MgO Board and Fiber Cement Board What Sets Them Apart

15 Jul MgO Board and Fiber Cement Board What Sets Them Apart

You will see important differences between mgo board and fiber cement board right away. Magnesium oxide board is lighter, resists fire well, and handles water better. Fiber cement boards are very strong and work great outside, but they are heavier and need more care. If you need something for wet places or where fire safety is important, mgo board might be best. Fiber cement boards are good for outside walls when you want them to last a long time. What you need for your project will help you pick the right cement board.

Key Takeaways

• Magnesium oxide board is light. It does not burn easily. It works well in wet places like bathrooms and kitchens.

• Fiber cement board is heavy. It is very strong. It lasts a long time outside. This makes it good for siding and outside walls.

• MgO board stops mold and water better. It helps keep indoor spaces safe and healthy.

• Fiber cement board needs more care when you put it in. You must be careful for safety. It is very tough against bad weather and bugs.

• Pick MgO board if you want fire safety and easy setup. Choose fiber cement board for strong outdoor use and long-lasting safety.

MgO Board Overview

Composition

Magnesium oxide board, or mgo board, is a cement board. It is made from magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride or sulfate, water, and fillers. Fiberglass mesh is often inside to make it stronger. Some boards use light materials like expanded polystyrene. This makes them easier to carry and use. The mix creates a strong panel that resists fire. Magnesium oxide boards do not have asbestos or other dangerous chemicals. They are good for people who want to use green building materials.

Properties

Magnesium board has many good features for your project. It is very good at stopping fire. It can take heat up to 1200ºC for hours. This makes it safer than most other cement boards. It also keeps out water well. You can use it in wet places like bathrooms or kitchens. Mold and mildew do not grow on these boards easily. This helps keep your space healthier.

Magnesium board ceiling panels weigh less than regular cement board. You can lift and install them more easily, even in high spots.

Here are some things magnesium oxide board does well:

• It stops fire and water.

• It does not let mold or rot grow.

• It keeps out noise and heat.

• It is light, so it is easy to put up.

• It is better for the environment.

But there are some problems too:

• Magnesium oxide board can break if you drop it.

• It may need special screws or anchors because nails do not hold well.

• Some ceiling panels can have trouble with water if made poorly. This can cause cracks or rust in very wet places.

• It can cost more and you might need skilled workers to cut and install it.

• In some places, it is hard to find magnesium oxide board, which can slow down your work.

Factories have made magnesium oxide boards stronger and better. They use better rules and recipes now. This means the boards work the same every time and last longer. Magnesium oxide boards can last over 30 years in many buildings, even in wet or hot places. People use magnesium board ceiling panels more in modular and prefab buildings because they are light and easy to use.

Fiber Cement Board Overview

Composition

You will find that fiber cement board is a type of cement board made from a mix of strong materials. The main ingredients include:

• Portland cement, which acts as the glue and gives the board its durability.

• Cellulose fibers, which help prevent cracking and add flexibility.

• Silica or sand, which makes the board strong and rigid.

• Water, which helps all the parts stick together during the curing process.

When these materials combine and cure under high pressure, you get fiber cement boards that can handle tough conditions. This mix gives fiber cement board ceiling panels their long life and makes them a popular choice for many building projects.

Properties

Fiber cement boards stand out for their durability and versatility. You can use them in many places, both inside and outside. They resist fire, pests, rot, and even damage from the sun. Fiber cement board ceiling panels do not swell, warp, or crack easily, even when the weather changes a lot. This makes them a smart pick for outdoor walls and ceilings.

One of the key benefits of fiber cement board is its ability to last for years with proper care. You can trust it to keep its shape and strength in most climates.

Here are some key benefits of fiber cement board:

• High durability means you do not have to replace it often.

• Great versatility lets you use it for siding, ceilings, and even as a base for tiles.

• Fiber cement board ceiling panels work well in wet or dry areas.

• You can paint or finish them in many ways to match your style.

However, fiber cement boards do have some drawbacks. The panels are heavy, so you may need help to lift and install them. Cutting fiber cement board ceiling panels creates dust that can be harmful if you breathe it in, so you must use safety gear. The boards can crack if you do not handle them carefully. They also need regular maintenance, like repainting, to keep looking good. Fiber cement board ceiling panels do not insulate as well as some other materials, so they may not help much with energy savings.

You should consider these factors when choosing fiber cement boards for your project. The performance of fiber cement board ceiling panels depends on how you use them and how well you take care of them.

MgO Board vs Fiber Cement Board

Durability

Fiber cement boards last longer outside than most mgo boards. These panels can handle bad weather and lots of use. You can count on fiber cement board to stay strong for years, even on outside walls. Magnesium oxide board is also tough, but it depends on how it is made. Some mgo boards made with magnesium oxychloride can have trouble in very wet places. You might see water drops or mold if the board is not made well. But magnesium oxysulphate-based mgo board does not have this problem. It can last over 30 years in normal weather. Magnesium oxide board keeps its strength, but some types can get brittle if they are in high humidity for a long time. Fiber cement boards usually last longer, but good mgo boards can last just as long or even longer.

• Fiber cement boards do not crack or break as easily as most mgo boards.

• Magnesium oxide board can break, so you must be careful.

• Both boards are strong and useful, but fiber cement boards last longer outside.

Fire Resistance

Fire resistance is important for many buildings. Magnesium oxide board is very good at stopping fire. This board can take heat up to 1200ºC and does not burn easily. You can use mgo board in walls, ceilings, and floors that need fire safety. Fiber cement board also stops fire, but not as well as mgo board. Both boards slow down flames, but mgo board gives more safety in risky places.

If you want the best fire safety, pick magnesium oxide board.

Moisture Resistance

Moisture resistance is needed in wet or damp places. Magnesium oxide board, especially MOS-based, keeps out water better than most other boards. You will not see leaks or water drops with MOS-based mgo board, even in very wet rooms. Fiber cement boards also keep out water, but you must check them and fix cracks. Some mgo boards made with MOC can have problems in high humidity, but MOS-based boards stay dry and strong.

• MOS-based mgo board takes in less water than fiber cement board.

• Fiber cement boards need checks to keep water out.

• Both boards keep out water, but mgo board works best in wet places.

Mold and Rot Resistance

You want your board to stay clean and safe. Magnesium oxide board does not let mold or rot grow easily. This makes it good for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Fiber cement boards also stop mold and rot, but not as well as mgo board. If you use MOS-based mgo board, you get even better protection from fungus and decay.

Magnesium oxide board helps keep wet or damp rooms healthy.

Installation

You will see a big difference when putting up these boards. Magnesium oxide board is lighter than fiber cement board. You can lift and move mgo board panels more easily. This makes it faster and easier to install, even on ceilings or high walls. Fiber cement boards are heavy and need more people or tools to put up. Cutting fiber cement board makes dust, so you must wear a mask and use special tools. Magnesium oxide board is easier to cut and shape, but you may need special screws or anchors because it can break.

• Mgo board saves time and work when you install it.

• Fiber cement boards take longer and need more safety steps.

Cost

When you look at prices, you will see some changes. Magnesium oxide board usually costs more to buy than fiber cement board. You might pay more for better fire and water safety. But you can save money on work because mgo board is lighter and easier to put up. Fiber cement boards cost less per panel, but you may spend more on putting them up and keeping them nice. Think about the total cost, not just the price.

• Magnesium oxide board: higher price at first, lower work cost, less upkeep.

• Fiber cement board: lower price at first, higher work and upkeep costs.

Environmental Impact

If you care about nature, magnesium oxide board is better for the earth. This board uses natural minerals and does not have bad chemicals. You can recycle mgo board panels, and they do not let out toxins. Fiber cement boards use more energy to make and can make dust that is not safe to breathe. Magnesium oxide board also helps keep your indoor air clean.

Magnesium oxide board is good for green building and needs little upkeep.

Warranty and Support

You want to know your board is covered. Some top brands give a 5-year warranty for magnesium oxide board, like MagPanel® from Ambient. You get help, guides, and even a money-back promise. Fiber cement board makers do not always give the same warranty or help, so check before you buy.

Applications

Indoor Use

You often see mgo board used inside buildings for walls and ceilings. This cement board works well in Light Steel Frame systems. It keeps your rooms safe from fire and helps control temperature. Magnesium oxide board gives you better thermal comfort and energy savings. You can trust it to stay stable and not change shape when the air gets humid. Many green buildings, like the Beijing Olympic venues, use this cement board for its fireproof and decorative qualities. Fiber cement boards also appear in indoor spaces. Builders use them for their strength and crack resistance. However, fiber cement boards can get hot and may not keep your room as comfortable. They also change size when the air is damp. For most indoor common applications, magnesium oxide board gives you better results for comfort and safety.

Outdoor Use

You find fiber cement boards on many outside walls and ceilings. This cement board stands up to wind, rain, and sun. It lasts a long time and does not break down easily. Builders pick fiber cement boards for siding, soffits, and even as a base for tiles. Magnesium oxide board can also work outside, but you must choose the right type. Some magnesium oxide board panels may not handle constant wet weather unless they use the best formulas. For outdoor common applications, fiber cement boards give you more durability and need less care if you keep them painted and sealed. Both types of cement board resist pests and rot, but fiber cement boards are the top choice for most outdoor jobs.

Best Choice by Environment

You want the right cement board for your project. Here is a quick guide:

Tip: For common applications in wet rooms or where you need fire safety, pick magnesium oxide board. For outside walls or places with lots of sun and rain, fiber cement boards are your best bet.

You should always match the cement board to your needs, budget, and the local climate. Magnesium oxide board gives you better comfort and safety inside. Fiber cement boards give you strength and long life outside. Both cement board types have their place in modern building.

You now know the key differences between mgo board and fiber cement boards. Fiber cement boards give you strong outdoor protection, long life, and many uses. You can trust fiber cement boards for siding, ceilings, and wet areas outside. Fiber cement boards need more care and weigh more, but they last. If you want better fire safety or need a lighter panel, mgo board works well inside. Always match fiber cement boards or mgo board to your project needs and local weather.

FAQ

What are the key benefits of magnesium board compared to fiber cement board?

Magnesium oxide board stops fire and water better than fiber cement board. It is lighter, so you can put it up without much trouble. These boards use eco-friendly materials and help keep your air clean inside. You do not need to do much to take care of magnesium board ceiling panels.

How does the durability and versatility of fiber cement boards compare to mgo board?

Fiber cement boards are tough and can be used in many ways, especially outside. You can use them for siding or ceilings in lots of places. Mgo board is good for inside but can break more easily. Fiber cement board ceiling panels last longer when used outdoors.

Is there a cost comparison between magnesium oxide board and fiber cement board?

Magnesium oxide board costs more at first, but you save money on work because it is lighter. Fiber cement board is cheaper per panel, but you pay more to put it up and keep it nice. Always look at the total cost for your project before you choose.

Which board is better for weather resistance and low maintenance requirements?

Fiber cement boards handle bad weather well and are good for outside. You will need to repaint them sometimes. Magnesium oxide board keeps out water and mold, so you do not have to do much to take care of it inside. Pick the board that fits your space and what you need it to do.