Is Type B Metal Deck Used in Florida Parking Garages?
Not for the parking levels. Type B is roof deck, and drive surfaces need a concrete slab. Steel-framed garages use composite floor deck with concrete, sized by the engineer. In garages, Type B fits stair and elevator tower roofs, top-level shade canopies and pay booths. In those open structures, G90 galvanized is the usual coating. We supply both deck types.
Where each deck goes in a garage
- Parking levels (steel-framed garages): composite floor deck, 1.5", 2" or 3", with a concrete slab.
- Stair and elevator tower roofs: 1.5" Type B roof deck.
- Top-deck canopies and solar carport roofs: Type B or longer span deck, as the engineer designs.
- Cast-in-place and precast garages do not use steel deck for parking levels.
Garage exposure is harsh
Garages are open to the air, and cars bring in water and, near the coast, salt. Deck in these structures typically calls for G90 galvanized, and the engineer may require extra protection on exposed surfaces. The specification governs.
Send us the structural drawings and we will quote roof and composite deck in the right coatings from one takeoff.
Related Questions
Can Type B deck support a concrete topping on a garage roof?
Type B is not designed as composite deck, so it is not used for structural concrete slabs that carry vehicles. Where a roof gets a structural slab, the engineer specifies composite deck or form deck. Lightweight insulating fill on roofs is a different use, where vented Type B is common.
What gauge does a parking garage canopy need?
It depends on the span between purlins or beams and the wind uplift, which is significant on open canopies in Florida. The engineer of record sets it. For reference, catalog construction spans range from 8'-03" single span at 22 gauge to 19'-03" at 16 gauge.