by Shane Henson — September 27, 2013—GAF, a leading North American roofing manufacturer, recently announced the addition of high-density polyisocyanurate (ISO) cover boards, which can be used as a protective layer over boardstock insulation or as a recover over an existing roofing system. These cover boards offer superior roof protection from foot traffic, storms, and hail, while also offering the benefit of being easy to install because of their light weight, the company says.
GAF offers two versions: HD and HD PLUS.
EnergyGuard HD is a half-inch-thick high-density polyiso cover board with an R-value of 2.5, reportedly the highest of any cover board. With over 80 psi (pounds-per-square-inch) compressive strength, and a durable coated glass facer, the product offers significant roof protection against the elements. Yet at 11 lbs. per 4′ x 8′ board, it is a fraction of the weight of gypsum cover boards, and is said to be easy to cut and install.
EnergyGuard HD PLUS is also a half-inch-thick high-density polyiso cover board with an R-value of 2.5. It offers greater compressive strength at 110 psi as well as a durable coated glass facer. At 13 pounds per 4′ x 8′ board, the product still weighs less than gypsum cover boards, and is designed to be lightweight and easy to handle like the HD.
As to eco-friendly features, both of the products contain over eight percent recycled content and contain no chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP), and are compliant with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements.
In addition, the high R-value contributes energy savings to the roofing system and the building, and GAF has the ability to ship three times more product on one truck than gypsum cover boards. Using fewer trucks means less carbon emissions, with the added benefit of taking less time to unload at the jobsite, GAF points out.
