Cover Your Bases with Cover Board

By USG. 

There are many factors to consider when it comes to designing a roofing assembly, but one key product that is often overlooked during a project is the roofing cover board.

Cover boards are crucial in the long-term protection of a building. Although they are often value engineered out of systems, the benefit of a cover board far exceeds that of a standard substrate. The cover board serves as a critical component that helps extend the life of a roof, because without one, the roof lacks added durability and protection, making it more susceptible to hail, fire and wind damage.

Cover Board Benefits:

• Lessens the impact of damage caused by hail.
• Serves as a fire barrier protecting the roof from external fire.
• Increases the wind uplift value of a roof assembly with fewer fasteners.
• Helps support the insulation in the event of facer delamination, powdering, shrinkage, cupping and edge cavitation.
• Endorsed by The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) in all low-slope roofs.

Over the years, the construction industry has collected more detailed information about roofs and how storms and normal maintenance can damage a roof. To combat this issue, cover boards are starting to be manufactured with properties that make them stronger from the outset, leading to an increase in a roof’s lifespan.

Building codes have also played a role in the development of cover boards. The need for higher fire and wind-uplift performance has driven innovation, which has resulted in higher performing cover boards. It is expected that cover boards will continue to add value to the roofing system and the building owner.

The desire for buildings that are energy efficient, high performing, and sustainable will continue to drive development of products that achieve evolving building codes, which only further establishes cover boards as an integral step in roofing systems.

Watch this video to learn why cover boards are so important in roofing assemblies; learn more about USG Roofing Solutions here.

About USG Corporation
USG Corporation is an industry-leading manufacturer of building products and innovative solutions. Headquartered in Chicago, USG serves construction markets around the world through its Gypsum, Performance Materials, Ceilings, and USG Boral divisions. Its wall, ceiling, flooring, sheathing and roofing products provide the solutions that enable customers to build the outstanding spaces where people live, work and play. Its USG Boral Building Products joint venture is a leading plasterboard and ceilings producer across Asia, Australasia and the Middle East. For additional information, visit www.usg.com.