Drywall Screws

Choosing the right screws for the materials you’re joining is important. At a glance, all screws may appear similar, but when you look closely at the different features and properties of screws, you find that certain applications require a particular type of screw.

Cement board screws are one example of a fastener that has specialized applications. Contractors use these fasteners for attaching fiber cement siding, which is a common feature on many modern homes for its performance in a range of weather conditions.

While the siding offers durability on its own, the right fastener will secure it in place and provide the best possible performance results. Fiber cement board screws offer a ceramic coating to resist corrosion and withstand the environment as much as James Hardie siding.

Cement screws are most commonly used for James Hardie siding, and they also apply to fiber cement roofing trim and flooring tile in kitchens and bathrooms. Consider these factors when choosing concrete fasteners for your applications:

• Diameter: The diameter, or gauge, of this screw refers to the outside measurement that enables it to fit through a fixture in a hole of equal size. The 8-gauge screw has a diameter of 0.164 inches, and it’s one of the most common sizes for fiber cement siding screws.
• Length: These screws can range from 1 1/4-inches to 6 inches long. To determine the maximum length for an application, add 1-3/4 inches to the thickness of the fastened material. When using cement screws for James Hardie siding, 1 1/4-inch screws are recommended for the best results.
• Quantity: When installing fiber cement siding, it’s best practice to install a screw every 6 to 8 inches along the perimeter of the boards. It’s important to factor this in when calculating the number of screws needed for a single project.

For cement board, the nature of the material means cement screws are ideally suited. Cement board screws are available with a variety of points adapted to different supports and structures:

• Sharp point: For quickly piercing through the cement board and into wooden supports
• Spoon point: For removing material ahead of the screw for fast advancing through thick cement board
• Self-drilling point: For screwing into materials without pre-drilling a pilot hole
• Reamer wings: Along with a self-drilling point, these are used to attach wood to metal

With so many choices in tips and a wide variety of lengths and diameters, you can find the cement board screw that is ideally suited to your project. We work with one manufacturer for quality and consistency of our fasteners. You know you’re getting a cement screw that will meet your needs and secure your cement boards in a variety of conditions.

If you’re hesitating to choose cement board screws versus drywall screws, it’s also important to consider the other advantages you get with our cement screws:

•  High-quality steel that avoids shear forces and breakage
•  Consistent threads that allow for fast and reliable screwing
•  Gray ceramic coating for corrosion and humidity resistance
•  Eight nibs under the head to ensure your screws don’t back out over time

We’ve included these features on our cement board screws to make sure they give you the easy installation and long-term secure hold you need for your cement board project. Don’t waste time or risk having your cement board pull out because you’ve chosen the wrong screws. Our quality cement screws are designed specifically for all types and grades of cement board and will work as advertised every time.

Some of the most frequently asked questions we receive at All Points Fasteners about cement board screws include:

What screws should you use for cement board?

To appropriately attach cement boards to your project fix­tures, you should use screws designed specif­i­cal­ly for this type of instal­la­tion. All Points Fasteners offers a comprehensive range of cement board screws, from sharp point and spoon point to reamer wings and self-drilling options.

Can you use drywall screws on cement board?

No. Although cement board looks and feels like drywall, the material’s interior is different. Most drywall screws typically lack the necessary corrosion-resistant coating and will deteriorate over time when used with cement boards.

How should you screw into cement board?

Drive the screws into the material with a drill until they are slightly below the board’s surface. Avoid driving screws in at an angle. Most of our cement board screws are compatible with a #2 Phillips driver bit.

How far apart should screws be in cement board?

To effectively install cement board, you should place a screw approx­i­mate­ly every 6 to 8 inch­es along the perime­ter of each piece. Position each screw at least 1/2 inch — but no more than 2 inches — from the board’s edge for the best results.

How many screws do you need for cement board?

We recommend following the board manufacturer’s specific instructions for screw patterns. Depending on the exact placement from the edge and whether you’re installing siding, cement roofing trim or flooring tile, the number of screws will vary based on each piece’s dimensions.

We invite you to contact us today for a free quotation for your cement board screws. Depending on the type and dimensions, you can choose cases of 3,000, 4,000 or 5,000. We’ll send you FREE Samples if you’d like to try our screws out to be sure you’re choosing the right model.

With All Points Fasteners, you’re getting quality at a great price. That combination is hard to beat and can save you money over pricier screws — especially when you’re on a big project and need a large quantity of cement board screws. If you’ve got questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Learn more information about our cement screws.