1. What is a structural composite roof deck?

All Loadmaster roof decks are structural composite roof decks. They are assemblies of components attached together by a means that causes the components to act together as a single structural unit.  The  result is a structural unit that is substantially stronger than the sum of the strengths of the individual  components.  In roof decks this composite strength provides gravity load resistance, wind uplift resistance and diaphragm shear resistance – all qualities that stabilize the building under wind and seismic conditions.

 

2. Why is Loadmaster called a “roof deck system”?

A system is a group of components that act together to provide some function to a building.  Loadmaster designs, engineers and manufactures components to create structural composite roof deck assemblies or systems and sells these complete systems to trained and licensed dealers who install them.  Loadmaster does not sell individual components – only total systems.

3. What is the Loadmaster Retrofit System?

It is a group of Loadmaster components that have been designed, engineered and tested to renew structural composite roof deck assemblies that have aged and either  lost or will lose their structural composite properties during the reroofing process.  This system reinstates structural composite properties for Loadmaster roof decks, Lightweight Insulating Concrete (LWIC) roof decks and Poured Gypsum roof decks.  Additionally, it works quite well for LWIC roof decks that require additional insulation to comply with current  energy codes. 

4. How do you reroof over Loadmaster?

Reroofing usually occurs when two roof coverings have been installed over the roof deck that need replacement.  When roof coverings are removed, damage will occur to the top component of the assembly, the  Duraflex Mineral Board and its attachment to the steel sections.  This will substantially reduce the structural composite strength of the assembly.   To reinstate the structural composite strength, an optional  layer of new insulation may be installed and a new layer of Duraflex Mineral Board must be installed over the new insulation or existing Duraflex attached with the correct engineered screw attachment pattern.  The new roof covering may then be installed over the new Duraflex Mineral Board. 

5. Why should I use Loadmaster on my building?

If you want a roof covering and a roof deck that provide trouble free performance, then you need to consider a Loadmaster roof deck. A Loadmaster roof deck system provides the following:

• Free design and engineering
• Competitive pricing
• Installation by trained and licensed dealers
• Outstanding support for the roof covering
• Guaranteed suitability to work with roof covering
• Guaranteed structural performance
• Long life performance – the life of the building
• Extended roof covering life from bonding to stress free substrate
• Extended roof covering life delays roof recover costs many, many years
• Excellent protection from wind blow-offs
• Meets all IBC code requirements
• Trouble free long term service

For more information, contact your local Loadmaster representative or Dealer, or call Loadmaster at 800-527-4035. 

6. What does Loadmaster cost?

Since Loadmaster has over 5,000 different assemblies, and there can be either new construction or retrofit construction involved, we need to gather information on the building’s needs and design and engineer a system that meets those needs.  Then costs can be computed.  Loadmaster’s technical department can perform the design and engineering at no cost to the building owner and then a cost analysis can be prepared by a local Loadmaster dealer. 

7. What is the Engineered Terminator System?

It is an assembly of fabricated steel components that form structural composite units which create the termination and transition assemblies for the roof deck system.   They replace unstable wood blocking, etc. fastened to steel members that have been used in the past.  The Terminator System provides permanent, galvanized steel shapes designed and engineered to fit together to meet termination and transition needs more adequately.  For more detailed information, consult Loadmaster’s Technical Department. 

8. Why should I use Loadmaster with shingles?

Nailable Loadmaster roof decks eliminate unstable organic wood sheathing from the roof deck assembly and replace it with inorganic mineral boards. Wood sheathing confined in a roof deck assembly is cutoff from the atmosphere and unable to take on moisture to replace that which is driven out of it by heat .  This results in the sheathing shrinking (wood has a 19% moisture content), splitting and curling.  This in turn disturbs the shingle roof.   Loadmaster’s mineral boards are made from inorganic minerals and are not affected by heat from the roof covering.  They provide a stable, long lasting fireproof sheathing that lasts the life of the building.   Experience has shown that shingles over Loadmaster last many years longer than over wood. 

9. Can Loadmaster be used on a curved roof?

Most certainly!  In fact it is ideal for curved applications.  The components of the Loadmaster assembly readily lend themselves to being curved and the tongue and groove side connections of the mineral boards are securely fastened with the engineered anchorage used to create the structural composite.  This firmly connects the pieces so that no seams or ridges are formed at ends and sides of the components creating a smooth surface over the entire curved area. 

10. Does Loadmaster come with a warranty?

Yes – all Loadmaster installations can receive a warranty. The warranties are available for 10 to 30 years depending on the roof covering’s length of warranty against leakage.  Warranties cover the suitability of the roof deck to sustain and support the roof covering, the structural performance of the roof deck and its resistance to wind.  For complete details, consult with the Loadmaster Technical Department. 

11. Is it fire rated?

Yes – it has over 50 listings covering  1 hour, 2 hour and 3 hour fire resistance ratings from Underwriters Laboratories. Inc.  For specific designs consult with Loadmaster Technical Department or Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. fire resistance guides. 

12. Does it work well with slate or tile?

Yes – both slate and tile are permanent roof coverings and need permanent roof deck surfaces to be installed over.  Nailable Loadmaster roof decks eliminate temporary, unstable organic wood sheathing from the roof deck assembly and replace it with permanent,  inorganic mineral boards. Wood sheathing confined in a roof deck assembly is cutoff from the atmosphere and unable to take on moisture to replace that which is driven out of it by heat .  This results in the sheathing shrinking (wood has a 19% moisture content), splitting and curling.  This in turn disturbs the roof coverings and causes failures in the permanent roof coverings.   Loadmaster’s mineral boards are made from inorganic minerals and are not affected by heat from the roof covering.  They provide a stable, long lasting fireproof sheathing that lasts the life of the building.   Experience has shown that both slate and tile over Loadmaster provide many, many years of trouble free service – many years longer than over temporary wood.  

13. Does Loadmaster contribute to LEED credit on a building?

Yes – Loadmaster can contribute toward LEED credits on a building. Please contact Loadmaster Technical Department at 1-800-527-4035 for design assistance.