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About Bruce A. Ryan II, RRO
Expertise
Commercial/Residential Roofing Waterproofing Building Envelope

Experience
Bruce Ryan has 13 years of roofing, waterproofing, and building envelope consulting experience with PRC, with 5 years of commercial roofing experience prior to joining the firm. He became Vice President of the company in 1998. Bruce Ryan plays a key role in the development of practical, long-term roofing and waterproofing solutions, along with implementation of on-site forensic studies. Bruce also has a high level of experience with regard to the impacts of roofing materials and construction for demanding clients with heavily occupied structures.

Organizations
Oregon Construction Contractors Board Construction Specifiers Institute National Roofing Contractors Association The Institute of Roofing, Waterproofing, & Building Envelope Professionals Oregon Board of Investigators Installation Masters

Education/Credentials
University of Maryland BS Business & Administration Registered Roof Observer - RCI Private Investigator Certified EIFS inspector - Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau Certified InstallationMaster™ - The Installation Masters™ Training and Certification Program (developed by American Architectural Manufacturers Association)

You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > Roofing > Metal Roofing Fasteners

Roofing - Metal Roofing Fasteners

Expert: Bruce A. Ryan II, RRO - 10/31/2009

Question
Are there screws made that have better quality washers than EPDM? We are installing roofs in Hawaii, we know that EPDM doesn't like heat and sun light. We were looking for guarantees of 50 to 100 years on the washers.

Answer
Larry,

In the recent past EPDM has replaced the old neoprene washers. My experience is that the neoprene washers has life of about 8-12 years depending on exposure. I am under the impression that the EPDM washers are far superior in longevity. This makes sense to me as EPDM membranes have served as dependable roofing (exposed to sunlight and heat) for periods up to 30 years.

There are also several styles of fasteners where the head of the fastener forms a cup shaped washer that compresses the EPDM washer, aids to prevent overdriving, and protects the washer from exposure.

I don't know of any that boast 50 to 100 year life span, or provide guarantees.

Please get back to me with any other feedback,

Bruce Ryan II, RRO
Professional Roof Consultants, Inc.

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