Understanding Board Roof Types and Components

A board roof is a type of roof that consists of boards laid on top of a series of joists or rafters.

The most common type of board roof is the flat board roof, which is made up of horizontal boards laid on top of a flat surface.

Flat board roofs are often used for sheds and small outbuildings because they are relatively simple to build and require minimal materials.

The boards used in a board roof can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic.

Wooden boards are a popular choice for board roofs because they are durable and can be easily repaired if damaged.

The boards are typically laid on top of a layer of underlayment material, which provides additional protection against the elements.

The size and spacing of the boards will depend on the specific design of the roof and the type of materials used.

There are several types of commercial roofs, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits.

Flat roofs are a popular choice for commercial properties, making up about 70% of all commercial roofs.

A flat roof's low slope, typically less than 10 degrees, allows for easy maintenance and repair.

A built-up roof, also known as a BUR, is a type of flat roof that consists of multiple layers of roofing felt and asphalt.

Modified bitumen roofs are another type of flat roof, offering improved durability and resistance to heat and cold.

Commercial roofing cover boards are thin substrates made from various materials, installed between insulation and membrane layers on a roof system. They serve as a barrier to prevent damage from hot asphalt or solvent-based adhesives.

Cover boards are commonly used to add durability to roof systems, improve impact resistance, and limit external fire spread. They can also be used to create a thermal barrier and vapor barrier.

Cover boards are a widely accepted roof component that adds various attributes to commercial roof design. They provide a suitable substrate for membrane installation and can be used in re-roof applications.

Here are some benefits of using cover boards in a roof system:

However, cover boards can be costly to install, and their use may not be necessary in low-traffic areas or systems that don't require high impact resistance.

Commercial roofs come in a variety of types, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. One key component of a commercial roof is the cover board, which is installed between the insulation and membrane layers.

A cover board is a thin substrate made from materials like gypsum fiber, gypsum, wood fiber, and more. These materials offer different properties, making each type better-suited for specific installations.

Some common types of commercial roof cover boards include:

Each of these types has its own advantages and disadvantages, and selecting the right one is crucial for a successful roof installation.

Roof sheathing, also known as roof decking, is the wooden boards that make up the framing of a roof system.

There are two types of roof sheathing: plank and sheet.

Plank sheathing is made up of elongated and rectangular wooden boards that come in 2 different sizes, 1x6 or 1x8.

Plank sheathing was used before the invention of plywood and is still seen on homes today.

Sheet sheathing, on the other hand, is wide, flat sheets of wood, with plywood and OSB being the two types.

OSB is the most popular choice for sheathing today and is made of wood chips and strips compressed together to form a flat 7/16” sheet.

Plywood has several different thicknesses (⅜”, ½”, ⅝”, and ¾”) depending on the span of your rafters.

The type of sheathing you get depends on your budget and the availability of the wood.

Roof sheathing impacts the cost of a new roof, with the price increasing as more sheathing gets replaced.

A full re-deck is significantly more expensive than replacing a few rotten or broken boards.

Roof insulation is a crucial component of a board roof system, providing thermal insulation and protection from the elements. You can choose from a variety of insulation types, including polyiso insulation.

Polyiso insulation, such as ENRGY 3, offers a high R-value to keep your building well-insulated. ENRGY 3 CGF, in particular, achieves a UL Class A approval in select systems, providing an extra layer of fire-resistance.

A closed-cell polyisocyanurate foam core insulation board like ENRGY 3 provides a high R-value per inch, making it an excellent choice for board roofs. This type of insulation is also resistant to moisture and can be used in a variety of applications.

Here are some key types of polyiso insulation:

Roof Insulation is a crucial aspect of any building's construction. It helps keep your building well-insulated from the elements.

ENRGY 3 is a closed-cell polyisocyanurate foam core insulation board that offers a high R-value, which is essential for keeping your building warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

ENRGY 3 CGF, on the other hand, is a closed-cell polyisocyanurate foam core with an inorganic-coated glass facer on each side, providing high R-value per inch and achieving a UL Class A approval in select systems.

You can choose from a variety of insulation options, including dual-density polyisocyanurate composite boards produced with the High-Density ProtectoR HD cover board and the standard-density Foam (ENRGY 3 CGF).

Here are some key features of polyiso insulation products:

Cover boards play a vital role in enhancing the long-term performance of a commercial roofing system. High-density polyiso, low-density polyiso, cement, and gypsum cover boards are available to suit different situations.

ENRGY 3 HD is a closed-cell polyisocyanurate foam technology that provides additional insulation value (R-value of 2.5), with lightweight and high density characteristics.

ProtectoR HD is a high-density polyiso cover board that provides excellent resistance against harsh rooftop conditions, including hail, wind uplift, puncture, and moisture.

SeparatoR provides an economical solution for mechanically fastened single ply membrane recover applications while adding thermal insulation value to your building.

SeparatoR CGF is a versatile, ½"-thick cover board solution that is designed for re-cover applications and offers performance and value.

Cover boards can act as a thermal barrier, installed directly to the deck to enhance internal fire resistance. This is especially important when working with insulation, which can be flammable.

Installing a cover board can help deter the spread of fire from outside the building to the insulation and into your building. This is a crucial consideration for any roofing project.

Some cover boards have the ability to withstand water, making them suitable for use as a substrate for a vapor barrier.

Here are some common uses for cover boards as a thermal and fire barrier:

When it comes to choosing the right roofing material for your board roof, there are several options to consider. Asphalt shingles are a popular choice due to their affordability and durability, lasting up to 30 years with proper maintenance.

Asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to match your home's exterior. They are also relatively easy to install and repair.

Gypsum is a popular choice for roof materials due to its durability and resistance to moisture and mold.

DEXcell FA Glass Mat Roof Board is a cover board with a heavy duty coated fiber glass facer, making it a great option for those looking for a reliable solution.

It's worth noting that DEXcell FA Glass Mat Roof Board meets FM Class 1 fire barrier requirements, giving homeowners peace of mind.

DEXcell Glass-Mat Roof Board is another option, suitable for mechanically fastened single ply systems.

For those on a budget, DEXcell FA VSH Glass Mat Roof Board is competitively priced and easier to install.

It's also resistant to severe hail, making it a great choice for areas prone to harsh weather conditions.

Here are some popular gypsum roof board options:

SECUROCK Gypsum-Fiber Roof Board has an integral water-resistant core and excellent fire performance, making it a top choice.

SECUROCK Ultralight Glass-Mat Roof Board is a great option for those looking for a lightweight solution, with a fiber glass facer and back.

Cement roof boards are a great option for many roof assemblies. They can withstand prolonged exposure to moisture.

DEXcell Cement Roof Board meets FM Class 1 fire barrier requirements, which is a big deal for safety. It's also a reliable choice for liquid applied membrane roof systems.

SECUROCK Cement Roof Board has superior wind-uplift performance, which means it can handle strong winds without a problem. This is especially important in areas prone to storms.

Here are some key features of cement roof boards:

Roof cover boards provide a flat, suitable substrate for the membrane, making installation easier.

A stable, smooth surface for the membrane to adhere to is crucial for a successful installation. This is where roof cover boards come in, helping to ensure that irregularities in the roof substrate surface don't transfer through to the roof membrane.