-notch workmanship.
Using the correct screw is paramount for builders, as each screw type is tailored to specific materials and conditions, ensuring the integrity and durability of the build. Getting it wrong can lead to compromised structural stability, potential safety hazards and increased costs due to repairs and replacements. Choosing the right screw means accounting for the material being fastened, the environmental conditions it will face and the load it must bear. This precision not only strengthens the construction but also upholds industry standards and can prevent costly callbacks.
Using a non-loadbearing screw in a structural context for instance, could have dire consequences: it could buckle under pressure, compromising the building’s integrity or even cause a disastrous collapse. In the same way, using screws that lack corrosion resistance in environments exposed to moisture or the elements can result in the fasteners deteriorating, thereby undermining the construction’s long-term stability and safety.
Save time
Today, screws are engineered for specific applications. TEK Screws for instance, are designed with a self-drilling capability that removes the need for pre-drilling steel sections, saving you time and money. This feature also ensures a secure and tight fit, reducing the risk of leaks and other issues that can arise from poorly secured sheet metal.
If you’ve got a decking project, don’t just choose a basic wood screw – decking screws are designed to resist rust and corrosion caused by outdoor elements. They are also built to withstand the constant expansion and contraction of decking materials due to temperature fluctuations, ensuring a long-lasting hold. The feature of the screw that is designed to reduce those movements is the specially designed locking thread. Samac’s Performance Decking range reduces movement of the decking boards and has a reduced head size, specifically designed to fit in the narrow space between decking boards. The Type 17 Cut Point reduces splitting and eliminates the need for pre-drilling, while the TX screw heads provide increased torque transfer and so reduce the likelihood of cam-out or stripping. This means fewer damaged screws and faster, easier assembly.
When it comes to roofing, again there are fasteners and fixings that make the job simple and secure. Collated nails, such as the Viper range, are perfect for roofing applications, ensuring a strong hold and easy application, crucial for the fast-paced nature of first fix roofing. It is really important to use the correct 3.1 gauge and Service Class 2 nails for securing battens and these are included in the Viper range. Atlas Bolts, known for their strength and reliability, are perfect for heavy duty applications where security and durability are paramount.
Insulation
Part L of the UK building regulations now mandates a minimum roof insulation level of 0.18 W/mK for all new-build homes and extensions so thicker insulation materials must be used to meet the new standard. This means longer screws are needed in the construction process. Recognising this, Samac Fixings has added 6 x 220mm and 6 x 240mm screw lengths to its Performance Plus Range of screws. These new sizes are designed to travel through the increased thickness of the latest insulation materials, ensuring even distribution of pressure and maintaining the insulation’s stability and effectiveness over time, in line with the latest energy efficiency and building compliance standards.
Coatings
Screw coatings are not just about aesthetics; they play a vital role in the longevity and functionality of fasteners. For instance, zinc coatings are common and provide a basic level of protection against corrosion, making them suitable for interior use. More robust coatings, or metals such as stainless steel, are designed for outdoor or moisture-rich environments to resist weathering and rust. For high-stress or outdoor wood constructions, ceramic-coated screws offer high resistance against corrosion and are less likely to snap under tension. Each coating is engineered to extend the screw’s life and enhance its performance in specific conditions, safeguarding the structural integrity of the build over time.
Ruspert coating is a high-grade, multilayered metallic coating applied to fasteners, offering excellent protection against environmental elements, including salt spray, chemicals and moisture, significantly extending the life of the screw. Ruspert-coated screws are particularly good for outdoor applications or where the screws are exposed to corrosive chemicals, ensuring the reliability and longevity of both the fasteners and the structures they hold together. Samac Performance Exterior Screws have a Ruspert coating that makes them a must-have for any outdoor project. Salt spray tested to 1500 hours (50 per cent greater than many other screws available) and coming in a range of sizes, they can withstand truly tough conditions.
Choosing the right fastener for the job directly impacts the durability, safety and efficiency of a construction project. The correct screw or nail ensures that materials are securely fastened, withstands environmental stresses and meets the specific demands of the application, whether it be for structural stability or resistance to corrosion. Making the right choice guarantees that a builder’s work stands the test of time, reflecting their commitment to quality and safety.
For more details on the Samac Fixings visit: Samac Fixings.
