What Should You Know About MgO Board for Home Projects

12 Jul What Should You Know About MgO Board for Home Projects

MgO board is a new building material with unique features. Many builders pick it because it does not burn easily. It also helps control moisture and is good for the environment. In 2024, the world market for MgO board was about USD 3.5 billion. Experts think it will keep growing. More people want this material for green building. Fast city growth and the need for safer homes help this happen.

Key Takeaways

• MgO board is very strong and does not burn easily. It does not get damaged by water. People use it for walls, ceilings, and floors in homes and shops.

• It stops mould, bugs, and water damage better than plasterboard or plywood. It is also better than cement board. This makes it good for wet places or places with fire risk.

• MgO board is good for the environment. It makes less pollution when made. It also helps lower carbon footprints by taking in CO2.

• You can install it easily with normal tools. But you should wear gloves and a mask to stay safe from dust.

• Before you pick MgO board, look at local building rules. Check if the product is good and if there were problems before. This helps make sure it fits your project and lasts a long time.

What Is MgO Board?

Composition

MgO board is a building panel mostly made from magnesium oxide. Magnesium oxide comes from minerals like dolomite or magnesite. Makers mix it with other things to make it stronger. They add magnesium chloride as a binder. Fillers like perlite help with insulation. The board also has fibres, such as glass mesh or wood fibre, to make it tough and bendy. Some boards have vermiculite, which helps with temperature changes.

Gypsum boards use gypsum dihydrate and paper layers. Cement boards use Portland cement and aggregates. MgO board uses a special mix of minerals and fibres. This makes MgO board better at stopping fire and water.

Here is a simple comparison of the main ingredients:

Key Properties

MgO board is different because of its special properties. Magnesium oxide is very stable and melts at about 1550°C. This means the board does not catch fire easily. It can handle high heat for a long time.

• MgO board does not let water in easily. Its alkaline nature stops mould and fungi from growing. The board stays strong in wet or damp places.

• The board is safe and non-toxic. It does not have dangerous stuff like asbestos. It also has very low VOCs, so it is good for healthy homes.

• MgO board is light but strong. The glass mesh and fibres inside make it tough and hard to break.

• The board does not attract insects or pests. It has no organic material, so termites and bugs do not eat it.

• Making MgO board uses fewer resources and makes less pollution than other materials. This makes it better for the environment.

Tip: Builders pick MgO board when they need fire safety, moisture resistance, and care about the environment.

Benefits of MgO Board

Fire Resistance

MgO board is very good at stopping fire. Builders and safety experts like it because it does not burn. It stays strong even when it gets very hot. The board can handle heat up to 1200°C. It does not make dangerous smoke or gases in a fire. This makes it safe for homes, schools, and offices.

Fire safety tests show MgO board gets a Class A1 rating. This is the best rating for not burning. It means the board does not make a fire worse.

The table below shows how different boards do in fire:

MgO board passes hard fire tests like ASTM E119 and EN 13501-1. It keeps its shape and does not break in a fire. This helps keep people and things safe. Many countries trust MgO board for fire safety in new buildings.

Moisture and Mould Resistance

Water and mould can ruin many building boards. MgO board does not have this problem. It takes in very little water, only about 0.34%. Gypsum boards take in almost 3%. This low water intake stops swelling and breaking.

• MgO board does not let mould grow. Tests show it gets a perfect score for stopping mould, even in wet places.

• The board stays strong and does not change shape after getting wet and drying many times. Other boards, like plywood and gypsum, get weak if they get wet often.

• Builders use MgO board in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. It works well in places with lots of water in the air.

Note: Some MgO boards with magnesium chloride can take in water from the air. This can make marks or stains on the surface. Boards with magnesium sulphate are better at stopping water.

Environmental Impact

MgO board is better for the environment than many other boards. It uses natural minerals and needs less energy to make than cement or gypsum boards. When it dries, the board takes in carbon dioxide. This helps lower its carbon footprint.

• Making MgO board puts out about 70 kg CO2 for each tonne. Cement puts out much more, about 740 kg CO2 for each tonne.

• The board can take in up to 0.4 tonnes of CO2 for each tonne during building. This makes it a greener choice.

• Many MgO boards can be recycled and do not have bad chemicals. This helps keep the air inside homes clean.

Some MgO boards, like MAXTERRA®, have special reports called Environmental Product Declarations. These reports show the board is good for the environment. They help builders pick green materials.

Tip: Using MgO board helps the planet and lowers the carbon footprint of your home.

MgO Board Applications

Walls and Ceilings

MgO board is often used for walls and ceilings. Builders pick it for places needing fire and water safety. Many homes use it in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. It is also found in laundry rooms. Offices, hotels, and schools use it too. Shopping centres and other busy places rely on it for safety.

The table below shows where MgO board is used:

MgO board can stop fire for one or two hours. It stays strong after getting wet. The board does not scratch or break easily. This makes it good for busy places. Builders use normal tools to put it up. It does not need extra tapes or sealants in lift shafts.

Note: MgO board panels come in set sizes and thicknesses. This makes them simple to fit into most building plans.

Sheathing and Refurbishment

Sheathing and fixing old buildings need tough materials. MgO board is good because it fights water, mould, and fire. It keeps its strength after getting wet and drying many times. Plywood and OSB can lose much of their strength.

Here is a table to compare them:

Builders use MgO board outside, especially where it is wet or there is fire risk. It is also good for fixing old buildings that need to be strong and safe. The board does not need much care. It helps keep the air inside clean.

Tip: Many modular homes and shelters in places with disasters use MgO board. It gives long-lasting safety and needs little looking after.

MgO Board vs Other Materials

Plasterboard

Plasterboard is often used for walls and ceilings. But it does not work as well as MgO board in many ways.

• MgO board takes in less than 10% water after one day. Plasterboard can take in up to 30%. This means MgO board is better for wet rooms.

• MgO board is stronger, with a bending strength of 10 to 18 MPa. Plasterboard only has about 5.3 MPa. So, MgO board is less likely to crack.

• MgO board can handle fire up to 1500°C in some builds. Plasterboard only lasts 30 minutes and up to 900°C in fire.

• MgO board keeps its shape in fire and wet places. Plasterboard can crack or bend out of shape.

• MgO board can bend and be shaped again. Plasterboard breaks more easily if you try to bend it.

Putting up MgO board is simple. You only need drills, screws, and saws. You do not need tape or joint paste. Plasterboard needs more steps, like taping and finishing. This can take up to a week to dry. MgO board goes up faster and does not need special skills.

Plywood and Cement Board

Plywood and cement board are used for strong parts of buildings. They have good points, but MgO board has more benefits.

Note: MgO board is safer in fire, better with water, and lasts longer. It is also kinder to the planet than plywood or cement board. Builders use it for new homes that need to be safe and last a long time.

Installation and Safety

Cutting and Fixing

Good installation makes the board last longer. Workers can have problems with these boards. Small cracks may show up at the joins if the surface is not flat or clean. Careful measuring helps stop waste. Always check your marks before you cut. Thin boards can be cut with a utility knife. Thick boards need a circular saw with a carbide blade. Using the wrong tool can make rough edges or break the board.

Cutting makes dust, so safety gear is needed. Goggles and dust masks keep eyes and lungs safe. Do not put screws too close to the edge, less than 12mm, or corners, less than 50mm. This can make cracks. Leave a 6mm gap between the board and wall. This lets the board move and stops it from bending. Start putting in screws in the middle and work outwards. Keep screws 200-250mm apart. This spreads the pressure. Do not put screws in at an angle. Use the right joint compound or glue at the joins. This stops small cracks and makes a smooth finish.

Tip: Be gentle with the boards to stop edge damage. Always wear gloves and use sharp tools for safer, quicker work.

Health and Disposal

Safety is very important when putting up the board. Wear safety glasses, dust masks, and gloves. Long sleeves keep dust off your skin. Ear plugs help with loud noise from cutting. Use wet cutting or a HEPA vacuum to control dust. Do not sweep dry dust. If you use galvanised steel frames, put a barrier between the frame and boards with chlorides. This stops rust.

Throwing away the board is easy. Most boards do not have bad chemicals and can be recycled. Always follow local rules for building and rubbish. Keep the work area tidy and let in fresh air. This keeps everyone safe.

Cost and Sourcing

Price Range

The cost of building boards is not always the same. It can change depending on where you live and how much you buy. In the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, the price for each square metre is between $7.80 and $11.80. If you buy more boards at once, you usually pay less for each one. The table below shows how prices drop when you order more:

In the United States, these boards cost more. The price is usually from $16.00 to $18.00 for each square metre. You have to buy at least 100 square metres to place an order. The higher price is often because of shipping, rules, or how the boards are delivered.

Tip: You can save money if you buy a lot at once. Big building jobs often get a better price for each square metre.

Availability

Getting these boards is not always easy. Most magnesite, which is the main ingredient, comes from China, Russia, and Turkey. If China stops sending out magnesite or changes its rules, there is less for everyone else. This can make prices go up and make you wait longer.

• When China limits exports, prices rise and buyers must find new sellers.

• Stricter rules and higher energy costs in Europe slow down how many boards are made.

• Higher gas prices make it tough for factories to keep up with orders.

• Tariffs and export limits change how boards are shipped, so buyers look for other places to buy.

• New factories take a long time and lots of money to build, so more boards cannot be made quickly.

Lately, there have been even more delays. The COVID-19 pandemic closed factories in China, so there were not enough boards for building jobs. New environmental rules in China also mean less magnesite is made, so it is harder to get what you need.

Note: Builders should ask local sellers about what is in stock and how long delivery will take. Planning early helps stop your project from being late.

People who own homes need to think about the good and bad sides of this building material. It can stop fire and water, but some countries have had problems with how long it lasts, as you can see here:

The National House-Building Council in the UK does not allow these boards for new homes now because of worries that have not gone away. People should look into how good the product is, how it is put in, how to look after it, and if it follows building rules. Talking to an expert can help you make the best choice for your project.

FAQ

What is MgO board used for in homes?

MgO board works well for walls, ceilings, and floors. Builders use it in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. It also fits in fire doors and as sheathing for outside walls.

What makes MgO board different from plasterboard?

MgO board resists fire, water, and mould better than plasterboard. It stays strong in wet places. Plasterboard can break or grow mould if it gets damp.

What should homeowners check before choosing MgO board?

Homeowners should check if the board meets local building rules. They should ask about product quality, warranty, and if the builder has experience with MgO board.

What are the main safety tips for installing MgO board?

Wear gloves, goggles, and a dust mask when cutting MgO board. Use sharp tools and keep the work area clean. Always follow the maker’s instructions for fixing and finishing.

What problems can happen with MgO board?

Some boards may absorb moisture from the air. This can cause marks or damage. Always choose a board with good moisture resistance and check for any past issues in your area.