Valid arguments can be made for both preferences.
Metal roof screws in ridge or flat.
The directions for installing metal roofing panels that are attached by exposed fasteners give different methods for nails vs screws.
If the screws are driven correctly fastening through either the valleys or the ridges of the roofing is considered acceptable in this country.
If you live in a snow area this will help with ice and snow sheering screws of and me coming to fix your new roof.
Quite often the screws are over tightened or under tightened and when this happens it creates leak points.
As the screws are driven the washer presses against the metal roofing to form a water proof seal.
The purpose of the purlins is to provide a solid foundation for the metal roofing panels and trim to be screwed to.
These panels have raised ribs.
Screwing or fastening down a metal roof is one of the easiest parts of a metal roofing installation but it s also the most problematic.
I strap all roofs with nothing less than 2 4 to help lock that roof in place.
Do all roofing projects require purlins.
We do recommend it however.
Having done several metal roofs since then i would say if you are an amateur screw on the flat with 1 1 2 screws.
The main cause of a leaking roof on a diy metal roofing installation is incorrectly fastening the screws.
Screwing high on the rib is difficult for the amateur.
Purlins are non pressure treated 1 x 4 x 12 lumber that is installed on to the roof in a specific layout pattern and screw pattern.
It depends on the metal if it is coretin or any other corrugated metal no screws in the valley or flat part of metal if it is a tuffrib or deltarib put screws in the valley.