Future-proof roofs with cover boards

By Emma Peterson. 

From fire protection to operational efficiency, learn why high-performing cover boards are a crucial component of commercial roof systems. 

Overall, roof cover boards are known to extend the life of a roof, lower the need for maintenance and in emergency, can even save lives. But they are often out of sight, out of mind and not prioritized during installation as much as they should be. USG’s Andy Vegter, Securock® Roofing national account manager, and Derrick Hutchinson, Securock® Roofing director of sales, dive into what cover boards are and why they are so valuable in this cover board FAQ series. 

The key role of a cover board is to protect the insulation in the roof assembly. Andy explained, “How cover boards extend the life of the building and create value are in the protection and durability that they offer by protecting that insulation. The roof would last longer so, in the end it would save money for the owner on the project.” Without a cover board in place, insulation is vulnerable to damages of many varieties, from fire to foot traffic and debris accumulation. 

Derrick explained more about how cover boards can protect against threats like fire, sharing, “If it's an interior fire, it helps to reduce the amount that that insulation melts and adds fuel to the flames. In the event of an external fire, if there's a tree or a building next door that's on fire, the wind will blow that fire and that heat onto a roof next door and the cover board protects that roof system from igniting and just burning down the entire building. Your membrane may get scorched, but the cover board will not burn and allow that insulation to ignite and just spread throughout the building.”  

Further, in the event of threats such as rain or hail that often damage the roof system and cause leaks, having a cover board in place will allow you to keep the building open and operating through any needed repairs, rather than having to shut it down. This is why many critical use buildings, such as data centers, hospitals, schools, airports, and government buildings, utilize high-performance roofing systems that include reliable products like USG Securock® Brand Roof Boards.     

For more on the importance of roof cover boards, visit usg.com/roof-cover-board-faqs.