BarrierSheet and its many names. What roof professionals really mean

Did you know the AllShield BarrierSheet is often referred to as a cover board, fire barrier board, or non-combustible roof board? Different names, same purpose: protecting commercial roofs with photovoltaic panels from fire and making them insurable.

When photovoltaic (PV) panels are installed on commercial roofs, the fire risk increases significantly. Flames trapped beneath panels can ignite membranes or insulation layers, leading to fast fire spread. To protect the roof, professionals use an additional protective layer — commonly referred to as a cover board. At AllShield, this solution is known as the BarrierSheet: a mineral, non-combustible board that prevents flames from reaching combustible layers. Depending on who you talk to, this same protective board might also be called a fire barrier board, a non-combustible roof board, or a roof protection board.

Why Roofing Products Have Multiple Names

Roofing terminology can vary depending on country, industry, and professional background:

• In the US and UK, the term cover board is most common.
• In insurance and compliance documents, the focus is on function, so you’ll often see fire barrier board or non-combustible board.
• In specifications and tender documents, architects may prefer broader terms like roof protection board.
  
  

The most common alternative names

Cover Board

The most widely used international term. A cover board is typically placed between insulation and membrane to add durability, stability, and fire resistance. The AllShield BarrierSheet functions as a mineral, fire-safe cover board for flat roofs with PV panels.

Fire Barrier Board

This term emphasizes the fire safety performance of the product. Insurers, risk managers, and safety officers often use this description when evaluating roof systems.

Non-Combustible Roof Board

Linked directly to fire classifications such as EN 13501 (Class A1) or FM Approvals. Engineers and specifiers value this terminology when compliance is the priority.

Roof Protection Board

A more general description, highlighting the product’s role in protecting the roof build-up from mechanical stress, weathering, and fire.

How the AllShield BarrierSheet covers them all

The AllShield BarrierSheet is a mineral-based, lightweight, and non-combustible solution that:

• Prevents flames from reaching insulation and structural layers.
• Has been tested at institutes such as ZAG Slovenia and Kiwa BDA Testing.
• Works with multiple membranes (PVC, FPO, bitumen, EPDM).
• Creates a fire-safe base layer under PV installations, making roofs both insurable and future-proof.

Whether you call it a cover board, a fire barrier board, or a non-combustible board, it all points to the same solution: the AllShield BarrierSheet.

Why Terminology Matters for SEO and Insurance

• Insurers may search for fire barrier board rather than BarrierSheet.
• Roofing contractors often use cover board installation when looking for solutions.
• Architects and specifiers write non-combustible roof board in tender documents.

By covering all of these names, building owners, insurers, and contractors can find the same reliable product — and avoid confusion.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is a BarrierSheet the same as a cover board?
A: Yes. The AllShield BarrierSheet functions as a mineral, non-combustible cover board designed for fire-safe roofing systems.

Q: What makes a fire barrier board different?
A: The term highlights the board’s fire protection performance, but the function is identical to a cover board.

Q: Which standards apply to non-combustible roof boards?
A: EN 13501 (Class A1), CLC/TR 50670, and FM 4478 (PV-specific fire testing) are key references.

Different names, one purpose

No matter the terminology, the goal is the same: protecting commercial roofs with PV panels from fire. The AllShield BarrierSheet delivers on this promise, ensuring that rooftops remain fire-safe, insurable, and long-term reliable.

Looking to make your solar roof insurable and fire-safe?

Get in touch with AllShield for technical specifications, distributor options, or test reports that prove performance under real PV fire conditions.