How Magnesium Wall Boards Deliver Superior Fire Resistance

MgO Fireproof Board Benefits

How Magnesium Wall Boards Deliver Superior Fire Resistance

Magnesium wall board is one of the best fire-resistant materials for buildings. You may ask if magnesium wall board really gives better fire resistance and why it works better than other choices. Fire safety is important for every building, and the material you pick affects how well a space can handle fire. Magnesium wall board can resist heat up to 1200°C. It does not burn or give off dangerous gases. It stays strong when other fire-resistant materials stop working.

Key Takeaways

  • Magnesium wall boards can handle heat up to 1200°C. They do not catch fire or let out dangerous gases. This helps keep buildings safer. These boards stay strong even when they get wet. They do not get moldy or attract bugs. They last longer than gypsum or cement boards. Magnesium wall boards meet the best fire safety rules. They have high fire ratings. This gives people more time to get out during fires. Magnesium boards are better than gypsum, cement, and wood. They give the best fire and water protection. Using magnesium wall boards is better for the planet. They use fewer bad chemicals and help the environment.

Magnesium Wall Board Basics

What Is Magnesium Wall Board

You might ask how magnesium wall board is different. It is a panel made from magnesium oxide, which is a strong mineral. Manufacturers mix magnesium oxide with glass fibers, silica, and clay. This mix makes a thick and tough board. Magnesium oxide boards look like drywall but are much stronger. Builders use them in homes and businesses for better fire safety. They also last a long time.

Magnesium oxide boards are very good at stopping fire. They do not burn or help fire spread. You can use them for walls, ceilings, and floors that need fire protection. Because they do not burn, they are great for places where safety is important.

Key Properties

Magnesium oxide boards have many special features.

  • These mgo boards do not burn and can resist fire for up to three hours. They stay strong even at 1200°C.
  • They do not change shape or break when wet, so you do not worry about mold.
  • Magnesium oxide boards cannot be eaten by termites and do not get fungus or pests.
  • They pass tough fire tests like ASTM E84 and ASTM E119. They often get a Class A rating for low smoke and flame.
  • You can pick different thicknesses, from 3 to 12mm, and densities from 1200 to 1300 kg/m³.
  • They are also very strong and do not snap under pressure.

Tip: Magnesium oxide boards do not have toxins like formaldehyde or crystalline silica. This makes them safer for the air inside.

Mgo boards work better than gypsum, fiber cement, and plywood for fire safety and strength. Tests show mgo boards keep their shape in high heat, while other boards can fail. They also help make buildings greener and healthier because they do not have harmful chemicals. They also make less pollution when made. When you pick magnesium wall board, you get better fire safety and long-lasting protection for your building.

Fire Resistance Explained

Non-Combustible Structure

If you pick magnesium oxide boards, you get a non-combustible mgo product. These boards will not catch fire or help flames move. The mineral base gives the non-combustible mgo structure. Magnesium oxide does not burn, even in very high heat. Your wall stays strong and safe if there is a fire.

Magnesium oxide boards can handle very hot temperatures. They can take heat up to 1200°C. This means the boards keep their shape and strength when other materials fail. Flames will not move across the board’s surface. The zero flame spread makes magnesium oxide boards a great choice for fire-resistant building.

Note: Non-combustible mgo boards do not make smoke or toxic gases. This means cleaner air and better fire safety for everyone inside.

High Fire Ratings

You want walls that keep you safe for a long time in a fire. Magnesium oxide boards give you this protection. These fire-resistant mgo boards meet strict fire rating rules. You can get mgo boards with fire ratings from 1 to 4 hours. This means your fireproof walls can stop fire for a long time, giving people more time to get out.

Magnesium oxide boards pass tests like ASTM E119 and ASTM E84. These tests check how long a wall can stop fire and how much smoke it makes. Most magnesium oxide boards get a Class A rating. This is the best level for fire-resistant properties. You can use these boards in fire-rated walls and fire-resistant wall assemblies in both commercial buildings and homes.

Here is a quick look at how magnesium oxide boards compare to other fireproof material options:

Material

Fire Rating (Hours)

Smoke/Toxic Fumes

Non-Combustible

Magnesium oxide boards

1-4

No

Yes

Gypsum board

0.5-2

Low

No

Cement board

1-2

No

Yes

Plywood

0

Yes

No

Tip: Non-combustible mgo boards also resist water vapor. They do not lose strength when wet, so you get both fire resistance and moisture resistance.

Performance in Fire Events

In a real fire, you need walls that do not break. Magnesium oxide boards have great fire-resistant properties in fire events. Non-combustible mgo boards do not burn, melt, or fall apart. You get fireproof walls that stay in place and protect the building.

Fire-resistant mgo boards do not make toxic fumes. This keeps the air safer for people trying to get out. You will not see the boards bend or crack in high heat. The fireproof features of magnesium oxide boards help slow down the fire. This gives firefighters more time to help.

Magnesium oxide boards meet top fire rating standards. They follow NFPA 285 and have A1 or A2 fire safety ratings. These ratings show that non-combustible mgo boards are some of the best fire-resistant mgo products you can use. You can trust them for fireproof walls in schools, hospitals, and offices.

You get:

  • Non-combustible mgo protection
  • High heat tolerance
  • Fire-resistant mgo performance
  • Fireproof material strength
  • Safer fire-resistant construction materials

When you use mgo boards, you build fire-resistant mgo walls that last. You help protect lives and property with every sheet. Magnesium oxide boards set the standard for fire resistance and fire safety in modern buildings.

Fire-Resistant MgO Boards vs. Other Materials

Top 5 Fire-Resistant WallboardsGypsum Board Comparison

When you look at fire rated gypsum board, you see it used in many buildings. Fire rated gypsum board can slow down fire, but it does not match the fire-resistant mgo boards. Fire rated gypsum board usually gives you 30 to 120 minutes of protection. In a fire, fire rated gypsum board can break down and lose strength. Fire-resistant mgo boards, on the other hand, stay strong and do not burn. You get fireproof walls that last longer and keep people safe. Fire-resistant mgo boards also do not make smoke or toxic gases, while fire rated gypsum board can release some smoke. If you want the best fire-resistant properties, you should choose mgo boards over fire rated gypsum board for fire-rated walls and fire-resistant wall assemblies.

Cement Board Comparison

Cement boards are another choice for fire-rated walls. They do not burn, but they can crack or swell when wet. Fire-resistant mgo boards give you better fire-resistant properties and moisture resistance. You can install mgo boards easily, and they stay strong in both fire and water. Fire-resistant mgo boards meet strict fire rating standards like ASTM E136 and ASTM E84. These standards show that mgo boards are non-combustible mgo products. You get fireproof walls that protect your building in fire events. Cement boards do not always meet the same high fire safety ratings as fire-resistant mgo boards.

Plywood and Wood Panels

Plywood and wood panels do not give you good fire resistance. These materials burn quickly and help fire spread. You should not use them for fire-rated walls in commercial buildings or residential building projects. Fire-resistant mgo boards are non-combustible mgo products. They do not burn, melt, or give off toxic fumes. You get fireproof walls that keep their shape and strength. Mgo boards also resist mold, pests, and water. This makes fire-resistant mgo boards a better choice for fire-resistant construction.

Here is a quick comparison of fire-resistant mgo boards, cement boards, and wood panels:

Material Type

Fire-Resistant Properties

Other Benefits

Fire-resistant mgo boards

ASTM E136 non-combustible; ASTM E84 Class A; EN 13501-1 A1 non-combustible; fireproof walls

Lightweight, easy to install, moisture and pest resistant, keeps strength in fire

Cement board

Low flame spread, fire safe, but less effective than mgo boards

Durable, water-resistant, but may swell or crack in humidity

Wood panels

Very low fire resistance, burns quickly

Poor moisture and fire resistance, increases fire risk

You can see that fire-resistant mgo boards give you the best protection for fire-rated walls. They set the standard for fire-resistant mgo products in both commercial buildings and residential building projects.

Real-World Uses and Benefits

Applications in Construction

Magnesium wall board is used in many buildings. Builders put it in homes, stores, and places that need extra safety. Here are some examples:

  • ZS2 Technologies put magnesium wall board in a Krispy Kreme store in Edmonton, Alberta.
  • The biggest Habitat for Humanity project in Calaveras County, California, uses these boards.
  • Trico Homes picked magnesium wall board for Shawnessy Station in Calgary, Alberta.

These projects show magnesium wall board keeps homes and stores safer from fire. You can use it for fire-rated walls, ceilings, and floors. It also works in data centers. The Gen 2 product line, like TechTile™ and TechBoard™, meets tough fire rules. It works well in wet or busy places.

Durability and Moisture Resistance

Buildings should last and stay safe. Magnesium wall board is strong against water and damage. It keeps its shape and does not get weak, even after many years. Tests show magnesium wall board does not crack or bend, even in bad weather. It is better than gypsum board or cement board in wet places like bathrooms and kitchens.

Property/Material

Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Boards

Gypsum Board / Plywood

Cement Board

Moisture Absorption

Very low (~0.34%)

Higher (~3%)

Absorbs water if unsealed

Mold Susceptibility

Low (prevents mold, mildew)

High

Can absorb water and weaken

Durability

Maintains strength after years

Less durable in wet areas

Less durable if water penetrates

You get fire safety and water resistance in one board. This makes magnesium wall board a smart choice for homes and stores.

Environmental Impact

Magnesium wall board is good for the planet. These boards use natural and recyclable materials. They are made with less energy. They do not have harmful chemicals like VOCs or formaldehyde. Making them does not create much waste. Leftover pieces can be used again. When you are done with them, you can recycle the boards.

Magnesium wall board helps buildings get green building awards like LEED. You lower your building’s carbon footprint and make it safer for people. This makes magnesium wall board a great choice for safe and earth-friendly building.

You want your buildings to be safe and strong. Magnesium wall board helps protect against fire for a long time. It gives you many good things:

  • It has a Class A1 non-combustible fire rating. It can handle heat up to 1200°C.
  • It does not make toxic gas when there is a fire.
  • It does not let water in and stays strong. This stops mold, cracks, and warping.
  • It meets fire safety rules like ASTM E119 and NFPA 285.

More people around the world use magnesium oxide boards now. They want better fire-resistant materials for buildings. Pick magnesium wall board if you want safer and greener buildings that last.

capsule house wall boardFAQ

What makes magnesium wall board better for fire resistance than other materials?

Magnesium wall board gives better fire resistance than most materials. It has a non-combustible structure, so it does not burn. This means it will not help a fire spread. You can use it for fireproof walls in homes and businesses.

Can I use magnesium oxide boards in wet areas?

You can use magnesium oxide boards in places like bathrooms or kitchens. These boards resist moisture and still keep their fire-resistant properties when wet. They give long-lasting protection and handle high heat in every part of your building.

How do fire-resistant mgo boards help with fire safety?

Fire-resistant mgo boards stop flames and smoke from spreading. They meet strict fire rating rules. This gives you more time to get out during a fire. These boards do not release toxic gases. They help keep people safer in buildings.

Are magnesium wall boards good for both fire-rated walls and fire-resistant wall assemblies?

You can use magnesium wall board for fire-rated walls and fire-resistant wall assemblies. These boards meet fireproof material standards. They give strong resistance and fireproof features for any project, from homes to businesses.