Polyset vs. Screws for Tile Roofs

Securing the Roof

• Polyset foam products provide a superior way to attach a tile roof, especially in comparison to screws. The advantage of the polyset is that it is a polyurethane foam adhesive that allows the roof tiles to stick without having to do anything but apply it and let it dry. On the other hand, screws can puncture the underlayment and will create thousands of tiny holes that you may have to contend with at a future date.

Durability

• Even though it might be tempting to assume that you have more roof strength using screws, polyset foam is designed to withstand much more force than screws. High-profile tile is made to withstand winds up to 178 miles per hour, while tiles classified as medium profile can withstand winds as high as 203 miles per hour. Polyset foam works best with low-profile tiles, withstanding forces up to 236 mph.

Versatility

• Both polyset foam and screws can be used with a variety of materials. For instance, both polyset and screws work just as well with metal roofing as they do with tile roofing. Polyset provides superior protection as a metal underlayment because it is heat resistant and will not melt in the hot sun in the same way that asphalt-based underlayments will. The disadvantage to screws with metal roofing is that metal expands and contracts in the heat and cold, leaving a small puncture around the screw hole.

Energy Efficiency

• Using polyset is superior to using screws because the polyset also provides a layer of underlayment insulation that helps protect the home from the temperature fluctuations outside the home. Overall energy efficiency can increase with the use of polyset, whereas screws have no effect whatsoever on energy efficiency.