Gypsum board fire resistant vs mgo board fire resistant

11 May Gypsum board fire resistant vs mgo board fire resistant

Comparing Fire Resistance of Gypsum and MgO Boards

Explore the differences between gypsum and MgO boards for fire resistance.

Fire-resistant materials help protect people and property during fires. In the U.S., about 4,000 people die each year in house fires. Many of these deaths happen while people are sleeping. This makes fire-resistant building materials, such as gypsum board fire resistant options, very important for safety. Gypsum boards and MgO boards are common fire-resistant choices. However, they are quite different. Knowing these differences can help you choose better for your building needs.

Key Takeaways

• Gypsum boards are cheap and light, so they are easy to use in dry places like homes and offices.

• MgO boards are stronger against fire and last longer, making them better for wet areas and risky places.

• Gypsum boards cost about $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot, but MgO boards are more expensive at $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot.

• MgO boards do not soak water or grow mold, but gypsum boards can get weak and moldy when wet.

• Use gypsum boards for low-cost projects and MgO boards for strong safety in tough spots.

Overview of Gypsum and MgO Boards

Gypsum board fire resistant: Composition and Properties

Gypsum boards are made from gypsum, a natural mineral. This mineral is calcium sulfate dihydrate, placed between strong paper layers. Gypsum has water molecules in its structure. When heated, these molecules turn into steam, slowing fire spread. This process, called dehydration, happens at 150°C to 190°C. Gypsum boards can also absorb water again, keeping their fire resistance over time.

Gypsum boards work well for walls and ceilings inside homes. But they are not good for wet places since water can damage them.

MgO board fire resistant: Composition and Properties

MgO boards, or magnesium oxide boards, are made from magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate. They also have lightweight fillers and glass fiber mesh for strength. MgO boards can handle very high heat, lasting up to 120 minutes in fires. Unlike gypsum boards, MgO boards do not release harmful fumes when burned, making them safer in fires.

MgO boards are waterproof and resist mold, so they are great for wet areas like bathrooms. They are also dense, which blocks sound well, making them useful for many building needs.

Key Differences in Material Structure

Gypsum and MgO boards are built differently, which affects how they work. Gypsum boards depend on their water-filled structure for fire resistance. But they are weaker and can break easily. MgO boards are stronger because of their dense build and glass fiber mesh.

MgO boards resist water and stay strong in wet places, unlike gypsum boards, which weaken with water. MgO boards also save time during construction since they don’t need extra preparation like gypsum. These features make MgO boards better for tough conditions needing fire and water resistance.

Fire Resistance Comparison

Fire Ratings of Gypsum Boards

Gypsum boards are known for being fire-resistant. Their fire performance depends on their materials and testing standards. The ASTM E 119 test checks how long they can handle fire without breaking. Products are called fire-rated after passing third-party tests.

Here’s a table showing results from studies about gypsum board fire resistance:

These studies show gypsum boards slow fire spread and protect structures. They are a good choice for regular construction projects.

Fire Ratings of MgO Boards

MgO boards are great at resisting fire because of their makeup. They pass tough tests like ASTM E119, EN ISO 1716, and EN 13501-1. For example, MgO boards release water vapor during fires, which helps stop flames.

Key facts about MgO board fire ratings:

• MgO boards score 0/0 on the ASTM E84 / UL 723 test for flame spread and smoke.

• The ASTM E136 test checks if materials burn at 750°C. MgO boards pass this test, proving they don’t burn.

• During tests, MgO boards last at least 30 minutes without overheating.

These strong fire ratings make MgO boards better for projects needing high fire safety, especially in tough conditions.

Certifications and Testing Standards

Both gypsum and MgO boards go through strict fire safety tests. Here’s how they compare:

• Gypsum Boards:

  • Tested with ASTM E 119 for fire resistance.

  • Labeled fire-rated after passing third-party checks.

  • Regular inspections ensure quality in fire-rated systems.

• MgO Boards:

  • Certified under EN ISO 1716 and EN 13501-1 for fire safety.

  • Tested with ASTM E119 for fire resistance time.

  • Checked for flame spread, smoke, and burning with ASTM E136 and BS 476 Part 4.

These tests prove both materials are reliable. But MgO boards often perform better, making them best for high-risk areas.

Performance in High-Temperature Conditions

When materials face high heat, they act differently. This depends on what they are made of. Gypsum boards and MgO boards behave uniquely in fires, making them fit for different uses.

Gypsum Boards: Reaction to Heat

Gypsum boards use water inside them to fight fire. When heated, the water turns to steam. This absorbs heat and slows flames. This process is called dehydration and happens in steps:

• Step 1: Water on the surface evaporates below 100°C.

• Step 2: Water inside the gypsum leaves between 150°C and 190°C.

• Step 3: At higher heat, all water is gone, leaving dry calcium sulfate.

Tests show gypsum boards stay strong during these steps. But as water leaves, they lose some ability to block heat. For example, heating tests showed a link between weight loss and heat-blocking ability.

Adding special materials like paraffin-based Phase Change Materials (PCM) improves fire resistance. PCM absorbs heat, keeping temperatures steady and boosting performance.

MgO Boards: Reaction to Heat

MgO boards handle heat better because of their minerals. Magnesium oxide stays stable even above 750°C. Unlike gypsum boards, they don’t need water to resist fire. Their solid structure and minerals stop flames from spreading.

In fire tests, MgO boards performed well:

• They stayed strong and kept their shape under heat.

• They released water vapor, lowering heat without losing strength.

MgO boards passed tough tests like ASTM E136. They can handle heat up to 750°C without burning. This makes them great for projects needing top fire safety in extreme heat.

Comparing Gypsum and MgO Boards

When comparing gypsum boards and MgO boards in heat, big differences appear:

• Gypsum Boards: Good for normal fire resistance. They rely on water, so they’re not ideal for extreme heat.

• MgO Boards: Best for high heat. Their minerals make them stable and fireproof, perfect for tough conditions.

For areas with high fire risks, MgO boards are the safer choice. For regular needs, gypsum boards work well and cost less.

Additional Factors to Think About

Cost Comparison

When picking between gypsum boards and MgO boards, cost matters. Gypsum boards are cheaper, costing $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot. MgO boards are pricier, ranging from $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot. This higher price reflects their better fire resistance and strength.

Though MgO boards cost more upfront, they last longer. They resist water and need less fixing over time. For projects needing top fire safety, spending more on MgO boards is worth it.

Environmental Effects

Caring for the environment is important in building. Gypsum boards and MgO boards affect nature differently. Gypsum boards can be recycled, but mining gypsum harms land. MgO boards are greener, using magnesium oxide, which has a smaller carbon footprint.

• Eco-Friendly: MgO boards fit better with green building goals.

• Recycling: Both can be recycled, but MgO boards last longer, creating less waste.

• Carbon Output: Making MgO boards releases less carbon than gypsum boards.

Choosing MgO boards helps the planet, especially for eco-friendly projects.

Installation and Use

How easy a material is to install can affect your choice. Gypsum boards are light and simple to cut, making them easy to use. But they can crack if not handled carefully. MgO boards are heavier but tougher, so they don’t break as easily.

• Gypsum Boards: Light and easy to work with but fragile.

• MgO Boards: Heavier but stronger, so they’re harder to damage.

MgO boards also save time during building. They don’t need extra coatings to resist water, unlike gypsum boards. If you want speed and strength, MgO boards are a smart pick.

Long-Term Durability

When picking between gypsum boards and MgO boards, think about how long they last. Durability affects repair costs, safety, and how long your building stays strong.

Gypsum Boards: How They Hold Up

Gypsum boards work well in dry places like homes or offices. They resist damage in normal conditions but weaken with water. Over time, moisture can cause bending, mold, or even breaking.

Tip: Use gypsum boards in dry areas. Seal them well to last longer.

Gypsum boards are not very strong against hits. Heavy items or accidents can crack or dent them. Checking and fixing them often keeps them in good shape.

MgO Boards: How They Hold Up

MgO boards are very durable. They resist water, mold, and pests, so they’re great for wet places. Unlike gypsum boards, they stay strong even after being wet for a long time.

MgO boards also handle impacts better. Their tough build stops cracks or breaks, even under heavy weight. This means fewer repairs, saving you money and effort.

Comparing Durability

For tough conditions, MgO boards are the better choice. For regular use, gypsum boards are cheaper and work fine.

Note: Spending more on durable MgO boards can lower repair costs and make your building safer over time.

Applications

Best Uses for Gypsum Boards

Gypsum boards are useful in many building projects. They work well for indoor walls and ceilings in dry places. Because they are light, they are easy to put up in homes, offices, and schools. Special types, like moisture-resistant or soundproof boards, help with specific needs like stopping mold or reducing noise.

Common uses include:

• Walls and Partitions: Great for making lightweight indoor walls.

• Ceiling Systems: Ideal for dry spaces needing fire protection.

• Fire-Rated Assemblies: Useful for stairwells and elevator shafts.

Gypsum boards are a good choice when you need something affordable and easy to install. For example, in low-cost housing in the U.S. and Canada, they have improved fire safety and living conditions.

Best Uses for MgO Boards

MgO boards are strong and work well in tough conditions. They resist fire, water, and damage, making them great for many uses. They are perfect for wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. In coastal areas, they resist salt air and stay strong over time.

Key uses include:

• Moisture-Prone Areas: Perfect for bathrooms and basements.

• Roof Sheathing: Adds fire safety and lowers roof weight.

• Floor Substrate: Strong and water-resistant, great for floors.

In one study, MgO boards stayed strong in coastal housing during bad weather. In China, they helped social housing by resisting dampness and cutting repair costs.

Picking the Right Material for Your Project

Think about your project’s needs when choosing between gypsum and MgO boards. Gypsum boards are cheaper and work well for basic walls and ceilings. But for wet areas, fire risks, or harsh weather, MgO boards are the better option.

For regular home projects, gypsum boards are a smart pick. For tough or risky conditions, MgO boards are safer and last longer.

Pros and Cons

Gypsum Board: Advantages and Disadvantages

Gypsum boards are popular because they are easy to use. They are light, making them simple to carry and install. These boards work well for walls and ceilings in homes and offices. They also provide a smooth surface, which is great for painting and decorating. Gypsum boards help keep rooms comfortable by balancing temperature and humidity.

Advantages of Gypsum Boards:

• Affordable: Gypsum boards are cheap, perfect for saving money.

• Lightweight: Easy to move and install without much effort.

• Good insulation: They help keep rooms quiet and warm.

• Quick to install: No special tools or skills are needed.

• Flexible designs: You can use them for many different looks.

However, gypsum boards have some downsides. They don’t handle water well and can get damaged in wet places. While they resist fire, they are not as strong as MgO boards in extreme heat.

Disadvantages of Gypsum Boards:

• Water damage: They can swell or grow mold when wet.

• Weaker fire resistance: Not ideal for very high heat.

• Fragile: They can crack or dent easily.

• Installation issues: Need proper conditions like good ventilation.

Tip: Use gypsum boards in dry areas with low fire risks for the best results.

MgO Board: Advantages and Disadvantages

MgO boards are strong and work well in tough conditions. They don’t burn, making them safe for fire-prone areas. They resist water and mold, so they last longer in wet places. MgO boards are also eco-friendly because they are made from sustainable materials and can be recycled.

Advantages of MgO Boards:

• Top fire safety: They stay strong even in extreme heat.

• Waterproof: Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

• Very durable: They don’t crack or break easily.

• Eco-friendly: Made from green materials and recyclable.

• Keeps heat in: Helps save energy by holding warmth.

But MgO boards have some challenges. They cost more than gypsum boards, which can be hard for big projects. They are also heavier, making them harder to move and install.

Disadvantages of MgO Boards:

• Expensive: Costs more than gypsum boards upfront.

• Heavy: Harder to carry and put in place.

• Needs experts: Installation may require skilled workers.

• Quality varies: Depends on how well they are made.

Note: MgO boards are worth it for projects needing top fire and water resistance, especially in tough conditions.

Comparison Table:

Callout: Choose MgO boards for tough, eco-friendly projects. Pick gypsum boards for affordable, lightweight needs.

Both gypsum boards and MgO boards can resist fire, but they work differently. Gypsum boards are cheaper and good for walls and ceilings in dry areas. In contrast, MgO boards are stronger and better for tough conditions. They provide excellent fire safety, last longer, and handle moisture well.

Tip: Pick gypsum boards for low-cost projects. Use MgO boards if you need better fire protection, water resistance, and durability.

Think about your budget, eco-friendly goals, and project needs before deciding.

FAQ

1. Which board is better for fire resistance?

MgO boards are better at resisting fire. They handle higher heat and don’t burn, making them safer for risky areas. Gypsum boards also resist fire but depend on water inside, which limits them in extreme heat.

2. Are MgO boards waterproof?

Yes, MgO boards are waterproof and mold-resistant. They stay strong in wet places like bathrooms or basements. Gypsum boards, on the other hand, weaken when exposed to water and are not good for damp areas.

3. How do the costs of gypsum and MgO boards compare?

Gypsum boards are cheaper, costing $0.50–$1.00 per square foot. MgO boards cost more, around $1.50–$2.50 per square foot. While MgO boards are pricier, they last longer and resist fire better, making them worth the cost.

4. Can both boards be recycled?

Yes, both types of boards can be recycled. MgO boards are more eco-friendly because they use sustainable materials and last longer. Gypsum boards can also be recycled but harm the environment more during production.

5. Which board is easier to install?

Gypsum boards are lighter and easier to install, making them great for quick jobs. MgO boards are heavier and need skilled workers to install. However, they are stronger and need fewer repairs over time.