How Cover Boards Are an Important Part of a Commercial Roofing Project
Commercial buildings often have flat roofs or roofs with a low slope. This calls for a different type of roofing material than you see on residential roofs or even on commercial buildings with a steep slope. There are different types of commercial roofing materials, such as single-ply, built-up roofs, or spray foam. However, most of the roofing options include using a cover board. Here's how cover boards are used in commercial roofing.
Cover Boards Go Under the Roofing Material
A cover board can go over old roofing material or insulation. It provides a smooth surface for the commercial roofing to cover and adhere to. This helps the new roofing be more durable and resistant to punctures and other damage. For example, old roofing materials are covered with the boards, and then a single-ply membrane adheres to the cover boards.
There Are Different Types of Cover Boards
Your roofer will select the right cover boards to use on your project. The boards are made of various materials, such as gypsum, cement, wood fiber, asphalt, or polyiso insulation. Each type has its own qualities and works better with certain types of commercial roofing. For instance, some cover boards are waterproof and others are fire resistant. Your roofer matches the type of boards to the type of roofing you're having installed.
Cover Boards Help the Roof Resist Damage
Some flat roofing materials can be damaged due to foot traffic, and some can be punctured by hail or other debris. By having a cover board under the roofing material, the roof has added protection from strong winds, hail, foot traffic, and other roof hazards. Cover boards can also help protect against fire and roof leaks.
The Roofing Can Be Attached in Different Ways
Commercial roofing is attached or adhered to a flat roof in different ways, and cover boards are able to tolerate all of them. The roofer might place gravel on top of the membranes to hold the roof in place. They could also use adhesive, tape, fasteners, or heat welding to connect the roofing together and secure the materials to the roof. There is a type of cover board suitable for whatever the roofing job calls for.
Since the boards are covered by the roof membrane when the roof is installed, they are out of sight. You may never see the boards, and you may not even realize they exist, but your roofer understands the importance of cover boards and will use them to get the best results for your new roof.
