Secure Roofing, Cladding & Steel Fixings with Reliable Sealing
Roofing & cladding fixings need to do more than hold sheet material in position—they must create controlled clamping pressure while protecting the fixing point from weather exposure. ICCONS® | Hex Washered Screws covers purpose-built hex-head fastening options for metal roofing, wall cladding, steel sections, brackets, timber battens & other construction assemblies where secure fixing & an appropriate sealing washer are required.
The correct screw depends heavily on what sits beneath the sheet or component. ICCONS offers self-drilling coarse & fine-thread screws for steel, 5 Series / Series 500 options for thicker mild steel, Type 17 configurations for timber, Top Grip roofing screws, painted Wall-Stars for cladding & specialised sealing-washer solutions for applicable external installations.
For complete fastening setups, buyers can combine the appropriate screw with Screws & Anchors, Impact Drivers & Drill Accessories according to the substrate, screw head & installation method.
What Are ICCONS® Hex Washered Screws?
A hex washered screw combines a positive hex-head drive with a washer arrangement suited to the intended fixing application. Across relevant ICCONS ranges, EPDM sealing washers sit beneath the head to help form a seal at the penetration while the screw clamps the attached material to the supporting substrate.
The ICCONS range includes:
► Self Drilling Hex with Sealing Washer – Coarse Thread
► Self Drilling Hex with Sealing Washer – Fine Thread
► Self Drilling Hex 5 Series with Sealing Washer – Fine Thread
► Self Drilling Hex Top Grip with Sealing Washer – Coarse Thread
► Type 17 Hex with Sealing Washer – Coarse Thread
► Type 17 Hex Top Grip with Sealing Washer – Coarse Thread
► Painted Wall-Stars with Sealing Washer
► Painted roofing & cladding configurations across applicable ICCONS ranges
These aren't simply different lengths of the same screw. Drill-point design, thread form, substrate capacity, head size, washer configuration, coating & intended application all influence which fastener belongs in a particular roofing, cladding or fabrication job.
Why Choose ICCONS® Hex Washered Screws?
A sheet fixing performs at the intersection of the screw, washer, sheet & supporting structure. Selecting the appropriate ICCONS configuration helps installers address penetration, thread engagement, clamping & sealing as part of the same fastening operation.
Self-Drilling Screws for Steel
Steel-to-steel installation becomes considerably more efficient when the fastener can create its own drilling path within its documented capacity. ICCONS self-drilling hex screws use a hardened steel drilling point to drill & tap into compatible mild steel without a separate pre-drilling operation.
Coarse-thread versions provide fast installation characteristics, while ICCONS describes its fine-thread counterparts as offering a slower, more controlled installation.
That distinction can matter when crews are balancing installation speed against control across brackets, steel components, sections & fabricated assemblies.
EPDM Washers at Exposed Fixing Points
An exposed sheet penetration needs more consideration than the screw thread alone. Applicable ICCONS washered screws use an EPDM sealing washer beneath the head where a rubber seal is required.
Correct installation matters because the washer must be seated appropriately against the surface. A damaged, displaced or incorrectly compressed washer can compromise the intended sealing arrangement regardless of screw quality.
For further practical guidance on selecting construction fixings, Why Good Fasteners Matter More Than the Tool You Drive Them With explains why the fastener itself remains critical to a dependable installation.
5 Series for Thicker Mild Steel
Standard self-drilling capacity is not suitable for every steel section encountered on site. ICCONS Self Drilling Hex 5 Series with Sealing Washer – Fine Thread, also referred to as Series 500, uses a 5 Series drilling point for applications involving thicker mild steel.
Applicable ICCONS 5 Series products are designed for demanding steel applications, with specific configurations documented for drilling through up to 12 mm mild steel.
Always check the selected screw's specified drilling capacity against the actual steel thickness before installation.
Type 17 for Timber Substrates
Roofing or cladding fixed to timber requires a different point design from steel-to-steel work. ICCONS Type 17 hex washered screws use a sharp, fluted Type 17 point with a coarse biting thread for penetration into suitable timber substrates.
Applicable Type 17 products can be installed without pre-drilling in suitable timber, although some hardwood substrates may require pre-drilling.
This makes substrate identification one of the first decisions when specifying a washered fixing.
Common Applications
Metal Roofing to Steel Purlins
Roof sheet fixed to a steel purlin requires the screw to penetrate the steel substrate while controlling the sheet at the fixing point. ICCONS self-drilling Top Grip screws with EPDM sealing washers are designed for fastening metal roof sheet to metal battens, steel purlins & other suitable steel substrates.
Applicable Top Grip self-drilling screws are available for defined mild-steel capacities, so the individual fastener should be checked against the supporting steel before installation.
Metal Roofing to Timber Battens
A similar-looking roof sheet can require a completely different fastener when the supporting structure changes from steel to timber. ICCONS Type 17 Hex Top Grip screws provide a dedicated option for fastening metal roof sheet to timber battens & other suitable timber substrates.
The Type 17 point provides timber penetration while the Top Grip configuration helps secure the sheet in applicable roofing installations.
Wall Cladding
Cladding installation introduces both substrate & appearance considerations. ICCONS Painted Wall-Stars with Sealing Washer are designed as universal cladding screws for fastening cladding to thin metal battens, steel purlins or timber battens in applicable residential & commercial construction.
The range includes multiple painted finishes, allowing the exposed fastener head to be considered alongside the cladding colour & fixing requirement.
Steel Brackets & Components
Not every washered hex screw is destined for a roof. ICCONS self-drilling coarse & fine-thread products are also suited to applicable mild-steel brackets, metal components, steel sections & assemblies where a rubber seal is required.
For projects involving broader bolted or substantial mechanical connections, Structural Fasteners & Bolts provides complementary fastening options.
Sheds & Light Commercial Structures
Shed construction can involve roof sheeting, wall cladding, steel framing & timber-supported sections within the same project. Matching the fixing to each substrate is more reliable than using one washered screw configuration for every connection.
Steel purlins may call for a self-drilling configuration, timber battens can require Type 17 & exposed roofing applications may benefit from an appropriate Top Grip arrangement.
External Sheet-Metal Installations
Outdoor fastening places additional importance on finish selection & washer condition. Applicable ICCONS washered screws are available in Class 4 galvanised finishes for external applications, while other product families include alternative finishes or materials.
Always match the individual fastener material & coating to the installation environment rather than assuming every finish in the wider range provides identical exposure suitability.
Product Selection Guide
Start by identifying the supporting substrate beneath the material being fixed. Steel thickness, timber type, sheet profile, required screw length, head size, washer arrangement & exposure conditions can then be assessed in a logical order.
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Installation Requirement
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ICCONS® Configuration
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Key Selection Check
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Thin steel-to-steel fixing
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Self Drilling Hex – Coarse / Fine
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Steel thickness & drilling capacity
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Thicker mild steel
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Self Drilling Hex 5 Series
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Individual drilling capacity
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Roofing to steel
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Self Drilling Hex Top Grip
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Steel thickness, sheet & screw length
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Roofing to timber
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Type 17 Hex Top Grip
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Timber, embedment & screw length
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Timber fixing requiring a seal
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Type 17 Hex with Sealing Washer
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Timber type & required embedment
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Coloured wall cladding
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Painted Wall-Stars
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Substrate, length & colour
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Steel components requiring a seal
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Self Drilling Hex with Sealing Washer
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Thread, thickness & exposure
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Choose the Point From the Substrate
The material beneath the fixing should determine whether a self-drilling steel point or Type 17 timber point is appropriate. Do not select solely from screw diameter or length.
A self-drilling point is intended to drill compatible steel within its specified capacity. A Type 17 point uses different geometry intended for timber penetration.
Check Drilling Capacity Before Selecting Length
A longer screw does not automatically provide greater steel-drilling capacity. The drilling point must first be suitable for the thickness of steel being penetrated.
Only after drilling capacity has been confirmed should required screw length, thread engagement & the thickness of the attached material be considered.
Coarse Thread or Fine Thread?
Thread selection affects installation behaviour as well as engagement. ICCONS describes its coarse-thread self-drilling hex range as offering faster installation characteristics, while the fine-thread version provides a slower, more controlled installation.
Choose according to the actual substrate & individual product requirements rather than assuming one thread form is preferable for every job.
For crews comparing different fixing types across a project, the Fastener Guide Bolts Screws Anchors provides further practical information on screws, bolts & anchors.
Use Top Grip for the Appropriate Roofing Application
Roof-sheet control involves more than achieving thread engagement in the supporting member. ICCONS Top Grip screws use an upper-thread arrangement designed to secure sheeting in applicable roofing installations.
ICCONS also incorporates upper-shank protection on these products to help remove burrs that may damage the EPDM washer & help protect the coating on the upper thread.
Match the Hex Drive to the Screw
Positive hex engagement supports controlled installation only when the nut setter matches the head. ICCONS washered screw families include common ¼", 5/16" & ⅜" hex heads depending on gauge & configuration.
Check the individual screw specification before selecting the nut setter rather than relying on the head size used for another fastener.
Consider the Complete Fastening Requirement
Roofing, cladding & steel assemblies frequently involve several fixing types beyond exposed sheet screws. Bolts & Fasteners can support broader project requirements where brackets, frames or assemblies require additional mechanical fasteners.
Expert Tips
Avoid Over-Compressing the Washer
More installation torque does not automatically produce a better seal. Drive the screw according to the applicable installation requirements so the washer seats correctly without unnecessary deformation.
A visibly distorted washer should prompt a review of installation technique, driver control & screw suitability.
Check the Steel Before Selecting a Self-Driller
Steel thickness can change between battens, purlins, brackets & structural members on the same project. Confirm the material being penetrated rather than assuming a screw that drilled one component is suitable for the next.
Treat Hardwood Separately
Type 17 points can reduce the need for pre-drilling in suitable timber, but hardwood may require additional preparation. Confirm the timber & selected screw before beginning repetitive installation.
Confirm Painted Heads Before Installation
Cladding screws remain visible after the work is complete. Check the required painted finish before opening multiple packs, particularly when several cladding colours are being installed across the same project.
Inspect EPDM Washers Before Use
The sealing component deserves the same attention as the screw point & thread. Do not install a fastener if the washer is missing, damaged, displaced or otherwise unsuitable for the intended application.
Use the Correct Nut Setter
A poorly matched driver can damage the hex head before the screw reaches its intended seating position. Check whether the selected fastener uses a ¼", 5/16", ⅜" or another specified hex size.
Frequently used screws, nut setters & compact fastening accessories can be separated by size or application using Small Parts Organisers.
Review Exterior Exposure Before Ordering
External installations can face very different environmental conditions. Confirm the required fastener finish against the intended exposure, particularly where moisture, industrial contaminants or other aggressive conditions may influence material selection.
Keep Swarf Away From Finished Roofing
Metal particles left on coated roofing can create avoidable surface problems. Maintain good installation housekeeping & remove drilling debris from finished sheet surfaces as work progresses.
Crews preparing tools, consumables & frequently used equipment for upcoming projects can also refer to Spring Jobsite Prep Getting Your Gear Ready.
