Sustainability Benefits of Tectum Roof Deck

Tectum roof deck has been an industry leader in commercial construction for decades, due to its excellent acoustical insulation properties, compatibility with virtually any roofing material, ability to achieve high R-values, and wide variety of types to choose from.

In this blog post, our roof deck experts explain another key advantage of Tectum roof deck: the sustainability of the material and its ability to meet stringent environmental criteria.

Why is sustainability important for commercial construction?

Over the course of the last several years, there has been an increasing shift towards eco-conscious material selection for commercial construction. Sustainable construction reduces a building’s environmental footprint and can also increase its overall performance and longevity. Choosing sustainable materials helps building owners save on energy costs and conserve resources.

In addition to their environmental benefits and energy efficiency, sustainable building materials tend to be more durable; they are designed to last longer, with minimal maintenance and less frequent replacement. This decreases the lifecycle cost of the roof deck–all while ensuring compliance with local building codes and environmental regulations. In some regions, sustainable roof decks can even qualify buildings for eco-friendly certifications and incentives.

Sustainability of Tectum Roof Decks

What Are Tectum Roof Decks Made Of?

Tectum roof panels are composed of renewable Aspen wood fiber that is taken from perpetually growing trees, making it FSC-certified. The fibers are bonded using a magnesium oxy-sulfate material. Tectum processes the magnesium in the binder from sea water, and recovers waste magnesium while recycling the water used in manufacturing the panels.

Tectum deck is asbestos-free, and does not use urea formaldehyde or Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

The table below, from Armstrong World Industries, lists the renewability and origin of each material used in Tectum I panels:

What Certifications Does Tectum Deck Achieve?

Tectum I panels meet stringent sustainability criteria, including EPD, HPD, and Declare. Tectum roof decks also contribute favorably to LEED v4 and the Living Building Challenge.

Other Advantages of Tectum Roof Deck

If you’re deciding whether Tectum deck is the right choice for your commercial roof, here are a few other key considerations:

  • Noise reduction: Tectum deck achieves high NRCs, making it ideal for gymnasiums, restaurants, auditoriums, and other high-volume areas.
  • R-values: Tectum deck can achieve R-values of up to 44 as part of structural roof deck systems.
  • Versatility: There are a wide variety of Tectum roof deck panel configurations, including options with a nailable surface, high wind impact panels, high humidity panels, and low slope panels for lightweight insulating concrete (LWIC) construction.
  • Longevity: With proper maintenance, Tectum roof deck panels will last the entire life of the building.
  • Made in the U.S.: Tectum panels are manufactured in America and are not affected by global supply chain issues.

Want to Learn More?

If you have additional questions about Tectum deck, our experts are happy to consult with you. Contact us today!