B Decking
Argus Steel is a premier distributor of B decking, providing rapid access to 1.5-inch structural metal for industrial roofing and light floor form. We offer a vast inventory of stock gauges to clients worldwide. From single sheets for repairs to thousands of square feet, we supply the exact steel roof deck configuration your application demands.
What Is B Deck?
Type B metal deck features a 1.5-inch deep, wide-rib profile (typically 2.5 inches wide at the top). It balances strength and efficiency for industrial roofing. Engineers often specify type B metal deck because its wide rib openings enable fast, secure welding and easy rigid insulation installation. As a noncomposite deck, it relies solely on its steel profile for strength, ideal for standard roof loads and light formwork.
Profiles, Gauges and Finishes
We supply B decking in various gauges and finishes to match your specific environmental conditions:
- Gauges: Our inventory of corrugated metal decking includes 22, 20, 18 and 16 gauge options, and heavier gauges (14 GA) for high-load applications.
- Finishes: Choose galvanized steel decking (G60/G90) for high-humidity exterior environments, prime and paint for dry interior applications, and stainless steel or galvalume finishes for corrosive industrial settings.
- Custom lengths: While we stock standard lengths for quick shipping, we can also coordinate cut-to-length orders to minimize field waste.
Load Capacity and Span Tables
To select the right B deck gauge options:
- Identify your span condition: Determine if your deck will cover a simple span (one span between two supports), two spans (continuous over one intermediate support), or three or more spans.
- Locate your span length: Find the distance between your structural supports (from 5 feet to 11 feet) in the top row.
- Select your gauge: Cross-reference your span length with the gauge rows (22, 20, 18) to find the maximum uniform total load in pounds per square foot (PSF).
Roofing vs. Flooring Applications
The B profile serves dual purposes depending on your installation needs:
- Metal deck roofing: As a primary roof support, B deck carries rigid insulation, built-up membranes and snow loads. Its diaphragm shear strength adds critical lateral stability to warehouses and industrial structures.
- Flooring and form deck: B deck functions as a stable, stay-in-place form for lightweight concrete slabs. Since it lacks embossments for composite action, the concrete slab requires independent reinforcement to carry design loads.
B Deck Attachment and Installation
To ensure wind uplift resistance and diaphragm strength, Argus Steel supplies:
- Fastening: Attach deck to supports using arc spot welds, self-drilling screws or power-actuated pins.
- Sidelaps: Secure adjacent sheets using button punches (crimps) or top seam welds.
- Accessories: Complete perimeter installation with necessary closures, edge forms and pour stops.
Why Choose Argus Steel?
Argus Steel has been in the metals business since 1979. As an established structural metal products distributor, we offer:
- Expert sourcing: We use deep industry connections to find specific gauges or finishes that other suppliers might not stock.
- No minimum orders: From small maintenance patches to full truckloads, our team fulfills orders of any size.
- Rapid fulfillment: We can accommodate same-day shipping and next-day delivery to the Mid-Atlantic and Mid-South regions, with efficient logistics for national and international clients.
Get a Quote
Contact Argus Steel for expert guidance on B deck options. Request a free quote for your specific project designs or answer the form below for additional product information.