10 Jul Fire Resistance of Magnesium Oxide Sheathing Board Explained
Table of Contents
Magnesium oxide sheathing board gives great fire protection for buildings. MgO boards do not catch fire, even at 1,472°F (800°C). They do not burn, melt, or make dangerous smoke in a fire. This helps keep people safe from fire. The table below shows how magnesium oxide board is different from other sheathing materials:
Material | Fire Resistance Rating (ASTM E84/UL 723) | Fire Resistance Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Boards | 0/0 (Flame Spread/Smoke Developed Index) | This is a Class A1 fire product. It does not burn. It lets out about 30 pounds of water vapor in a fire, which helps stop the fire. |
Plywood | N/A | This is not flame-resistant. It can help fire spread. |
Oriented Strand Board (OSB) | N/A | This is not fire-resistant. It lets out formaldehyde. It can help fire spread. |
Portland Cement | N/A | This does not help stop fires. |
MgO boards have worked well in real fires and meet tough world rules. Magnesium oxide board is a better choice and keeps buildings safe. MgO boards do better than old materials, so they are a smart pick for building.
Key Takeaways
Magnesium oxide boards do not burn or melt. They do not make dangerous smoke. This makes them very safe during fires. These boards can handle very high heat. They stay strong in a fire. This helps slow down fire and keeps buildings safer. MgO boards pass hard fire tests. They get top safety scores. This shows they are good for fire-resistant walls. MgO boards are better than plywood, OSB, gypsum, and cement boards. They resist fire, water, and mold more. They are simple to put in. They are good for the environment. They are safe for indoor air. This makes them a smart pick for safer buildings.
Fire Resistance of Magnesium Oxide Sheathing Board
Noncombustibility and Material Properties
Mgo boards are special because they do not burn. They do not melt when there is a fire. This makes them a good choice for buildings that need fire safety. Many lab tests, like ASTM E119 and ASTM E136, show mgo boards can take a lot of heat. These tests also show mgo boards do not make toxic smoke. This helps keep people safe during a fire.
Mgo boards have water inside their structure. When they get hot, the water turns into vapor. This slows down the flames. This feature gives mgo boards extra fireproof power. Plywood and OSB can burn and help fire spread. Mgo boards do not do this. They work as fireproof insulation. They help stop fire from moving between rooms or floors.
Note: Mgo boards have the A1 non-combustible rating in Europe. This is the highest level for not burning. This rating proves mgo boards are very safe for fire-resistant sheathing.
Some studies tested mgo boards in tough places. They checked how mgo boards do with lots of water and heat. The tests show mgo boards stay strong and keep their shape. They do not get weak after being wet or hot for a long time. Mgo boards also do not get moldy or damaged by water. This makes them a smart pick for places with fire and moisture risks.
Some reports have questioned if all mgo boards are noncombustible. But most mgo boards pass strict fire safety rules. Builders like mgo boards because they do not have asbestos or formaldehyde. This makes them safer for people and better for the planet.
High Temperature Performance
Mgo boards work well in very high heat. They can handle up to 1,472°F (800°C) without losing shape or strength. The melting point is even higher, about 2,800°C. This means mgo boards will not melt or break in most fires. This makes them great for heat resistant wall panels where fire risk is high.
Mgo boards have passed many fire tests. The ASTM E84 test checks how fast flames move on a surface. Mgo boards often get a zero, which means no flame spread. In the ASTM E119 test, mgo boards help walls last one to two hours or more in fire. These results show mgo boards are good as fireproof insulation and heat resistant wall panels.
- Mgo boards do not make dangerous fumes in a fire.
- They help keep buildings safe by slowing fire and giving people more time to get out.
- Mgo boards stay together and do not fall apart fast, even in high heat.
Mgo boards also do well in real-life tests. Builders use them in homes and tall office buildings. In these places, mgo boards help stop fire from spreading. They keep walls strong during emergencies. Their fire resistance, noncombustibility, and strength make them a top pick for modern buildings.
When builders pick magnesium oxide sheathing board, they can meet strict fire codes. They also make their buildings safer. Mgo boards give fire resistance, strength, and are safe for the environment. Few other materials can do all these things.
Fire-Resistant MgO Boards: Testing and Standards
Key Fire Tests and Ratings
Fire-resistant mgo boards must pass strict tests before builders can use them as fire-rated exterior sheathing. The most important tests include ASTM E84, ASTM E119, and EN 13501-1+A1:2010. These tests measure how mgo boards react to fire, how long they can stop flames, and if they make smoke. ASTM E84 checks the surface burning speed and smoke made by mgo boards. Most mgo boards get a Class A rating, which means they do not help fire spread and do not make much smoke.
ASTM E119 tests how long mgo boards can keep fire out. Many mgo boards can last up to 120 minutes at 12mm thickness. This makes them strong fire-rated panels for walls and ceilings. EN 13501-1+A1:2010 is a European test that gives mgo boards an A1 rating. This is the highest level for fire resistance. A 2019 study used a radiant flame gas furnace and the ISO 834 fire curve to test mgo boards. The study showed that mgo boards alone had lower insulation times than gypsum, but adding steel sheathing improved their fire resistance.
Note: ICC-ES Evaluation Services Report ESR-5418 gives detailed fire test results for mgo boards. It confirms that mgo boards meet tough state codes in places like Florida and California.
Certification and Compliance
Mgo boards must meet many rules before builders can use them as fire-rated exterior sheathing. ICC-ES accredited labs test mgo boards for fire resistance, strength, and water safety. These tests check flexural strength, freeze/thaw resistance, water absorption, and flame spread. They also test how mgo boards handle wind, impact, and long-term use. These steps make sure mgo boards are safe and strong for buildings.
Suppliers test mgo boards every year to keep up with safety rules. They follow standards from ASTM, ANSI, and NFPA. Quality checks include audits, supplier reviews, and Good Manufacturing Practice inspections. A scientific study in the UK tested six mgo board samples from different makers. The study used X-ray and bending tests to check thickness, density, and strength. Results showed that most mgo boards meet the needed standards, but quality can change between brands.
Product documents for mgo boards, like MagPanel, list fire ratings, installation steps, and safety test results. These details help builders trust mgo boards for fire-rated exterior sheathing. When builders choose mgo boards, they get proven fire resistance and strong fire-rated panels for many uses.
Comparing MgO Boards to Other Materials
MgO vs. Gypsum and Cement Board
Magnesium oxide sheathing board is different from gypsum and cement board. Mgo boards are stronger against fire and last longer. They do not burn or help fire spread. This makes them great for fireproof wall boards in homes and businesses. Gypsum board can slow down fire, but it does not work as well as mgo boards in very hot fires. Cement board can also stop fire, but it might crack or break when it gets too hot.
The table below shows how these materials are different:
Performance Aspect | MgO Boards | Gypsum Board | Cement Board |
|---|---|---|---|
Fire Resistance | Superior (up to 4 hrs) | Medium | High |
Moisture Resistance | High | Low | High |
Mold Resistance | High | Low | High |
Installation Ease | Easy, lightweight | Needs special tools | Heavy, more labor |
Durability | High | Moderate | High |
Mgo boards also stop mold, mildew, and termites better than the other boards. They are lighter and easier to put up, so workers save time. Magnesium oxide board does not have bad chemicals, so it is safer for the air inside. Builders like to use mgo boards for fireproof wall panels in homes. This is because they are strong, safe from fire, and keep out water.
MgO vs. Plywood and OSB
Mgo boards do much better than plywood and OSB in a fire. Plywood and OSB can catch fire and help it spread fast. Mgo boards do not burn and do not let fire move. This makes them safer for fireproof wall boards in houses and offices.
Here is a table that compares these materials:
Material | Fire Risk | Flame Resistance | Water Resistance | Mold Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
MgO Boards | None | High | High | High |
OSB | High | Low | Low | Low |
Plywood | High | Low | Low | Low |
Magnesium oxide board can take heat up to 1200°C and stay strong for four hours in a fire. Plywood and OSB get weak fast and can fall apart if they get hot or wet. Mgo boards also keep out water better, so mold does not grow. These things make mgo boards good for heat resistant wall panels and non-combustible wall panels in many buildings.
Mgo boards last longer and do not need much fixing. They help keep buildings safe for a long time. Magnesium oxide structural panels are a smart pick for people who want strong, fireproof, and water-safe walls.
Practical Benefits and Limitations
Fire Safety in Buildings
Mgo boards help keep buildings safe from fire. They do not burn, so they lower fire risks. Computer tests show mgo boards can slow down heat and keep fires cooler in tunnels. Tunnels with mgo boards stay cooler than ones with calcium silicate boards. There are not many real-life tests in buildings, but these results are promising. Mgo boards help stop fire from spreading and protect people. Builders use them as fireproof insulation and wall boards in homes and offices.
Installation and Maintenance
Mgo boards are light, so they are easy to carry and use.
- Store boards inside, carry them upright, and stack them flat.
- Let boards sit for two days before putting them up.
- You might need special tools to cut mgo boards because they are dense.
- To care for them, keep them dry and check for any damage.
- Mgo boards are strong and do not get ruined by water, mold, bugs, or hits.
- MagPanel boards have a lifetime warranty, so they last a long time.
- Mgo boards work well in wet places, but you must finish them fully to keep water out.
Compliance and Drawbacks
Aspect | Magnesium Sulfate-based MgO Boards (MagPanel) | Magnesium Chloride-based MgO Boards | Compliance Challenges / Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
Chemical Composition | Uses magnesium sulfate as bonding agent | Uses magnesium chloride as bonding agent | Magnesium chloride boards can pull in water and hurt metal parts |
Moisture Resistance | More stable and less likely to cause rust | More likely to soak up water and cause rust | You need weather barriers to follow building rules and protect wood |
Fire Safety Compliance | Usually does not burn | Some boards with organic stuff do not pass fire tests | Fire safety may be worse if boards have organic materials |
Structural Use | Strong and tough, but not for holding up buildings | Same | Needs good support to meet building rules |
Installation Considerations | Needs weather barrier to stop water | Same | Harder and costs more to put in because of water issues |
Cost | Costs more at first | Cheaper but has more problems later | Higher price at first, but lasts longer and meets rules |
Health and Indoor Air Quality | Does not let out bad gases | Same | Good for clean air inside buildings |
A study tested over 1000 mgo boards for two years. The results showed that quality is not always the same. Some mgo boards do not last long in wet places, which is a problem. Good mgo boards can last over 30 years if kept dry. How well they handle water depends on what they are made of. Building codes and ASTM rules help builders know the limits and follow the rules when using mgo boards in homes and offices.
Noncombustibility in Building Applications
Role in Fire-Resistant Construction
Role in Fire-Resistant ConstructionNoncombustibility is very important for building safety during fires. Mgo boards are special because they do not burn or help fire spread. Their mineral makeup gives them this ability. Many reports and rules say mgo boards meet tough fire safety standards. These reports show mgo boards pass tests like ASTM E84, ASTM E119, and EN 13501-1. These tests prove mgo boards can stop flames, heat, and smoke. They get a Class A rating, which is the best for fire safety in noncombustible materials.
Mgo boards stay strong even in high heat. They do not melt or fall apart, so walls and ceilings stay safe in a fire. This gives people more time to get out of the building. Mgo boards do not make dangerous gases or smoke, so they are safer for everyone inside. Studies show mgo boards can take heat up to 1200°C. They keep their shape and do not let fire move through easily.
Tip: Mgo boards are great for places that need strong fire safety, like hospitals, schools, and big buildings. Their noncombustibility makes them a good pick for fire-rated walls, ceilings, and floors.
The table below explains why mgo boards are good for fire-resistant buildings:
Property | Description | Fire Safety Benefit |
|---|---|---|
Fire Resistance | Non-combustible, A1 Rated | Stops fire from spreading and meets world rules |
Thermal Stability | Handles high heat | Slows down building collapse in a fire |
Smoke and Toxicity | No harmful gas | Keeps people safe during a fire |
Structural Integrity | Stays strong in fire | Gives more time to leave and keeps safety |
Moisture Resistance | Water and mold-proof | Less damage after fire and stays strong |
Eco-Friendliness | Made from natural minerals | Good for safe and green building |
Mgo boards are now a top pick for fire-safe buildings. Their noncombustibility, strength, and safety help protect people and property. Builders use mgo boards in many places where fire safety is very important.
Magnesium oxide sheathing boards are very good at stopping fire. They work well in buildings and keep people safe. Studies show these boards are dense and do not let heat move through easily. They also stop fire better than old types of boards:
Study/Parameter | Density (kg/m³) | Thermal Conductivity (W/(m·K)) | Fire Resistance Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
Martins et al. | 0.18 | Better at keeping heat out | |
Aiken et al. | 993–1092 | 0.02–0.21 | Strong, bends well, and lasts long |
MgO boards keep their fire resistance even in tough places.
Sometimes the outside changes if it gets wet, but the inside stays strong.
Experts say MgO boards do not spread flames or make smoke, so they are safe for many uses where fire safety matters.
For the best results, builders should talk to experts. This helps them pick the right MgO boards and follow building rules.
FAQ
What makes magnesium oxide sheathing board fire resistant?
Magnesium oxide sheathing board does not burn. Its mineral makeup keeps it strong in high heat. It does not make smoke or toxic gases during a fire. This helps protect people and buildings.
Can MgO boards be used outside?
Yes, builders use MgO boards for both inside and outside walls. These boards resist water, mold, and fire. For best results, they should seal all edges and follow the maker’s instructions.
Do MgO boards need special tools for installation?
Most workers use standard tools to cut and install MgO boards.
Some boards are dense, so a carbide-tipped saw blade works best. Always wear a mask to avoid breathing in dust.
Are MgO boards safe for indoor air quality?
MgO boards do not contain asbestos or formaldehyde. They do not release harmful gases. This makes them a safe choice for homes, schools, and hospitals.