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Your Guide to Oates Metal Deck

Get Quick Answers To Your Questions

Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of Oates Metal Deck and Building Products’ website—your go-to resource for essential information regarding our products and services. This section serves as an invaluable tool for current and prospective clients, providing clear and concise answers to common inquiries related to our extensive range of metal decking and roofing solutions. Understanding the specifications and applications of our products is crucial to optimizing your construction endeavors, and our FAQ section is designed to assist you in making informed decisions.

In addition to helping you find quick solutions, the FAQ section enhances your understanding of our company, our commitment to quality, and how our products can elevate your projects in terms of durability and efficiency. At Oates Metal Deck, we strive to provide excellent customer service, and we appreciate any opportunity to address your unique concerns.

If you cannot find the answer to your question, please feel free to reach out to us directly. Our dedicated team is here to assist you and ensure that you have all the information necessary to successfully complete your next project. Contact us today, and let us help you find the perfect metal product solutions for your needs.

General FAQ

Texas (Headquarters): 450 Preston RD. Pasadena, TX 77503-1246

Dallas Fort-Worth: 1509 S Sylvania Ave Fort Worth, TX 75111

South Carolina: 6931 US-29 Pelzer, SC 29669

*We ship Nationwide!

Yes. OMD has the ability to cut material to requested lengths.

Depending on the type of deck and availability, OMD stocks material at several different lengths. Most metal roof deck and form deck is available in 20’2” or 24’2” lengths. Composite deck is available in 20’ and 24’ lengths. Contact us on availability and lengths in stock.

Depending on the type of deck and availability, OMD stocks gauges ranging from 18 gauge to 26 gauge. Contact us on availability.

Depending on the type of deck, the coverage differs. Please see the Metal Deck page to look at specifics on coverage.

Yes. OMD ships nationwide.

OMD accepts American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit cards. Fill out our credit card authorization form.

OMD asks our customers to fill out a Credit Application and fax it to 713-473-5751.

No. We will do our best to expedite the process for your job to receive the necessary joist required.

OMD also stocks fiberglass and skylight panels. We also carry fasteners and galvanized flat sheets and cell closures (1”x1½”, 1”x2” and 1”x3”).

Metal Deck FAQs: Technical Standards & Applications

At Oates Metal Deck, we understand that every project has its unique needs and questions. This section outlines technical specs, ANSI/SDI standards, operational procedures, and more. With decades of industry expertise, our team provides quick insight into some of the most commonly asked questions for engineers, fabricators and project managers.

If you have any further questions, we invite you to reach out for any questions you may have regarding our building products and your project.

General Definitions and Core Classifications

Metal decking is cold-formed steel sheet used primarily in permanent construction to support concrete slabs or roofing materials.

When used for floors, it may serve as both a form for pouring concrete and as positive reinforcement.

The three main types of steel deck covered by industry standards are:

  1. Composite Steel Floor Deck (ANSI/SDI C-1.0)
  2. Non-Composite Steel Floor Deck (often called “Form Deck,” ANSI/SDI NC-1.0)
  3. Steel Roof Deck (ANSI/SDI RD-1.0)

Composite Floor Deck has embossments or indentations (raised patterns) that allow the steel deck to bond structurally with the cured concrete, serving as permanent positive reinforcement for the structural slab.

Non-Composite Form Deck does not have embossments like composite deck. Its smooth surface acts only as permanent formwork to hold the concrete slab during pouring, rather than a structural reinforcement for the slab.

Common profiles used for steel roof deck include 1.5″ Type B, A, or F, and 3″ Type N or N-32 profiles.

Material Requirements and Finishes

Common gauges for metal deck range from 22 to 16. The required gauge depends on the structural requirements, span length, and load design, and should be specified by the project design engineer. You can submit our deck load span sheets directly for approval!

The yield strength of structural steel metal deck refers to the amount of stress (force per unit area) the steel can withstand before it begins to permanently deform – that is, before it “yields.” 

In simpler terms, it’s the stress level at which the steel stops springing back to its original shape after the load is removed. Yield strength is commonly expressed in ksi (kilo-pounds per square inch).

The minimum yield strength for steel deck is determined by the project design engineer.

Common yield strengths are 33 ksi (33,000 psi), 40 ksi, 50 ksi, and 80 ksi.

Galvanized steel deck must conform to ASTM A653 (A653M) Structural Quality.

Uncoated or prime painted steel sheets must conform to ASTM A1008 (A1008M).

Galvanized deck is coated with zinc (e.g., G60 or G90) to resist corrosion and is commonly used for high-moisture environments where durability is vital.

Prime Painted is a painted primer that provides temporary rust protection and is often used for decks that will be field-painted.

Phosphatized metal deck is chemically treated with a phosphate coating to improve paint adhesion and resistance to corrosion. 

The difference between G60 and G90 is the amount of zinc coating. G60 refers to 0.6 ounces of zinc coating per square foot of steel sheet (combining both the top and bottom surfaces). If applied equally, a galvanized G60 sheet will have 0.3 oz/ft² on the top surface and 0.3 oz/ft² on the bottom.

Galvanized G90 has 0.9 oz/ft² of zinc coating applied to the sheet. G90 provides better corrosion protection, making it preferable for exterior, high-moisture, or coastal environments, while G60 is generally sufficient for interior applications or areas with minimal exposure to moisture.

Metal deck thickness is defined based on the base steel thickness of the sheet used to fabricate the deck, not including any coatings like galvanizing or paint. The SDI and AISI specify thickness in terms of design thickness (decimal inches); however, gage (gauge) numbers are still most commonly referred to in the steel deck industry.

According to AISI S100, the actual uncoated thickness is required to be not less than 95% of the design thickness specified. For example, a 22 gauge deck has a design thickness of 0.0295 inches. Its minimum delivered thickness is 0.0280 in.

The ANSI/SDI COSP for Steel Deck 2023 states that:

“Panel length shall be no less than 1/2 inch (13 mm) shorter than the specified length nor greater than 1/2 inch (13 mm) longer than the specified length for single span or butted end deck.

Panel length shall be no less than 1/2 inch (13 mm) shorter than the specified length for lapped end deck. 

Panel cover width shall be no less than 3/8 inch (10 mm) less than the specified panel width, nor more than 3/4 inch (19 mm) greater than the specified width.

Panel camber and/or sweep shall not be greater than 1/4 inch in a 10-foot length (6 mm in 3 m).

Panel end out of square shall not exceed 1/8 inch per foot of panel width (10 mm per m).

The average depth of embossments in composite deck (if any) shall not be less than 90% of the design embossment depth.”

Design and Structural Performance

Yes, metal decking is structural.

Composite steel floor deck acts as both a form and as positive reinforcement for the concrete slab.

Steel roof deck is designed to support roofing materials, design live loads, and construction loads.

Structural metal deck typically spans 1 to 20 feet, but the span capability depends on factors including:

  • Deck type/profile (roof, floor, form deck) 
  • Gauge 
  • Yield strength 
  • Span conditions (single, double, triple, or cantilever)
  • Live/dead loads
  • Concrete toppings (if any)

The manufacturer-specific tested and calculated span tables (per Steel Deck Institute (SDI) standards) take these factors into account and are the definitive source for allowable spans in design.

The deflection limit for composite floor deck during construction is generally restricted to 1/180 of the clear span or 3/4 inch (20 mm), whichever is smaller, considering the load of wet concrete and construction loads.

The bending stress in the deck under the combined construction loads is restricted by the Allowable Stress Design (ASD) method to 0.60 times the yield strength, but with a maximum limit of 36 ksi (250 MPa).

The minimum bearing length can’t be less than 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) for non-composite floor decks.

Diaphragm strength and stiffness calculations, crucial for providing horizontal bracing for the structure, are typically performed in accordance with the SDI Diaphragm Design Manual.

Installation and Fastening

The lapping requirements depend on the deck type:

Roof Deck: The SDI recommends a minimum 2-inch end lap over supports.

Composite Floor Deck: This deck should be butted at supports, not overlapped. Overlapping composite deck can interfere with proper shear stud welding and create air pockets that allow concrete seepage.

Non-Composite Form Deck: This deck may be either butted or overlapped by a minimum of 2 inches at the support. In all cases, the project design engineer’s specifications must be followed.

Decking is secured primarily using arc spot welds (puddle welds) or mechanical fasteners (such as screws or powder-actuated fasteners).

Proper welding requires a visible arc puddle weld that penetrates all layers of the deck material and fuses the sheet metal to the supporting members.

Self-drilling screws have a drill bit tip that eliminates the need for pre-drilling the hole.

Self-tapping screws require a pre-drilled hole and function by cutting threads into the material as they are driven in.

Side laps must be fastened together. For roof decks with spans greater than 5 feet (1.5 m), side laps and perimeter edges must be fastened at intervals not exceeding 36 inches (1 m) on center fasteners like self-drilling screws or button punches.

Necessary accessories include pour stops, cell closures, end closures, and cover plates.

Pour stops establish the proper height for the concrete slab perimeter.

The minimum concrete thickness above the top of the steel deck ribs needs to be 2 inches (50 mm), which is required for appropriate structural performance and reinforcement placement.

Elevate Your Construction with Expert Support and Solutions

Contact Oates Metal Deck and Building Products

We invite you to reach out to Oates Metal Deck and Building Products today to explore how we can support your next project with the perfect materials. Our experienced team is ready to address any questions you may have that aren’t covered in our FAQs. We’re committed to providing personalized solutions tailored to meet your specific needs, ensuring your project’s success. Whether you’re inquiring about materials, pricing, or custom orders, we’re here to assist.