Between the membrane and the insulation

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how cover boards safeguard commercial roofs from hail, fire and more! 

Roof cover boards are an incredibly powerful part of a commercial roof system, but they are not often used. USG Securock® Roofing director of sales Derrick Hutchinson explained, “Cover boards have been recommended for commercial roofs since about the 1950s, however they are still not widely used. Roughly 25% of roofs have a cover board included. These 25% are called high-performance buildings, because their continued operation is critical: schools, hospitals, data centers, government buildings, airports and more.” These high-performing buildings utilize cover boards because they know it makes the overall system more durable and extends its lifespan.  

So, what exactly is a cover board? Derrick shared, “A cover board is a thin substrate to which a roof membrane is adhered. It goes on top of the insulation and underneath the membrane in a commercial roof.” They come in a variety of materials and designs, from mineral fiber board to asphaltic to gypsum. There are many ways a cover board can make a roof more secure and strong.  

For one, cover boards provide better impact protection against weather events like hail. Hail can be very damaging to the insulation layer of the roof, which, if damaged, can harm the entire building’s thermal resistance and energy efficiency. Cover boards help avoid this problem by protecting the insulation from the original risk of damage. They are also a great fire barrier, adding to a building’s overall fire resistance. A huge risk for fire in a commercial building is that same insulation that needs to be protected from hail. The same cover board that shelters the insulation from impact threats can also block it from possible ignition in case of fire.  

These are just two of the many reasons cover boards like USG Securock® Brand Roof Boards are a great option for your building. For more information, watch this video series with Derrick, read his white paper on the topic or visit USG’s website!