DensDeck vs. DensGlass: A Comprehensive Comparison

DensDeck and DensGlass are not the same just because they are manufactured by the same company, have a gypsum core, and a fiberglass mat facing.

It makes sense that many do-it-yourselfers and even some professional builders are unable to distinguish between DensDeck and DensGlass.

However, that is going to change soon! The main distinctions between DensDeck and DensGlass boards will be covered in detail in the review that follows.

It will therefore be simpler for you to determine which board is best for your next project.

DensDeck: What is it?

DensDeck ought to be your first choice if you’re searching for a high-performance roof board for a business building.

DensDeck is a high-end roofing board that is incredibly resilient to wind, hail, and severe weather conditions. It is manufactured by Georgia-Pacific Building Products, a prominent manufacturer in the construction industry.

DensDeck is among the best commercial roofing boards available due to its many features. It isn’t flammable, for example. Thus, when applied, it improves your business property’s fire safety.

DensDeck is not only non-flammable but also resistant to moisture. As a result, mold and other consequences of water damage are not a concern.

DensGlass: What is it?

Conversely, DensGlass is a fiberglass mat sheathing made of gypsum. It is a more sophisticated form of the paper sheathing that is frequently utilized behind walls.

DensGlass is among the best sheathings available, much like DensDeck, a high-end roofing board.

Over the course of its more than thirty years in existence, it has demonstrated remarkable resilience to fire and moisture.

For extra water barriers, DensGlass sheathing provides a structurally sound system. The fiberglass mat facing is primarily responsible for its resistance to moisture.

The ease of use of DensGlass is one of the factors contributing to its popularity. Its lightweight nature is the primary reason for this.

In What Ways Do They Differ?

It is fairly clear from the above that DensDeck and DensGlass are extremely similar. But as previously promised, these are some of the main distinctions between these two kinds of boards:

• DensGlass is used as wall sheathing, while DensDeck is used on roofs.

The intended application is the primary distinction between DensDeck and DensGlass. A roofing board for commercial buildings with a low slope is called DensDeck. Conversely, DensGlass is a type of wall sheathing. As a result, they cannot be used interchangeably.

DensDeck serves as a roofing board that shields your structure from impact, fire, and weather. Brick, siding, and EIFS systems are among the wall materials that DensGlass supports.

• DensGlass is more capable of waterproofing.

Georgia-Pacific states that both of these boards are waterproof when you read their description.

But if you look at the data sheets more closely, you’ll see that DensGlass has better water resistance.

Even before the cladding is put in, DensGlass can be used as sheathing in the early stages of construction.

It is designed to resist being exposed directly to weather-related moisture. Conversely, DensDeck can only tolerate a small amount of water intrusion.

• These boards work with a variety of materials.

DensGlass can only be used as a sheathing in wall systems such as the ones I described above. such as siding and stucco.

Since DensDeck is a roofing board, it can only be used with PVC and other roofing materials. You cannot use DensGlass in place of DensDeck and vice versa due to this incompatibility.

What Similarities Do They Have?

The following are some of the similarities between these two boards:

• They have very similar designs.

You’ll notice that DensDeck and DensGlass share a similar composition if you look at them both. Both boast fiberglass mats on the side and a gypsum core.

The structural strength and moisture resistance of DensDeck and DensGlass are derived from the combination of these two materials.

• The fire ratings of both boards are excellent.

You can be sure that you will be building a fire-resistant assembly whether you use DensDeck on your roof or DensGlass on your wall.

You can use both if at all possible, and you’ll feel more at ease knowing that your entire assembly is sufficiently protected in the event of a fire.

These boards are very helpful in places where using fire-resistant materials is strictly required by building codes.

• DensGlass and DensDeck are both incredibly robust and long-lasting.

You can tell how strong both of these boards are just by looking closely at their composition. DensDeck and DensGlass will last for many years if they are installed properly.

The fact that these two Georgia-Pacific products are impact resistant is what I like best about them. Therefore, you don’t need to be concerned about your roof or walls getting punctures.

Why and Who Should Use DensDeck?

Anyone looking for a high-quality commercial roof ought to use DensDeck. This could be anyone, from managers or owners of commercial buildings to consultants or roofers.

The following are some justifications for the aforementioned individuals to use DensDeck:

• It is among the market’s most resilient commercial roofing solutions. It will yield a substantial return on investment and endure for years.
• DensDeck satisfies the majority of building codes’ fire-rating requirements for commercial properties.
• It works with a variety of roofing systems.
• It also produces a solid foundation upon which other materials can be installed.
• DensDeck is resistant to inclement weather, including hail.
• DensDeck provides roofing contractors with a satisfaction guarantee.
• DensDeck’s impact-resistant qualities make it ideal for commercial roofs that are expecting high traffic volumes. Commercial buildings with rooftop decks fall under this category.

Why and Who Should Use DensGlass?

Both professional contractors and do-it-yourself builders can use DensGlass because it is an advanced wall sheathing that is simple to install. See the following justifications for using DensGlass:

• It improves your walls’ structural soundness.
• DensGlass guarantees minimal water or moisture penetration through your walls because of its sophisticated waterproofing capabilities. Additionally, DensGlass is ideal for use in high-moisture areas due to its high moisture resistance qualities.
• DensGlass works with a variety of wall assemblies, including stucco and concrete blocks.
• DensGlass’s ability to produce energy-efficient assemblies is another intriguing feature that I find appealing. It acts as a sheath, keeping heat from escaping to the outside and vice versa.
• It’s impossible to overlook DensGlass’s fire resistance.

Is DensGlass Better Than DensDeck?

Here at Build It Fine, we always like to conclude our product comparisons with a section that discusses which option is superior.

That won’t be the case today, though, as DensGlass has a variety of uses. As previously stated, DensGlass is wall sheathing and DensDeck is roofing board.

Since you cannot install either in the same location or on the same portion of your residential or commercial property, none of them is superior to the others.

You’ll need to investigate DensGlass and DensDeck independently if you’re looking for a better board.

For example, the USG Securock gypsum-fiber roof board is a good option if you’re looking for a DensDeck substitute. The compressive strength and flute spanability of this roof board are superior.

Regarding DensGlass, CemPlate fiber cement sheathing is an option. Compared to DensGlass, it is far more stable and long-lasting.

I’ve written a longer piece about alternatives to DensGlass. You can read that article to learn more about your options.