When seeking highly cost-effective options for low-slope and flat roofs, it is essential to include cover boards in the roofing installation.
Though they may not be required, cover boards serve many important purposes that make them a worthwhile roofing investment.
Before foregoing the added expense, consider these important reasons why it is best to have roofers install cover boards as a part of any low-slope roofing installation.
What Are Cover Boards?
Cover boards are a protective layer of roofing material that is installed on low-slope and flat roofs.
Positioned on top of the insulation and underlayment layers but under the membrane or main roofing material layer, cover boards are not always required yet very recommended due to the advantages they offer.
Made from a variety of materials such as gypsum, wood fiber, plywood, high-density polyiso, perlite, and others, cover boards help to ensure that every flat or low-slope roofing installation lasts as as possible.
Why Are Cover Boards So Important For Low-Slope Roofs?
Low-sloping roofs can experience problems that higher-pitched roofs do not face due to their physical makeup and how the roofing surface is more exposed to the elements and other forces.
They may be easier to install; however, to ensure an efficient, watertight installation, roofers recommend using cover boards for multiple reasons:
- Another Layer of Insulation - Although cover boards are installed over the insulation layer, they add an additional layer of insulation to make the whole system more efficient.
- Stable Installation Surface - Due to their rigidity, cover boards provide a more stable surface on which to install the exterior roofing materials
- Added Durability - Cover boards add to the overall durability of the entire roof, helping it to last longer when properly maintained.
- Thermal and Vapor Barrier - Since cover boards are installed over the underlayment, they can be staggered over the seams and add additional moisture barrier properties to prevent vapor and moisture seepage plus offer added r-value to the whole roof, making it more thermal-efficient.
- Extra Fire Protection - High-density polyiso cover boards provide an extra layer of protection against external fires due to their thermal resistance value.
- Improved Impact Resistance - Rigid cover boards absorb more impact than a roof can without them, reducing the damage sustained when the roof is impacted with debris.
- Additional Wind Uplift Resistance - Correctly installed by professional roofers, cover boards also provide greater wind resistance on low-slope roofs, reducing uplift and the potential for wind-related damage.
Cover Boards Help Protect Low-Slope Roofs
A new roof is an expensive maintenance item for any home or building.
While it is normal to look for the least expensive means for having new roofing installed, there are certain extra elements that can save more money in the long run, even if not right upfront and cover boards are one such element.
They may not be required for low-slope roofing; however, professional roofers highly recommend adding them for the increased benefits they offer.
Adding cover boards to any low-slope or flat roofing system ensures that your membrane or other materials stay on, withstand more, and make the whole building more energy-efficient overall.
Talk to an experienced roofer today about adding cover boards to your next low-slope roof.
