Comprehensive Guide to the Applications and Uses of Magnesium Oxide Boards

04 Jul Comprehensive Guide to the Applications and Uses of Magnesium Oxide Boards

Magnesium oxide board is a new building material. It is strong and does not burn easily. It is also good for the environment. Builders and architects pick it for safe and high-quality projects. The U.S. magnesium oxide board market will almost double by 2032. This is because people want green buildings and there are strict rules.

This magnesium oxide board guide explains why it is used so much. People use it for home makeovers and big business buildings.

Key Takeaways

• Magnesium oxide boards are strong and do not burn easily. They also do not get damaged by water, mold, or bugs. This helps make buildings safer and healthier for people. These boards can last up to 50 years. They can handle bad weather, heat, and cold better than many other building materials. Mgo boards help save energy. They also help the environment by using less energy to make and by taking in CO2 from the air. These boards are easy to put in place. They are light and work well for walls, floors, ceilings, siding, and firewalls in homes and businesses. When compared to drywall, cement board, and plywood, magnesium oxide boards last longer. They are safer in fires and do not get damaged by water as easily. This makes them a smart choice for the future.

Magnesium Oxide Board Guide

Overview

A magnesium oxide board guide helps builders learn about mgo board. Mgo board is made from magnesium and oxygen. These elements form strong crystals. This makes the board tough and long-lasting. Many people pick mgo board because it does not burn. It also keeps out water, mold, and bugs. These features make it safe for many uses.

Mgo board works inside and outside buildings. Builders use it for walls, ceilings, and tile backers. It is also used in structural insulated panels. The guide shows mgo board can handle hard conditions. People use it in homes, offices, and factories. It does not have harmful chemicals. This makes it safe for people and nature. Mgo board is easy to put in place. You can add different coatings after priming.

Tip: Mgo board can be recycled. It does not give off dangerous fumes. This makes it a good choice for green building.

Composition

Mgo board has layers that make it strong and useful. The main part is magnesium oxide. It mixes with binders like magnesium oxychloride or magnesium oxysulfate. These binders change how the board handles water and how long it lasts. Boards with magnesium oxysulfate take in less water. They also resist rust better than those with magnesium oxychloride.

Makers add fiberglass mesh and fillers like wood or perlite. This makes the board stronger and more flexible. The layers help mgo board stay strong in wet or hot places. The guide shows mgo board can be used in many ways. It is useful in lots of building jobs. New research keeps making mgo board better. This helps it stay important for future building materials.

Benefits of Magnesium Oxide Board

Magnesium oxide board has many good points for building today. It is a top pick because it is safe and lasts a long time. It helps keep buildings strong, dry, and green. These features make homes and businesses safer and better for the planet.

Fire Resistance

One big benefit of mgo board is fire resistance. It gets a Class A rating in ASTM E84 tests. This means it does not let flames spread fast or make much smoke. Mgo board can handle fire and keeps people safer. Builders use it for firewalls and ceilings where fire safety is needed.

• Mgo board does not burn and meets tough rules like EN 13501-1 and UL 723.
• More builders want fire-resistant mgo board. In 2023, demand went up by 28%.
• It keeps heat and smoke low to protect people and things.

Note: Using mgo board can help meet fire codes and lower insurance bills.

Moisture and Mold Resistance

Mgo board also fights water and mold. It does not let water, mold, or bugs in. This makes it a good choice for rooms like bathrooms and kitchens. MagPanel® boards use magnesium sulfate for even better water resistance.

• Mgo board stays strong in wet or damp places.

• It does not rot, bend, or let mold grow. This keeps air inside clean.

• Builders use it where there is rain or leaks because it stays safe.

Durability

Mgo board is very tough and lasts a long time. It can last up to 50 years, which is longer than many other boards. It stands up to hard hits, bad weather, and big changes in temperature. MagPanel® boards are used in famous buildings like the Great Wall of China.

• Mgo board does not crack or break over time.

• It can handle freezing, strong winds, and lots of use.

• It also fights mold, bugs, and fire, so it lasts longer.

Sustainability

Mgo board is good for the environment. It uses less energy to make than cement boards. When it dries, it even takes in CO2 from the air. This helps cut down on greenhouse gases.

• Magnesite, the main material, is easy to find and mine.
• Mgo board can be recycled and used again, so less goes to landfills.
• It has no bad chemicals like asbestos, so it is safe for people and pets.
• Because it lasts so long, there is less waste and fewer replacements.

Tip: Mgo board helps save energy and keeps buildings warm or cool. This can lower heating and cooling bills.

Additional Benefits

• Mgo board is light, easy to move, and can be shaped in many ways. This saves time and money when building.
• It stands up to mold, bugs, and bad weather, so it works in many places.
• Mgo board helps keep buildings airtight and well-insulated, which saves energy.

Blockquote: Mgo board is now used a lot in building. In 2023, the market was worth $1.8 billion. Most of it was used in construction. Many architects and builders plan to use it more. Contractor satisfaction is high at 89%.

Common Applications of MgO Board

Magnesium oxide board is a modern building material. It is used for many construction jobs. Builders and architects like it because it is strong and safe. It also helps save energy. You can use it inside or outside buildings. Its many uses make it popular in construction today.

People use mgo board for walls, ceilings, floors, and tile backers. It is also used for firewalls, SIPs, trim, siding, and soffits. Mgo sheathing works with wood, metal, and SIP frames. It is good for new buildings and fixing old ones.

Residential

People use mgo board in many parts of their homes. It is good for walls, ceilings, and floors. It is also used behind tiles in bathrooms and kitchens. Mgo sheathing keeps homes safe from fire, water, and mold. It helps the air stay clean and lowers how much work you need to do to keep your home nice. The board helps keep homes warm or cool and saves money on energy.

• Wall sheathing and ceilings
• Flooring underlayment for kitchens and bathrooms
• Tile backers in wet areas
• Firewalls for added safety
• Siding and soffits for outside protection

Tip: Mgo board helps homes save energy and stay warm or cool. This makes it a smart pick for green homes.

A study showed that using mgo board instead of drywall in a wet home stopped mold for over three years. This shows mgo board can keep out water and mold, even in tough places.

Commercial

Commercial buildings need safe and strong materials. Mgo board is used in offices, hotels, schools, and hospitals. It does not burn easily and keeps out mold. This makes it good for busy places. Mgo sheathing is strong for walls, ceilings, and floors. It is also used for trim and outside walls.

• Wall and ceiling sheathing in offices and hotels
• Flooring underlayment in stores
• Tile backers in restrooms and kitchens
• Firewalls and partitions for safety
• Siding and soffits for outside strength

A hotel in Los Angeles used mgo board for inside walls and ceilings. A fire started during building. The mgo board stayed strong and stopped the fire for four hours. This shows how well it stops fire and keeps people safe.

Mgo board also helps commercial buildings save energy. It keeps rooms at a good temperature and lowers heating and cooling costs. Builders say it costs less to take care of and helps people stay healthy in wet places.

Industrial

Factories and warehouses need tough materials. Mgo board works well in these places. It stands up to fire, water, and chemicals. This makes it good for hard jobs. Mgo sheathing is used inside and outside industrial buildings.

• Wall and ceiling sheathing in factories and warehouses
• Flooring underlayment for heavy machines
• Firewalls and partitions for safety rules
• Siding and soffits for weather protection

Tests show mgo board is as good or better than fiber cement and gypsum board. It does not bend, soak up water, or break in cold weather. Magnesium oxychloride boards work well in wet places. Magnesium oxysulphate boards are strong in dry places. New rules like PAS 670:2021 show mgo board is important in factories.

Note: More factories use modular and prefab buildings, so they need more mgo board. New types, like high-density and composite boards, make it even better for building strong structures.

Mgo board is used in homes, businesses, and factories. It saves energy and keeps buildings safe and strong. More builders use it because it is safe, lasts long, and is good for the planet.

Specific Uses

Wall Panels

Mgo board is a good choice for wall panels in many buildings. Builders like it because it does not burn and is strong. The board stays flat when it gets wet. Glass fiber mesh inside makes it even stronger. Groups like ICC-ES and UL check its quality. Mgo board comes in different thicknesses for many wall jobs. It stops mold and fungus, so air inside stays clean. The board also helps block noise and keeps rooms quiet and comfy.

Note: Mgo board wall panels have a limited warranty. This shows the maker trusts their product.

Flooring Underlayment

Mgo board is great for flooring underlayment. It gives a strong base for tile, wood, or carpet. The board does not soak up water, so it stays flat and tough in wet places. Builders use it in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. It is light, so it is easy to carry and put in. Mgo board underlayment stops mold and mildew under floors. It also makes the whole floor system last longer.

Ceilings and Soffits

Ceilings and soffits do well with mgo board because it is light and strong. The board does not sag, even in damp rooms. You can use it inside or outside for ceilings. Mgo board keeps ceilings smooth and nice for a long time. It also helps stop fire and water damage. Builders pick it for homes and businesses where safety and looks are important.

Siding and Exterior Sheathing

Mgo board is a top pick for siding and outside sheathing. In South Texas, a two-year-old job still looked new and did not need paint, even in hot, wet weather. The board lets vapor out but blocks water, so it handles wetness better than plywood or OSB. Mgo board meets hurricane rules and can stop fire for four hours. It is tough and stands up to bad weather, so it is great for outside jobs. Builders use it on wood, metal, and SIP frames.

Tile Backers and Firewalls

Mgo board is strong for tile backers and firewalls. It does not burn, so it is safe for fire-rated walls. The board stops water, mold, and mildew, which is good for bathrooms and kitchens. Mgo backer board holds heavy tiles and screws without breaking. Unlike gypsum drywall or plywood, it does not let out toxins or get weak in a fire. Builders trust mgo board for safety and strength in these important jobs.

Block Quote: MagPanel® boards were used in big green buildings like the Beijing Olympic Games and Taipei 101. This shows they work well in tough places.

Magnesium Oxide Board vs Traditional Materials

Drywall

Mgo board is different from drywall. Drywall costs less at first, but mgo board lasts longer. Mgo board does not need many repairs. It can stop fire for up to four hours. Mgo board does not swell or crack when wet. Drywall can soak up water and grow mold. Mgo board keeps out mold, bacteria, and termites. This makes it safer for homes and schools. Builders say mgo board is easy to cut and install. It is lighter than drywall and does not need special tools. Mgo board costs more at the start, but it lasts longer. You do not have to fix it as much. This makes it a smart choice for many projects.

Tip: Mgo board helps keep buildings safe and healthy. It works well in damp or fire-prone places.

Cement Board

Mgo board works better than cement board in many ways. Both can handle fire, but mgo board does not burn or make smoke. It does not let out toxins. Cement board can take fire, but not as well with direct flames. Mgo board keeps its shape in wet places. Cement board may swell or get weak over time. Builders use mgo board in kitchens, tunnels, and near the coast. It stays strong in tough spots. Mgo board is lighter, so it is easier to move and put in. Its fire and moisture resistance make it a top pick for hard jobs.

Note: Mgo board gives more time to get out during fires. This makes it great for fire-rated walls and ceilings.

Plywood and OSB

Mgo board is better than plywood and OSB in many ways. It has a much lower carbon footprint. It gives off about 70 kg CO2 per ton. Cement and gypsum boards release much more. Mgo board uses less energy to make. It can even take in CO2 from the air. It does not have bad chemicals like formaldehyde or asbestos. Plywood and OSB can bend, rot, or grow mold when wet. Mgo board stays strong and safe, even in humid or coastal places. Builders pick mgo board for green projects and places that need strong materials. Making mgo board close to where it is used can make it even better for the planet.

Callout: Mgo board helps builders meet green and energy-saving goals in new buildings.

Installation Guide for MgO Board

Tools and Preparation

You need the right tools to install mgo board well. Get a utility knife, a saw with a carbide tip, a measuring tape, and a straight edge. Wear a dust mask, gloves, and safety glasses to stay safe. Keep mgo boards inside in a dry place before you start. Lay the boards flat so they do not bend. Let them sit in the room for two days before using them. This helps stop the boards from changing shape later. Make sure your work area is clean and dry. Wipe away any dust before you begin. Doing these things helps you install mgo board the right way.

Tip: Check each mgo board for cracks or chips before you use it. This keeps your project looking good and strong.

Cutting and Fastening

Use a sharp utility knife for thin mgo boards. For thick boards, use a saw with a carbide tip. Draw lines with a pencil and use a straight edge to guide you. Cut slowly so the board does not chip. Use screws that do not rust, like stainless steel or brass. These screws work well even in wet places. Boards with less chloride take in less water and do not rust as much. Put screws at least 12 mm from the edge and 200 mm apart. Do not screw too hard or you might break the board. This way, your mgo board will last longer and need fewer repairs.

Finishing

To finish mgo board, follow a few steps. Put the smooth side facing out for a nice look and better fire safety. Clean and dry the board before you glue it down. Use a glue that is not water-based for floors. Spread the glue with the right trowel. Press the board down with a roller to get rid of air bubbles. Let the glue dry as long as the maker says. Use flexible joint compounds and leave small gaps for movement. This helps if the room gets hot or cold. Keep boards dry and store them flat. MagPanel boards have less than 3% defects if you follow these steps.

Note: Good finishing and careful work help mgo board last a long time.

Magnesium oxide board is a strong choice for new buildings. Builders and homeowners like it because it does not burn easily. It lasts a long time and is good for the planet. You can use mgo board in houses, offices, and factories. People who use it have fewer repairs and cleaner air. Contractors use mgo board for walls, floors, and ceilings. It also helps make buildings more eco-friendly. If you want to build something, talk to an expert about mgo board. Mgo board keeps people safe and is worth the money over time.

FAQ

What is the main advantage of magnesium oxide board over drywall?

Magnesium oxide board is better at stopping fire, water, and mold than drywall. Builders pick it when they want more safety and strength. It lasts longer and helps make buildings greener.

Can magnesium oxide board be used outdoors?

Yes, you can use magnesium oxide board outside. It works for walls, siding, and soffits. It does not rot or bend in rain, wind, or sun. Builders use it in many places because it stays strong.

Is magnesium oxide board safe for indoor air quality?

Magnesium oxide board does not have asbestos or formaldehyde. It does not let out bad fumes. This keeps the air inside safe for people and pets.

How does magnesium oxide board handle installation?

Installers say magnesium oxide board is easy to cut and attach. You can use normal tools. The board stays flat and does not break easily. If you store and handle it right, it will not get damaged.

Does magnesium oxide board require special maintenance?

No, magnesium oxide board does not need much care. It does not stain or let mold and bugs in. Clean it with soap and water. Check it sometimes to keep it looking good for a long time.