G60 Galvanized Protection for Type B Metal Decks in Florida
We offer G60 Type B metal deck inspection, supply, and upgrade services for Florida construction projects including specification review, G90 upgrades, and protective coating options
Summary
- G60 gives baseline corrosion protection
- Florida salt air accelerates corrosion risk
- Consider G90 or coating upgrades for durability
G60 Galvanized Protection for Type B Metal Decks in Florida presents a cost-effective baseline corrosion barrier but requires careful specification in high-salt environments. Miami Metal Deck explains realistic performance, limitations, and practical upgrades so your project meets durability and applicable code requirements.
What G60 means and how it is specified
G60 is a galvanizing designation defined in ASTM A653 that indicates a zinc coating weight roughly 0.60 ounces per square foot by historical convention; in practice G60 denotes the baseline hot-dip galvanized protection applied to commercial decking. For Type B metal deck this zinc layer protects the steel substrate by sacrificial corrosion, slowing perforation and pitting under typical atmospheric exposure. Specifiers should reference ASTM A653 and product submittals to confirm actual coating mass and quality.
How G60 performs in Florida depends on exposure category. In inland, low-chloride settings a G60-coated Type B metal deck can provide long service life when installed and maintained correctly. In moderate coastal zones expect accelerated zinc loss; real-world life may drop to the mid-teens to mid-twenties of years depending on salt exposure, maintenance, and detailing. In severe coastal or splash zones G60 alone is often inadequate; G90, duplex systems, or additional topcoats materially extend life and reduce through-corrosion risk.
Common risks and failure modes
Key vulnerabilities for G60 Type B decks include cut-edge attack where galvanizing is breached, crevice corrosion at overlaps and trapped moisture, fastener and washer corrosion, and accelerated loss from salt spray. Ponding, contact with incompatible materials, and mechanical damage to the zinc finish accelerate failure. Recognizing these failure modes lets you specify targeted mitigations.
Design and installation best practices include specifying protected cut-edge treatments or prepainted options, using corrosion-resistant fasteners and neoprene washers, ensuring positive drainage and no ponding, providing proper flashing at perimeters, isolating from dissimilar metals with compatible barriers, and considering prefinished or duplex coating systems. For coastal projects consider upgrading to G90 or specifying a factory-applied polymer or fluoropolymer coating for long-term performance.
Inspection and maintenance
Set a structured inspection program: visual checks at least annually and after major storms, targeted inspections of edges, penetrations, and fasteners, and salt removal rinses where chloride deposition is heavy. Repair scratched or damaged galvanized areas with compatible zinc-rich repair compounds or recoats. Track corrosion progression and plan proactive upgrades when section loss or perforation is observed.
Warranty and specification recommendations: for low-exposure Florida projects G60 may be an economically viable choice when paired with good detailing and maintenance; for coastal, rooftop, or high-humidity settings specify G90, a duplex system, or prefinished galvanized panels to qualify for longer manufacturer performance expectations. Miami Metal Deck offers project-specific specification reviews and upgrade options, and can evaluate whether a G60 solution meets your expected service life and risk tolerance.
Recommendation and next steps
Recommendation: treat G60 as a baseline option for Type B metal deck in Florida but plan upgrades for coastal exposure. If your project faces salt spray, roof runoff, or aggressive conditions, specify G90 or a duplex/protected system and use corrosion-resistant fasteners and edge protection. Miami Metal Deck can assess exposure, recommend specification upgrades, and supply decking that aligns with durability and code requirements.
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