What Is the Panel Width of Type B Metal Deck Commonly Used in Miami and Florida Projects?
We offer Type B metal decking for Miami and Florida construction projects, providing code-compliant materials, fabrication, and installation services tailored to Florida Building Code (FBC) and Steel Deck Institute (SDI) standards.
Or Call 305-760-2575
Summary
- Nominal panel width is 36 inches
- Net coverage varies by overlap and profile
- Specify corrosion coating for Miami projects
At Miami Metal Deck we answer this common spec question plainly: the standard Type B metal deck panel width most commonly used on Miami and other Florida projects is nominally 36 inches (3 feet). The Type B metal deck panel width is typically sold as 36 inches with a net coverage that can vary slightly by profile and manufacturer, generally in the mid 34 to 35 inch range after overlaps. As experienced suppliers and fabricators familiar with Florida Building Code requirements and Steel Deck Institute guidance, we supply decks specified for wind, corrosion, and thermal performance.
Standard Panel Width and Net Coverage
Nominal panel width refers to the panel dimension listed by the manufacturer, and for Type B roof deck that nominal width is most often 36 inches. Net coverage accounts for the required laps or edges used during installation and varies by rib profile and seam type; typical net coverage falls around 34.5 to 35.5 inches. Manufacturers and installers follow Steel Deck Institute practices and material specs such as ASTM A653 for galvanized coatings; in coastal Florida projects you should also specify appropriate coatings like G60 or G90.
How this matters in Miami: wind uplift, hurricane loads, and corrosion risk drive panel selection and detailing. A 36 inch Type B metal deck panel width reduces the number of laps compared with narrower panels, simplifying waterproofing and membrane detailing and improving installation speed. Miami Metal Deck provides mill test reports, shop drawings, and documentation to meet Florida Building Code and project QA requirements, ensuring the deck performance matches your structural and envelope needs.
Why 36 inches Panel Width Is Preferred in Florida
Fewer seams and laps improve waterproofing reliability and reduce labor hours; wider panels match common purlin spacing to avoid partial panel cuts; fewer panels per roof mean faster installation and lower fastener counts. For coastal projects the combination of 36 inch panel width and proper coating selection helps balance material cost, structural performance, and long-term durability.
Installation and specification factors to check: purlin spacing and orientation relative to the Type B metal deck panel width; fastening patterns and clip types to meet uplift requirements; overlap details that determine net coverage; insulation board sequencing and membrane laps. We guarantee material traceability and can help you specify the correct gauge, coating, and attachment for Miami projects to satisfy inspectors and owners.
Alternatives and Custom Options
While 36 inches is the common standard, manufacturers and fabricators can supply alternate panel widths or custom profiles when project constraints demand them. Narrower widths such as 24 inches are used in retrofit or curved roof situations, and composite floor decks use different coverages and profiles. Discuss your load case, support spacing, and cladding integration to choose the right option.
Code, testing, and documentation: specify Type B metal deck panel width and profile in contract documents; require shop drawings, uplift test data, and coating certificates; reference Steel Deck Institute publications and the Florida Building Code for wind and corrosion criteria. Miami Metal Deck follows industry QA and can provide installation guidance, submittals, and warranty information for compliance.
Specification Checklist for Your Miami Project
Confirm Type B metal deck panel width nominal 36 inches; specify net coverage and overlap; select gauge and coating (recommend G90 for coastal); verify purlin spacing and attachment; include wind uplift requirements per Florida Building Code; require shop drawings, mill test reports, and warranty terms; note membrane and insulation integration needs