Screws may all look the same to the untrained eye, but professionals know that they are all different and that there are many different models and types. Some screws differ in material, others in shape, and still others in purpose.
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Even wood screws are not all the same! Sure, in general, they are all produced in such a way that they can fix wooden elements and structures, but not all models can be used in all environments. In this case too, you need to make a choice.
Below you can find out which are the best models of wood screws to use outdoors and why.
The problem of external environments
When working on an outdoor project, it is of fundamental importance to use wood screws that do not rust. A screw corroded by atmospheric agents or rusted, in fact, risks loosening or even breaking, thus causing problems of instability or even the collapse of the entire structure.
Not all screws are made for outdoor use, so it's important to choose the right fasteners for your project. In general, there are four types of wood screws that are safe to use outdoors.
Stainless Steel Wood Screws
Most wood screws are made of steel, but steel (also known as “mild steel”) combines iron and carbon and is not resistant to corrosion. Stainless steel, on the other hand, combines iron and chromium, as well as nickel, which increases corrosion resistance.
Stainless steel screws are more expensive, sure, but for outdoor projects it’s an expense you have to accept unless you want your project to fall apart within a few months.
Zinc plated screws
Zinc plated screws have a zinc coating that makes them resistant to corrosion. They are particularly suitable for use on treated timber, as the chemicals used to treat timber can have a corrosive effect and abrasive on steel screws, even stainless steel!
These exterior wood screws are coated with zinc by electroplating or hot dipping, the latter producing a thicker layer of zinc. Electroplated screws should be avoided on some treated lumber, as they can cause black spots around the hole and screw head.
Silicon Bronze Wood Screws
Silicon bronze wood screws are the strongest screws available, so much so that they are used primarily in the marine industry. They are made primarily of bronze with a small amount of silicon added.
Not only can they withstand snow or rain, but they can even withstand constant exposure to salt water.
Terrace screws
As the name suggests, deck screws are special fasteners that are specifically designed for fastening wooden decking to open decks. They are typically made of stainless steel and may be ceramic coated, zinc plated, or contain a high copper content.
These special wood screws can be used without fear for decks, fences, sheds or other outdoor wooden constructions that are constantly exposed to the elements and rain.
Construction screws also fall into this category: they generally have an external coating that protects them from moisture and rain, but they should only be used on projects that require little structural support, such as DIY wooden fences or enclosures.
For more demanding projects like houses, cabins or decks, however, it is better to choose one of the wood screw models listed above to ensure that you do not have any problems caused by rust.
Article published on 30 January 2024 - 09:42
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