MgO Board Use For Prefab Wall Panels

19 Sep MgO Board Use For Prefab Wall Panels

You see more builders picking MgO board for prefab wall panels each year. The market for these boards was about $2.1 billion in 2023. It may double by 2032. Builders like these panels because they are light and strong. They also resist fire and moisture. Many people worry about safety, cost, and the environment. MgO boards meet strict fire safety rules. They cost more than gypsum but last longer. They use natural, non-toxic materials. This helps protect indoor air and the planet.

Key Takeaways

• MgO boards are light and strong. This makes them great for prefab wall panels. They do not burn easily and do not get damaged by water. This keeps people safe and the panels last longer.

• Using MgO boards can help save time and money. Pre-cut panels make it faster to install. This can cut installation time by up to 55%.

• These panels help keep rooms at a good temperature. This means you can pay less for energy. They are very good at keeping heat in or out.

• MgO boards are made from safe materials. They help make the air inside better. This is also good for the environment.

• It is important to install MgO boards the right way. Handle them with care and use the correct tools. This helps stop damage during setup.

Why MgO board?

Main advantages

If you pick MgO board for prefab wall panels, you get lots of good things. These panels are special because of their chemical and physical features. The table below shows why builders like them:

MgO board gives you more than just strength. It helps make buildings safe and comfy. Experts say there are many main benefits:

• MgO panels last longer than most other materials. They do not get ruined by weather or daily use.

• These panels slow down fire and smoke. They turn black instead of burning, so your building is safer.

• You do not have to worry about swelling or breaking when it gets wet. This makes them great for damp places.

• Pre-cut panels save time. You pay less for workers and finish faster.

• MgO board uses safe and green materials. You help the planet and keep the air inside clean.

• You save money over time. You pay less for insurance and repairs.

Tip: You can recycle MgO board. Because it lasts a long time, you do not need to replace panels often, so you make less trash.

MgO board also helps save energy. It keeps heat inside in winter and blocks heat in summer. You use less energy for heating and cooling. The panels seal tightly, so indoor temperatures stay steady. With a thermal conductivity of about 0.216 W/m·K and an R-value of 6.5 per inch, MgO board works better than many old insulators.

Comparison with traditional materials

You might wonder how MgO board stacks up against other wall panel materials like gypsum, plywood, and cement board. Here is a quick look:

• MgO boards are lighter than cement boards. You can carry and install them more easily.

• Cutting and shaping MgO board is faster. You finish jobs quicker and with less work.

• Cement boards are heavy. Sometimes you need extra support, which costs more.

• Gypsum boards need extra layers to be safe from fire. MgO board does not burn and can stop fire for up to 1-2 hours without extra steps.

• Fiber cement boards can stop fire but do not work as well as MgO board.

When you look at cost and time, MgO board is better. The chart below shows how much labor you save with prefab panels compared to regular walls:

You can see that using prefab panels, which often have MgO board, cuts labor hours by 55% and labor costs by 41%. This means you finish faster and spend less money.

Note: MgO board helps you build safer, stronger, and more energy-saving buildings. You also save time and money compared to older materials.

Performance in prefab panels

Fire and moisture resistance

You want your wall panels to keep you safe. MgO board does not burn or make toxic gases. It stays strong even in very high heat. The table below shows how MgO board does in fire tests:

MgO board also keeps out water. It does not soak up much water like other boards. This means you do not have to worry about swelling or mold. The chart below shows how much water different MgO boards take in:

MgO board helps keep your building safe from fire and water. It is a smart choice for safety.

Insulation and comfort

You want your home or office to feel nice all year. MgO board helps keep rooms warm in winter and cool in summer. It insulates better than drywall, cement board, or plywood. The table below shows how each material insulates:

MgO board also makes the air inside cleaner. It does not give off bad chemicals or smells. This is good for people with allergies or asthma. It blocks noise, so your rooms are quiet and private.

MgO board keeps your building comfy, saves energy, and is safe for everyone.

Durability and workability

You need wall panels that last and are easy to use. MgO board is strong and does not get damaged easily. You can use nail guns or screws to put it up fast. It holds heavy things well, so you can hang shelves or cabinets.

• MgO board is lighter than cement board, so you can move it easily.

• You can finish it with paint, tile, or concrete.

• It does not crack or break easily, even in busy places.

Many builders pick MgO board because it saves time and money. It lasts for many years.

Applications

Residential

You can use MgO board in many types of homes. Builders choose it for prefab wall panels because it is light and easy to handle. This helps you finish projects faster and pay less for labor. You also get strong fire resistance, which keeps your family safe during emergencies. The board does not rot or attract termites, so you do not worry about mold or pests in humid places.

• Easy to install, saving time and money

• Class A fire resistance for better safety

• No mold, rot, or termite problems

Many new homes in Florida use these panels to handle storms and humidity. Homeowners report fewer repairs and better air quality.

Commercial

You see MgO board in schools, hospitals, and shopping centers. These places need walls that can take a lot of bumps and heavy use. The board stands up to impacts better than gypsum. It does not warp or crack, even after years of use. You can trust it in busy hallways, stairways, and waiting rooms.

MagPanel® works well in high-traffic areas like multifamily units and retail spaces. You get strong walls that last, even when many people use the building every day.

In a hospital in Texas, builders used these panels for patient rooms and corridors. Staff noticed fewer wall repairs and less noise between rooms.

Indoor and outdoor use

You can use these panels inside and outside your building. They work well in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms because they resist water and mold. Outside, you can use them for soffits, eaves, and even exterior walls. Insects do not damage the board, so you do not worry about pests.

• Good for wet areas like bathrooms

• Strong against mold, fungus, and insects

• Works in many climates, from dry to humid

Some panels can absorb more moisture than cement boards. You should use protective coatings and follow good installation steps to keep them strong outdoors.

Tip: Always seal joints and edges when you use these panels outside. This helps prevent water problems and keeps your walls strong for years.

Limitations and considerations

Brittleness and installation

MgO boards offer many benefits, but you need to know about their challenges during installation. These boards can be brittle, so you must handle them with care. If you drop or bend a board, it may crack or break. Their density makes cutting and shaping harder than with drywall or plywood. You need special tools, like carbide-tipped saws, to get clean edges.

When you install MgO boards, you may face these common issues:

• You must cut each board carefully to fit the space.

• Special screws are needed to hold the boards tightly.

• You should leave small gaps between boards to prevent breakage from weather changes.

• Boards must be installed straight and even to avoid future problems.

• Quality can vary between brands, which can make installation harder.

• The boards have fewer natural cavities for nails, so it is tough to hang heavy items.

To reduce breakage and get the best results, follow these best practices:

• Use coated or stainless steel fasteners to stop corrosion.

• Test adhesives before using them to make sure they work with your project.

• Use aluminum or PVC extrusions at joints for extra strength.

• Space screws 6 to 8 inches apart and do not over-tighten.

• Leave a 1/8 inch gap between boards for expansion.

• Use strong adhesives at corners and reinforce with corner beads and caulk.

• Store boards flat and carry them upright with two people.

• Always use carbide tools for cutting.

Tip: Careful handling and the right tools help you avoid cracks and make your installation last longer.

Moisture sensitivity

MgO boards resist water better than many other materials. You can use them in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms without worrying about swelling or mold. The boards do not soak up much water, so they keep their shape and strength even in humid places. This makes them a smart choice for areas with lots of moisture.

You still need to follow good installation steps. Always seal joints and edges, especially for outdoor use. This keeps water out and helps your walls stay strong for years. If you use the right methods, MgO boards will last a long time and protect your building from damage.

When you choose MgO board for prefab wall panels, you get many advantages. Recent studies show these panels resist fire, moisture, and mold. You save on energy bills because they help control temperature. They stay strong over time and work well in schools and hospitals. You also find them easy to move and install. Still, you should handle them with care during installation to avoid cracks.

• Resists fire, water, and mold

• Saves energy and lasts long

• Lightweight and easy to install

Remember to follow best practices for installation to get the best results.

FAQ

What makes MgO board safer than drywall?

MgO board does not burn or release toxic smoke. You get more time to escape during a fire. Firefighters say these panels help slow down flames and protect your home.

Can you use MgO board outside?

Yes, you can use MgO board outdoors. Always seal the edges and joints. This keeps water out and helps the panels last longer in rain, snow, or sun.

How do you cut and install MgO board?

Use a carbide-tipped saw for clean cuts. Carry each board upright with two people. Fasten with special screws. Leave small gaps between panels to prevent cracking.

Is MgO board good for people with allergies?

MgO board does not give off dust or chemicals. You get cleaner air inside your home. Many people with asthma or allergies feel better with these panels.

Does MgO board cost more than other panels?

You pay more at first for MgO board. Over time, you save money on repairs, energy, and insurance. Many builders say the long-term savings make it a smart choice.