ROOFING ADVICE
Rusty screws: check the sheet, too.
A re-screw may be part of the answer. First, check what is holding the fixing in place.
There may be more than a rusty screw.
Corrosion can extend beneath the sheet, where it is harder to see. Because the fixing helps hold the sheet down, replacing the screw alone is not enough if the surrounding metal has lost its integrity.
Check every affected fixing location.
When rusty screws are removed, our approach is to assess the sheet at each affected location, including accessible underside areas. A roofer may use controlled tapping or other suitable checks to investigate weakened metal; the method depends on the sheet’s condition. This is an assessment for a professional, not a DIY hammer test.
Repair, washer or replacement?
For limited deterioration where the sheet remains sound, a suitable profile washer may form part of a specified repair. Its profile, material and sealing arrangement must suit the roofing system. A washer does not restore metal that has rusted through.
Different roof profiles need different washers. This product example is not a repair specification for the roof pictured above.
Where the metal is weakened or perforated, affected sheets or sections may need replacing. The aim is to establish the extent of the damage before recommending work—not assume every rusty screw means a complete reroof.
Let’s check what your roof needs.
Tell us what you have noticed. You can add photos to your enquiry.
Request a roof assessment ↗General guidance. Recommendations depend on your roof and an on-site assessment.