Magnesium Wall Board vs Gypsum Wall Board Key Differences and Similarities

11 Jul Magnesium Wall Board vs Gypsum Wall Board Key Differences and Similarities

Magnesium wall board vs gypsum wall board shows clear differences in fire resistance, moisture protection, and durability. Research indicates that magnesium wall board can withstand fire for a longer period compared to gypsum wall board. Additionally, magnesium wall board absorbs significantly less water and is much less prone to mold growth than gypsum board. It also tends to last longer and is more environmentally friendly. On the other hand, gypsum wall boards remain popular due to their lower cost and ease of installation. Both magnesium wall board and gypsum wall board offer unique advantages, making them suitable for different types of construction projects. Builders choose between magnesium wall board vs gypsum wall board by carefully considering the specific requirements of each project.

Key Takeaways

• Magnesium wall boards stop fire and water better. They work well in wet or risky places like bathrooms and basements. – Gypsum wall boards are simple to put up and cost less money. People use them a lot in dry rooms or when they have less money to spend. – Magnesium boards last longer and fight mold and damage better. This means you fix them less and save money later, even if they cost more at first. – Both wall boards follow fire safety rules. But magnesium boards protect longer and stay strong in hard places. – Picking the right wall board depends on what you need. You must think about price, safety, strength, and the environment to get the best choice.

Composition

Magnesium Oxide Boards

Magnesium oxide boards are made from a mix of materials. Manufacturers blend magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, and water. This creates a strong base for the board. They add fibers like glass mesh or wood chips. These fibers help make the boards stronger. Mgo panels do not have paper on the outside like gypsum boards. The surface is smooth and hard to touch. Magnesium oxide boards can resist fire and water well. This is because of the special materials inside. Builders often pick magnesium oxide board for places that need more protection. Mgo boards are strong, do not soak up much water, and do not grow mold easily. These panels are lighter than some other wall boards. Some people say magnesium oxide boards can break if handled roughly. Still, many people like them for being tough and safe. Mgo panels are used in homes and business buildings. The materials in magnesium oxide boards do not give off bad chemicals. This makes mgo panels good for clean indoor air. Magnesium oxide boards are also better for the environment. They use fewer natural resources. Builders use mgo panels where fire and water are big worries. The good things about mgo boards make them a smart pick for many jobs. Magnesium oxide boards are getting more popular for being strong and eco-friendly.

Gypsum Boards

Gypsum boards have a core made from natural gypsum. Manufacturers mix gypsum powder, water, and other things to make a paste. They put this paste between two thick sheets of paper. The paper makes the board smooth and strong. Gypsum boards come in different sizes and thicknesses. Builders use gypsum boards for walls and ceilings in many places. Gypsum board is easy to cut and put up. The materials in gypsum boards help them resist fire, but not as much as magnesium oxide boards. Gypsum boards can take in some water, but may not last long in wet spots. Gypsum board is popular because it costs less and works well inside. Some builders use gypsum boards with special coatings to fight moisture. Gypsum board is also easy to paint or finish. The materials in gypsum boards are safe for indoor use. Gypsum boards help make walls smooth and even. Many people pick gypsum board because it is simple to use and works well.

Fire Resistance

Magnesium Wall Board vs Gypsum Wall Board

When builders look at magnesium wall board vs gypsum wall board, fire resistance is very important. Both types help protect buildings from fire, but they work in different ways. Magnesium wall board uses minerals that do not burn and stay strong in high heat. Gypsum wall board has water inside it. When there is a fire, the water turns into steam and slows down the fire. But when the water is gone, the board gets weaker.

Tip: Picking the right wall board can make a building safer from fire and help follow fire rules.

The table below shows how magnesium wall board vs gypsum wall board do in fire tests:

Magnesium wall board passes tough fire tests like EN 13501-1 and ASTM E136. It gets an A1 rating for not burning or making bad smoke. It stays strong and keeps its shape even at 1200°F (about 650°C). Gypsum wall board also passes fire tests like ASTM E119, but it works best in normal fires. If it gets too hot for too long, gypsum wall board gets weak as it loses water.

Magnesium wall board vs gypsum wall board shows magnesium wall board is better at stopping fire, lasting longer, and stopping flames from spreading. Builders pick magnesium wall board for places that need the most fire safety. Gypsum wall board is still a good pick for regular rooms where saving money is more important than top fire protection.

Moisture Resistance

Performance in Damp Areas

Moisture resistance is important when picking wall boards for wet places. Magnesium wall boards, especially those with magnesium oxysulphate (MOS), work well in humid air. A study tested MOS boards at 90% humidity and 30°C for more than two years. These boards stayed dry on the surface after 840 days. Some magnesium oxychloride (MOC) boards had water drops on them. This is called “crying” and happens because of chloride leaching. But many MOC boards did not have this problem and worked well.

Gypsum wall boards soak up water faster than magnesium boards. When tested with wet and dry cycles, gypsum boards lost more bending strength. This means they may not last as long in wet rooms. Builders use magnesium wall boards in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. These places need wall boards that resist moisture.

Note: Not all magnesium boards resist water the same way. Always check the product details before using them in wet places.

Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew can hurt walls and make indoor air bad. Magnesium wall boards help stop mold in damp places. The minerals in these boards do not let mold grow. MOS boards stay dry and stable, which keeps mold and mildew away. Gypsum wall boards can soak up water and let mold grow if not sealed or treated. Builders pick magnesium wall boards for rooms where mold resistance matters, like laundry rooms and basements. This helps keep buildings healthy and walls clean.

Strength and Durability

Impact Resistance

Magnesium wall board and gypsum wall board act differently when hit or bumped. Tests from ICC-ES labs show magnesium oxide boards are much tougher. They do not dent or crack as easily as gypsum boards. This is because magnesium wall boards have a strong mineral base and fibers inside. These boards can take hard hits without breaking or chipping.

Gypsum wall boards have a softer core. Regular gypsum boards can get scratched or dented if hit hard. Some builders use special abuse-resistant gypsum boards in busy places. These boards are thicker and heavier than regular ones. They meet ASTM C1629 standards for impact resistance. Still, even these stronger gypsum boards are not as tough as magnesium oxide boards.

Tip: If walls might get hit a lot, magnesium wall board is a better choice. It protects better and does not need as many repairs.

Here is a table that compares how both materials handle impacts and last over time:

Magnesium wall boards can bend more before breaking. This helps them stay strong when pushed or pressed.

Longevity

Longevity means how long a wall board lasts before it needs replacing. Studies show magnesium wall boards last much longer than gypsum wall boards. Magnesium wall boards keep their shape and strength for many years. They do not soak up water, so they do not swell, crack, or get mold. This makes them good for inside and outside walls.

A long-term study tested magnesium oxide boards in wet and changing temperatures. The boards kept their fire resistance and stayed strong over time. Sometimes, the surface may look white or powdery, but the inside stays strong. This means the board works well for a long time. Gypsum wall boards can soak up water and may crack or get mold as time goes on. They often need repairs or new boards sooner, especially in wet places.

Note: Magnesium wall boards cost more at first, but they last longer. This means fewer repairs and less waste, which can save money over time.

Magnesium wall boards are stronger and last longer, so many builders pick them for tough jobs. Gypsum wall boards still work for lots of projects, but they may not last as long.

Sound and Insulation

Acoustic Performance

Sound insulation is important in places like homes and schools. People want rooms to be quiet. They do not want noise to move from one room to another. Both magnesium wall boards and gypsum wall boards help stop sound. But they do not always work the same way.

Gypsum wall boards have been used for sound control for a long time. Builders use them inside buildings to lower noise. Tests show that gypsum-plaster with polyester fibers blocks 40 to 45 decibels (dB) of sound. This means these walls stop most talking and some loud sounds. Adding polyester fibers makes gypsum wall boards better at blocking sound and stronger too. These boards also help keep heat in the room.

Note: Thicker walls and more layers block more sound. Putting glass wool or other soft stuff between boards helps even more.

The table below shows how different gypsum wall board systems block sound:

Magnesium wall boards also block sound well. Their thick mineral base helps stop noise. Builders use magnesium wall boards where fire safety and sound control are both needed. There are not as many lab tests for magnesium wall boards. But many companies say they block as much or more sound as gypsum wall boards of the same thickness.

Environmental Impact

Sustainability

Magnesium wall boards and gypsum wall boards are different for the environment. Magnesium oxide boards use natural minerals. They need less energy to make. This means they cause less pollution. Many builders pick magnesium oxide boards to cut down on trash. People can recycle these boards after using them. Magnesium oxide boards help with green building awards like LEED. More builders use magnesium oxide panels in LEED projects now. The use of these panels in LEED jobs went up by 35%. Homeowners want to help the earth, so more people buy magnesium oxide boards for fixing homes. Sales of these boards for home projects went up by 40-55%.

Gypsum wall boards are made from a natural mineral called gypsum. But making gypsum boards uses more energy than making magnesium oxide boards. It is harder to recycle gypsum boards. Many old gypsum boards get thrown away in landfills. Some companies try to recycle gypsum, but it does not happen everywhere.

Picking magnesium oxide boards helps builders save resources and build in a greener way.

Health and Safety

Both types of wall boards can change the air inside buildings. Magnesium oxide boards do not give off bad chemicals called VOCs. This keeps the air inside clean and safe. These boards also stop mold and mildew from growing. This helps people breathe better. Gypsum boards also have low VOCs. But if they get wet, they can grow mold.

The table below lists important safety rules for wall boards:

Magnesium oxide boards pass tough tests for mold and water resistance. Builders use them in places where health and safety are very important. These places include hospitals and schools. Mold-resistant boards help keep people safe from allergies and asthma.

Wall boards that stop mold and mildew can make homes and buildings safer for everyone.

Cost Comparison

Material Costs

Material costs play a big role when builders choose between magnesium wall board and gypsum wall board. Gypsum wall board usually has a lower cost per sheet. Many stores sell gypsum wall board at a price that fits most budgets. Magnesium wall board often costs more because it uses special minerals and fibers. The higher price comes from the materials and the way factories make the boards.

Here is a simple table that shows the average cost range for each type:

Builders who want to save money often pick gypsum wall board. Those who need extra fire or moisture protection may choose magnesium wall board, even with the higher cost.

Installation Costs

Installation costs can change the total price of a project. Gypsum wall board is easy to cut and install. Most workers know how to handle it. This makes the installation cost lower. Magnesium wall board is tougher and sometimes heavier. Workers may need special tools to cut it. Some magnesium boards can break if not handled with care. These factors can raise the installation cost.

A few things affect installation costs:

• Labor rates in the area
• Need for special tools or training
• Time needed to finish the job

Magnesium wall board may take longer to install, which can add to the cost. However, it can last longer and need fewer repairs. This gives better cost efficiency over time, especially in places with lots of moisture or fire risk.

Choosing the right wall board depends on the project budget and the needs of the building.

Applications

Best Uses for Magnesium Oxide Board

Magnesium oxide board is good for places with fire or water risks. Builders use it for inside walls in homes that need fire safety. In California, a house project used these boards to lower fire danger and speed up building. Big buildings in New York use magnesium oxide boards to stop mold and block noise. These boards help people feel safe and can lower insurance bills. Factories in Texas use magnesium oxide board in areas that must not catch fire. This makes the building safer and easier to take care of.

Magnesium oxide boards are also great for busy places and wet rooms. They work well where walls need to last a long time. Builders use them for outside wall layers, under floors, and in damp spots. Mgo panels protect bathrooms, kitchens, and basements from damage. These boards last longer than gypsum board in hard places. Magnesium oxide boards are good for green building because they use less and can be recycled.

Tip: Magnesium oxide board costs more at first, but it saves money later because it lasts longer and needs fewer fixes.

Best Uses for Gypsum Boards

Gypsum boards are the main pick for most inside walls. Builders use gypsum board for walls and ceilings in homes, offices, and schools. Gypsum boards are simple to cut and put up. This makes them great for quick building jobs. Most workers know how to use gypsum board, so labor costs stay low.

Gypsum boards work best in dry, inside rooms. They help make smooth walls and ceilings. Builders use gypsum board in bedrooms, living rooms, and halls. Some gypsum boards are made for extra fire or water safety, but regular ones are not good for wet places. In big buildings, gypsum boards help make office walls and classroom dividers. Gypsum board is also used in hotels and hospitals because it looks clean and is easy to finish.

Note: Gypsum boards are cheap for most inside jobs, but they do not last as long as magnesium oxide boards in wet or busy places.

Installation

Workability

Workability means how simple it is to cut and put up wall boards. Magnesium oxide boards and gypsum boards are different in this way. Magnesium oxide boards are stronger and harder on the outside. You can cut, saw, or file these boards without breaking them. They have fiberglass mesh inside, which makes them even stronger. This mesh helps stop damage when workers move the boards. Workers can use thinner magnesium oxide boards, starting at 7mm thick. Gypsum boards need to be at least 12mm thick to work well.

Gypsum boards are lighter and softer than magnesium oxide boards. Workers can cut them with normal tools like utility knives. These boards are easy to carry and move, so putting them up is faster. But gypsum boards can dent or break if you are not careful. Magnesium oxide boards do not dent or crack as easily, but they are heavier and harder to move.

Tip: Magnesium oxide boards are good for wet or fire-risk places, but they might take more time to put up.

Tools and Techniques

The tools and ways to install the boards depend on the type. Magnesium oxide boards need diamond blades to cut because they are very dense. Workers also use special screws that do not rust. These boards are heavy, so workers may need help or lifting tools. Cutting magnesium oxide boards makes dust that can be bad to breathe. Workers should wear safety gear and know what they are doing. Sealing the boards right keeps out water and helps them last longer.

Gypsum boards use normal tools for cutting and putting up. Regular screws work fine for these boards. They are easier to install and make less dust. Most workers already know how to put up gypsum boards, so it costs less to hire them.

Note: Using the right tools and being safe helps make strong walls that last a long time.

Building Codes

Compliance

Building codes tell builders what wall boards they can use. These rules help keep homes and buildings safe. Both magnesium wall board and gypsum wall board must follow tough safety rules. These rules protect people from fire, water, and other dangers.

Most U.S. building codes say wall boards must pass tests like ASTM E84 and ASTM E119. These tests check how fast fire spreads and how long the board can stop fire. Magnesium oxide boards and gypsum boards both pass these tests. Many boards also have UL marks. This means they passed extra safety checks.

• Magnesium oxide boards usually get a Class A rating in ASTM E84. This means fire spreads very slowly on them.
• Gypsum wall boards also get Class A, but magnesium oxide boards can stop fire for up to 120 minutes. This is longer than most gypsum boards.
• Using fire-rated sealants can make walls even safer. It can add up to 60% more fire resistance.
• Buildings with these safe boards have fewer fires. Insurance companies may give lower rates for these buildings.

Magnesium wall board is also good at stopping water and keeping heat in. These things help it meet more rules in wet or hot places. Builders can finish jobs up to 30% faster with magnesium oxide boards. This helps them finish on time and follow the rules.

Tip: Always look at your local building codes before you start. Some places have extra rules for fire, water, or how strong walls must be.

Picking wall boards that meet the rules keeps people safe from fire. Good boards like magnesium oxide can also save money. They lower insurance costs and need fewer repairs.

Magnesium wall board and gypsum wall board both have special benefits. The table below shows how they are different in fire safety, moisture resistance, strength, cost, and how they affect the environment:

Builders pick magnesium wall board for fire safety and wet places. Gypsum board is good for dry rooms and smaller budgets. Always pick the right board for your project. Ask an expert if you are not sure.

FAQ

What makes magnesium wall board better for wet areas?

Magnesium wall board resists water and mold. Builders use it in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. The board stays strong and does not swell or break down when wet. This makes it a good choice for damp places.

Can you paint or finish both types of wall boards?

Yes, both magnesium and gypsum wall boards accept paint and finishes. Builders should use a primer first. This helps the paint stick and look smooth. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.

Is magnesium wall board safe for indoor air quality?

Magnesium wall board does not release harmful chemicals. It helps keep indoor air clean. The board also stops mold and mildew from growing. Many schools and hospitals use it for this reason.

Which wall board costs less for most projects?

Gypsum wall board usually costs less. Most builders pick it for standard rooms because it fits tight budgets. Magnesium wall board costs more but lasts longer in tough spots.

Do both boards meet building codes for fire safety?

Both magnesium and gypsum wall boards meet fire safety codes. Magnesium wall board often provides longer fire resistance. Builders should always check local codes before choosing a wall board.