Written by Francesca Healy | 11 July 2025 | 3 min read

According to MCRMA "the majority of fastener-related problems on site are simply from using incorrect tooling."

Installation methods including the use of screw guns, is important to consider and get right as it can affect the longevity of the project.

Organisations such as NFRC & MCRMA agree that there must be a collective responsibility between designers, contractors and installers to get it right.

SFS supports Industry Guidance, to promote good installation practice, for the benefit of all stakeholders.

The NFRC (GN01) and MCRMA (GD32) have led the way in issuing screw gun guidance for the Roofing & Cladding industry.

Key points from these documents include:

Ensure that the screw gun is fitted with a correctly adjusted depth locating nose piece

The nose piece on a screw gun has an adjustable mechanism that limits the final position of the fastener head in relation to the panel surface.

This ensures the screws are consistently driven to the desired depth without overdriving the screw and damaging the outer panel skin.

It can also help to stabilize the screw before driving. 

Install roofing and cladding self-drilling fasteners at speeds less than 2000 rpm

Speed control is equally important. Fastener drill points are not designed to perform well at high speeds; hence it's advised that self-drilling fasteners are installed at a maximum speed of 2000rpm.

Installing at speeds of ≤2000 rpm provides better control and reduces the heat build-up meaning the drill tip is less likely to burn out.

Further advice is provided when installing into different material thicknesses:

• Installing fasteners into Light Section Rail: 1800-2000 rpm
• Installing fasteners into Heavy Section Rail: 1800 rpm max
• Installing stitchers into 2 layers of 0.7mm thick steel 1800-2000 rpm

There is a growing trend of higher grades of materials being used within the construction industry, higher tensile material stretches the self-drilling performance.

Additionally, a higher-speed operation, especially in higher tensile materials, can cause faster degradation of the tool's components.

It is therefore imperative screws are installed at a maximum of 1800rpm in heavy section material.

You should not install Roofing and Cladding fasteners with an impact driver or a dry wall screw gun.

The Roofing & Cladding industry is clear in its stance that impact drivers should not be used to install fasteners and only appropriate screw guns.

The repetitive action of impact drivers reduces the effectiveness of drilling & thread forming, negatively impacting fastener technical performance.

For further information on using the correct tooling in Roofing and Cladding applications, please see the following screw gun guidance.

Your chosen screw gun should satisfy all the perimeters outlined in the NFRC (GN01) and MCRMA (GD32) documents.

Previously, the FEIN ASCS was identified as a solution that satisfied the full criteria. Following its discontinuation, SFS have provided a quick overview of the current screw gun manufacturers in the market.

Using the below literature set by the trading associations, SFS ensures that customers have all the relevant information to make a well informed decision.

When choosing a screw gun, it’s important to follow the guidance set out in GN01 & GD32. This ensures optimum fastener performance and contributes to the integrity of the overall building.

For further information and help on choosing a compliant screw gun, please reach out to our technical team at gb_technical@sfs.com

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