Just because DensDeck and DensGlass both have a gypsum core, a fiberglass mat facing and are made by one company, that doesn’t mean they are the same.
Understandably, a lot of DIY folk and even some professional builders can’t tell the difference between DensDeck and DensGlass.
But that’s about to change! In the detailed review below about DensDeck vs DensGlass, I’ll be taking you through the key differences between these two types of boards.
As a result, it’ll be easier for you to figure out which board is ideal for your upcoming project.
What is DensDeck?
If you are looking for a high-performance roof board for a commercial property, DensDeck should be your top choice.
Made by Georgia-Pacific Building Products, a leading manufacturer in the construction niche, DensDeck is a premium roofing board that is super durable and highly resistant to wind, hail, and extreme weather.
Many features make DensDeck one of the best commercial roofing boards in the market. For instance, it is non-combustible. So, when used, it enhances the fire safety of your commercial property.
Besides being non-combustible, DensDeck is moisture-resistant. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about mold and other effects of water damage.
What is DensGlass?
On the other hand, DensGlass is a gypsum-based fiberglass mat sheathing. It is an advanced version of the paper sheathings that are often used behind walls.
Just like DensDeck which is a premium roofing board, DensGlass is one of the best sheathings on the market.
It has been around for more than three decades and during that period, it has performed exceptionally well when it comes to moisture and fire resistance.
DensGlass sheathing creates a structurally sound system for additional water barriers. Its moisture resistance is mainly attributed to the presence of the fiberglass mat facing.
One of the reasons people like DensGlass is that it’s very easy to use. That’s mainly because of its lightweight.
How Are They Different?
From the above, it’s pretty evident that DensDeck and DensGlass are very similar. However, as promised earlier, here are some of the key differences between these two types of boards;
• DensDeck is used on roofs, whereas DensGlass is used as a wall sheathing
The biggest difference between DensDeck and DensGlass is the intended application. DensDeck is a roofing board for low-slope commercial properties. On the other hand, DensGlass is a wall sheathing. Therefore, you can’t use them interchangeably.
With DensDeck, it acts as a roofing board that protects your building from weather, fire, and impact. DensGlass offers support to wall materials such as brick, EIFS systems, and siding.
• DensGlass has better waterproofing capabilities
When you read through the description shared by Georgia-Pacific, they mention that both of these boards are waterproof.
However, if you dig a little deeper into the data sheets, you’ll notice that DensGlass water resistance is more advanced.
As a sheathing, DensGlass can be installed during the early phases of construction even before the cladding is installed.
It is formulated to withstand direct exposure to moisture from the weather. On the other hand, DensDeck can only withstand minor water intrusion.
• These boards are compatible with different materials
As a sheathing, DensGlass is only compatible with wall systems like the ones I mentioned earlier. The likes of stucco and siding.
DensDeck, being a roofing board, will only work with roofing materials like PVC. Due to this difference in compatibility, you can’t replace DensDeck with DensGlass and vice versa.
How Are They Similar?
There are a couple of similarities between these two boards, which include;
• Their designs are very alike
If you look at both DensDeck and DensGlass, you’ll realize that they have a similar composition. Both boast of a gypsum core with fiberglass mats on the side.
The combination of these two materials is what gives both DensDeck and DensGlass structural strength and moisture resistance.
• Both boards have excellent fire ratings
Whether you use DensDeck on your roof or DensGlass on your wall, you’re guaranteed of erecting a fire-resistant assembly.
If it’s possible, you can use them both and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your entire assembly is adequately protected in case of a fire.
These boards come in very handy in areas where the building codes are very strict on the use of fire-resistant materials.
• Both DensDeck and DensGlass are quite strong and durable
A close examination of these boards’ composition is enough to tell you how strong they both are. Provided they have been installed correctly, DensDeck and DensGlass will serve you for years.
What I like most about these two products from Georgia-Pacific is that they are impact resistant. So, you don’t have to worry about punctures on your walls or roof.
Who Should Use DensDeck and Why?
DensDeck should be used by individuals interested in a quality commercial roof. This can be anyone ranging from commercial building owners or managers to roofing contractors or consultants.
The reasons why the above-mentioned people should use DensDeck include;
• It is one of the most durable roofing systems for commercial properties in the market. It will last for years and bring a significant return on investment.
• DensDeck meets the fire-rating requirements for commercial properties required by most building codes.
• It is compatible with a wide range of roofing systems.
• It also creates a structurally sound substrate for the installation of other materials.
• DensDeck can withstand bad weather such as hail.
• For roofing contractors, DensDeck guarantees client satisfaction.
• Due to its impact-resistant features, DensDeck is perfect for commercial roofs that are anticipating heavy traffic. This includes commercial premises with rooftop decks.
Who Should Use DensGlass and Why?
Considering that DensGlass is an advanced wall sheathing that’s easy to install, it can be used by both professional contractors and DIY builders. Check out the reasons below why you should use DensGlass;
• It enhances the structural integrity of your walls.
• Thanks to its advanced waterproofing capabilities, DensGlass ensures minimal penetration of water or moisture through your walls. Also, because of its high moisture resistance properties, DensGlass is perfect for use in high-moisture areas.
• DensGlass is compatible with a wide range of wall assemblies ranging from concrete blocks to stucco.
• Another interesting feature I like about DensGlass is that it creates energy-efficient assemblies. As a sheathing, it prevents the loss of heat to the outdoors and vice versa.
• I can’t forget to mention DensGlass fire resistance capabilities.
DensDeck vs DensGlass: Which is Better?
At the end of our product comparisons here at Build It Fine, we always like to wrap up with a segment discussing the better option.
But today, that won’t happen because DensGlass and DensGlass have varying applications. As I have said earlier, DensDeck is a roofing board and DensGlass is wall sheathing.
Therefore, none of them is better than the other because you can’t install either in the same place or part of your commercial or residential property.
In case you are interested in finding a better board, you’ll have to look into DensGlass and DensDeck separately.
For instance, if you want a DensDeck alternative, you can consider the Securock gypsum-fiber roof board made by USG. This roof board has better flute spanability and compressive strength.
As for DensGlass, you can consider CemPlate fiber cement sheathing. It’s much more stable and durable than DensGlass.
I have written a more comprehensive article about DensGlass alternatives. You can go through that article and explore more options.