Type A Roof Deck Costs and Regulations Explained

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A Type A roof deck is a great option for homeowners, but it can be a bit pricey. The cost of a Type A roof deck can range from $50 to $150 per square foot, depending on the materials used.

The cost of materials is a major factor in determining the overall cost of a Type A roof deck. Wood, for example, can be more expensive than composite materials.

The International Building Code (IBC) regulates the construction of roof decks, including Type A roof decks. According to the IBC, roof decks must be designed to support a minimum dead load of 20 pounds per square foot.

The IBC also requires roof decks to be designed to withstand certain loads, including wind and seismic loads. The specific requirements for wind and seismic loads will depend on the location of the building.

The cost of labor can also add to the overall cost of a Type A roof deck. On average, labor costs can range from $20 to $50 per hour, depending on the location and the contractor's experience.

Understanding Type A Roof Decks

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Type A roof decks are designed for low-pitched or flat construction, making them ideal for a wide range of nonresidential buildings.

They're perfect for schools, arenas, malls, supermarkets, auditoriums, and similar structures that require a strong and low-maintenance roof deck.

One of the biggest benefits of Type A roof decks is their high strength, which can support heavy loads and withstand harsh weather conditions.

This makes them a great choice for buildings that need to be durable and long-lasting.

Type A roof decks are also relatively easy to install and maintain, which can save time and money in the long run.

Materials and Suppliers

Keystar Industries is a reliable supplier of Type A roof deck products, offering a variety of depths, widths, gauges, and finishes. They stock metal deck products that meet required steel deck certification in accordance with the Steel Deck Institute's specification.

Keystar's Type A roof deck products are available with a prime painted finish, which provides adequate temporary protection to the base metal during construction. The most economical finish for Type A roof deck is prime painted grey over bare steel.

Keystar's warehouse in Eagan, MN, offers immediate service and high-quality products, and they can coordinate shipping to your job-site. Their Type A roof deck products are an economical and convenient choice for any construction roofing or reroofing project.

Material Used

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Roof decking materials can vary depending on the type of roofing system you're using. Shingle roofs, for example, are best known for their durability and affordability.

Plywood and OSB are commonly used for roof sheathing. However, other options like steel deck products are also worth considering.

Keystar Industries stocks Type A roof deck products that meet the required steel deck certifications. These products are an economical and convenient choice for construction roofing or reroofing projects.

In fact, Type A roof deck is rarely used for new construction projects due to its lower strength-to-weight ratio. This means it can't carry as much load at longer spans as other deck types, requiring more supports and higher construction costs.

Waterproof flat roof decks require different materials to provide a completely waterproof barrier. Vinyl decking is a popular option for these types of roofs.

The most economical finish for metal deck is prime painted grey over bare steel. This finish provides adequate temporary protection to the base metal during construction.

Tufdek Waterproof Guarantee

Credit: youtube.com, How Tufdek™ Waterproof Vinyl Decking Is Manufactured

Tufdek uses independent quarterly audits by Intertek (Warnock Hersey) to ensure their high manufacturing standards.

The warranty on Tufdek PVC vinyl decking is one of the best in the business.

You can trust that Tufdek's vinyl surface warranties will give you peace of mind for your roof deck.

Their warranty is a testament to the quality of their products.

The proof of Tufdek's quality is indeed in their warranty.

Cost and Regulations

The cost of a roof deck can vary depending on the material used, with plywood sheathing costing between $2.00 and $5.00 per square foot for installation.

You'll also need to consider labor costs, which can add up quickly, typically ranging from $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot.

If your home has plank decking, it may be cheaper to install plywood or OSB over the top, especially if the plank decking is already in place.

For a typical roof of 1,500 square feet, the combined cost of materials and labor for roof decking could range from $3,750 to $8,250.

Make sure to check with your local building codes, as they may require thicker material for sheathing, increasing the overall cost.

Cost

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The cost of roof decking can be a bit tricky to pin down due to fluctuating lumber prices, but it's generally between $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot for materials like plywood or OSB.

Labor costs significantly add to the overall expense, with an additional $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot being a common budget.

For a typical roof of 1,500 square feet, the combined cost of materials and labor could range from $3,750 to $8,250.

The cost of replacing roof decking can also be affected by local codes and regulations, which may require thicker materials, increasing the cost.

Some sources estimate that the installation cost per square foot for plywood sheathing is between $2.00 and $5.00.

Understanding Code Regulations

Understanding Code Regulations is crucial to avoid costly rework or even a failed inspection. The International Residential Code requires asphalt shingles to be fastened to solid sheathing roof decking.

To comply with the code, you'll need to replace any decking that can't adequately hold your newly installed roof. This includes rotten decking or decking that's not strong enough to withstand the weight of the new roof.

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Following the manufacturer's instructions is also a must, as the IRC requires professional roofing companies to do so. This ensures that your roof is installed correctly and safely.

If your roof has plank decking, be aware that there can be no more than ⅛” between the planks as of 2021. This is a key requirement to stay compliant with the code.

Your local building code may also dictate the thickness of your sheathing, so be sure to check with your local authorities to ensure you're meeting the necessary requirements.

Sheathing and Decking

Solid sheathing is a roof decking system that provides a continuous surface underneath your roofing material. It's almost always made out of structural panels like plywood or OSB, which helps transfer lateral loads to the walls from the plane of the roof.

Plywood and OSB are the most common materials used for roof sheathing. Plywood became popular due to its strength and longevity, while OSB is more affordable and durable.

You can use solid wood tongue and groove boards for solid sheathing if you want an exposed ceiling, but you'll need to use other methods to provide lateral-load stability.

Narrow Rib

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Type “A” Roof Deck is a 1 1/2″ deep, narrow rib, structural metal roof deck section.

It provides a wide support surface for various types of roofing materials, and thinner rigid insulation.

Roof deck products transfer horizontal and vertical loads into the building frame alone, without working compositely with other building materials.

Type A metal roofing deck is available in 22, 20, 18, and 16 gauge.

It's typically available in a galvanized (G60 or G90) finish or prime painted (gray or white) to inhibit rust while in transit.

The primer is not a finish coat.

Material is usually in stock in 20 gauge, G90 or Gray Primer in 36” cover width.

Sheathing and Decking

Solid sheathing is a roof decking system that provides a continuous surface underneath your roofing material. It's almost always made out of structural panels like plywood or OSB.

Built-up roofing and composition roofing require solid sheathing because they don't have their own structural capacity. This type of sheathing can also be used for shingle, tile, and metal roofing.

Credit: youtube.com, OSB vs Plywood Roof Decking (Sheathing)?

Plywood and OSB are commonly used materials for roof sheathing, and plywood became a popular choice due to its strength and longevity. It's still a top choice for new construction builders today.

Houses built since the mid to late 1970s likely have sheet decking made out of plywood or OSB. The thickness of your sheathing material is determined in part by the span of the rafters.

Sheet decking can come in a variety of thicknesses, including ⅜”, ½”, ⅝”, and ¾”. Plywood is a more expensive option, but it's a popular choice for its durability and strength.

Waterproof Decks

A flat roof deck is actually a bit different from a regular roof, thanks to its slight slope that allows water to linger and potentially seep into the building's structure.

Waterproof vinyl decking is popular for flat roof decks because it offers a completely waterproof barrier.

Flat roof decks are exposed to water, heat, wind, and foot traffic, so they need a roof decking material that can withstand these rigors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is level a roof deck attachment?

Level A roof deck attachment involves securing plywood or OSB to rafters or trusses with 6d nails at 6" edge spacing and 12" field spacing. This attachment method is suitable for rafters spaced 24" apart.

Lou Tarchiani

Senior Writer

Lou Tarchiani is a passionate writer, avid traveler, and animal lover. She has a diverse background, having worked in fields ranging from marketing to education. Her travels have taken her to over 20 countries, where she has immersed herself in local cultures and gained unique perspectives on the world.

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