Screw Replacement & Re-Fastening

Roof re-screwing, also called re-fastening, is the process of replacing failed screws and sealing washers on an exposed-fix metal roof. Old, corroded, or loose fixings are removed and replaced with new compatible screws and fresh washers that restore the watertight seal at each fixing point and re-secure sheeting that has moved.

Yes. When a sealing washer fails or a screw corrodes at the head, the fixing point becomes a direct water entry path. Water can run down the screw shank into the roof cavity, often tracking along sarking or battens before it shows up as a ceiling drip. Failed screw washers are one of the most common causes of metal roof leaks across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Always. The washer is the component doing the waterproofing work at the fixing point. Driving a new screw without replacing the washer leaves a compromised seal in place. Where the screw is still structurally sound but the washer has failed, we replace the washer. Where the screw itself is corroded or backed out, we replace both.

A section re-screwing job on a small area can often be completed in a few hours. A full roof surface re-fastening on a larger residential property typically takes one to two days. We provide a realistic timeline in the written quote once the inspection has confirmed the scope.

If the leak is primarily at fixing points due to failed washers or corroded screws, yes. A properly carried out re-screwing that replaces failed fixings and checks adjacent flashings and penetrations in the same area addresses the cause. If the leak is also from a failed flashing or a damaged sheet, those issues are identified during inspection and included in the scope.

Yes. We carry out screw replacement and re-fastening on all common Queensland metal roofing profiles including Colorbond, Zincalume, Trimdek, corrugated iron, and Klip-Lok. The fixing specification used is appropriate for the substrate material and the exposure level of the property.

Yes. Ridge lines, hip lines, sheet laps, and all penetrations in the re-screwing zone are checked as part of the job. Any flashings or cappings that need attention in the same area are identified and included in the scope where appropriate. Re-screwing a roof while leaving adjacent flashing failures in place does not fully resolve the water entry risk.

We select fixings appropriate for the roof profile, the substrate material, and the exposure level of the property. Manufacturer guidance for products like Colorbond and Zincalume specifies compatible fastener materials to avoid galvanic corrosion at fixing points. Coastal properties receive fixings with corrosion resistance appropriate for salt air environments. The specification is confirmed in the written quote.

It is the right option when the sheeting is sound and the failure is concentrated at the fixing system. If the sheets themselves are corroded through in multiple places, or if leaks are recurring at locations beyond fixing points, re-roofing is likely to be the better long-term investment. We assess this during inspection and give you an honest comparison of both options if the situation warrants it.

As a general guide, an inspection every five to seven years for inland Brisbane properties and every three to five years for coastal Sunshine Coast properties is a reasonable maintenance interval. Roofs older than 15 years in any location benefit from a fixing inspection regardless of whether leaks have appeared yet, as washer failure can be widespread before it generates active water ingress. An inspection is always worthwhile after a significant storm event.