7 Top DensGlass Gypsum Board Alternatives for Modern Builds

18 Jul 7 Top DensGlass Gypsum Board Alternatives for Modern Builds

You have many good choices if you do not want to use densglass gypsum board​ for new buildings. The seven top picks are GlasRoc Sheathing, Gold Bond eXP Sheathing, DensDeck, fiber cement board, magnesium oxide board, plywood sheathing, and OSB sheathing.

When you choose outside sheathing, think about how it works, how long it lasts, and how well it keeps out water. Some boards like fiber cement are great at stopping fire and water. Plywood and OSB are simple to use and cost less money. Look at the summary table and tips to see what is best for your job.

Key Takeaways

• There are many good choices instead of DensGlass gypsum board. These include GlasRoc, Gold Bond eXP, DensDeck, fiber cement board, magnesium oxide board, plywood, and OSB sheathing. Fiberglass mat gypsum boards like GlasRoc and Gold Bond eXP are great for stopping fire and water. They work well in places that get wet or might catch fire, like schools and hospitals. Fiber cement and magnesium oxide boards are very good at stopping fire, water, and bugs. But they can cost more and need special tools to put in. Plywood and OSB are cheap, easy to use, and strong. But they do not stop fire and can get bigger if they get wet. Pick your sheathing by looking at local building rules, weather, how much money you have, and what your project needs. This helps keep your building safe and strong.

1. GlasRoc Sheathing

Overview

GlasRoc Sheathing is a strong choice for outside walls. It has a gypsum core and fiberglass mats on both sides. This board can handle bad weather and helps keep your building safe.

Features

• Non-combustible gypsum core

• Fiberglass mat facers add strength

• GREENGUARD Gold certified for clean air inside

• Stops mold, moisture, and weather

• Can stay outside for up to 12 months

• Passes tough fire safety tests (ASTM E136, CAN/ULC-S114)

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Great at stopping fire

• Very good at blocking mold and moisture

• Safe for places like schools and hospitals

• Stays strong in wet or damp places

Cons:

• Usually costs more than wood sheathing

• Heavier than some other boards

• Needs special fasteners to work best

Comparison

GlasRoc Sheathing and densglass gypsum board both stop mold and moisture. GlasRoc is non-combustible and has GREENGUARD Gold certification. This gives better fire safety and cleaner air inside. Densglass gypsum board does not have the same fire rating or air quality label.

Install & Cost

You can use normal tools to install GlasRoc Sheathing. You should use fasteners that do not rust. You can cut the board with a utility knife. GlasRoc costs more than plywood or OSB. But it gives better fire and moisture protection. You pay more at first, but you save money on repairs later.

Best Use

Pick GlasRoc Sheathing if you need fire safety and clean air inside. It is good for schools, hospitals, and big buildings. If you build where it is wet or humid, this board helps keep your building safe.

2. Gold Bond eXP Sheathing

Overview

Gold Bond eXP Sheathing is a strong choice for outside walls. It has a gypsum core with a fiberglass mat on both sides. You can use it with wood or steel frames. Builders use it for many new buildings.

Features

• Gypsum core resists moisture and mold

• Fiberglass mats cover both sides

• Stays the same size in all weather

• Has a 12-month warranty for outdoor use

• GREENGUARD Gold Certified for clean air

• Gets the best score for mold resistance

• Edges are stronger with glass mat

• Lets vapor pass so walls can breathe

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Stops moisture and mold very well

• Does not change in hot or cold weather

• Safe for air inside buildings

• Long warranty helps you worry less

• Works under many outside wall coverings

Cons:

• Costs more than plywood or OSB

• Heavier than wood sheathing

• Needs joints sealed well to work best

Comparison

Gold Bond eXP Sheathing and densglass gypsum board are a lot alike. Both have a fiberglass mat and a gypsum core that resists water. Gold Bond eXP has a longer warranty and the best mold score. Its edges are stronger too. It stands up to bad weather and stays strong when the weather changes.

Tip: Pick Gold Bond eXP Sheathing if you want a board that fights mold and handles tough weather.

Install & Cost

You can cut Gold Bond eXP Sheathing with a utility knife. Use fasteners that do not rust for best results. It goes up like other gypsum boards. It costs more than wood sheathing, but it protects better from water and mold. The long warranty can help you save on repairs.

Best Use

Use Gold Bond eXP Sheathing when you need the best protection from moisture and mold. It is good for schools, hospitals, offices, and homes in wet places. If you want a board that stays strong all year, this is a good choice.

3. DensDeck

Overview

You can choose DensDeck when you want a tough and reliable board for your building. DensDeck is a fiberglass-mat gypsum board. Many builders use it in commercial roofing, but you can also use it in walls and ceilings. This board stands out because it adds strength and safety to your project.

Features

• Fiberglass mats on both sides

• Non-combustible gypsum core

• High fire resistance

• Strong against wind, hail, and impact

• Works with many roofing systems

• Stays flat and does not warp

• Easy to cut and handle

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Increases roof life by about four years

• Reduces maintenance costs over time

• Resists fire, wind, and hail

• Handles foot traffic and debris well

• Works with many types of roofing

Cons:

• Costs more than wood-based boards

• Heavier than plywood or OSB

• Needs careful sealing at joints

Comparison

DensDeck and densglass gypsum board​ both use a gypsum core and fiberglass mats. DensDeck gives you extra strength for roofs and high-traffic areas. It resists punctures and impact better than densglass gypsum board​. You get more protection from fire and weather with DensDeck, especially for commercial roofs.

Note: DensDeck helps more roofs reach their full life expectancy. Studies show that 86% of roofs with DensDeck last as long as planned, compared to only 52% without it.

Install & Cost

You can cut DensDeck with a utility knife. Use rust-resistant fasteners for best results. The board installs like other gypsum products. DensDeck costs more than plywood or OSB, but you save money on repairs and roof replacements over time.

Best Use

Pick DensDeck for commercial roofs, schools, hospitals, and places with heavy foot traffic. You can also use it in homes if you want extra strength and fire safety. It works well in areas with strong winds or hail.

4. Fiber Cement Board

Overview

You can choose fiber cement board if you want a strong and versatile sheathing for your building. This board works well for both homes and commercial projects. Many builders like it because it stands up to fire, pests, and harsh weather. You can use it on exterior walls where you need extra protection.

Features

• Made from cement and synthetic fibers

• High fire resistance for safety

• Moisture-resistant and does not swell with water

• Excellent pest resistance, keeps out termites and insects

• High perm rating, lets walls breathe and reduces mold risk

• High Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating for sound blocking

• Can look like wood, stone, or brick for design flexibility

• Heavier than other boards, needs more labor to install

• Needs repainting and sealing over time

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Resists fire, moisture, and pests

• Blocks sound very well

• Offers many design choices

• Reduces mold risk by letting walls breathe

Cons:

• Heavier than densglass gypsum board​ and wood sheathing

• Needs special tools and more labor for installation

• Requires regular maintenance like repainting

Comparison

Fiber cement board gives you better fire and pest resistance than densglass gypsum board​. It also blocks sound more effectively. You get a higher perm rating, so your walls can breathe and stay dry. However, fiber cement board weighs more and takes longer to install. You may need to spend more on labor and maintenance.

Tip: If you want a board that looks like wood or stone but lasts longer, fiber cement board is a smart pick.

Install & Cost

You will find that fiber cement board costs more to install than many other options. The average installed cost ranges from $5 to $14 per square foot. Most projects cost about $10 per square foot. The price depends on the style and how complex your project is. Labor costs are higher because the boards are heavy and need special tools.

Best Use

Choose fiber cement board for buildings where you want top fire safety, pest resistance, and sound control. It works well in noisy areas or places with high fire risk. You can also use it if you want your building to have a wood or stone look without the upkeep.

5. Magnesium Oxide Board

Overview

Magnesium oxide board is called MgO board. It is a new choice for outside sheathing. This board is made from magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, and fillers. Fillers can be perlite or wood fibers. Builders like MgO board because it fights fire, water, and pests. You can use it for walls, ceilings, and floors.

Features

• Fire resistance lasts up to four hours and 1200°F

• Moisture resistance stops water and mold

• Strong against impacts and lasts a long time

• Helps keep buildings warm or cool

• Made from safe, green, and recyclable materials

• Keeps out pests and termites

• Stays in shape in bad weather and does not crack

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Great at stopping fire and moisture

• Keeps out pests and termites without chemicals

• Light and simple to move

• Good for the planet

• Works in many types of weather

Cons:

• Quality is not always the same for every brand

• Boards can break when you put them in

• Needs special tools to cut

• Costs more at first than plywood or gypsum boards

• Harder to find in some places

Comparison

Both magnesium oxide board and densglass gypsum board stop fire and water well. Densglass gypsum board is always good at stopping mold and keeps its shape in wet weather. Magnesium oxide board can be just as good or better, but it depends on the brand. Some MgO boards might not last as long in very wet places, but densglass gypsum board stays strong.

Note: Always look at the maker’s details for MgO board. How well it works can change with each brand.

Install & Cost

You need special tools, like diamond blades, to cut MgO boards. These boards are harder and heavier than gypsum, so putting them in takes more work. You should use screws or anchors, not nails. The boards can break if you are not careful. Labor costs are higher because of these problems. MgO boards cost more than plywood or gypsum boards, but are close to cement board prices. You also need to store them flat and let them get used to the room before you put them in.

Best Use

Pick magnesium oxide board if you want the best fire, water, and pest safety. You can use it in homes, schools, hospitals, and places with high fire danger. MgO board is good for tough weather, but always check the brand to make sure it is good.

6. Plywood Sheathing

Overview

Plywood sheathing is a popular choice for builders. You can use it for walls, roofs, and floors. It is made from thin wood layers glued together. Each layer faces a different way, which makes it strong. Many people like plywood because it is easy to find and simple to use.

Features

• It is strong but not too heavy.

• The layers go in different directions for more strength.

• It can handle hits and strong forces well.

• Nails and screws stay tight in it.

• Big panels mean you need fewer pieces and work faster.

• Film-faced plywood can resist water and chemicals.

• It is made from wood that grows back and stores carbon.

• It uses glue that is better for the air inside.

• You can use it again, which saves money and cuts waste.

Tip: Use exterior-grade plywood and keep it dry for best results.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• It is strong and lasts a long time.

• You can cut and put it in with simple tools.

• It is good for nature if the wood comes from managed forests.

• It costs less than many other choices.

Cons:

• It can soak up water, swell, or rot if not kept dry.

• It can burn, so it does not stop fire well.

• You need to be careful in wet or fire-risk places.

Comparison

Here is how plywood sheathing and densglass gypsum board are different:

Densglass gypsum board gives better fire and water safety. Plywood is stronger and easier to put in.

Install & Cost

You can put in plywood sheathing with nails or screws and simple tools. Most sheets are 4 feet by 8 feet. Regular plywood costs about $10 for each sheet. Better plywood, like Plytanium, costs about $18.50 per sheet. OSB is cheaper, about $6 per sheet. To find the price per square foot, divide the sheet price by 32.

Best Use

Pick plywood sheathing if you want something strong, cheap, and easy to use. It is good for homes, sheds, and garages. Use it where fire and water are not big problems. If you need more fire or water safety, pick densglass gypsum board instead.

7. OSB Sheathing

Overview

You can use OSB sheathing for many building projects. OSB stands for Oriented Strand Board. Builders often pick OSB for walls, roofs, and floors. You get a strong panel made from wood strands and adhesives. OSB works well as a structural sheathing and is easy to find at most hardware stores.

Features

• Made from large wood chips (strands) bonded with wax and resin

• Dense and solid, with no soft spots

• Holds nails and screws tightly

• Comes in large panels for quick installation

• Good for wall bracing and structural support

• Often less expensive than plywood

• Can be used under many types of siding

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Strong and durable for most building needs

• Cheaper than many other sheathing options

• Easy to cut and install with basic tools

• Holds fasteners well, so your walls stay sturdy

Cons:

• Not as moisture-resistant as densglass gypsum board​

• Can swell or warp if it gets wet for a long time

• Not fire-resistant

• Needs to be covered quickly to avoid water damage

Tip: Always cover OSB sheathing with house wrap or siding soon after installation to keep it dry.

Comparison

OSB sheathing and densglass gypsum board​ have different strengths. OSB gives you solid structural support because it is made from wood strands and strong adhesives. Densglass gypsum board​ uses a treated gypsum core with fiberglass mats, which makes it better at stopping fire, mold, and moisture. OSB costs less and is easier to install, but densglass gypsum board​ protects better against water and fire.

Install & Cost

You can install OSB sheathing with nails or screws and a saw. Most panels are 4 feet by 8 feet. OSB usually costs less than plywood or densglass gypsum board​. You save money on big projects. Remember to keep OSB dry during storage and after installation.

Best Use

Choose OSB sheathing if you want a strong, affordable option for walls, roofs, or floors. It works best in dry areas or where you can cover it quickly. If you need more fire or moisture protection, you may want to use densglass gypsum board​ instead.

Comparison Table

DensGlass Gypsum Board​ vs Alternatives

You might want to know how densglass gypsum board​ compares to other boards. The table below shows the main features for each type. You can use this chart to help you choose the right board for your job.

Tip: If you want the best safety from water and fire, densglass gypsum board​ and other fiberglass mat gypsum boards are the best. If you want to spend less money and need something simple, plywood or OSB are good for dry places.

This table helps you compare your choices quickly:

• Pick boards with high moisture resistance for wet places.

• Choose non-combustible boards if you need fire safety.

• Select panels that are easy to install to save time and work.

• Look at the cost to make sure you do not spend too much.

You have lots of choices other than densglass gypsum board​ for your project. When you pick, remember these important things:

• Make sure the material is allowed by your local rules.

• Use strong sheathing like plywood if you live where earthquakes happen.

• Pick boards that resist water if your area is wet.

• Choose what fits your budget and the kind of building you have.

• Ask a contractor about how to put it in and if you can get the material nearby.

Always talk to an expert to be sure your sheathing works for your weather and building.

FAQ

What is the main reason to pick an alternative to DensGlass gypsum board?

You may want to spend less money or use lighter boards. Some boards are easier to put in. Some jobs need better fire or pest protection. Local rules might say you must use a different board.

Can you use plywood or OSB instead of DensGlass gypsum board?

Yes, you can use plywood or OSB for many jobs. These boards cost less and are simple to install. But they do not stop fire or water as well as DensGlass gypsum board.

Which alternative works best in wet climates?

Fiber cement board, magnesium oxide board, and fiberglass mat gypsum boards like GlasRoc or Gold Bond eXP are best for wet places. These boards keep out mold and water.

How do you cut and install fiber cement board?

You need special tools like a carbide-tipped saw or shears. Wear a mask so you do not breathe in dust. Use screws that will not rust when you put the board in.

Do all alternatives meet fire safety codes?

No, not every board meets fire safety rules. Only non-combustible boards like DensGlass, GlasRoc, Gold Bond eXP, fiber cement, and magnesium oxide board meet strict fire codes.

Tip: Always check your local building rules before you pick a sheathing board.