
14 Dec What Are the Key Benefits of Using MgO Boards for Basement Subfloors
Table of Contents
You want your basement to stay safe and strong for years. Choosing a mgo basement subfloor helps you achieve that goal. Mgo boards stand out because they resist damage from moisture and heavy foot traffic. When you use magnesium oxide boards, you protect your space against swelling and mold. Mgo boards also add fire resistance and extra strength. With a mgo subfloor, you invest in a healthier and longer-lasting basement.
Key Takeaways
MgO boards are very strong and last a long time. They work well for heavy things in basements. These boards do not get damaged by water or mold. This helps keep the basement healthy and saves money on repairs. MgO flooring does not burn easily, so it makes your home safer. You can put in MgO boards fast and easily. You only need simple tools and no special training. Picking MgO boards is good for the environment. It helps builders use better and greener ways to build.
MgO Basement Subfloor Benefits
Durability and Strength
Picking an mgo basement subfloor means it is made for tough places. Mgo boards are very strong. They can hold heavy things like furniture and gym gear. Tests show mgo flooring can handle a lot of weight, from 10 to 25 MPa, and some types go up to 40 MPa. This makes you sure your basement floor will stay strong for a long time.
Mgo boards do not get bigger or smaller when it is hot or wet.
Your mgo subfloor stays flat and smooth for many years.
Mgo flooring does not swell or rot like plywood or OSB, so you save money on repairs.
Magnesium oxide boards are better than old materials. Plywood and gypsum board can bend or get weak if they get wet. Mgo boards stay strong and keep their shape, even in wet basements. You do not have to fix them often. You can enjoy your basement more.
Tip: Check your mgo subfloor often and clean it with gentle soap to keep it nice.
Fire and Sound Resistance
Safety is important in every house. Mgo boards help protect your basement from fire. These boards can take heat up to 1200 degrees. They do not let out bad gases if they burn. Mgo flooring has fire safety certificates, so you know it is safe.
Material | Fire Resistance | Water Resistance |
|---|---|---|
MgO Board | Superior | Superior |
Gypsum Board | Moderate | Moderate |
Mgo flooring also helps keep noise down. It makes your basement quieter and nicer. Mgo boards are hard and can break if not installed right. Using screws or anchors helps stop cracks. If you take care of it, your mgo subfloor will last and keep you safe for a long time.
Moisture Resistance and Mold Prevention
Water Resistance in Basements
You want your basement to stay dry and safe. Mgo subfloors help keep water out. They do not soak up water like plywood or gypsum board. This means mgo flooring will not swell or rot, even if it gets wet. You can count on mgo flooring to stay strong in damp places.
Mgo boards only take in 4-11% water in rooms with 75% humidity.
Plywood soaks up water fast and breaks down over time.
Mgo boards with magnesium sulfate keep out water better than ones with magnesium chloride.
Mgo flooring works well in wet places. After 25 wet and dry cycles, mgo boards keep their strength. OSB loses 40%, plywood drops by 9%, and gypsum loses 36-52%.
You can see why mgo basement subfloor panels are good for wet areas. Mgo flooring helps you avoid expensive repairs. Your basement floor stays strong and lasts a long time.
Note: Mgo subfloor panels fight moisture and keep your basement floor flat and strong for many years.
Mold and Mildew Protection
Stopping mold is important for your health and safety. Basements can be damp, which lets mold and mildew grow. Mgo flooring helps stop these problems. Magnesium oxide boards let air move through. They let water vapor out but block liquid water. This helps stop moisture from building up and keeps mold away.
Mgo subfloor panels let water vapor out to control humidity.
Mgo boards make it hard for mold and mildew to grow.
Mgo flooring works well in wet areas and keeps your basement healthy.
Mold can cause allergies, breathing trouble, headaches, and skin rashes. These problems are worse for people who get sick easily. Mgo subfloor panels are very good at keeping out water and mold. You keep your family safe by using mgo flooring in your basement.
Tip: Use mgo flooring in your basement to lower the risk of mold and mildew. You get a safer and healthier home.
When you use mgo subfloor panels, you get moisture resistance and mold prevention. Mgo flooring gives you peace of mind and works well in wet places. Your basement stays dry, strong, and safe.
Magnesium Oxide Boards: Installation and Versatility
Image Source: pexels
Easy Installation Process
You can put mgo boards in your basement fast. You do not need special skills or hard tools. Most people use regular tools for mgo flooring. You can cut and shape the boards with a carbide tipped scoring knife. You can also use a dust reducing circular saw or fiber cement shears. Saw horses help hold the boards steady. A square helps you make straight lines. You use a putty knife to spread glue and fill gaps. You need screws that do not rust and strong glue to keep the boards in place. Polyurea or modified epoxy seam filler makes the finish smooth. An underlayment helps keep the floor steady and stops it from moving.
Carbide tipped scoring knife
Dust reducing circular saw
Fiber cement shears
Saw horses
Square
Putty knife
Mgo subfloor panels save you time and work. You do not have to wait for curing like with gypsum concrete. You finish your project faster and do not get delayed.
MgO panels only need regular tools for dry installation. Gypsum concrete underlayment needs wet pouring, which adds a lot of moisture to the building. Home Innovation Research Labs found MgO panels are 30% quicker to install than wet-laid gypsum. MgO panels do not need curing after installation. Gypsum underlayment can take up to seven days to cure, which can slow down your project.
You can avoid mistakes by using the right boards and steps. Keep boards flat in a dry place. Let them get used to the room before you install. Do not make screws too tight. Spread joint compounds evenly. Use boards with low chloride and waterproof sealants to stop water problems.
Compatibility with Flooring Types
You can use mgo flooring with many kinds of floors. Magnesium oxide boards work well with luxury vinyl plank, bamboo, eucalyptus, vinyl plank, and linoleum. You fill seams with polyurea or modified epoxy filler to make the surface smooth. This makes mgo subfloor panels good for structural sheathing and floor underlayment. You get a stable and strong basement floor.
Flooring Finish Type | Compatibility with Magnesium Oxide Boards | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
Luxury Vinyl Plank | Yes | Fill seams with polyurea or modified epoxy filler. |
Bamboo Flooring | Yes | Fill seams with polyurea or modified epoxy filler. |
Eucalyptus Flooring | Yes | Fill seams with polyurea or modified epoxy filler. |
Vinyl Plank | Yes | Fill seams with polyurea or modified epoxy filler. |
Linoleum | Yes | Fill seams with polyurea or modified epoxy filler. |
You get strong floors that are easy to care for. Mgo basement subfloor panels need little work and last a long time. You enjoy floors that do not break easily and need fewer repairs. Mgo subfloor panels are good for structural sheathing and keep your basement steady. You get tough mgo flooring with great strength and stability.
Feature | Magnesium Oxide Boards | Traditional Materials (Plywood/Gypsum) |
|---|---|---|
Load Handling | Prone to cracking and bending | |
Dimensional Stability | Excellent, resists warping | Can warp and crack under stress |
Installation Ease | Easy to install | Often requires more complex installation |
Maintenance Costs | Lower due to durability | Higher due to potential damage |
Compatibility with Flooring | Suitable for various types | Limited compatibility |
Mgo subfloor panels make your basement project simple and quick. You get a strong, steady, and long-lasting basement floor.
Cost, Value, and Environmental Benefits
Long-Term Savings
If you pick mgo subfloor for your basement, you make a smart choice. Mgo flooring lasts longer than most other options. You do not have to fix or replace it often. Mgo flooring needs little care, so you save money over time. You do not pay for repairs from water, mold, or warping.
Let’s see how mgo flooring compares to other materials:
Subfloor Material | Installed Cost per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|
Plywood | |
OSB | $3 – $4.40 |
High-Performance | $3.50 – $10.50 |
Mgo subfloor might cost more at first, but it works better and stays strong. You spend less on fixing or replacing it. Mgo flooring keeps its shape and strength in tough basement spaces. This makes it a good choice for your home.
Tip: Mgo flooring helps you avoid surprise costs from water or mold. You get peace of mind and save money for years.
Eco-Friendly Choice
You help the earth when you use mgo boards in your basement. Mgo flooring is a green choice that supports eco-friendly building. Making mgo boards uses less energy and traps carbon dioxide. This makes mgo subfloor a very green building choice.
Feature | Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Boards | Drywall (Gypsum Boards) | Plywood |
|---|---|---|---|
Carbon Footprint | Low, sequesters CO2, lower than cement | Moderate, higher energy use | Low to moderate, depends on sourcing |
You also help the planet when you use mgo flooring. When it is old, you can recycle mgo subfloor panels. The steps are collection, cleaning, crushing, separation, and making new boards.
Step | Description |
|---|---|
Collection | Gather MgO boards from buildings or demolition sites and sort them. |
Cleaning | Take off things like paint and cladding. |
Crushing | Break the boards into small pieces for easy processing. |
Separation | Use tools like magnets to remove bad stuff. |
Reworking | Mix recycled pieces with new material to make new MgO boards. |
Mgo flooring gives you a green, money-saving, and strong basement floor. You help the earth and get a floor that lasts a long time.
You want a basement that stays dry, safe, and strong. Mgo boards give you these benefits. Building professionals recommend them for many reasons:
Fungus resistance, stopping rot, mildew, allergens, and mold
Lightweight, so you can install them easily
“We put mgo boards in our basement. The walls stay dry and we feel safer from fire.”
You improve your basement’s performance and protect your family’s health. Choose mgo boards for peace of mind and long-lasting value.
FAQ
What makes MgO boards better than plywood for basement subfloors?
You get more strength and water resistance with MgO boards. Plywood can swell or rot when wet. MgO boards stay flat and strong, even in damp basements.
Can you install MgO boards by yourself?
Yes, you can install MgO boards with basic tools. You cut, fit, and fasten them like regular panels. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
Are MgO boards safe for people with allergies?
MgO boards help keep your basement healthy. They resist mold and mildew, which can trigger allergies. You create a safer space for your family.
What types of flooring work with MgO subfloors?
You can use many flooring types over MgO boards. These include vinyl plank, bamboo, linoleum, and more. MgO boards give you a smooth, stable base.
How long do MgO subfloors last?
MgO subfloors last for many years. They resist damage from water, mold, and fire. You save money because you do not need to replace them often.
