30 Jul Is Magnesium Oxide Board Breathable?
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Do you care about indoor air quality? Are you looking for breathable materials for your home, office, or industrial space? If you answered yes, then you’re in the right place! Today, we’ll explore the importance of magnesium oxide boards’ breathable feature!
Can MgO Boards Breathe? Unveiling the Walls’ Hidden Talent
Yes, most MgO boards are breathable. This means they let moisture pass through but not liquid water. The level of breathability can vary depending on the type of MgO board. Breathability is important because it prevents moisture from building up inside walls and ceilings.
MgO Boards Prevent Moisture Accumulation
Breathable materials let moisture escape from inside the building. That way, it does not create condensation on the walls and ceilings. This helps stop mold, wood rot, and other moisture-related problems. One of the problems construction professionals deal with is condensation.
Moisture trapped inside walls condenses into droplets. Everybody knows that moisture can easily degrade other building materials, especially wood. Trapped moisture often causes wood to rot. As a consequence, it compromises the structural integrity of the building.
Damp conditions can also create the perfect environment for mold and mildew. These nasty fungi spread like fire and damage everything in their wake. Plus, they release spores into the air.
MgO Boards Improve Indoor Air Quality
MgO boards help maintain a healthier indoor environment by allowing moisture to escape. They also reduce the presence of allergens and pathogens that thrive in damp conditions. This can be vital information if you have respiratory problems or allergies.
Furthermore, dry conditions are less favorable for dust mites. These “creatures” thrive in damp environments. Plus, they can contribute to allergies and asthma.
MgO Boards Are Durable
Because of their breathability and other features, MgO boards are highly durable. This means you will not have to deal with costly repairs or partial rebuilding. Using MgO boards prevents damage, saving you much money in the long run.
Also, homes or offices with good moisture management are comfortable to live in and last longer. The main reason is that they suffer less moisture damage over time.
MgO boards are more expensive than plywood or gypsum drywall. But, look at them as a long-term investment.
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Best Application for Breathable MgO Boards
The breathable feature of MgO boards can be helpful in some situations. These include basements, historic buildings, and homes in humid climates.
Basements
Basements are dark places prone to humidity and mold. In converted basements, drywall can traditionally trap moisture vapor, which leads to condensation. Where there’s condensation, there’s mold!
Breathable MgO boards can help regulate humidity by allowing some moisture vapor to escape toward the living space. Then proper ventilation can remove it.
Older Buildings
Many older buildings use materials that let some moisture vapor pass through. This keeps the structure breathable. Breathable MgO boards can be a good replacement material. They are particularly great at renovations and maintaining the wall system’s intended functionality.
Homes in Humid Climates
Some moisture can get trapped within walls in areas with high humidity. This can happen even in well-ventilated homes. Breathable MgO boards can offer a slight advantage by allowing some of this vapor to escape. It can reduce the risk of condensation buildup.
Breathability vs. Moisture Resistance
It’s important to distinguish breathability from moisture resistance. The application of MgO boards depends on your specific needs. In other words, the area of the house you are building or renovating.
Moisture Resistance
MgO Boards are made of magnesium oxide, a naturally occurring compound. Like many other minerals, it is very resistant to water absorption and penetration. This makes it suitable for damp environments such as bathrooms or kitchens.
Even when exposed to moisture, MgO boards will not warp, twist, or swell.
Breathability
This refers to the ability to allow air and vapor to pass through. While some MgO boards are breathable, they don’t directly affect their moisture resistance. To simplify, think of MgO boards as raincoats. They are very good at keeping the water out as they are moisture-resistant (non-breathable boards). Now, think of raincoats with vents under the arm (breathable boards).
The vents allow some air to escape. As mentioned, not all raincoats have vents. This does not necessarily mean they are good or bad. It just means they are better for certain applications.
MgO Boards in Action
You know the Latin saying, “Acta non Verba.” So, instead of just typing the benefits of breathable MgO boards, presenting a case study is better. The project location is Coastal South Carolina, USA. In this case, a newly constructed home faced issues with high indoor humidity levels. Traditional materials like drywall contributed to condensation and mold growth in the home.
The construction team decided to replace interior drywall with breathable MgO boards. The boards’ natural air circulation properties allowed moisture to escape through the walls. This significantly reduces indoor humidity levels.
After one year, the homeowners reported no signs of mold or mildew. The home’s air quality improved noticeably. Furthermore, it reduced the need for mechanical dehumidification, lowering energy bills.
Breathability: A Balancing Act
Before you hop into your car to get new MgO boards, you must know some information. This will help you make an informed decision and save money.
Not All MgO Boards Breathe Equally
All MgO boards are moisture-resistant, but not all are equally breathable. This feature depends on the specific MgO board formulation.
The basis of any MgO board is magnesium oxide. But, manufacturers combine it with other chemicals or materials like chloride or sulfate. So, before buying them, check the formulation to determine if that is the type of board you need.
Manufacturing Process
Some manufacturers might add fillers or sealants that reduce breathability. They do this to focus on even higher water resistance. If they are designed to be highly water-resistant, their breathability is lower.
The effectiveness of MgO boards also depends on specific construction management. In some applications, extra measures are essential to manage moisture. Those extra measure include ventilation and vapor barriers.
Conclusion
Most MgO boards are breathable. As such, they offer many benefits, such as preventing moisture accumulation. They also affect indoor air quality and can help with saving energy. I have summarized the advantages of breathable MgO boards and their best applications. I’ve included the difference between breathability and moisture resistance. I have also included some real-life scenarios about the application of MgO boards.