When installing metal decking, it is often necessary to close off the ends to prevent concrete or other materials from spilling out. With a variety of metal deck closures to choose from, you will need to find the one that’s most suited to your project’s specific needs.
In this article, we will outline the three most common types of metal deck closures and how they are used in construction projects.
What are the common metal deck closure types?
A metal deck closure is a piece of metal decking that has been fashioned so that it encloses the deck’s outer edge. A closure will have two different legs, which help with rigidity and creating a snug fit. Choosing the right closure application will make a huge difference in the success of your build.
Metal Deck Cell Closure
Metal deck cell closures are fashioned out of angular sheet metal. They are designed to fit over the open cell ends of a wide variety of metal decking. Using this closure type prevents wet concrete from leaking through and ensures a solid, closed end.
In addition, metal deck cell closures tend to be 20 gauge with a galvanized finish. These are available in a variety of sizes and depths depending on the project and metal decking type. The most common sizes of cell closure are 3×1, 2×1, and 1.5×1.5 inches.
Gauge Metal Edge Form
A gauge metal edge form is regularly used on floor decking to withstand wet concrete while the concrete is being poured. The metal edge form keeps the concrete at the edge of the enclosure.
Metal edge forms tend to be made at a 90-degree angle shape with a 10’-10” length. The height tends to be the same as the thickness of the concrete slab. For example, if the concrete is 4 inches thick, then the leg of the metal edge form enclosure will also be 4 inches.
While determining the height tends to be straightforward, the length of the bottom leg will vary depending on two things:
- if the edge form cantilevers and hangs out of the steel beam bounds, or…
- if the edge form stops at the outside edge of the steel beam’s perimeter
When the former scenario happens, the cantilevered edge must be a minimum of 3” wide on the steel beam flange. If we encounter the latter, the edge form bottom leg should be 3” wide.
In addition, metal edge form gauges tend to be highly customized. The most common are 10, 12, 16, or 18 gauge, with 16 gauge being the most popular. The more the gauge cantilever goes outside the perimeter beam, the thicker the gauge needs to be. At CSM, we usually provide a light gauge framing (12 -24 ga) when indicated.
If rigidity is a concern, a stiffening rib can be fashioned on the top side of the gauge edge form to add structural integrity.
Bent Plate Edge Form
Bent plate edge form is typically made out of steel plate. It is primarily used to as a pour stop for concrete flooring. Due to the nature of the application, this form tends to be stronger and thicker, which means it can become part of the steel supporting frame of a structure.
The steel plate edge form thickness varies from 3/16” to about 1/2″ and it’s fundamental goal is to support the outside window wall or curtain wall. This happens by attaching mullions and clips straight to the bent plate edge form. The steel bars are welded to the bent plate edge form horizontally to strengthen it. To make this happen before the concrete is poured, the steel bars are expanded into the concrete slab area. This method provides additional strength to the bent plate edge forms. Structural Bent Plate is typically provided by the steel fabricator and is excluded by CSM.
Metal Deck Closures from CSM
Whether you need guidance on what type of metal deck closure to choose or you’re ready to place an order, we highly recommend working with our team to ensure the best pick and the fastest delivery possible. At CSM Products & Solutions, our team has all the tools and experience to make sure your project is a success.
Contact us today for more guidance on metal deck closures or to place an order.
