When it comes to working on an outdoor project it is important to use the right type of nails and screws for the job. Inappropriately selected fixings may rust and corrode when exposed to rain. This can result in breakages and unwanted problems. Because of this reason, it is crucial to use outdoor screws or nails that won’t be affected by environmental conditions.
Here is a list of the best nails and screws for outdoor use, their properties and their best applications.
Galvanised Nails And Screws
Galvanised nails and screws are some of the best fixings you can find for outdoor projects.
Galvanised screws and nails have a zinc coating meaning that they have undergone a galvanisation process. This process means the nails have a protective barrier which makes them resistant to rust and corrosion. Such properties make galvanised screws and nails perfect for outdoor use. They are often used by homeowners and builders alike in locations that could be damp.
Projects such as roofing, fencing and decking are all perfect applications for using galvanised nails. These fixings won’t rust when it rains, a test they stand up to on a weekly basis in the UK.
The zinc coating on galvanised screws and nails treated in this way acts as a sacrificial anode, and will decay before the metal inside. However, galvanised nails created through electroplating (these are often bright and shiny) are not a good choice when used with certain redwoods or treated lumbers as they will leave black streaks around the nail. Mechanically galvanised nails should be used with these wood types, but both will still offer the same weather protection.
