Building Science FAQ — Ep. 5

on January 30, 2019 at 1:23 pm

What is the difference between a metal roof and a metal deck?

Welcome to Episode 5 of The Building Science FAQ series.

The Building Science FAQ video series explores some of the technical questions that crop up when specifying a low-slope roof. In this episode, James R. Kirby, AIA, GAF Building and Roofing Science Architect and James Willits, GAF Building and Roofing Science Specialist, discuss the structural and end-use differences between metal decks and metal panels. They also visit Senior Research Associate Erica Sherman in the R&D lab to examine the fundamental differences in deck and panel strength, thickness, and geometry.

Watch

Episode 1: How Strong is a Thermoplastic Weld?

Episode 2: How Chemical Resistant are TPO and PVC?

Episode 3: What is a roof coating?

Episode 4: Air Barrier vs. Vapor Retarder

Author

James R. Kirby, AIA

James R. Kirby, AIA, is GAF’s building and roofing science architect for the East Coast. Jim has a Masters of Architectural Structures and is a licensed architect. He has nearly 25 years of experience in the roofing industry covering low-slope roof systems, steep-slope roof systems, metal panel roof systems, spray polyurethane foam roof systems, vegetative roof coverings, and rooftop photovoltaics. He understands the effects of heat, air, and moisture movement through a roof system. Jim presents building and roofing science information to architects, consultants and building owners, and writes articles and blogs for building owners and facility managers, and the roofing industry. Kirby is a member of AIA, ASTM, ICC, MRCA, NRCA, RCI, and the USGBC.

There are 4 comments

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Aaron on 20 February, 2019 at 05:31
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This is a really interesting topic that you have shared. These will really help me in commercial building.
- James R. Kirby, AIA on 20 February, 2019 at 10:44
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  Aaron, thank you for reading our GAF blogs, and I’m glad they’re useful to you and your business. You keep reading and we’ll keep blogging!
Paul Ramon on 18 April, 2019 at 10:11
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Very nice video! Will be sure to send this to a client after explaining myself.
- Thomas J Taylor, PhD on 18 April, 2019 at 14:12
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  Paul – thanks. Our team is currently looking at the best approach to recovering metal roofing with single ply, so if that’s your interest expect more articles over the coming year. There are different ideas on fastening of single ply over metal decks – we want all roofing projects to be successful, so we have some behind the scenes research going on right now in this area.