12 Jul 5 Surprising Benefits of Magnesium Wall Board
Table of Contents
When you pick magnesium wall board, you get five cool benefits:
It can resist fire for up to four hours.
It stops mold from growing very well.
Making it is better for the planet and uses less CO2.
It is very strong and lasts a long time.
It helps keep the air inside your home healthier.
These things make magnesium wall board a better choice than regular drywall. Builders in places like California and Florida like it for safety and the environment. You can see how it does better than drywall in this chart:
Key Takeaways
Magnesium wall board is very good at stopping fire. It stays safe even when it gets very hot. This helps keep your home and family safe.
It does not let water or mold in as much as regular drywall. This keeps your walls strong. It also helps the air inside stay healthy.
This wall board is good for the earth. It is made from natural things. It takes less energy to make. You can recycle it to help the planet.
Magnesium wall board is very tough and hard to break. It lasts longer than regular drywall. You will not need to fix it as much.
It does not let out bad chemicals or smells. This makes the air in your home better. It helps your home stay safe and comfy.
1. Fire Resistance
Magnesium Wall Board Safety
If you use magnesium wall board in your house, you make it safer. This material is special because it does not catch fire easily. Many builders pick it for walls and ceilings that need to be safe from fire. You can trust that magnesium wall board can take very high heat. It also does not make bad smoke or gases if there is a fire.
Tip: Always look for certifications before buying. Certified boards follow strict fire safety rules and keep you safer.
Here are some important fire safety certifications to check:
Certification / Standard | What It Tests | Fire Safety Rating |
|---|---|---|
ASTM E136 | Noncombustibility | Noncombustible |
ASTM E84 | Surface fire spread | Class A (highest) |
EN 13501-1 | European fire class | Class A1 |
CAN/ULC S114 & S135 | Canadian fire resistance | Fire-rated |
High Temperature Performance
Magnesium wall board can handle very hot temperatures. In lab tests, it stayed strong up to 1200°C. When there is a fire, it makes almost no smoke. It also does not let out harmful gases. This helps keep your family safe.
But not all magnesium wall board is the same. Some boards that are made poorly may not be as good. Always buy boards with the right certifications.
Here is how magnesium wall board does in fire tests with other wall boards:
Big fire tests used steel frame walls with different boards.
The tests checked if the walls stayed strong, stopped fire, and blocked heat.
Gypsum drywall and calcium silicate boards lasted longer than magnesium wall board.
Magnesium wall board did not block heat or keep its shape as long.
Gypsum drywall is better at stopping heat because it lets out water vapor when hot.
Even if magnesium wall board does not always do better than gypsum drywall, it still gives good fire safety. It meets strict safety rules if you pick certified boards.
2. Mold Resistance
Moisture Protection
You want your walls to stay strong and clean, even in damp places. Magnesium wall board gives you a big advantage here. This material absorbs only about 0.34% moisture, which means it barely takes in any water at all. You can use it in laundry rooms, bathrooms, or even pool areas without worry. The board stays stable, even if it sits underwater for up to 100 days. It does not swell, break down, or lose its shape.
Traditional drywall, even the so-called “green board,” cannot match this performance. Drywall absorbs about 3% moisture. When it gets wet, it swells and weakens. Mold and mildew start to grow quickly. You may have seen this happen in basements or kitchens after a leak. Magnesium wall board’s inorganic makeup stops this problem before it starts.
Tip: If you live in a humid climate or have rooms that get damp, magnesium wall board helps you avoid costly repairs and keeps your home safer.
Healthier Walls
Mold spores can make you sick and lower your indoor air quality. You want to keep your family healthy, so stopping mold growth is important. Magnesium wall board helps you do this in several ways:
It resists water and mold, so spores cannot develop on your walls.
The board does not rot or break down, unlike wood or gypsum.
By blocking mold, it keeps harmful spores out of the air you breathe.
Magnesium wall board does not give off dangerous chemicals or VOCs.
Tests on over 1,000 samples show that it stays mold-free, even after years in wet conditions.
You get cleaner air and fewer health risks. Your walls stay fresh, and you do not have to worry about hidden mold behind the paint. With magnesium wall board, you create a safer, healthier space for everyone in your home.
3. Eco-Friendly
Sustainable Materials
You want to use building materials that are good for the planet. Magnesium wall board is special because it uses minerals from nature. These minerals are found in the earth and do not run out fast. By picking magnesium wall board, you help save resources that are limited.
Making magnesium wall board uses less energy than making drywall. This means factories burn less fuel and put out fewer greenhouse gases. You also avoid bad chemicals. Magnesium wall board does not have asbestos or give off VOCs. This helps keep the air in your home clean and protects nature outside.
Note: You can recycle magnesium wall board. When you are done with it, you do not need to throw it away. Recycling keeps trash out of the environment and helps reuse materials.
Environmental Impact
Choosing eco-friendly materials makes a big difference. Magnesium wall board gives many benefits for the environment that green groups like:
It is made from natural materials, so you use fewer resources that cannot be replaced.
Making it needs less energy and makes fewer greenhouse gases.
The curing step takes in carbon dioxide, which helps the climate.
No toxic fumes or bad chemicals get into your home or the air.
You can recycle the boards, so there is less trash.
Factories that make magnesium wall board do not hurt the land much and make almost no waste.
The boards last a long time, so you do not have to replace them often.
They can stop fire without letting out dangerous toxins.
You help the earth when you pick magnesium wall board. You support cleaner air, less trash, and a safer home. Builders and people who care about the planet see this as a smart choice.
4. Strength & Durability
Long-Lasting Magnesium Wall Board
You want your walls to last a long time. Magnesium wall board helps make this happen. It does not break or bend easily. It can handle bumps, scratches, and even bugs. You do not need to worry about your walls getting weak or falling apart. This makes it a good pick for homes and busy places.
Look at this chart to see how magnesium wall board and gypsum drywall compare:
Feature | MgO Boards | Gypsum Boards |
|---|---|---|
Durability | Very strong; resists impacts | Can crack or dent easily |
Impact Resistance | High; withstands scratches, wear | Prone to cracking and denting |
Longevity | Long-lasting; resists rot, pests, water, and bending | Limited; vulnerable to water, humidity, mold, and damage |
Magnesium wall board is better than gypsum drywall in every way. It keeps its shape and stays strong, even when things get rough. You will not have to fix or replace your walls as much.
Tip: Pick walls that can handle water, bugs, and daily use if you want them to last.
Everyday Wear Resistance
Walls get hit and scratched every day. Kids, pets, and moving furniture can all cause damage. Magnesium wall board is much tougher than most other wall boards. It has fiberglass mesh inside, which makes it extra strong. Its impact strength is over 4.5 kJ/m². Gypsum boards only reach about 1 kJ/m².
Here is a quick chart to compare:
Property/Feature | Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Boards | Drywall / Gypsum Boards / Plywood / Cement Boards / OSB |
|---|---|---|
Impact Resistance | High (impact strength > 4.5-5 kJ/m²) | Low (gypsum ~1 kJ/m²), prone to cracking and damage |
Moisture Resistance | Excellent; waterproof, mold-proof, no swelling | Poor to moderate; drywall and plywood swell and warp |
Durability & Wear Resistance | Superior; resists warping, cracking, abrasion | Lower; gypsum brittle, plywood warps, OSB prone to damage |
Structural Integrity | Maintains strength under temperature and humidity | Degrades with moisture and environmental stress |
Lifespan | Long-lasting, maintains mechanical properties | Shorter lifespan, prone to deterioration |
Your walls will stay strong in busy rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. Even after many years, magnesium wall board still looks nice.
Note: Putting up magnesium wall board is harder than drywall. You need special tools to cut it. You also must keep it dry before using it. It costs more at first, but you save money later because you do not need to fix or change your walls as much.
5. Health & Air Quality
Non-Toxic Magnesium Wall Board
You want your house to be safe and not have bad chemicals. Magnesium wall board helps you do this. It does not have things like fly ash, formaldehyde, or crystalline silica. These can hurt your health if you breathe them in for a long time. When you use magnesium wall board, you do not have these problems. You also do not need to worry about dangerous smoke or fumes during a fire. This makes your home safer for your family.
Tip: Always read the product label. Make sure your wall board does not have harmful stuff in it.
Indoor Air Benefits
Clean air inside your house is important. Magnesium wall board helps keep the air better in many ways:
It does not let out VOCs into the air. VOCs can give you headaches or allergies.
You do not have to worry about mold or mildew. The board does not let mold grow or spread.
Builders use magnesium wall board in schools, offices, and homes to make them safer. For example:
A school used it to make classrooms healthier and non-toxic.
An apartment near the ocean used it to help people breathe better in damp places.
An office building picked it for walls and ceilings to meet green rules.
Drywall can sometimes let out VOCs and other bad things like mercury or sulfur. You might need special joint compounds to help with this. With magnesium wall board, you get a cleaner and safer space right away.
🏠 Note: Good air helps everyone feel better and stay healthy. Picking the right wall board really matters.
Comparison Table
Magnesium Wall Board vs. Drywall
You might wonder how magnesium wall board compares to drywall. The table below shows the biggest differences. It helps you see which one is better for your home or building.
Criteria | Magnesium Wall Board (MgO) | Traditional Drywall |
|---|---|---|
Fire Resistance | Class A fire rating; withstands extreme heat; no harmful smoke | Lower fire resistance; produces harmful smoke |
Mold Resistance | High alkalinity stops mold and mildew; resists moisture and pests | More mold in humid places; less moisture resistant |
Eco-Friendliness | Made from safe, natural materials; lower carbon emissions; recyclable; absorbs CO2 | Contains harmful resins; higher carbon emissions; hard to recycle |
Durability | Strong; resists cracking, splitting, and wear; keeps strength over time | Less durable; warps and breaks under stress |
Health Impact | No harmful fumes in fire; blocks mold and pests; better indoor air | Can release toxins in fire; more mold risk, worse air quality |
📝 Tip: If you want walls that last longer, stay cleaner, and help the planet, magnesium wall board is a smart choice.
You can also check out this chart to compare both materials side by side:
When you pick magnesium wall board, you get safer walls. You also get less mold, a greener house, stronger walls, and cleaner air. Drywall does not give you all these good things. That is why magnesium wall board is a great choice for a safe and healthy space.
You now know five big reasons to use magnesium wall board. This material helps keep your home safe from fire and mold. It is also better for the planet and makes the air cleaner.
Builders and families like it for kitchens, bathrooms, and schools. It lasts longer and does not need many repairs.
Always look for EN13501-1 A1 certification for the best fire safety.
Feature | Magnesium Wall Board (MgO) | Traditional Drywall (Gypsum) |
|---|---|---|
Fire Resistance | Non-combustible, withstands heat up to 1200°C | Moderate fire resistance, combustible |
Moisture Resistance | Highly resistant to water and mold | Can absorb water and prone to mold |
Durability | Strong, impact-resistant | Can crack or break |
Weight | Lightweight, easy to handle | Heavier, more difficult to install |
Environmental Impact | Natural mineral composition, recyclable, low energy production | Less eco-friendly, uses more energy |
For the best results, talk to certified sellers and building pros. You can make your space safer, greener, and healthier with magnesium wall board.
FAQ
What tools do you need to cut magnesium wall board?
You need a carbide-tipped saw or a scoring knife. Always wear a dust mask and safety glasses. You can score and snap thin boards. For thick boards, use a power saw for clean cuts.
Can you paint or tile over magnesium wall board?
Yes, you can paint or tile directly on magnesium wall board. Use a primer before painting. For tile, apply thin-set mortar. The surface holds paint and tile well.
Is magnesium wall board safe for bathrooms and kitchens?
You can use magnesium wall board in bathrooms and kitchens. It resists water and mold. The board stays strong in damp areas. Builders often choose it for wet rooms.
How does magnesium wall board affect indoor air quality?
Magnesium wall board does not release VOCs or harmful fumes. You get cleaner air inside your home. This helps people with allergies or asthma breathe easier.
Does magnesium wall board cost more than drywall?
Magnesium wall board usually costs more upfront than drywall. You save money over time because it lasts longer and needs fewer repairs. Many homeowners find the long-term value worth it.