Proper Screw Placement on Metal Siding

Screw Basics

• Regardless of what type of metal you are installing on your house, there are some basic rules to follow. Screws need to be the proper length, the correct type and the proper material based on manufacturer preferences. As far as placement goes, screws should always be placed on center, dig into the wall studs, and line up along the seams of the material in a fashion which makes for a good finish result. Level and plumb lines help keep things straight.

Waterproofing

• One of the most important aspects of screwing down metal siding is making sure that you place the screws according to the waterproofing of the metal siding -- such as waterproof strips installed horizontally but not vertically. If you are working with sheet metal against an existing waterproofing mechanism you can screw every few inches on center. However, you also shouldn’t puncture flashing around windows, eaves and the deck with screws, so avoid these areas when placing screws.

Ribbed Sheeting

• Ribbed sheeting is slightly different than sheet metal in that the screws are meant to be installed along the ribs at specific points to maximize coverage and minimize leakage. While they are usually ran 24 inches on center up the vertical sections of the ribs, they can range width-wise based upon if you are placing the screws every third rib, fourth rib or fifth, for example.

Manufacturer Preference

• While there are some basic guidelines to follow for placement of screws -- such as not touching the flashing -- there is one rule that is more important than any other. Never, under any circumstances, place screws outside of where the manufacturer recommends. If you are working with recycled materials, such as old tin, you may place screws at your own discretion -- but if you are working with new metal siding you must follow the manufacturer protocols for installation or your warranty is completely voided.