They’ve got you covered! The strongest roof board on the market

By Dani Sheehan. 

Roof cover boards are integral to protecting a roof system. Learn how to select the best cover board for your next commercial project. 

When hurricanes and other disasters strike an area, it seems the emphasis always lands on the damage done to residential homes. However, commercial buildings are equally susceptible to damage, disrupting businesses and the livelihoods of many business and building owners. Hurricanes pose catastrophic threats to a building envelope because of the excessive winds and the pressure they create on a roofing system. This pressure build up is known as wind uplift.  

According to the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA), wind uplift “occurs when the pressure below the roof is greater than the pressure above. This can be intensified during high winds, as air infiltrates into the building, causing an increase in air pressure below the roof, while the speed of the wind over the roof reduces the air pressure above it.” With enough force, this puts too much pressure on the roof system, damaging the integrity of the structure in the same way debris or fallen trees can create holes and leaks.  

Understanding the effects of each of the elements within the building envelope can help mitigate future devastation and keep a building functioning properly no matter the weather event. One such element that is integral to preventing damage to the roof but often overlooked is a roof cover board. In particular, USG Securock® Brand Gypsum-Fiber Roof Board is highly rated for its wind uplift value as determined by FM Approvals.  

Not only does it exceed wind uplift resistance testing, but it also has extremely high compressive strengths at 1,800 psi. This means it can handle impact, high winds and fire with greater security, and can be installed with fewer fasteners, improving efficiency from day one of installation. And because of USG’s rigorous testing before products go to market, you can be sure that once it’s installed, you won’t have callbacks to repair damages from natural wear and tear or weather events over time. Watch the video below to see how its unique, fiber-reinforced composition stands up against impact and water to make it the best protection for the entire building. 

Read USG’s full article on wind uplift and learn about the USG solution for high-performing buildings.