In the construction industry, there remains a requirement for a composite floor system or even a built-up roof system. A metal deck is used as a structural element to support such roof systems. Also, it covers all types of steel sheet profiles with concrete for creating the same. This is one of the most important areas in the construction segment and the metal deck holds immense importance in that.
Usage of A Metal Deck
Metal decking is used both in floor and roof construction, due to its quality to build robust construction. Let’s check both, one by one.
The Metal Deck in Floor Construction
Instead of using a traditional framework with props, metal decking can be used with a steel frame and a concrete slab, to produce cost-effective, as well as lightweight floors. Metal decking is particularly helpful for multi-story steel-based constructions where it gives an effective solution in terms of stability and solidarity. There is no need to use metal decking as a part of the composite floor system. It can easily create a permanent framework for concrete slabs by avoiding traditional methods.
Uses of Metal Decking in Floors
- The metal deck creates a working platform to build multi-stories
- It stabilizes the frame of any building
- A metal deck supports any concrete structure with its robustness
- Metal decks are used in composite floor deck systems, to carry loads of any building
- It is used in mezzanine segments, those are also covered with concrete
Benefits of Metal Deck Floor Systems
- The entire installation process is very fast and which helps with complex steel layouts, by reducing overall time and cost
- The metal deck acts as a safe working platform to facilitate the trades instantly, once the installation is over
- An overall reduction in load on the frame and foundation is observed, once a metal deck is used. It decreases the self-weight of slabs also. Ultimately, it is also responsible for an overall reduction in materials
- Tensile reinforcement of the slab is increased with the use of a metal deck in the construction
Profile & Type of Metal Floor Decking
There are three types of metal decking profiles that are generally used – 1.5”, 2”, and 3” deep ones. The main difference between these three lies in the strength of the panels. The deeper the panel becomes, the stronger it becomes. So, a 3-inch floor deck is quite stronger than any 1.5-inch floor deck.
Here are some examples:
B-36 Formlok
B-36 can accommodate 7.5” high and 3.5” deep. It is normally used in short-span conditions where required. In terms of weight, the entire floor deck is available from 22 gauge to 16 gauge where 16 gauge is the highest one.
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W2-36 Formlok
We-36 is a bit stronger than B-36 which can manage slabs of 4’ deep and 8’ high. It is also available in light and heavy gauge modes.
W3-36 Formlok
The best one, which accommodates slabs 9’ high and 5” deep. It is the strongest metal floor deck of the three. A W3-36 formlok is 36” wide and 3” deep.
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The Metal Deck in Roof Construction
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Apart from flooring, the metal deck is a popular option when it comes to solid roof construction. It supports various types of roofing systems, like double skin built-up systems or standing seam systems or even single-ply membrane ones. It is also very effective in green roof concepts. The metal deck creates the structural platform for other materials, rather than forming the actual roof finishing.
Uses for Metal Roof Decking
- It supports the roof system of any building with robustness
- It can be used on mezzanine floors which are generally covered with plywood
- The metal deck is used in steel canopies to also provide safe shelter to people
Benefits of Metal Deck Roof Systems
- Durability is very high
- Metal deck roof systems are easy to install and cost-effective
- It acts as an insulator against heat and noise
- Metal decking systems hardly needs any support systems to function in the long run
- It gives a clean and uncluttered appearance where required
- Can act as a diaphragm for transferring wind loads from perimeter elevations to vertical walls, present inside. Thus, it reduces the requirement of in-plane roof bracing, so that it can enhance the beauty of an uncluttered soffit.
Profiles & Types of Metal Roof Decking
In metal roof decking, there are various types like B Deck, N Deck, HSN3 Deck, A Deck, and F Deck. Out of all, B Deck and N Deck are the most popular, although others also have enough significance in roof construction.
B Deck
B Deck is the most common type of metal deck used on the roof. Its main usage is to support a built-up roof system. If you have a span of fewer than ten feet, then B Deck is normally used. Like other decks, it is also available in 22 gauge and 16 gauge.
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N Deck
If you have a long span condition of more than ten feet, then N Deck is used. Like B Deck, it also comes with 22 gauge and 16 gauge support. It is 24” wide and 3” deep.
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HSN3 Deck
This is a new block in the industry. Although it has enough similarities with N Deck, there are two most important differences observed by the experts. One is, that HSN3 needs less time to install due to its 32” width. Second, the angle in ribs is different from N Deck, which is used in long-span conditions of more than ten feet.
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A Deck
A Deck panels are 1.25” deep and 36” wide, an older format of metal roof decking. It is also called a narrow rib due to the 1” spacing in between. Due to this, it is weak and mainly used in patchwork or in repairing old buildings.
F Deck
This is a better version of A Deck, but narrower than B Deck. It offers better strength than A Deck and is mostly used in older buildings where F Deck panels are already in use.
That’s everything about the metal deck. It forms the most important part of any construction, be it on the floor or roof.
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