Hey Folks,

  Looking for input on the op-deck floor system for a residential application. Has anyone here had hands on experience? Wanna share?

I have not used the OP-deck system but from e-mails with Joe Riddle I understand that quotes can be given to include a turn-key job for certain areas.  I also like the idea of long spans without the need to install shoring.

Joe Riddle is currently working up a quote for me. On the home I am building I used Insul-Deck for the lower level floor. I have 200 shoring posts in place that needs to stay when I form the second floor slab. With OP-Deck I can reduce my shoring substantially. I am also using ICF to form the roof system on this home and I'm doing a 6:12 pitch. I am anxious to see how well this product performs on my second floor because it will solve several issues I have with shoring this roof system. I will be documenting the progress on my website. Once I have this info updated I will post with my website information. Hopefully it will help others decide if the product is right for them.

What is the cost point of this product guys? I'm just curious as to how it compares to a hollow core slab type product.

I am an ICF guy so I am trying to understand why you would need this type of product within an encapsulated conditioned environment, i.e. between the basement and main floor and the main floor to the second floor.

I use ICF floor systems for residential construction. Cost over precast isn't that much of a difference especially since I am already using ICF for all other aspects of the job and most second story floor areas are less than 3,000 sq ft. There are several benefits over the precast..one is sound insulation and in some cases I need to conceal the plumbing within the foam floor panel. This is one reason I like using 12" insul-deck.

In the case of Op-Deck, I plan on using it for my roof panels. With this product I should be able to span between ridge and exterior wall without intermediate shoring.

Jim Marshall
J C Marshall Construction Inc

I know this post is a little late to the discussion, but I have a couple questions about Insul-deck:

If you guys have installed/used this stuff much, who typically designs the floor? Do you need to do something special with the walls then as well for the rebar schedule, concrete strength, wall thickness? I couldn't find these design details in insul-deck's design manual and so figured I ask some folks that are familiar with the stuff. I know that it says to have a structural involved (which I will) but I want to "pre-design" as much as possible to save $$ on the structural engineer's part.

Tagging on to Chris's question, in order to save costs I'm looking at doing the basement with strip for walls and then above grade using ICF (with Insul-deck suspended floor). This way I get the benefit of the insulated shell on the first floor, and since I don't plan on using the basement in the near future for much besides storage and mechanical stuff, I don't need to heat it much either. Have you guys seen anyone do this? I'm just not exactly sure how to install the 90 degree negative movement rebar that's required for the floor, or exactly how to make the concrete beams that the design manual calls for along the walls (again structural I guess?).

Thanks!

After strongly considering OP-Deck because of its ability to span 20 foot spans without support, I have decided to stick with the Insul-Deck. I received a sample piece of Op-Deck. It has foam sandwiched between metal panels and the 1' x 4' sample is heavy. Although it can span greater unsupported spans, it presents a whole new set of issues. The weight of a 5' x 20'+ panel is close to 300 lbs. Also, I am building right on the ocean and the exposed steel is an issue. I may consider this product for other projects, but for this current project I feel the Insul-Deck is the better choice.

As far how to use the Insul-Deck for your application, the thickness of the insul-deck, amount and size of steel and how it is attached depends on your particular project. All of this needs to be designed by a structural engineer. We design all of our ICF buildings in-house. You would need to locate a local firm with knowledge of ICF. If I knew your spans and type of outer and intermediate bearing, I could give you an idea of the thickness of the Insul-Deck and the amount and size of the steel rebar. This would be for informational purposes only and in no way firm design criteria.

J C Marshall Construction Inc.
[email protected]

Wow, this one popped up while I wasn't looking. I believe Opt Deck does their own engineering, when I met with Joe Riddle he had the floor system take off and the engineering on hand. I could be wrong - I will invite him to comment here. I was impressed with the system.