Dependable Sealing for Steel, Roofing & Cladding Fixings

When a fastener penetrates sheet, cladding or a steel assembly, the connection may need to do more than simply hold the materials together. ICCONS® | Rubber Seals covers sealing components used with compatible ICCONS fastening systems where a compliant seal is required beneath the fixing head, helping complete connections across steel construction, roofing, cladding & other weather-exposed applications.

ICCONS uses EPDM sealing washers across a range of purpose-matched self-drilling fasteners rather than treating the seal as an unrelated accessory. Depending on the fixing, these assemblies can combine an EPDM washer with coarse-thread, fine-thread, 5 Series or cladding screw configurations for different substrates & steel thicknesses. For the surrounding fastening system, explore Screws & Anchors, Bolts & Fasteners & Specialty Fasteners & Fixings.

What Are ICCONS® Rubber Seals?

In this fastening context, a rubber seal provides a compliant sealing interface around the fixing point. ICCONS documents EPDM sealing washers across compatible self-drilling hex-head screws used where a rubber seal is required between the fastener head & connected material.

The sealing element works as part of the complete fixing assembly. When the correct fastener is installed appropriately, the washer seats beneath the head & against the connected surface rather than leaving the fixing penetration dependent on the metal fastener alone.

Relevant ICCONS fixing configurations include:

► Coarse-thread self-drilling hex screws with EPDM sealing washers
► Fine-thread self-drilling hex screws with EPDM sealing washers
► 5 Series fine-thread screws with EPDM sealing washers
► Top Grip self-drilling screws with EPDM sealing washers
► Cladding screws with EPDM sealing washers
► Class 4 galvanised options across applicable fixing systems
► Stainless steel options on applicable fastener configurations
► Painted cladding fastener options where documented

The important buying decision is therefore not simply “which rubber washer fits?” Identify the fixing application, connected material, substrate thickness, screw configuration & exposure before matching the sealing component to the assembly.

Why Choose ICCONS® Rubber Seals?

A sealing washer is most effective when it belongs to a fastener selected for the same connection. ICCONS integrates EPDM washers into documented screw configurations for steel brackets, metal components, steel sections, roofing sheets, cladding & related construction work.

That system-based approach gives trades practical options for:

► Sealed metal-to-metal fixing
► Steel bracket & component installation
► Roofing sheet fixing on applicable systems
► Cladding installation to compatible substrates
► Internal & external construction applications
► Different mild-steel drilling capacities
► Coarse or fine-thread requirements
► Colour-matched cladding fasteners on applicable ranges

The fastener behind the washer still needs to suit the substrate. A sealing washer cannot compensate for an incorrect drill point, unsuitable thread, insufficient fixing length or fastener finish that doesn't belong in the intended environment.

For a broader explanation of why the complete fixing matters, read Why Good Fasteners Matter More Than the Tool You Drive Them With.

Common Applications

Metal Roofing to Steel

Roof-sheet fixings need to clamp the sheet while maintaining the intended sealing interface around each penetration. ICCONS Top Grip self-drilling screws with EPDM sealing washers are designed for applicable metal roof-sheet fixing to metal battens, steel purlins & other compatible steel substrates.

Top Grip configurations also incorporate upper-shank protection intended to remove burrs that could otherwise affect the EPDM washer while helping protect the upper thread coating.

Cladding to Metal Battens & Steel Purlins

Cladding work combines fixing performance with a highly visible external finish. Applicable ICCONS Wall-Stars use EPDM sealing washers & a universal self-drilling point for fastening cladding to thin metal battens or steel purlins.

Painted variations are available across documented configurations, allowing the fixing system to be selected with the finished cladding installation in mind.

Cladding to Timber Battens

Not every cladding project finishes over steel framing. Applicable ICCONS Wall-Stars can also fasten cladding to timber battens, providing a useful option where a rubber-sealed fixing is required across compatible residential or commercial construction.

Always confirm the individual screw specification rather than assuming every self-drilling sealing-washer screw is suitable for timber.

Steel Brackets & Components

Fabricated brackets & metal components often need a fixing selected around the actual steel thickness. ICCONS coarse & fine-thread sealing-washer screws are documented for fastening compatible metal brackets, components, steel sections & assemblies where a rubber seal is required.

For heavier connection requirements beyond this type of self-drilling fixing, Structural Fasteners & Bolts provides a related pathway into structural fastening products.

Thicker Mild-Steel Assemblies

Once steel thickness increases, the drill point becomes a major part of the specification. Applicable ICCONS 5 Series fine-thread screws combine an EPDM sealing washer with a Series 500-style drill point for documented mild-steel drilling capacities up to 12 mm.

That capability belongs to the relevant 5 Series fastener configuration; it should not be assumed for every sealing-washer screw in the broader range.

Maintenance & Replacement Fixings

Replacing a deteriorated fixing is easier when the original assembly is identified before it reaches the parts bin. Note the screw gauge, length, thread, head size, washer dimensions, substrate & surrounding material when removing an existing fastener.

Where the original seal is cracked, distorted, missing or visibly deteriorated, inspect the screw & fixing point as well rather than replacing only the rubber component by appearance.

Product Selection Guide

Identify the Fixing Application First

Start with what is being connected, because that determines far more than the washer size.

Establish whether the job involves:

► Roofing sheet to steel
► Cladding to steel
► Cladding to timber
► Steel bracket installation
► Metal component fixing
► Fabricated steel assemblies
► Maintenance of an existing sealed fixing

Once the application is clear, the suitable ICCONS fastener family becomes easier to narrow down.

Match the Fastener to Material Thickness

The EPDM washer seals around the fixing, but the drill point still has to penetrate the substrate correctly. ICCONS documents different drilling capacities across its self-drilling screw families.

Depending on the selected configuration, these ranges include screws intended for lighter steel through to 5 Series fasteners capable of drilling compatible mild steel up to 12 mm.

Check the documented capacity of the exact fastener rather than transferring the capability of one series to another.

Compare Coarse, Fine & 5 Series Configurations

Similar-looking hex-head screws can be designed for quite different steel conditions.

Use this as a starting point rather than a substitute for the individual fastener specification. Screw gauge, length, material thickness & application still need to be confirmed.

Check the Fastener Finish

External exposure involves the complete fixing, not just the rubber seal. ICCONS documents Class 4 galvanised finishes across applicable sealing-washer screw families for internal & external applications, while selected configurations are also available in stainless steel or painted finishes.

Match the fastener finish to the project requirements rather than assuming the EPDM washer determines environmental suitability on its own.

Inspect the Washer Seating Surface

Even a correctly matched seal needs a suitable surface beneath it. Before driving the fastener, check the contact area for swarf, burrs, debris, damage or irregularities that could interfere with the washer seating consistently.

This is particularly important where existing holes or previous fixings are being reused during maintenance.

Control the Final Drive

A rubber sealing washer needs correct seating, not uncontrolled compression. Drive the fixing according to the fastener & installation requirements, watching how the washer contacts the surface instead of assuming additional tightening always produces a better result.

For powered fastening work, Impact Drivers provides related driving equipment, while Drill Accessories covers accessories for compatible drilling & fastening setups.

Treat the Seal & Screw as One Assembly

Replacing one component without identifying the other can introduce an unnecessary mismatch. When possible, record the manufacturer product code, screw dimensions, thread configuration, finish & washer arrangement before ordering replacements.

For trades working across multiple fixing types, the Fastener Guide Bolts Screws Anchors provides useful guidance for distinguishing common fastening systems.

Expert Tips

Don't Identify EPDM Washers by Colour Alone

A black rubber-looking washer isn't automatically the correct replacement. Confirm the specified sealing material, dimensions & compatible fastener rather than relying on appearance.

Check for Burrs Around the Fixing

A sharp metal edge can undermine a good sealing component before the installation is complete. Inspect the contact area & keep swarf or burrs from becoming trapped beneath the washer.

Match Drill Capacity Before Driving

A sealing washer doesn't make an underspecified self-drilling screw suitable for thicker steel. Confirm the material thickness against the drilling capacity of the exact screw series before installation.

Keep Replacement Fixings Identifiable

Mixed screws become difficult to distinguish once several gauges, lengths & thread types share the same container. Store replacement sealing-washer fixings by manufacturer code or clearly marked dimensions.

Small Parts Organisers can help separate smaller fixing components where crews maintain multiple sizes.

Inspect Weather-Exposed Fixings During Maintenance

Roofing & cladding fasteners work in conditions that can expose deterioration earlier than protected workshop fixings. During accessible maintenance, look for damaged washers, loose fixings, coating deterioration or changes around the fixing point that warrant further investigation.

For seasonal equipment & site preparation, Spring Jobsite Prep Getting Your Gear Ready provides additional practical guidance.

Don't Transfer One Screw's Capacity Across the Range

ICCONS sealing-washer fasteners aren't all interchangeable just because they share a hex head & EPDM washer. Coarse-thread, fine-thread, 5 Series, Top Grip & Wall-Star configurations have different documented applications & capacities.

Check the Connected Material as Well as the Substrate

A correct screw-to-steel match is only part of the installation. Roofing sheet, cladding, brackets & fabricated components can impose different requirements around length, head position & final clamping.

Replace Questionable Assemblies as a System

If an old fixing is badly corroded, loose or fitted with a damaged washer, changing only the visible rubber may not address the underlying problem. Inspect the fixing point, screw & connected materials before deciding what needs replacement.