Large differences between the interior and exter or environment in cold climates induce a large moisture drive into roofing assemblies. During winter months moisture retained in the roofing systems does not have the ability to dry out creating a potential for corrosion within :he roofing assembly. It is shown that the propensity for steel deck to corrode is more a function of the moisture irl the roofing system and is not restricted to certain types of insulation. With the protection of a vapour barrier the deck should not be expected to corrode significantly. However vapour barrier is not always used or not always positioned directly in contact with the steel deck. The potential for corrosion exists in every roof and further research needs to be conducted to address some of the still outstanding issues.
Keywords: steel roof deck, cold climate corrosion, insulation, steel deck coatings, roof moisture, vapour barrier, structural integrity