Roof protection education
How a cover board can help you mitigate risks.
When you’re trying to get a customer to understand the value of a cover board, it’s best to start with the basics. Some of the information on this page may be familiar to you ... but it could be new to your stakeholders.These chapters will help you get them up to speed and answer questions they may have during the bidding process. Start with this video that tells you what can happen without cover board in your roofing system.
Why use a cover board?
A cover board is a rigid component in a low-slope roofing system used to enhance durability and resiliency. Its key function is to protect your roof from damage.A glass-mat gypsum cover board can help your roof stand up to fire, wind uplift, hail and punctures.
Where does it go?
A cover board is typically installed below the waterproofing membrane and above the insulation.
Glass-mat gypsum cover board can also be installed in the “roof board position” at the bottom of the roofing assembly. Here, it would protect the roof from internal fire within the building. This could help prevent the roofing system from becoming additional fuel.
Common membrane choices
A roof that can stand up to high winds, heavy rain and severe hail starts with a strong, durable membrane.
EPDM – (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer)
A resilient, synthetic elastomer. Available in black and white, in a variety of widths and two thicknesses, 45 and 60-mil. It can be installed either fully adhered, mechanically attached or ballasted, with seams sealed by liquid adhesives or specially formulated tape.
TPO – (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
A reflective, white roofing material made primarily from recycled rubber. Can be fastened, attached or ballasted. Must be installed in dry conditions due to the heat adhesion seaming process. Material quality varies drastically among manufacturers, which may cause price variability.
PVC – (Polyvinyl Chloride)
A durable, long-lasting, reflective, white plastic monomer. Flexible and resistant to moisture, wind, fire and chemicals. Available in a range of widths and thicknesses from 50 to 80-mil.
MOD Bit – (Modified Bitumen)
A durable, flexible material made of asphalt combined with either polymerized rubber (SBS—styrene-butadiene-styrene) or plasticized polymers (APP—atactic polypropylene). It is then reinforced with fiberglass to create a waterproof membrane. Usually installed from rolls directly onto the substrate via an adhesive. The material may be heat-welded, cold-adhered, or in some cases, self-adhered or mechanically attached.
Cover board options and comparison
Did you know that system manufacturers require a cover board for a 30-year roof? That’s why several types are available. See the differences in your options below.Fight fire with a noncombustible core
Fire resistant vs. noncombustible
Not all Class A roofing assemblies are equal. Just because a material is fire resistant doesn’t mean it can’t burn.
Fire-resistant materials may withstand fire for a time, slow down its spread or simply delay ignition.
Noncombustible materials will not ignite or burn at all under normal conditions.
DensDeck® Roof Boards are noncombustible based on ASTM E136 testing. Their gypsum core and fiberglass mat facers help to mitigate the risk of rooftop fire damage from every direction.
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