Type N Roof Deck: Cost, Benefits, and Materials Explained

A Type N roof deck is a popular choice for residential construction, and for good reason. It's a cost-effective option that offers many benefits.

The cost of a Type N roof deck is relatively low, making it a great choice for budget-conscious homeowners. You can expect to pay around $2 to $5 per square foot for the materials and labor.

One of the main benefits of a Type N roof deck is its ability to support a wide range of loads. According to the International Building Code, a Type N roof deck can support a live load of 20 pounds per square foot.

This makes it an ideal choice for areas with high foot traffic or heavy snowfall.

Roof decking can be installed using a solid-sheathing or open-sheathing method, which refers to whether there are gaps between the material.

There are two main types of roof decking: plank decking and sheet decking, which refers to the style of material being used.

Plank decking offers a more traditional look, but sheet decking is often more efficient and cost-effective.

Bushwick Metals offers a selection of options on their N Roof Deck range, including different gauges (16 through to 22) and finishes.

Sheet decking is made out of flat, rectangular material that comes in various thicknesses, including ⅜”, ½”, ⅝”, and ¾”. The thickness of your sheathing material is determined by the span of the rafters.

Houses built since the mid to late 1970s are likely to have sheet decking made out of either plywood or OSB. Plywood became a popular sheet decking material due to its strength and longevity.

Plywood is a strong and long-lasting material, but OSB is more affordable and also durable and strong.

The 3 Acoustical roof deck is a type of roof deck that's designed to reduce sound levels. It's available in a 3" profile and provides sound reduction where the underside of the deck is exposed to the interior.

This type of roof deck is made by perforating the flutes of a standard 3" roof deck profile, which creates a unique acoustic characteristic.

Fabrica is a crucial step in creating a roof deck. Our fabrication team takes over from the design phase, bringing the signed-off designs to life.

The fabrication process involves creating the N Roof Deck you need, which can be transported directly to your site once completed. This ensures a seamless transition from design to construction.

We have a dedicated team that handles fabrication, so you can rest assured that your roof deck is in good hands.

The cost of a Type N roof deck can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride, especially with fluctuating lumber prices. It's estimated that the installation cost per square foot for plywood sheathing is between $2.00 and $5.00 per square foot.

Steel roof decks, like Type N, are a cost-effective option in the long run due to their durability, longevity, and low maintenance requirements. They can result in cost savings over the life of the building.

One of the benefits of a Type N roof deck is its compatibility with various roofing systems, including built-up roofs, single-ply membranes, and metal roofing. This ensures seamless integration with the overall roofing assembly, promoting efficient water drainage and weatherproofing.

A Type N roof deck can also reduce labor and construction time due to its lightweight nature. This can be especially beneficial for large-scale or novel projects where ambitious designs may require more complex construction solutions.

Here are some key benefits of a Type N roof deck at a glance:

Replacing roof decking can be a significant expense, and prices can fluctuate greatly due to changing lumber prices.

The cost of replacing roof decking can be difficult to pin down, especially with materials like CDX plywood and OSB, which have been on a roller coaster ride since the pandemic.

It usually costs about three times more for plank decking per square foot than for sheet sheathing, making it cheaper to install plywood or OSB over plank decking.

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

The cost of replacing roof decking also depends on local roofing codes, which may require thicker material, increasing the cost due to higher material costs and laborious installation.

A deck is a wonderful addition to any outdoor space, and for good reason. It provides a sturdy and safe area for relaxation, entertainment, and connection with nature.

One of the biggest benefits of a deck is its strength and durability. A steel Type N roof deck, for example, can support heavy loads and withstand environmental factors like wind, snow, and seismic activity.

The lightweight nature of a steel deck is another major advantage. It simplifies transportation, handling, and installation processes, reducing labor and construction time.

Steel decks are also fire-resistant, which makes them a safe choice for construction projects where fire protection is a concern. They can help contain fires and prevent the spread of flames, enhancing overall building safety.

A deck can also be a versatile addition to your outdoor space. Steel roof decks, in particular, can accommodate various design requirements, including different spans, shapes, and configurations.

Steel decks are also corrosion-resistant, thanks to coatings or galvanization that protect them from rust and deterioration over time. This extends the lifespan of the deck and reduces maintenance requirements.

Here are some benefits of a deck in a nutshell:

Overall, a deck can bring numerous benefits to your outdoor space, from functionality and safety to aesthetics and enjoyment.

Bushwick Metals offers a selection of gauges for their N Roof Deck range, from 16 to 22.

Their Type N Roof Deck can be coated with galvanized zinc in different weights, including G-90 and G-60, or a primer coating that requires finishing elsewhere.

If you need additional features like integral acoustic or thermal insulation, Bushwick Metals can provide solutions tailored to your project's needs.

Sheet decking is made out of flat, rectangular material that comes in various thicknesses, including ⅜”, ½”, ⅝”, and ¾”.

Plywood became a popular sheet decking material due to its strength and longevity.

Houses built since the mid to late 1970s are likely to have sheet decking made out of plywood or OSB.

OSB is a durable and strong material that's more affordable than plywood.

Plywood and OSB are the two most common types of roof sheathing materials.

One of the key benefits of Type N Roof Deck is its prompt lead times, allowing for timely production and shipping to meet on-site specifications.

Bushwick Metals offers a range of configurations to meet client requirements, with a straightforward four-part process to ensure a tailored solution.

The Type N Roof Deck is available in different gauges, from 16 to 22, and can be coated with galvanized zinc or other finishes to suit specific needs.

You can choose from various coatings, including G-90 galvanized zinc, G-60 galvanized zinc, and a primer coating, which can be finished elsewhere.

If you need additional features, such as integral acoustic or thermal insulation, Bushwick Metals can provide solutions to meet your project's demands.

Here are some of the key features and benefits of Type N Roof Deck:

Bushwick Metals is a trusted partner that prioritizes quality and customer satisfaction, recognizing the crucial role that roof deck plays in a project's structure and integrity.

O'Dell Metal is a reliable choice for metal decking needs. They offer a range of products, including N decking for concrete and steel roof decks.

Their commitment to fast service is impressive, with same and next day delivery available for their 3.0 N Deck on the East Coast. This can be a huge time-saver for contractors and builders working on tight deadlines.

O'Dell Metal proudly supplies projects in several states, including Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and more.