22 Aug A Guide to Magnesium Wall Board for Fire-Rated Partitions in 2025
Table of Contents
Magnesium wall board is very good at stopping fire. It is also strong and lasts a long time. Builders use it for fire-rated walls in 2025. They pick this material because it passes big tests like ASTM E119. This test checks how long a wall can stop fire. It also passes ASTM E84. This test checks how fast fire and smoke move. These tests help keep people safe and follow building rules. Owners also like that magnesium wall board does not get damaged by water. It stays strong and steady. People want to know how to put it up, how long it lasts, and if it follows local rules.
Key Takeaways
Magnesium wall board gives great fire protection. It lasts 2 to 4 hours. It stops flames and smoke from moving. This material does not get ruined by water or mold. It is strong and lasts a long time in wet places. It also works well in busy areas. You need to install it the right way. Use special screws and tools to do this. This keeps walls safe and follows fire safety rules. Magnesium wall board is safer than drywall. It is tougher and holds heavy things better. You do not need extra support for heavy fixtures. Pick boards that are certified and high-quality. This helps builders follow building codes. It keeps people safe and helps green building plans.
Magnesium Wall Board Overview
What Is Magnesium Wall Board
Magnesium wall board is a strong building material. It helps keep buildings safe. Manufacturers use magnesium oxide and other things like perlite and wood fiber. They mix these together to make a thick paste. This paste goes into molds to make the boards. The boards are heated or steamed to make them hard. Workers cut and finish the boards for building use. These boards do not burn, get wet, or grow mold. Builders like magnesium wall board because it is tough and lasts many years.
New ideas have made these boards even better. Some panels use special magnesium oxide cement. This makes them stronger against fire and damage. These panels can stop fire for four hours. They do not burn or make smoke. They also pass hard safety tests like ASTM E119 and ASTM E136. Builders can use normal tools to put them on wood or metal frames. Some new boards are better for the planet. They are made with less carbon.
Applications in Commercial Buildings
Magnesium wall board is used in many places in big buildings. The table below shows where builders use it and why it is good:
Application Area | Description and Benefits |
|---|---|
Fireproof Barriers and Cladding | Used in offices and factories for fire safety. Blocks fire for four hours. It is light and easy to put up. |
Wall Panels and Partitions | Makes strong walls that do not burn or get moldy. Good for schools, hospitals, and offices. |
Flooring and Subflooring | Strong and blocks noise. Keeps rooms warm. Good for floors that need to last and be quiet. |
Roofing and Ceiling Boards | Does not get wet and stands up to bad weather. Warmer than cement boards. Used in roofs and ceilings. |
Insulation and Soundproofing | Keeps rooms quiet and warm. Used in offices, schools, hospitals, and studios for less noise and saving energy. |
Modular and Prefabricated Structures | Light, strong, and does not burn or get wet. Used in quick-build homes and big buildings for fast and strong walls. |
Marine and Transportation | Used in ships, buses, and trains. Stops fire, water, and noise. Lasts in tough places. |
Furniture and Interior Design | Used for cool, strong furniture and wall panels in hotels and offices. Does not burn, get wet, or wear out. |
Tip: Magnesium wall board is great for places that need to stop fire and water. Builders use it in hospitals, schools, and offices to keep people and things safe.
Fire Resistance
Fire Ratings and Standards
Magnesium wall boards are very good at stopping fire. Builders and inspectors check fire ratings to see if a wall board can keep people and things safe during a fire. Magnesium boards meet some of the best standards in the building world:
Magnesium sulfate boards have an A1 fire rating under ASTM E84-24 and EN 13501-1+A1:2010. This means they do not burn and are great at stopping fire.
These boards pass the ASTM E119 test. This test checks how long a wall can stop fire. They can last between 2 to 4 hours at up to 800°C.
The Flame Spread Index (FSI) and Smoke Developed Index (SDI) in ASTM E84 tests are both 0. This means fire and smoke do not move across the board.
These ratings make magnesium wall boards a top pick for places that need strong fire safety, like schools, hospitals, and offices.
In real fires, magnesium wall boards work better than many other wall boards. The table below shows how magnesium boards compare to gypsum boards, which are used in lots of buildings:
Criteria | Magnesium Sulfate Boards (MgO) | Gypsum Boards |
|---|---|---|
Fire Resistance Rating | A1 non-combustible (EN 13501-1); up to 2-hour fire tests | Up to 1 hour; special types up to 4 hours |
Heat Resistance | Withstands up to 1200°C; stays strong during fire | Moderate resistance; softens under heat |
Flame Spread | Very low (FSI 0 to 25) | Moderate flame spread |
Smoke Emissions | Minimal smoke and toxic gases | Moderate smoke; non-toxic gases |
Fire Endurance | Keeps strength during 2-hour fire tests | Lasts 30-60 minutes in most cases |
Magnesium wall boards also do well in very hot fires. They keep their shape and strength up to 1200°C. Wood burns and gypsum gets weak, but magnesium boards stay strong. They do not make much smoke or bad fumes, so they are safer in a fire.
Note: Magnesium wall boards can protect a building for 1 to 2 hours in a fire. Some special boards last even longer. This gives people more time to leave and helps firefighters do their job.
Code Compliance
Building codes in 2025 say wall boards must meet tough fire safety rules. Magnesium wall boards pass many big tests and get top certifications:
Product | Certification | Fire Resistance Rating |
|---|---|---|
DragonBoard | UL and Intertek certified | Up to 2 hours |
Suparna MgO Board | ISO and CE certified | Class A (EN 13501-1) |
MgO wall boards meet fire resistance standards like ASTM E119 and UL 263.
Reports from ICC-ES (like ESR-5418) show these boards follow the rules.
The Acceptance Criteria AC386 is for fiber-reinforced MgO panels.
Fire resistance ratings for these boards are usually 1 to 2 hours.
MgO panels do not burn or give off toxic gases during a fire.
The Innovation MgO series, for example, has an ICC-ES report that proves it meets the rules for fire-rated walls in big buildings. Builders can use these panels for inside and outside fire-rated walls.
Tip: Always check that the magnesium wall board you pick has the right certifications for your area. This helps make sure the building will pass checks and keep people safe.
Manufacturers have some problems with code compliance. Different places have different rules. Some places, like Denmark, warn against using some magnesium boards outside because of water problems. Quality control is important. Boards should not have untreated magnesium chloride, which can cause trouble. Builders should choose products from trusted companies that follow all safety and quality rules.
Building codes focus on fire safety and saving energy.
Government programs want green building materials but need strict testing.
Quality differences between brands can mean extra checks and rules.
Manufacturers must train workers and teach buyers to meet new rules.
Magnesium wall boards meet the high fire safety needs of today’s buildings. They help owners and builders follow the law and keep people safe from fire.
Material Comparison
Magnesium Wall Board vs. Drywall
Magnesium wall board and drywall are both used for walls. They are different in how they handle fire, strength, and how long they last.
Magnesium wall boards do not burn. They can take very high heat. They stay strong in a fire.
Drywall can slow fire a little, but not as well. Even special drywall can break in high heat.
Magnesium wall boards are tough and do not break easily. They are good for busy places where walls get hit or scratched.
Drywall is not as tough. It can break or rip if people bump into it a lot.
You can hang heavy things on magnesium wall boards. You do not need extra help. Drywall needs more support for heavy things.
Magnesium wall boards do not get ruined by water. They do not grow mold. Drywall can get wet and moldy.
Feature | Magnesium Wall Board | Drywall |
|---|---|---|
Fire Resistance | Excellent, non-combustible | Moderate, can crumble |
Impact Strength | High | Low |
Moisture Resistance | Strong | Weak |
Mold Resistance | Yes | No |
Weight Support | Heavy fixtures, no extra support | Needs reinforcement |
Longevity | Long-lasting | Shorter lifespan |
Tip: Magnesium wall boards are safer and stronger than drywall. They are a good pick for big buildings.
Durability
Builders want walls that last and stay strong. Magnesium wall boards are very tough in many places.
Boards made with magnesium sulfate do not rust or get wet. They do not rot or get moldy. They do not fall apart in damp places.
Some old boards use magnesium chloride. These can soak up water and cause trouble. They might leak salts and make screws or metal frames rust.
MagPanel boards use magnesium sulfate. This keeps them strong and safe from water and chemicals.
Good coatings help magnesium wall boards last outside.
Bad quality boards may not last long. Some boards from other countries are not always strong or safe.
Builders should buy panels from brands that test their products and make them well.
Note: Magnesium wall boards keep their shape and strength in wet and busy places. They do not get moldy or rusty. This makes them a good choice for big buildings.
Installation
Putting up magnesium wall boards needs more care than drywall. Workers must follow special steps to keep the walls safe from fire.
Boards must sit in the room for two days before use. This helps stop them from growing or shrinking.
Workers must leave small spaces between boards. Use 1/16 inch for steel frames and 1/8 inch for wood frames.
Use screws that do not rust, like stainless steel or ceramic-coated ones.
Put screws 6 inches apart on the edges and 12 inches in the middle. Keep screws at least 4 inches from corners.
Do not put screws in at sharp angles. Work from one side to the other to stop cracks.
Use special tools to cut the boards, like carbide knives or cement board bits. Do not use power saws inside because of dust.
Carry and store boards carefully so they do not bend or break at the edges.
If using steel frames, put a barrier to stop chemical problems with the boards.
Use primers and joint compounds that work with alkaline surfaces. This stops the joints from failing.
Finish the joints by putting on compound, adding fiberglass mesh tape, and sanding. Do this again if needed for a smooth, safe wall.
Drywall is faster and easier to put up. Workers use normal tools and skills. Drywall can be cut with a utility knife and is easy to find. Magnesium wall board takes more time and skill because of the extra steps.
Tip: Careful work helps magnesium wall boards stay strong and safe from fire. Doing the steps right makes sure the walls pass safety checks.
Additional Benefits
Moisture and Mold Resistance
Moisture and Mold ResistanceMagnesium wall board is great at stopping water and mold. Builders use it in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. The board does not swell or rot, even in wet air. Its high alkalinity keeps mold and mildew away. This helps the air inside stay clean and safe. Tests show magnesium wall board stays strong when wet. It does not break down or get weak. Pests and fungi do not grow on it. This means owners spend less money fixing walls.
Here is a table that shows how well different wall materials handle water:
Material | Moisture Resistance Characteristics | Suitability for Damp Areas |
|---|---|---|
MgO Board | Excellent resistance to moisture, mold, and mildew; does not swell, rot, or support fungal growth | Highly suitable without coatings |
Gypsum Board | Easily damaged by water; moisture-resistant variants exist but with limited performance | Limited suitability |
Cement Board | Good resistance to water and mold; commonly used in wet areas | Suitable |
Plywood | Absorbs moisture quickly; swells, delaminates, and rots if untreated | Poor suitability |
Tip: MgO boards stay strong in wet places. They do not need extra coatings.
Sustainability
Many builders want materials that are good for the planet. Magnesium wall board helps with this goal. It uses natural things and has no bad chemicals like asbestos or formaldehyde. The board does not let off harmful gases. It can even take in some carbon dioxide over time. Factories use recycled stuff to make these boards. This helps lower pollution. Magnesium wall board meets green building rules like LEED and BREEAM. It also passes tests from groups like UL and ICC. This shows it is safe and good for the earth.
MgO boards help make indoor air better.
Builders use them in green building projects.
Cost Factors
Magnesium wall board costs more than drywall at first. But it saves money later. The board lasts longer and does not need many repairs. It does not get ruined by water or mold. Owners do not have to fix walls as much. To keep it strong, check for cracks, keep screws tight, and clean with a soft brush. These steps help the wall stay safe from fire and last for years.
Note: Pick good boards from trusted brands. This helps avoid problems like weak boards or bad materials.
Magnesium wall board is a good pick for fire-rated walls in big buildings. It stops fire for more than two hours and keeps flames from spreading. These boards do not let out harmful gases when there is a fire. They stay strong even if they get wet. Builders need to choose boards with the right safety labels and follow the steps for putting them up. Talking to the people who make the boards and building inspectors helps keep everyone safe and following the rules.
Fire ratings and labels show the boards protect well.
The boards are tough against water, mold, and heat.
Checking and fixing the walls often keeps them safe.
Green features help the planet and save energy.
Tip: Always check that the boards are good quality and meet the rules before you start building.
FAQ
What makes magnesium wall board fire-resistant?
Magnesium wall board contains magnesium oxide, which does not burn. The board can withstand high temperatures. It also does not release smoke or toxic gases during a fire. Builders trust this material for strong fire protection.
Can magnesium wall board be used in wet areas?
Yes, magnesium wall board resists water and mold. Builders use it in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. The board does not swell or rot when exposed to moisture. It stays strong and safe in damp places.
How does magnesium wall board compare to drywall for installation?
Magnesium wall board needs careful handling. Workers must use special screws and tools. The board is heavier than drywall. It takes more time to install. Drywall is easier and faster to put up, but magnesium wall board lasts longer.
Is magnesium wall board safe for indoor air quality?
Yes, magnesium wall board does not release harmful chemicals. It contains no asbestos or formaldehyde. The board helps keep indoor air clean. Builders choose it for schools, hospitals, and offices.
What certifications should buyers look for?
Buyers should check for ASTM E119, ASTM E84, and EN 13501-1 certifications. These labels show the board meets fire safety standards. Trusted brands provide test reports and quality marks.