B Deck is the most common structural metal deck because of its strength and it’s affordability.
At Western Metal Deck, we have been selling metal deck for over 30 years. B-deck continues to be our most popular selling decking panel that is used by our customers on all types of projects with different applications.
We have written this article to help you decide if B Deck is the right material for your project. Continue reading to learn more about B Deck in terms of:
- Uses
- Available Finishes
- Available Gauges
- Cost
- Available Sheets Lengths
- Lead Times
- How To Order
What Is B Deck?
HSB-36 stands for High Shear B Decking which is more commonly known as simply “B Deck”. B Deck is the most commonly used structural metal decking. It’s 1.5” deep and 36” wide and it’s available as a non-composite roof deck or a composite floor deck.
B Deck is a non-composite roof deck only, meaning it is a smooth metal decking. There aren’t any embossments for the concrete to bond with. You should not pour structural concrete on HSB-36. If your job requires structural concrete you will need the composite floor deck version of B Deck, Aka B-Formlok.
B Deck has a standard interlocking male and female side lap. The side lap is designed to be fastened with a button punch tool or top seam welded. It’s not designed to be fastened with a Punchlok II tool. If you have a set of plans and the plans specify “Punchlok or PLB-36”, then you have the wrong material. The side lap of HSB-36 should only be fastened with a button punch side lap or top seam welded.
B Deck Uses
B Deck is engineered to provide support and act as a structural base to support roofing systems that are applied on top of the metal roof deck. It only becomes a weather-tight system after a built up roof is installed on top of it. It’s not a weather-tight roofing panel without a built up roof.
The most common application for B Deck is when installed as a roof decking on commercial and multi story buildings. After the B Deck is installed a rigid board insulation is placed on top of the B Deck. Finally, built-up roofing is installed over the rigid board insulation
Some other ways that we have seen roof deck used are:
- Roofing On Canopies -The material is capable of longer spans than architectural roofing panels.
- Trash Gates And Trash Enclosure Roofs - The heavy gauge panels can handle the beating that these gates take on a daily basis.
- Fencing And Siding - Available in heavier gauges than metal siding panels.
B Deck Finishes
Metal decking is available in four different finishes:
- Galvanized G60
- Galvanized G90
- Gray Prime Painted
- Galvanized And Prime Painted
Galvanized G60
G60 is a specification for hot dip galvanizing. It means that there will be .6 oz total weight of zinc per square foot. The most common finish and it’s readily available.
Galvanized G90
There will be .9 oz total weight of zinc per square foot. Not readily available and will require a 3-5 week lead time.
Gray Prime Painted
Use most often when the metal deck is not exposed. Cost savings of about ten cents per square ft. It’s manufactured and readily available in Arizona only. It’s rarely used in California and must be shipped in from Arizona.
Galvanized And Prime Painted
Rarely used and has large minimum order quantities, minimum 3-5 week lead time.
B Deck Gauges
Metal decking comes in 22, 20, 18, or 16 gauge. Remember that a smaller number is actually a stronger and thicker steel.
B Deck Sheets Lengths And Lead Times
Lead times for your project depend on the project size. Smaller projects that are less than 10,000 square feet the material is typically in stock and can be delivered immediately. Larger projects that are over 10,000 sq. ft. have the option of immediate availability or they can be ordered to custom sheet lengths. This requires a 2-4 week lead time.
Ordering Your B Deck
Prior to placing an order for B Deck, you must know the specifications of your project including the following:
- Type Of Metal Deck
- Gauge
- Finish
- Sheet Lengths
- Number Of Panels Needed
Once you have all the needed information about your project, request a free quote to get started on your B Deck project today.
