The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has published a new technical resource to assist designers and installers in selecting the proper type of fastener: Fastener Compatibility with Profiled Metal Roof and Wall Panels.

Found in the technical resources section of the MCA website at www.metalconstruction.org, the new bulletin includes a convenient table that serves as a guideline to check fastener compatibility with different types of cladding materials. The table references corrosion resistance between eight (8) common types of metal roof and wall cladding materials and nine (9) different fasteners. With it, users can quickly determine if they are matching the right fastener with the right roof or wall material to ensure performance over time and a strong, weather-tight attachment.

The integrity and aesthetics of a building is at risk when the wrong type of fastener is used with a metal roof or wall cladding system. Premature corrosion of the metal panel and/or the fastener may occur under certain conditions. Known as galvanic corrosion, this is often a result of corrosion between the dissimilar metals that are in contact with each other. To prevent dissimilar metal corrosion at the connection point, fasteners should be made of a compatible or the same material as the roof or wall material whenever possible. At the very least, the fastener should display equivalent corrosion resistance to the material being fastened.

The bulletin also provides a discussion on the fastener durability and the roles (primary or secondary) and type (self-drilling, self-tapping and self-piercing) of fasteners that will help designers and installers achieve high fastener performance.

The MCA updates its education/technical resources section on its website on a regular basis, addressing practical and educational topics related to the metal construction industry. All materials are available free to website visitors to download in PDF format.