I have not used star board but some of those HDPE sheet materials can be pretty slippery when wet. I assume that they do something to make this less of an issue since it is used in marine applications.
Roof Decking Question: Aluminum Perforated Sheets vs. King Starboard (HDPE) Sheets
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I used 1/2 luan ply finished with non-skid deck paint. Light, cheap, strong enough. Easy to tweak, easy to repair.
![Photograph Vehicle Car Hood Automotive lighting]()
The amount of bracing needed should be added to the equation. If you're planning on standing up there or putting serious weight, the supports need to be pretty close together. I'm assuming this is just a cover going on top of a pre-made roof rack?
Also, expansion/contraction of HDPE or ABS or other plastics is much more severe than aluminum. This can wallow out the mounting holes drilled through it, or result in permanent visible sags from where it got hot, sagged, and then never recovered to original shape.
I'd go with aluminum, stanless, honeycomb phenolic, or maybe marine grade teak plywood. 1/2" thick about $200.
![Brown Product Rectangle Wood Beige]()
Also, expansion/contraction of HDPE or ABS or other plastics is much more severe than aluminum. This can wallow out the mounting holes drilled through it, or result in permanent visible sags from where it got hot, sagged, and then never recovered to original shape.
I'd go with aluminum, stanless, honeycomb phenolic, or maybe marine grade teak plywood. 1/2" thick about $200.
I used chicken coop flooring, uv stable, lightweight drains and it cheap!
farmerboyag.com
Plastic Poultry Flooring 2 ft. x 4 ft.
Plastic poultry flooring is safer for birds and a more biosecure option for eggs. Learn more and order online.
farmerboyag.com
How thick is it? Can you stand on it with a 16" center support?I used chicken coop flooring, uv stable, lightweight drains and it cheap!
Plastic Poultry Flooring 2 ft. x 4 ft.
Plastic poultry flooring is safer for birds and a more biosecure option for eggs. Learn more and order online.
So far so good! Deck made it easy to shovel after a recent snow storm.
We've dinged the deck panels a couple times. Easy repair just remove the panel, sand and repaint.
On the larger panels, we added finger holes for easier handling. Sometimes we use a pull strap to raise the panels onto the roof. Be careful the non-skid is like sandpaper and it scratches. Might be smart to put the non-skid only on the top surface.
The narrow slots on the crossbars require somewhat precise alignment. I made the bolt-down holes oversized, used drop-in t-nuts with fender washers. There's enough slop in the system such that the bolt-down holes don't require perfect alignment with the crossbar slots.
The t-nuts are Amazon.
Amazon.com: 80/20 Inc, 14162, 10, 25 Series 10-32 Standard Drop in T-Nut (25 Pack) : Industrial & Scientific
Buy 80/20 Inc, 14162, 10, 25 Series 10-32 Standard Drop in T-Nut (25 Pack): Strut-Channel Nuts - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Yes I use the crossbars that came with the FlatLine rack. Purchased two extra rails from FlatLine. Also bought a couple of short bars and L-bracket connectors from 8020 to reinforce the decking on the sides of the roof fan.
In front of the fan, there is roughly a 15-inch span between the crossbars. The panels flex under bodyweight, but give adequate support. I do not notice vibration or sound at highway speeds. The gaps between the panels have been useful as handholds.
Where was the photo taken with all the snow on it? Tahoe?So far so good! Deck made it easy to shovel after a recent snow storm.
View attachment 165324
We've dinged the deck panels a couple times. Easy repair just remove the panel, sand and repaint.
On the larger panels, we added finger holes for easier handling. Sometimes we use a pull strap to raise the panels onto the roof. Be careful the non-skid is like sandpaper and it scratches. Might be smart to put the non-skid only on the top surface.
View attachment 165325
The narrow slots on the crossbars require somewhat precise alignment. I made the bolt-down holes oversized, used drop-in t-nuts with fender washers. There's enough slop in the system such that the bolt-down holes don't require perfect alignment with the crossbar slots.
View attachment 165326
The t-nuts are Amazon.
Amazon.com: 80/20 Inc, 14162, 10, 25 Series 10-32 Standard Drop in T-Nut (25 Pack) : Industrial & Scientific
Buy 80/20 Inc, 14162, 10, 25 Series 10-32 Standard Drop in T-Nut (25 Pack): Strut-Channel Nuts - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchaseswww.amazon.com
Yes I use the crossbars that came with the FlatLine rack. Purchased two extra rails from FlatLine. Also bought a couple of short bars and L-bracket connectors from 8020 to reinforce the decking on the sides of the roof fan.
In front of the fan, there is roughly a 15-inch span between the crossbars. The panels flex under bodyweight, but give adequate support. I do not notice vibration or sound at highway speeds. The gaps between the panels have been useful as handholds.
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