It’s been nearly a decade since Blue Ridge fiberboard introduced a new cover board, Structodek® with Primed Red Coating, developed to replace traditional asphalt-coated fiberboard, yet remain compatible with BUR, conventional roof systems, and single-ply membrane assemblies. Disseminated by the largest roofing distributors, technically supported by over 144,000 FM RoofNav® assemblies, UL Classified, Miami-Dade County-approved and warrantied under the largest membrane manufacturers’ NDL warranties.

ProtectoR HD is a half-inch, high-density cover board designed to offer high performance in a competitive package. With its Grade 1 compressive strength, closed-cell foam core (80 psi minimum, up to 110 psi), and inorganic coated glass facers, JM says it provides trustworthy resistance against harsh rooftop conditions, including hail, wind uplift, puncture, and moisture. ProtectoR HD achieves FM 1-90 approval for adhered reinforced membrane applications with as few as eight fasteners per 4-foot by 8-foot board and is lightweight at 12 pounds per board, making it easy to handle and transport.

Hunter Panels launched a new insulating cover board called H-Shield HD-MA, a half-inch thick polyiso cover board with Glass-Reinforced Felt on both major surfaces. “The H-Shield HD-MA cover board will compete nicely against quarter-inch and half-inch gypsum in mechanically attached single-ply systems because it is significantly lighter and easier to cut,” said Brandon Reynolds, Hunter Panels’ product manager. “With an R-value of 2.5, contractors will be able to install thinner insulation base layers and still meet the code required R-value.”

Recent engineering advancements allow brands like Elevate to produce sustainable roofing underlayment that outperforms precursor materials. Elevate’s ISOGARD HD cover board has high-density polyisocyanurate technology and a high R-value, making it an eco-friendly and resilient option for commercial roofers. Using HFC-free and low global warming potential foam, Elevate says ISOGARD HD is environmentally friendly and has excellent low-temperature R-value performance. Polyiso insulation is stable over a wide-temperature range, from about -100 degrees Fahrenheit to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, and compatible with most construction adhesives. Elevate’s ISOGARD HD cover board is also lightweight, making it easy for installers to cut.

IKO offers cover boards providing strength and durability in various roofing applications; they are compatible with many types of commercial roofing systems. Protectoboard is composed of a mineral-fortified asphaltic core between two non-woven glass fiber mats. IKO says it is an ideal product for reroofs or as a new substrate for modified bitumen or BUR. IKOTherm CoverShield is a rigid foamed plastic polyiso board with non-organic coated glass fiber facers. IKO manufactures a high-density (HD) polyisocyanurate cover board with high compressive strength, IKOTherm CoverShield HD. IKO can help comply with individual commercial roofing cover board specifications.

SOPRABOARD asphaltic cover board is a semi-rigid roofing substrate board used in multi-ply membrane and flashing assemblies; it also serves as a protection board for waterproofing applications. SOPRABOARD contains a mineral-fortified asphaltic core formed between two fiberglass reinforcing plies. It is lightweight for easy handling and cutting with less breakage. Asphalt-to-asphalt compatibility results in some of the highest wind and fire-rated assemblies without the need for priming in most applications. 2-1 SOPRASMART BOARD combines SBS-modified bitumen base membrane and SOPRABOARD for time- and labor-saving solutions in approved multi-ply membrane assemblies.

Mule-Hide Products Co. has a cover board to suit any low-slope roofing system. Contractors can choose from Mule-Hide, USG Securock® and DensDeck® by Georgia-Pacific Gypsum products that are compatible with single-ply systems (fully adhered, mechanically attached, induction-welded and ballasted) and modified bitumen systems in new construction, replacement, and recover applications. The wide product assortment allows the creation of systems that meet specifications requiring increased R-Value, increased fire resistance, enhanced moisture resistance, higher wind-uplift ratings, and FM Severe Hail and Very Severe Hail classifications.

DensDeck StormX Prime Roof Board is the first high-performance gypsum roof cover board designed to help prepare commercial rooftops to hold tough under the dangers of impact and puncture caused by very severe hail conditions. The product is classified for use in approved assemblies meeting FM Global’s Very Severe Hail Standard set in 2018. According to Georgia-Pacific, DensDeck Roof Boards have a non-combustible gypsum core that helps mitigate common roof risks like puncture damage from foot traffic and maintenance — while also providing enhanced protection against fire. DensDeck StormX Prime Roof Board is for fully-adhered, partially-adhered, and mechanically-fastened assemblies.