Of all the roofing and flooring available on the market, steel roofs and steel reinforced floors are among the most popular because metal decking is strong and lasts longer than other materials. B Deck is a type of steel decking that is durable, versatile, lightweight, and affordable, making it a popular choice in construction projects for flooring and roofing systems.
B Deck: What is it?
B deck is a type of corrugated metal or steel decking and is also referred to as Type B Deck or B Decking.
Corrugated Metal
This decking is lightweight and very strong, thanks to the grooves or ridges that give the corrugated metal its name. These grooves are formed into the sheet metal during the manufacturing process to create a wave-like pattern, which gives the thin metal additional strength than it would have otherwise. This allows the metal panel to span over greater distances without bending or buckling.
B Decking
This particular kind of corrugated steel decking is known for its wide rib. It is most often made of steel and comes in various thicknesses and profiles. Typically, a panel of B Decking is 36” wide and 1.5” deep, allowing it to span 10 to 14 feet without needing a support beam. This enables greater flexibility in design with fewer structural support beams.
B Deck Manufacturing
To manufacture B Deck panels, thin and flattened sheets of metal are fed into a steel deck roll-forming machine.
However, to achieve the desired thickness or gauge, a machine operator must first set the gauge. The machine then presses the steel in the desired rib shape. This process produces a durable, lightweight product without metal waste or scrapes.
B Decking Finishes
Once the decking is cold-rolled, most steel fabricators offer two types of finishes to protect the metal from rust and corrosion: galvanized and prime-painted.
Prime Painted
Prime-painted B Deck is the most economical choice as the process isn’t as lengthy or labor intensive. This type of finish is excellent if the B Deck will be used in an enclosed area where it can be kept dry. Before the prime painted finish can be applied to the B Deck, the decking is pre-treated and chemically cleaned. Then, a finish of gray or white acrylic primer is applied. In most cases, this primer is applied to the bare steel. However, some steel companies offer to apply it as additional protection to the bottom side of steel that has already been galvanized.
Galvanization
If the B Decking is exposed to the elements, applying a galvanized finish will allow the metal to withstand harsh weather conditions much longer than the prime-painted finish would.
During the galvanization process, the steel or iron is coated with a layer of molten zinc, which, once cooled, bonds to the metal and protects it from rust and corrosion. The galvanizer starts the process with a chemical bath to treat the metal and clean it of all contaminants so the zinc will adhere properly when applied. The metal is then “hot dipped” into the zinc, which is a bluish-white metal naturally found in the Earth’s crust and is known for its protective attributes. After the finish cools, additional post-treatments can be performed, such as applying a layer of prime paint to the bottom side of the metal for added protection.
This process can take up to a week to complete, making it often more costly and time-consuming upfront when compared to other finishes. However, if properly bonded with the metal, the zinc coating will not chip or flake, ensuring the additional long-term protection of galvanized metal. This can outweigh the cost of maintenance needed to upkeep needed for prime painted finishes, which need to be reapplied over time for continued protection.
B Decking Applications
B Deck’s robust nature makes it perfect for many types of applications, including siding, fencing, flooring, exposed and enclosed roofing, and trash gates.
It can come in two forms: non-composite and composite, both of which have their own benefits and add to B Decking’s versatility.
Non-composite B Deck is smooth and typically used for roofing systems and as a support for mezzanine floors or built-up roofing by providing vertical load capacity and diaphragm sheer.
Meanwhile, the nature of composite B Deck allows heavier liquid construction materials, such as concrete, to bond with it. This makes it an excellent choice for concrete flooring systems that require steel reinforcements. Composite B Deck can also be used for roofing systems like steel canopies and metal roofs. In these applications, the B Decking is usually affixed to other components like lightweight concrete, shingles, and insulation.
Conclusion
Of all the building materials, B Deck remains the most preferred choice due to its lightweight nature, durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. It can provide additional support to other materials without the need for more support beams, allowing for a more open structure while maintaining structural integrity. These qualities make B decking a to-go choice for most construction projects.
