RoofDek D153 – Deep Structural Roof Deck
The RoofDek D153 is a deep, long-span structural roof decking system ( 840mm Cover Width) engineered for large industrial and commercial buildings requiring maximum span capability and structural efficiency. With depths up to 153mm and spans reaching 8.20m in solid steel, this metal roof deck delivers exceptional stiffness and load-carrying performance for warehouses, distribution centres, manufacturing plants, aircraft hangars, and large retail facilities.
Available in both solid and web perforated variants with S320 high-strength steel, the D153 combines long-span structural performance with integrated acoustic control where required. This deep profile represents the highest-performing roof decking solution within the RoofDek range.
RoofDek D153 prices start from £28/m² (supply only), depending on specification, gauge, and order volume.
Typical Applications
Large Warehouses & Distribution Centres
Long-span structural decking for high-bay storage with minimal intermediate support.
Manufacturing Plants
Heavy equipment loads and long unobstructed roof areas for production facilities.
Aircraft Hangars
Deep deck capability meets large-span requirements for wide hangar bays.
Sports Halls & Arenas
Perforated variant provides acoustic performance for large open spans.
Large Retail Facilities
Column-free ceiling spans for modern retail and shopping centres.
Why This System Is Used
- Long spans reduce intermediate supports, lowering overall structural steelwork and project cost
- 153mm deep profile delivers exceptional stiffness and deflection control for demanding long-span roof decking applications
- S320 high-strength steel is available only on D153 – enabling maximum structural efficiency in the range.
- Solid variant spans to 8.20m – one of the longest-spanning profiles available.
- Web perforated variant combines long spans (up to 6.80m) with acoustic control using P3L-5 perforation pattern (23.5%).
- 840mm cover width minimises lap joints and accelerates installation.
- Steel-only construction ensures predictable performance without bimetallic corrosion risk
Key Technical Features
Profile Dimensions
- Depth: 153mm
- Cover width: 840mm
- Pitch: 280mm
- Trough depth: 119mm
- Narrow flange: 40mm
Steel Specification
- Steel grade: S320 only
- Gauges: 0.75mm, 0.88mm, 1.25mm
- No aluminium option
- Bearing on purlin: 100mm minimum
Structural Performance
- Solid spans: 5.20m to 8.20m
- Perforated spans: 3.80m to 6.80m
- Deflection – imposed: span/200
- Deflection – suction: span/150
Perforation Option – Web Perforated
- Pattern: P3L-5 (23.5% open area ratio)
- Hole size: 3.0mm diameter
- Centre spacing: 5.5mm square centres (not triangular)
- Exposed soffit open area: 6.2% | Cover area open: 11%
- Provides acoustic control in large open spaces
Section Properties – Solid D153
Properties based on 100mm bearing on purlin. S320 steel grade.
| Steel Gauge & Grade | Mass (kg/m²) | Ax (cm²/m) | Ay (cm²/m) | Ix (cm⁴/m) | Iy (cm⁴/m) | J (cm⁴/m) | Zy (cm³/m) | Py (kN/m) | My (kNm/m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.75mm S320 | 0.71 | 10.50 | 12.08 | 345.96 | 9.66 | 356.17 | 24.20 | 5.72 | 52.89 |
| 0.88mm S320 | 0.84 | 12.33 | 15.57 | 422.62 | 12.43 | 430.37 | 34.40 | 8.32 | 72.20 |
| 1.25mm S320 | 1.21 | 17.54 | 25.61 | 634.09 | 20.58 | 634.09 | 71.20 | 18.07 | 142.59 |
Section Properties – Web Perforated D153
Web perforated – pattern P3L-5 (23.5%). 3.0mm holes at 5.5mm square centres.
| Steel Gauge & Grade | Mass (kg/m²) | Ax (cm²/m) | Ay (cm²/m) | Ix (cm⁴/m) | Iy (cm⁴/m) | J (cm⁴/m) | Zy (cm³/m) | Py (kN/m) | My (kNm/m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.75mm S320 | 0.71 | 9.86 | 11.92 | 343.56 | 9.03 | 352.29 | 16.36 | 3.78 | 37.95 |
| 0.88mm S320 | 0.84 | 11.58 | 15.41 | 419.56 | 11.94 | 425.95 | 23.64 | 5.58 | 51.72 |
| 1.25mm S320 | 1.21 | 16.46 | 25.55 | 628.00 | 19.06 | 628.00 | 50.08 | 12.41 | 101.82 |
Design & Specification Considerations
Solid vs. Perforated
Choose solid D153 for maximum span capability (up to 8.20m) and optimal structural stiffness. Select web perforated D153 (P3L-5 pattern) when acoustic control is required — perforated variant spans to 6.80m with 23.5% open area ratio for noise absorption in large open spaces.
Steel Grade
D153 is manufactured exclusively in S320 high-strength steel. This grade is not available on other profiles in the RoofDek range. S320 enables the longest spans and highest load capacities, making it the optimal choice for deep-deck structural applications.
Gauge Selection
The 0.88mm gauge is unique to D153 (other profiles typically use 0.90mm). Select 0.75mm for lighter loadings, 0.88mm for balanced performance, or 1.25mm for maximum strength and stiffness. Consult structural engineers for final gauge determination based on design loads and span requirements.
Bearing on Purlin
D153 requires 100mm minimum bearing width on purlin. Ensure purlin sections and spacings accommodate this bearing requirement to maximise structural performance and prevent bearing stress failures.
Perforated Acoustic Performance
The P3L-5 perforation pattern (used on D153 only) is distinct from triangular hole patterns on other profiles (D46/D60/D100 use 4546 pattern; D137 uses 3327 pattern). This square-hole pattern is optimised for D153’s deep profile geometry and provides 6.2% open area on the exposed soffit.
Installation Considerations
- Deep profile (153mm) requires robust temporary support during installation – coordinate with site safety procedures and crane lifting protocols.
- 840mm cover width reduces lap joints compared to narrower profiles – faster deck laying and fewer splice connections.
- 100mm minimum bearing on purlin must be maintained – use purlin clip or bearing plate systems to ensure proper bearing engagement.
- Temporary bracing and shoring may be required during installation due to profile depth – consult temporary works designs with engineer.
- Perforated variant – vapour control layer (VCL) must be positioned UNDERNEATH the tray when soffit is exposed. This prevents moisture condensation on internal surfaces and maintains acoustic performance.
- Fastening systems must engage deck corrugations – use setting-out drawings to ensure all fasteners hit structural support and are not placed in troughs.
- Site access for installation teams and crane positioning must be planned early – deep deck installations require specialised handling.
Common Problems Solved
Long Spans without Intermediate Supports
…in wide buildings using high-performance roof decking systems. Eliminates the need for additional secondary beams or columns in wide buildings – spans to 8.20m in solid steel reduce structural complexity and building cost.
Acoustic Issues in Large Spaces
Perforated D153 provides inherent sound absorption (P3L-5 pattern, 23.5% open area) – reduces echoing in warehouses, sports halls, and manufacturing spaces without secondary ceiling treatments.
Heavy Load Requirements
S320 steel grade and deep profile geometry provide moment of inertia up to 634.09 cm⁴/m – handles concentrated plant loads and equipment weights without excessive deflection making it ideal for high-load structural roof decking applications
Thermal Stability in Steel-Only Systems
No aluminium option – pure steel construction ensures consistent thermal expansion behaviour and eliminates bimetallic junction corrosion risk.
VCL Placement on Perforated Decks
When soffit is exposed, VCL sits underneath the tray — prevents internal condensation and maintains acoustic soffit finish without waterproofing compromise.
RMD Profiles Services
RMD Profiles provides comprehensive structural roof deck services to ensure optimal performance and seamless project delivery. RoofDek D153 is available on a supply only basis or as part of a fully engineered system through our supply and design service as well as our Supply , Supply and Design and full Supply, Design and Fix service.
Supply Only
RoofDek D153 delivered to site, ready for installation. You manage design, fastening, and site work
Supply & Design Service
RMD engineers design the roof deck system for your building, verify structural adequacy, and supply material. You manage installation and site coordination.
Supply & Fix Service
RMD supplies and installs the complete D153 roof deck system. We manage fastening schedules, alignment, and on-site quality assurance.
Tool Hire & Equipment
Specialised deck-laying equipment available for hire. Includes handling rigs, temporary bracing, and cutting tools for on-site preparation.
Safety Netting & Containment
Temporary netting and edge protection systems meet site safety requirements during deck installation and construction phases.
Technical Support & Site Assistance
On-call technical advice during design and construction phases. RMD representatives available to advise on installation, fastening, and problem resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What span can D153 achieve?
Solid D153 spans from 5.20m to 8.20m depending on gauge, purlin spacing, and imposed loads in structural roof decking applications. Web perforated D153 spans 3.80m to 6.80m. Exact span depends on detailed structural analysis using section properties tables and purlin member properties. Contact RMD for span calculations matching your building geometry.
Why is D153 only available in S320 steel?
S320 high-strength steel is specified exclusively for D153 to maximise structural efficiency in this deep-profile design. The increased yield strength (320 N/mm²) enables longer spans and higher moment capacity compared to S220 or S280 grades, delivering better performance for large industrial and commercial buildings requiring minimal intermediate support.
Is D153 available in aluminium?
No. D153 is manufactured in steel only. There is no aluminium option for this profile. Steel-only construction ensures consistent thermal stability, predictable structural behaviour, and eliminates bimetallic corrosion risk at thermal junctions.
What perforation pattern does D153 use?
D153 web perforated uses pattern P3L-5 (23.5% open area) with 3.0mm holes at 5.5mm square centres. This is distinct from other profiles: D46/D60/D100 use pattern 4546 (triangular centres), and D137 uses pattern 3327 (triangular centres). The square-hole geometry is optimised for D153’s deep profile and provides 6.2% open area on exposed soffit and 11% of cover area.
D153 vs D137 – when to choose which roof decking profile?
Choose D153 for maximum span capability and stiffness – solid spans to 8.20m with moments up to 142.59 kNm/m (1.25mm gauge), and perforated spans to 6.80m. Roofdek D137 is shallower (137mm depth) and suited to shorter spans and lighter loadings. D153 is the choice for large warehouses, distribution centres, aircraft hangars, and wide retail facilities. D137 works for smaller buildings and tighter purlin spacings.
Where should the VCL sit with perforated D153?
When the soffit of perforated D153 is exposed (no suspended ceiling), the vapour control layer (VCL) must be positioned UNDERNEATH the roof deck tray. This placement prevents warm internal air from condensing on the deck’s internal surface while maintaining the acoustic benefits of the perforated soffit. If the soffit is covered by a false ceiling, VCL placement follows standard practice for the ceiling system.
Ready to Specify RoofDek D153?
Contact RMD Profiles for technical guidance, span analysis, acoustic optimisation, and quotations. Our team delivers structural roof decking solutions for industrial, commercial, and large-span building projects.
