The Advantages Of Using Steel Roof Decking For Your Facility
Steel roof decks are incredibly beneficial for the construction of any large or tall buildings. Knowing the benefits of steel roof decks is extremely important for both business owners and project managers when building or remodeling a building. In this article, we’ll be defining what steel roof decks are and their unique advantages.
What is a Steel Roof Deck?
First, it’s important to clear up some terminology.
Some might search “steel roof deck” and come up with metal roof decking results instead. Is there a difference? Not really. Steel decking is another term for metal decking, primarily on the East Coast. West Coast professionals are most likely going to refer to it as metal decking.
So what actually is it? Steel or metal decking is corrugated metal sheeting used for structural roof decks or composite floor decks. They’re often supported by steel beams or joists. Steel decks are designed to support the membrane of a roof. It can also bond and support concrete to create a composite steel floor deck. Since steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio, steel roof decks are ideal for tall buildings. If you need platforms for a roof or a concrete floor, steel decks are the material for you.
What is Steel Roof Decking Used For?
Steel roof decks are used by architects, steel fabricators, general and roofing contractors, and builders in the U.S. For roofing, steel decks have one primary purpose. Its high strength-to-weight ratio that we mentioned earlier makes it an inexpensive and easy to install material for large buildings.
As the name suggests, steel roof decking is great for roofing, especially over steel joists or beams. Decks provide a stable platform for installing roof materials, including insulation, lightweight concrete, and the water membrane of a roof. Steel roofs are installed by mechanically fastening, welding, or screwing the sheets.
It’s important to note that steel roof decks have smooth surfaces without embossments. This means that they’re not designed to have any structural concrete poured on top. If you need structural concrete and a composite floor deck system, you’ll need a steel floor deck instead.
Types of Steel Roof Decks
Which steel roof deck you purchase is going to depend on your specific needs and wants. Let’s take a look at the different steel roof decks so you can find the best type to suit your needs.
Type B Deck
If you’re looking for a good balance of strength and economy, Type B decks are the right choice for you. It’s a wide-rib structural roof deck that’s both cost-efficient and high-performance.
Its flexibility allows you to use it for a variety of different projects. Look for Type B decks with prime-paint or a galvanized top. These finishes can protect your steel from the elements during the installation period.
Type A Deck
Type A decks are designed for thin and economical insulation materials. If you need to put in some insulation for your roof and need something to support it, Type A is here for you.
These decks are actually seldom used for new construction. Instead, they’re often used for repair projects and reroofing. Its lowest strength-to-weight ratio is what makes Type A decks perfect for this application.
Type N Deck
Type N decks are powerful and durable options for supporting members that need to be as far apart as possible. They’re twice as strong as Type B decks and are ideal for large buildings and rooms like gymnasiums and auditoriums.
If you are using Type N decks in large rooms, consider getting the acoustic decks, otherwise known as Type NA. This makes for better sound control in your large auditorium or gym.
Form Deck
Form decks are perfect for supporting roof-fill insulation or as a permanent form for concrete floors and roof slabs. As such, form decks are best for floors and stairways in both residential and commercial buildings.
Advantages of Steel Roof Decking
Outside of price efficiency and ease-of-use, steel roof decks offer users plenty more benefits. Their longevity, minimal maintenance, and energy efficiency are just some of the advantages of steel roof decking. Let’s take a look at a few specific examples.
Longevity
Most experts agree that metal or steel roofs can last decades, about 40 to 70 years, before needing replacing. Other materials have a life expectancy of maybe half that length.
Safety
In the event of a lightning strike or if a roof suddenly catches fire, your metal roof decks won’t get engulfed in flames. They won’t spark or ignite either, making them a considerably safer choice.
Energy Efficiency
Steel roofs don’t absorb radiant heat, reflecting them instead, and can reduce cooling costs by 10 to 25%. This is beneficial when supporting insulation as it’ll improve the overall energy efficiency of your building.
Environmentally Friendly
It might be hard to believe, but steel roof decks are also recyclable. That is, they can be repurposed after their long lifespan is depleted.
Durability
As mentioned earlier, the high strength-to-weight ratio for steel roof decks makes them a perfect option for more durable construction. Suffice to say; you won’t have to worry about your structure falling apart when using steel roof decks.
Leverage Steel Roof Decks Today
Whether you’re building a new structure or remodeling an older one, steel roof decks offer an affordable yet reliable option for supporting your roof system. Use this article to know exactly what type of steel roof decks you’ll need.
For more information on steel roof decks and other interesting articles, visit our blog or contact us today!
