3 Big Benefits Of Magnesium Oxide Sheathing Board For Your Next Project

Chloride Free MgO Boards Benefits

3 Big Benefits Of Magnesium Oxide Sheathing Board For Your Next Project

You want a building material that gives real benefits. It should be strong, safe, and easy to use. Magnesium oxide sheathing board is a modern choice. It works well for building or fixing things. Studies show magnesium oxide is great against fire and water. It also lasts a long time. For example, tests on over 1,000 samples show these boards are very strong and stable:

Parameter

Numerical Data

Description

Stability duration

At least 33 years

Boards stay stable in normal UK weather

Test duration

Up to 840 days

Boards keep their strength in wet and hot places

Mechanical properties

Relatively unaffected

Boards stay strong after being wet or in different weather

You get a safer, stronger, and more dependable choice. This helps you build in a way that is better for the planet.

Key Takeaways

  • Magnesium oxide sheathing board is strong and lasts a long time. It helps keep buildings safe and steady in bad weather.
  • This board does not catch fire easily like other materials. It protects buildings without burning or making dangerous smoke.
  • It is good for the environment because it uses natural minerals. It also cuts down on bad chemicals and saves energy.
  • Magnesium oxide board does not get wet and stops mold from growing. This keeps buildings healthier and helps avoid expensive water damage.
  • The board is light and simple to put in place. It saves time and work, and fits many building needs with less effort.

Benefits of Magnesium Oxide Sheathing Board

Structural Strength

You want your building to last a long time. Magnesium oxide sheathing board is very strong and tough. Tests on walls with mgo board and rigid polyurethane foam show something important. Most of the wall’s strength comes from the mgo sheathing. These walls can bend, get squeezed, and handle sideways forces better than walls with gypsum or cement board. Recent tests also show that mgo board keeps its shape and strength even when it holds heavy things. Engineers use real tests and computer models to check this. The results match, so you can trust mgo sheathing to be strong and last in your project.

Mgo board works well in hard conditions. It does not bend, swell, or fall apart when it gets wet or freezes. This means it will last a long time, even in rough weather. You can trust mgo sheathing to keep your building safe and strong for many years.

Tip: If you pick magnesium oxide sheathing board, you will not need to fix or replace it as much. This saves you money and time.

Fire Resistance

Fire safety is very important for any building. Magnesium oxide board is great at stopping fire. Mgo sheathing passes tough fire tests, like ASTM E119. It stays strong at over 1600°F while holding heavy things. Some mgo boards, like EXACOR™, get 1-hour and 2-hour fire-resistance ratings in wall tests. These ratings mean mgo board can stay strong and protect against fire longer than many other materials.

Here is a quick comparison of fire resistance features:

Feature

Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Board

Traditional Materials (Plywood, Drywall, Gypsum)

Fire Resistance

Up to 4 hours in fire tests without damage

Limited fire resistance; often needs extra fireproofing

Combustibility

Non-combustible

Combustible; wood burns quickly

Smoke and Fume Emission

Very low smoke and harmful fumes

High smoke and toxic fumes from wood

Thermal Stability

Retains strength under high heat

Weakens or burns under high heat

Mgo board does not burn or make toxic smoke. It can take heat up to 3000°F and still stay strong. This makes it one of the safest choices for fire protection. Tests using the ISO 834 fire curve show that adding steel sheathing to mgo board makes it 47% better at stopping fire. The board did not break or fail in these tests, so it stays solid even during a fire.

You can feel safe because mgo sheathing meets or beats fire safety rules from groups like the International Code Council (ICC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and Underwriters Laboratories (UL). New mgo boards, like MagMatrix BMSC 517, are certified as non-combustible under ASTM E136. This means you can trust mgo sheathing to protect your building and everyone inside.

Eco-Friendly Features

You care about the planet. Magnesium oxide sheathing board is good for the environment. Life cycle assessments (LCA) compare mgo SIPs with old building ways. The results show that mgo SIPs can lower the carbon footprint, especially if you use local materials and factories. Mgo board is made from natural minerals and does not need bad chemicals.

  • Mgo sheathing is better for the earth, especially if made nearby.
  • Making mgo board uses less energy than some other boards.
  • Mgo board does not have toxins like formaldehyde or crystalline silica.
  • It stops mold, mildew, fungus, and termites, so you do not need as many chemicals to keep it clean.

A table shows that MagPanel® mgo board scores high for being green, flame resistant, tough, and water resistant. It is also termite-proof and safe for people who are sensitive. These things help you build healthier and greener places.

Note: If you choose mgo sheathing, you help the planet and support green building.

You get all these good things—strength, fire safety, and helping the environment—when you use magnesium oxide sheathing board. This makes your building safer, stronger, and better for the earth.

Waterproofing and Mold Resistance

magnesium oxide board water resistant testingMoisture Protection

You want your building to stay dry and strong. Magnesium oxide board gives great moisture protection. The board is inorganic, so it does not soak up water like wood or gypsum. In wet places like bathrooms, kitchens, and pool areas, mgo board keeps its shape and strength. Lab tests show mgo panels do not swell, bend, or break down after being in water for a long time. Even after many wet and dry or freeze and thaw cycles, mgo board stays strong. This makes it a top pick for waterproofing where water is a problem.

If you use magnesium oxide board, you lower the chance of water damage and expensive repairs. You can trust it to last for years, even in damp places.

Mold and Mildew Prevention

Mold and mildew can hurt your building and your health. Mgo board is very good at stopping mold, mildew, and rot. Its dense, inorganic structure blocks water and keeps mold from growing. Studies show mgo board works better than gypsum and OSB in wet places. It does not give mold or fungus anything to eat. When you use mgo panels in kitchens, bathrooms, or basements, you keep your space safe from mold and mildew.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Sheathing Material

Moisture Resistance

Mold/Mildew Resistance

Magnesium oxide board

Excellent; does not warp

Extremely durable; resists mold and mildew

OSB

Poor; swells when wet

Degrades quickly if wet

Gypsum Board

Limited; absorbs moisture

Prone to mold in damp areas

Fiber Cement Board

Good; can absorb water

Resists mold if installed well

Healthy Indoor Environments

You want a healthy place to live or work. Magnesium oxide board helps you reach this goal. It does not let out harmful chemicals or VOCs. Mgo board’s waterproofing and mold resistance mean you get cleaner air and fewer allergens. Tests show mgo panels do not let mold grow, even in high humidity. Hospitals, schools, and homes use mgo board to make safe, comfy spaces. You can count on mgo to help keep indoor air healthy for everyone.

Picking mgo board means you get moisture and mold resistance, waterproofing, and long-term health for your building.

Easy Installation and Versatility

Lightweight and Workable

You want a material that is easy to handle. Magnesium oxide sheathing board gives you that advantage. The board uses perlite, a light volcanic glass, to keep its weight low. Fiberglass mesh adds strength and stops cracking or bending. You can lift, carry, and position mgo boards without much effort. Cutting mgo board is simple with basic tools. The board does not swell or warp when wet, so you do not need to worry about changes during installation and maintenance of mgo board. These features help you work faster and safer, whether you are a professional or a DIYer.

Tip: Lighter boards mean you can move and install them with less help. This reduces fatigue and makes your job easier.

Versatile Applications

You can use mgo in many ways. The applications of mgo board cover walls, ceilings, floors, and even specialty uses like fire barriers. Lab tests on over 1,000 samples show that mgo sheathing stays strong and stable for decades, even in tough weather. Builders use mgo board for interior and exterior walls, subfloors, and as a base for tile or stone. In some places, mgo board works as a substrate for laminated flooring. Research also shows that mgo can improve 3D printed concrete and act as an expansion agent to reduce cracks. In Cairo, builders use magnesium oxide board for modern building facades, showing its flexibility in design. You get a material that fits many needs and adapts to new building methods.

Time and Labor Savings

You save time and money with mgo sheathing. The lightweight design means you can install boards quickly. You do not need special tools or extra workers. Mgo board cuts cleanly, so you waste less material. The stable shape means you do not need to fix warping or swelling during installation and maintenance of mgo board. These benefits help you finish projects faster and with fewer mistakes. Both professionals and DIYers enjoy the speed and flexibility that mgo brings to every job.

  • Quick installation lowers labor costs.
  • Fewer repairs mean less downtime.
  • Flexible use supports many project types.

Choosing mgo board helps you work smarter, not harder. You get more done in less time, with results that last.

When you pick magnesium oxide sheathing board, you get many good things. It gives your project strength and helps it last a long time. The board also keeps your building safe from fire. You will find it easy to put in place, which saves you time and work. More people are using this board for green building. About 40% of these boards go into homes, and 25% are for stopping fires.

Aspect

Evidence

Durability

MgO boards last over 30 years in harsh conditions

Fire resistance

Fire-rated boards make up 25% of the market

Ease of use

Lightweight and simple to install

MgO Market Data Overview

Think about using magnesium oxide sheathing board for your next job. You can look for local sellers or ask a builder for help to begin.

FAQ

What tools do you need to cut magnesium oxide sheathing board?

You can use a utility knife, circular saw, or handsaw to cut magnesium oxide board. Use a straight edge to help make neat cuts. Always wear a dust mask and safety glasses to stay safe.

Can you use magnesium oxide board outside?

Yes, you can use magnesium oxide board for outside walls, soffits, and facades. The board stands up to rain, wind, and changes in temperature. It lasts a long time when used outdoors.

Is magnesium oxide board safe for people with allergies?

Magnesium oxide board does not let out bad chemicals or VOCs. It stops mold and mildew from growing. This helps make indoor air cleaner for people with allergies or asthma.

How does magnesium oxide board compare to drywall?

Feature

Magnesium Oxide Board

Drywall

Fire Resistance

Excellent

Moderate

Water Resistance

Excellent

Poor

Mold Resistance

Excellent

Poor

Magnesium oxide board keeps you safer from fire, water, and mold than drywall.