Metal decks are a fundamental component of commercial and industrial buildings. They play an essential role in the structural integrity and overall durability of these buildings by serving as the foundation for roofing and flooring systems. Ensuring accurate matching of metal decks is crucial to the long-term performance and safety of a structure.
Let’s discuss the importance of accurately matching metal decks, the types of metal decks, how to identify them and the factors to consider when replacing them.
What Are Metal Decks?
Metal decks comprise at least three main categories:
Roof Deck
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A steel roof deck is a structural metal panel that has been specifically designed to provide support and act as a foundational base for roofing systems installed on top of it. Its extensive use in commercial and multi-story buildings can be attributed to the strength and stability it provides, as well as its ability to create a secure working platform.
By employing steel roof decks, construction projects can benefit from a streamlined installation process for insulation, weatherproofing and other essential roofing elements. In turn, this improves overall construction efficiency and safety.
Composite Floor Deck
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A composite steel deck plays an essential role in several aspects. It provides the necessary structural support for wet concrete, its own weight or dead load and activities related to construction. Once it has cured effectively, the composite section formed by embossments on the steel decking, reinforced bars (rebars) and slab design combine together to resist any load applied onto the concrete floor.
This type of metal-concrete combination is widely used for building commercial structures such as bridges, porches and parking garages as well as self-storage facilities.
Form Deck
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Steel form deck is a perfect choice for floor construction because of its cost-saving benefits and structural integrity. This type of metal decking eliminates the need for temporary wood forming and serves as an efficient permanent steel form for concrete floors. Moreover, its superior strength enables it to bear heavy loads, which makes it ideal for industrial or commercial applications.
Why Accurately Matching Metal Decks Is Important
Accurately matching metal decks is essential for several reasons:
Safety is the primary reason. Metal roof decking is designed to support the weight of the roofing materials and any additional loads, such as snow or wind. Composite decking and form decking support the weight of the concrete floor and any additional loads. The new deck must meet or exceed the original specifications in order to ensure structural stability.
If the new deck does not match the old, the result may be aesthetically displeasing. If the mismatch is too obvious, the job may have to be redone.
In addition to safety concerns, accurately matching metal decks also ensures the longevity of the structure. Metal decking that is not properly matched can cause problems such as leaks, corrosion, premature wear and tear and possible structural failure.
How to Accurately Match Metal Decks
Old Styles May Be Obsolete
It’s worth noting that many older metal deck panels, commonly referred to as A-style, may not be available from some suppliers. This can cause issues during installation, as it may be necessary to butt the new roof to the old instead of overlapping, which is not ideal.
Styles of Roof Deck
The need for matching metal deck profiles commonly occurs when a roof is extended. There are four main styles of metal roof decks:
- 1.5-inch Type A – The flutes are 1 inch wide at the top and the ridges are 6 inches on center.
- 1.5-inch Type B – The flutes are 2 ½ inches wide at the top and the ridges are 6 inches on center.
- 1.5-inch Type F – The flutes are 1 ¾ inches wide at the top and the ridges are 6 inches on center.
- 3-inch Type N – The flutes are 3 inches wide at the top and the ridges are 8 inches on center.
There are a few things that you need to know before making any decisions:
- First, knowing the depth of the deck is important as it can affect the overall structure of your building.
- Second, rib-to-rib dimensions are necessary to ensure that the panels fit correctly and are stable.
- Understanding the flute dimensions at the top and bottom of the deck is crucial for reducing noise as well as increasing structural strength.
- Finally, the style of side lap, whether nesting or interlocking, is an important consideration when considering how the panels fit together.
For a 1.5-inch roof deck, Type A deck can nest into both Type F and Type B deck, whereas Type F deck can nest into Type B deck. It’s important to keep these nesting capabilities in mind when selecting the right metal deck panel for your project.
Consult With A Professional
One of the best ways to ensure that you are accurately matching metal decks is to consult with a professional, like the staff at O’Donnell Metal Deck. Also, professional architects, engineers and contractors can help to ensure that you select the right metal deck for your project needs. They will evaluate a number of variables such as regional climate conditions, load capacity requirements and building site before making an educated choice.
O’Donnell Metal Deck Can Take the Worry Out of Matching Metal Deck Styles
O’Donnell Metal Deck is more than your average metal deck supplier. For over three decades, we have been providing the highest quality metal decks, bar joists and deck accessories with speedy nationwide delivery service. Installers can rely on us, and we have long-standing relationships which are built upon trust and dedicated customer service.
Regardless of whether you are a private business, contractor or government agency seeking information on the right metal deck for your project, our specialists can provide unparalleled product knowledge and continued assistance through every stage until completion.
Contact us today and let us assist you with your next project!