ATLANTA — Georgia-Pacific Gypsum’s recently enhanced DensDeck^® Prime Roof Board has demonstrated in third-party tests significant attributes that boost jobsite efficiency.

DensDeck Prime ¼-inch fiberglass mat gypsum cover boards demonstrated 2.5 times greater flexural strength, per ASTM C473 test methodology, compared to competitive ¼-inch gypsum fiber boards. The tests were conducted by PRI, Construction Materials Technologies, earlier this year.

For contractors using DensDeck Prime, the advantage of flexural strength (the ability of a material to withstand bending loads) is that it boosts efficiency on the job site. “Flexural strength is an important factor for efficient cover board installation,” said Todd Kuykendall, director of product management, Georgia-Pacific Gypsum. “The independent testing confirmed what we suspected – DensDeck Prime boards have greater flexural strength than other boards, making them more durable when transported and installed, thus providing significant advantages for contractors. 

Additionally, DensDeckdemonstrated 22-percent more pull-through resistance than ¼-inch gypsum fiber boards in the fastener system* tested, and are included in more roofing assemblies with RoofNav^® approvals for wind uplift performance as a cover board than competitive gypsum fiberboard.

Specific attributes include ease in handling, easy scoring and snapping with no special tools required, which means less breakage and waste — all of which can lead to significant time and potential money savings.

The overall durability and performance of DensDeck Prime — demonstrated in its fire resistance, strength, pull-through resistance, dimensional stability and mold resistance — provides a number of other advantages for contractors.

For instance, in adhered, single-ply membrane testing, enhanced DensDeck Prime demonstrated an average of 24-percent better bond strength than the original product when using solvent-based adhesives. (The average is based on 60 square foot per gallon coverage rates.) With adhesives applied more smoothly and consistently, contractors gain potential cost savings on the amount of adhesive used and the labor needed to apply it. Also, the mat edge wrap is on the underside of the board, allowing for smoother application of adhesive and a more aesthetically appealing appearance once the membrane is laid down.

Even more important to roofing contractors is that DensDeck Prime is the first and only fiberglass-mat gypsum roof board with a 90-day parapet warranty for exposure. The parapet application can be left uncovered, while the horizontal application of product is being completed.

For more information, visit www.densdeck.com.

*3 inch insulation plates and #12 fasteners