TATA RoofDek D32S Structural Roof Deck
The RoofDek D32S is a shallow structural steel roof decking profile designed for applications where depth is limited but structural performance is essential.
With a 32mm depth and 1000mm cover width, this steel decking system delivers fast installation, excellent coverage rates, and proven structural performance across a range of span conditions.
Manufactured in S280 steel, the D32S is available in three gauges (0.7mm, 0.9mm, 1.2mm) to suit load requirements from plant room roofs and canopy structures to built-up roof systems and refurbishment projects where headroom constraints apply.
RoofDek D32S roof decking prices start from £16/m² (supply only), depending on specification, gauge, and order volume.
Quick Specifications
- Profile depth: 32mm
- Cover width: 1000mm
- Pitch: 200mm
- Trough width: 27mm (narrow flange)
- Steel grade: S280
- Available gauges: 0.7mm, 0.9mm, 1.2mm
- Bearing width: 65mm on purlin
- Span range: 0.90m to 2.40m (depending on gauge and load case)
Typical Applications
Built-Up Roof Systems
Commonly used as an inner liner tray beneath insulation in multi-layer roof assemblies, the D32S provides structural support with minimal profile intrusion.
Plant Room Roofs
Ideal for smaller span applications where equipment or services sit directly on the structural deck without requiring a deeper profile.
Canopy Structures
Well-suited to light-load canopies and covered walkways where a shallow deck maintains visual profile while delivering structural capacity.
Refurbishment Projects
Where headroom is limited, the D32S delivers structural decking without the depth constraints of larger profiles.
Small-Span Roofing
Perfectly proportioned for single and double-span applications in industrial buildings, retail, and commercial facilities.
Why This System Is Used
Shallow Profile Advantage
The 32mm depth makes the D32S one of the shallowest structural roof decking systems in the RoofDek range.
It suits projects where structural depth is constrained by building height, ceiling clearance, or architectural requirements.
Fast Installation
With 1000mm cover width, installation rates remain high. The narrow flange design (27mm trough width) simplifies lapping and bolting on comparatively shorter spans.
Proven Load Capacity
Despite its shallow profile, the D32S delivers reliable structural capacity across a 0.90m to 2.40m span range, with adequate strength for both imposed and wind suction loads.
Cost Efficiency
Reduced material weight and smaller bearing requirements (65mm versus 100mm on deeper profiles) simplify support structures and reduce overall project costs.
Refurbishment Flexibility
In retrofit applications, the shallow profile accommodates tighter headroom constraints without compromising structural performance or requiring additional support modifications.
Non-Combustible Steel
As solid steel decking, the D32S is inherently non-combustible and meets fire safety requirements across all construction classifications.
Key Technical Features
S280 Steel Grade
The D32S is manufactured exclusively in S280 steel, delivering consistent mechanical properties and design capacity across all gauges.
Three Gauge Options
Available in 0.7mm, 0.9mm, and 1.2mm to match load requirements and span conditions from light to medium-duty applications.
Solid Profile Only
The D32S is produced as a solid deck (non-perforated). This ensures full structural support and simplifies handling and installation.
Reduced Bearing Width
Requires only 65mm bearing on purlin or support, compared to 100mm for deeper profiles, simplifying beam and connection design.
1000mm Cover Width
Full 1000mm coverage delivers high installation rates and good material economy while maintaining structural continuity across laps.
Eurocode Design
All section properties and load capacities are calculated to EN 1993-1-3 and validated through independent testing.
Section Properties (Ultimate to Eurocode)
| Material | Design Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg/m²) | BF MoC (kNm/m) | BF MoI (cm⁴/m) | NF MoC (kNm/m) | NF MoI (cm⁴/m) | Int. Rw (kN/m) | End Rw (kN/m) | Shear (kN/m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.70mm S280 | 0.66 | 6.82 | 1.59 | 11.12 | 1.24 | 10.08 | 10.98 | 5.49 | 42.08 |
| 0.90mm S280 | 0.86 | 8.77 | 2.32 | 14.38 | 1.78 | 13.14 | 18.14 | 9.07 | 54.84 |
| 1.20mm S280 | 1.16 | 11.71 | 3.89 | 18.66 | 2.40 | 17.71 | 31.93 | 15.96 | 73.96 |
Note: Properties based on 65mm bearing on purlin. BF = Broad Flange, NF = Narrow Flange (both in compression). Rw values shown for internal and end bearing conditions. Shear capacity based on solid deck without perforations.
Design & Specification Considerations
Span Capability
The D32S supports single spans from 0.90m to 2.40m depending on steel gauge and load case. Double and multi-span conditions extend the safe span capability:
- 0.70mm: single spans 0.90–1.90m, multi-span to 2.40m
- 0.90mm: single spans to 2.40m across all load cases
- 1.20mm: single spans to 2.40m with higher capacity
Load Limits
Deflection limits are set at span/200 for imposed loads and span/150 for wind suction.
Always verify actual load tables against your specific span and load combination to ensure adequate capacity and prevent over-stress.
Bearing Width
A minimum of 65mm bearing width is required on support purlins or beams. This narrower bearing requirement simplifies structural frame design compared to deeper deck profiles, reducing connection costs and material weight in the supporting structure.
Sheet Length
Standard production lengths are available for most projects. For site-specific requirements, consult with RoofDek to confirm maximum production length and any cutting or trimming needs at the point of application.
Installation Considerations
Sheet Handling
The D32S is lighter than deeper profiles, making handling faster and safer.
The 1000mm cover width and shallow pitch allow standard lifting equipment and gang installation across shorter spans without intermediate support.
Fastening
Deck-to-purlin fastening is typically via self-drilling screws or bolts.
The narrow flange design simplifies lap fastening on shorter spans. Always follow RMD technical guidance for fastening patterns and pitch to resist shear and uplift loads.
Lap Configuration
Transverse laps run perpendicular to the purlins with minimum 2 corrugations overlap to ensure continuous load transfer.
Side laps are secured to resist membrane wind uplift and maintain weather tightness in built-up roof systems.
Accessibility
The shallow profile creates a compact installation footprint, ideal where headroom is constrained or where additional layers (insulation, membrane) sit directly above the deck without significant additional depth.
Support Structure
Secondary beams or purlins should be spaced to match the D32S span limits. The reduced bearing width (65mm) allows for lighter beam sections and simplified connection details compared to deeper deck systems.
Health & Safety
All installation work must follow relevant health and safety regulations. Edge protection, fall prevention, and proper access equipment are essential on any roof project, regardless of deck profile.
Common Problems This System Solves
Headroom Constraints
Refurbishment and retrofit projects often face tight ceiling or floor-to-floor restrictions. The D32S shallow profile addresses this without sacrificing structural integrity.
Material Costs
Lower steel weight reduces material procurement and handling costs. Smaller bearing widths simplify connection design and reduce support steel quantity.
Installation Speed
The wide 1000mm cover width and light weight accelerate installation rates, reducing labour costs and keeping project schedules on track.
Structural Adequacy on Shorter Spans
Where deeper profiles are overkill, the D32S provides exactly the right capacity at lower cost and reduced weight, avoiding over-engineering and waste.
Built-Up Roof Integration
As a liner tray beneath insulation and membrane, the D32S provides a solid structural base without intrusive profile depth that complicates overlay systems.
Fire Safety
As non-combustible steel, the D32S meets fire rating requirements across all construction classifications without additional protective layers.
RMD Profiles Services
RMD Profiles provides a complete range of services to support your roofing and structural decking project from initial design through final installation.
Supply Only
Order RoofDek D32S sheets cut to your specified length and delivered to your site. Our supply service ensures timely, accurate delivery of certified material.
Supply and Design
Our supply and design service includes layout drawings to optimize sheet placement, minimize waste, and maximize coverage efficiency on your roof footprint.
Supply and Fix
Our supply and fix service includes complete installation by trained teams. We manage the entire process from delivery through fastening, lapping, and final inspection.
Tool Hire
We hire out specialised decking tools, fastening equipment, and safety gear to contractors managing their own installation teams.
Safety Netting
Complete safety netting solutions for fall protection and debris containment during installation, compliant with all relevant health and safety standards.
Technical Support
Our technical team provides on-site advice, calculations, and problem-solving throughout your project to ensure optimal performance and compliance.
About Structural Roof Decking
Structural steel roof decking systems are the backbone of modern metal roof construction. As a structural roof deck, steel roof decking provides essential support for insulation, membranes, and live loads while maintaining deflection control and fire safety.
The RoofDek D32S shallow roof deck is purpose-designed for shorter span applications where a lightweight, cost-effective structural decking system is required.
In built-up roof systems, the D32S functions as a liner tray-a structural layer that sits beneath insulation and waterproofing membrane, providing a platform for installation and a load path to the primary structure.
Unlike temporary supports or non-structural decking, a proper structural deck ensures long-term durability and compliance with building codes.
Metal roof decking systems like the RoofDek D32S offer significant advantages over traditional concrete and timber alternatives: lighter weight reduces structural load; faster installation accelerates project completion; non-combustible steel meets fire ratings; and modular design allows for flexibility in layout and future modifications.
Structural decking systems are widely used in industrial buildings, commercial facilities, retail centres, and light manufacturing environments.
The RoofDek range includes multiple profile depths to match different span and load conditions. Whether you require a shallow deck like the D32S for tight headroom, or a deeper profile for longer spans, RMD Profiles provides certified steel decking backed by technical support and guaranteed performance to Eurocode standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RoofDek D32S best suited for?
The D32S is ideal for applications where profile depth is limited by building height, ceiling clearance, or architectural requirements.
It is commonly used as a liner tray beneath insulation in built-up roof systems, on plant room roofs, canopy structures, and in refurbishment projects where headroom is tight.
The shallow 32mm profile delivers structural capacity without the space penalty of deeper decking systems.
What is the maximum span for the RoofDek D32S?
The maximum span depends on steel gauge and load case. The 0.70mm gauge supports single spans up to 1.90m with imposed loads, or up to 2.40m in multi-span conditions.
The 0.90mm and 1.20mm gauges support single spans up to 2.40m across all load conditions.
Wind suction spans extend further in multi-span configurations. Always consult the full load table for your specific span and load combination to confirm adequate capacity.
Can the RoofDek D32S be used as a standalone structural deck?
Yes. The D32S is a fully structural roof deck certified to Eurocode standards. It can function as a standalone structural layer in plant rooms, canopies, and small-span roofing applications, or as a liner tray beneath insulation and membrane in built-up systems.
The choice depends on your project requirements, load conditions, and whether additional thermal or waterproofing layers are needed.
What bearing width is required for the RoofDek D32S?
A minimum of 65mm bearing width is required on support purlins or beams. This narrower requirement compared to deeper profiles simplifies beam design, reduces connection costs, and allows for lighter structural frames.
The compact bearing footprint is one of the key advantages of the shallow D32S profile.
How does the RoofDek D32S compare to deeper profiles?
The D32S is the shallowest profile in the RoofDek range. It is ideal for short-span applications where deeper profiles would be over-sized and wasteful.
Deeper profiles offer greater bending strength and support longer spans, but require more building height and increase material costs. Choose the D32S if your spans are short, headroom is limited, or you want to minimize structural depth.
Choose a deeper profile if you need longer span capability or higher load capacity.
Ready to Specify RoofDek D32S?
Contact RMD Profiles today to discuss your structural roof decking requirements. Our team provides technical support, layout design, and competitive pricing on all RoofDek products.
