Washers are critical components in the installation of roofing materials. They are used to distribute the load of the fasteners and protect the surface of the materials from damage. In general, washers are necessary when fastening materials that are fragile or prone to breakage, such as ceramic tiles or polycarbonate sheets. They are also essential in areas with constant vibration or movement, where they help maintain a secure hold over time.
However, in some cases, it is not necessary to use washers. For example, when installing asphalt shingles, which are more flexible and resilient, or heavier gauge sheet metal, washers may not be indispensable. It is important to consider the type of material, thickness and installation conditions to make the right decision on the use of washers.
Imagine a construction crew is working on a roofing project in Florida, using asphalt shingles for a residential roof. Since asphalt shingles are robust and flexible, and are typically installed in areas with low vibration, it is not strictly necessary to use washers in this case. The nature of the material and the type of project allow the shingles to be secured directly with screws without affecting the integrity of the roof, saving additional installation time and cost.