Type B Metal Deck for Florida Schools: What to Specify
1.5" Type B is a common roof deck for Florida schools over classrooms, gyms, cafeterias and media centers. Schools designed as hurricane shelters need higher wind design, which affects gauge and attachment. Gyms and cafeterias often leave the deck exposed. We supply Type B in 22 to 16 gauge, G60 or G90 or painted, and deliver to fit your schedule.
Florida school considerations
- Shelter design: many public schools include hurricane shelter areas, which need stronger roof systems. The engineer sets the gauge and fastening for those areas.
- Exposed ceilings: gyms and cafeterias often show the deck underside. Painted or field-finished deck keeps it uniform.
- Sound: the catalog lists acoustic and cellular deck options for classrooms, libraries and gyms. Ask about availability for your project.
- Coating: covered walkways and open breezeways see weather, so G90 is a common choice there.
Schedules built around the school year
Additions and reroofs are often squeezed into summer breaks. Shop drawings and cutting lists prepared ahead of mobilization help crews dry in quickly. Ask us for the documentation your permit and the district require.
Send the roof plans and phasing and we will prepare a takeoff and quote.
1.5" Type B roof deck by gauge (catalog values, 50 ksi, 36" coverage)
| Gauge | Design thickness (in) | Weight (psf) |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 0.0295 | 1.6 |
| 20 | 0.0358 | 2.0 |
| 18 | 0.0474 | 2.6 |
| 16 | 0.0598 | 3.0 |
Related Questions
Is Type B used for school covered walkways?
Often. Canopy and walkway roofs over steel framing commonly use 1.5" Type B, and G90 galvanized suits their open exposure. Longer spans between supports may need a heavier gauge or 3" Type N. The engineer's design governs. The catalog also lists deep roof deck for canopies and walkways.
Can deck be installed while school is in session?
It can, with phasing, site separation and controlled delivery times. That is a matter for the contractor's safety plan. On our side, we can split shop drawings and deliveries by phase so each area is complete before the next one opens.