Type B Metal Deck for Florida Shopping Centers: Roof and Floor
Type B is the roof deck for Florida shopping centers: strip centers, anchor stores and malls. It is not a floor deck. Mezzanines and upper retail floors use composite floor deck with concrete. A typical package is 1.5" Type B on the roof and 1.5", 2" or 3" composite deck on the floors. We supply both from one takeoff.
Roof versus floor in retail
- Roof: 1.5" Type B, 22 to 16 gauge, carries insulation and membrane and acts as a wind diaphragm.
- Floors and mezzanines: composite floor deck. Hanger tabs on 20 gauge and heavier support ceilings and services.
- Long open anchor spaces: 3" Type N where spans exceed Type B's range.
- Common areas with exposed ceilings: painted deck, or the catalog's cellular option for a flat underside. Ask for availability.
Planning for tenant changes
Retail roofs get new rooftop units and openings every time a tenant turns over. Framed openings and accessible framing make later changes easier. Covered walkways and storefront canopies are open to weather, so G90 is the common choice there.
Send the shell drawings and we will quote roof and floor deck together.
Related Questions
Can Type B deck support concrete for a mezzanine?
Not as a composite floor. Type B is roof deck and lacks the embossments that bond with concrete. Mezzanines use composite floor deck, sized by the engineer for the slab and the loads. Light mezzanines sometimes use other systems, as the engineer designs.
Do rooftop units sit directly on Type B deck?
No. Rooftop units are supported on curbs over framing designed for them, with openings framed below. The deck spans between the framing. Coordinate unit locations before shop drawings so openings and reinforcing are detailed. Late additions mean field cutting and extra framing.