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Fasteners are often overlooked in the early planning stages of a project, but they’re one of the most critical components when it comes to long-term durability and performance. The wrong choice—or poor installation—can lead to water leaks, corrosion, structural weaknesses, and more. Whether you’re working on roofing, cladding, or general construction, here are five frequent fastener mistakes contractors make, and practical ways to avoid them.
Many contractors' default to using standard fasteners across various job sites without fully evaluating the specific environmental conditions—especially in coastal, industrial, or high-humidity areas. This practice can result in significant issues, as basic zinc or galvanized coatings are not designed to endure aggressive corrosive environments. The consequences can include premature corrosion, structural degradation, and visible staining on exterior panels, leading to rework, increased maintenance requirements, and compromised long-term durability.
To avoid these pitfalls, it’s essential to match your fasteners to the demands of the environment. In corrosive zones, opt for solutions that go beyond standard coatings. Our CORROSHIELD® fasteners, for example, are engineered with multi-layer protective coatings that deliver exceptional corrosion resistance—even in the harshest climates. Choosing the right fastener isn’t just about preventing rust—it’s about safeguarding the integrity and longevity of the entire structure.
A frequent mistake contractors make is using a single type of drill point for all applications, regardless of the material type or thickness. This “one-size-fits-all” mindset can lead to mismatches between the fastener and the substrate. If the drill point is too aggressive, it can induce substrate damage, cause blowouts, or negatively impact the finish of the material. On the other hand, if the point is too slow for the job, installation time increases significantly—costing both time and money on site. Worse still, the wrong drill point can lead to issues like fastener walking, off-center placement, or stripped threads.
To ensure a clean and efficient installation, it’s important to select the correct drill point based on the job requirements. Our LEVIN® Drill Point, used in many CORROSHIELD® fasteners, is specifically designed for quick, accurate penetration—even through multi-layered or coated steel substrates. With reduced walking and burring, the LEVIN® point helps installers work faster while maintaining consistent quality across every fix. The right drill point not only protects the surface but also boosts productivity and improves the overall finish of the installation.
An often-overlooked consideration in roofing and cladding applications is the thermal expansion and contraction of metal panels. Metal shifts naturally with daily and seasonal climate fluctuations, and when panels are fixed too tightly, stress builds at the fastening points. Over time, this can lead to panel buckling, broken fastener heads, or elongated holes—all of which reduce weather tightness and compromise structural performance.
To avoid this, it’s important to choose fasteners that provide both secure anchoring and flexibility. Both CORROSHIELD® and TAPPERMAN® fasteners are designed to handle these stresses with precision-fit threads and reliable holding power, while allowing for subtle panel movement. Paired with sealing washers and proper hole sizing, these fasteners help panels ‘breathe’ without sacrificing integrity.
A common issue during fastener installation is relying on instinct or speed to determine the correct amount of torque to be applied. This approach often results in fasteners being over-tightened or under-tightened. When a fastener is overtightened, it can strip threads, damage the sealing washer, or even deform the cladding material—leading to compromised weatherproofing and potential moisture intrusion. Conversely, under-tightened screws fail to provide sufficient clamping force, which can cause panels to loosen over time, especially under wind load or thermal movement.
To achieve optimal performance, always refer to the torque guidelines specified by the manufacturer and use torque-controlled drivers whenever possible. Our fasteners are engineered with features like the SCRATCHSHIELD® drive system, which enhances grip and reduces cam-out during installation. This not only protects coated surfaces from damage but also helps installers apply consistent, precise torque. Proper installation torque ensures a watertight seal, maintains structural integrity, and extends the overall lifespan of the build.
One common mistake contractor make is mixing different metals without considering their galvanic compatibility, such as using stainless steel screws with aluminium or zinc-coated substrates. When dissimilar metals come into contact, especially in the presence of moisture, galvanic corrosion occurs. This can cause the fastener to degrade rapidly and lead to rust or damage to the surrounding material, weakening both the fastener and the panel over time.
To prevent galvanic corrosion, always ensure that fasteners are made from compatible materials that match the substrates. If it’s necessary to combine different metals, using isolation techniques such as non-conductive washers or sealants can help prevent corrosion by acting as a barrier. At Engineering Edge, we provide expert guidance on material compatibility across our range of fasteners, including CORROSHIELD®, DYNO®, and TAPPERMAN®, ensuring that you select the right materials for every project to maintain longevity and performance.
Fasteners may be small, but the consequences of choosing or using the wrong one can be huge. By avoiding these five common mistakes, contractors can ensure stronger, longer lasting, and more efficient builds. Engineering Edge is here to support professionals with high-performance fasteners designed to meet real-world challenges—because better fastening builds better structures.
Engineering Edge (Singapore) has been a leading fastener manufacturer since 1989, with a proven legacy of delivering top-quality solutions. Our commitment to innovation and extensive research and development (R&D) ensures that our fastening products not only meet but surpass conventional designs. This dedication to excellence allows us to provide exceptional products tailored to meet the diverse needs of our global clientele. With a network of engineers and authorized distributors in more than 20 countries, we offer dedicated support to our customers worldwide, ensuring they receive the highest level of service and expertise.
Discover CORROSHIELD® Fasteners for innovation-packed, anti-corrosion solutions. Our extensive research has enabled us to design coatings specifically tailored to various hostile environments, ensuring premium protection. For quality-compliant structural solutions that guarantee peace of mind, choose DYNO® Fasteners. And for versatile display and packaging solutions ideal for builder’s marts or hardware stores, turn to TAPPERMAN® Fasteners, the preferred choice for retail fasteners.
All our products—CORROSHIELD®, DYNO®, and TAPPERMAN® —are tested and documented in accordance with the ISO 16228 Standard, ensuring excellence across our entire fastener range. Stay updated with our latest innovations and product features by following us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. For any questions or inquiries, visit our Contact Us page, and our experts will be happy to assist you promptly.