16 Jan MGO Board Vs. Fiber Cement Board: Which One Is Better?
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What if you’ve invested time, effort, and money into your project, but the walls can’t withstand fire, moisture, or weather? Frustrating right?
This is why choosing the right sheathing material is crucial. The correct sheathing ensures durability, stability, and protection for your building. But choosing the best material is difficult.
Magnesium Oxide (MgO) boards and Fiber Cement boards are popular choices. They offer unique benefits and are widely used in the construction industry.
MgO boards offer great fire resistance and eco-friendliness. Fiber Cement boards offer durability and weather resistance.
This post provides a detailed comparison of MgO boards and Fiber Cement boards. By the end of this blog, you can choose the right material for your project.
Overview of MgO Boards
Magnesium Oxide (MgO) boards are revolutionary construction materials. They change how we think about building durability and safety. Magnesium oxide, water, and fiber combine to form these boards, creating a sturdy and fire-resistant surface.
One notable feature of MgO boards is their fire resistance. They can handle high temperatures, making them ideal for applications where fire safety is a priority.
Plus, they have an amazing ability to resist moisture. This means they won’t warp or break down when exposed to humidity and moisture in the air, making them perfect for areas with humidity and water damage.
Another major benefit is that they are eco-friendly. They are composed of sustainable materials and have a low environmental impact compared to other construction materials.
Common Application in Sheathing
MgO boards are widely used in exterior and interior sheathing for:
- Wall sheathing
- Ceilings
- Flooring and subflooring
- Tile-backing
They offer an extra protective layer to the building. They are perfect for both residential and commercial buildings.
Read out the complete guide to know the applications of MgO boards.
Why MgO Boards are Gaining Popularity
Builders and architects look for materials that combine strength, sustainability, and safety. MgO boards meet all these demands, which is why they are becoming the go-to choice.
They provide reliable performance for years to come. In short, they are a smart investment for the future of construction.
Fiber Cement Boards: An Overview
Fiber Cement boards have been a trusted material for decades. They are well-known for their strength and versatility. They are made from cement, cellulose fiber, and sand.
These boards offer excellent durability and performance in various construction applications.
Notable Properties
- Fiber Cement boards are tough and can withstand the wear and tear of daily use, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
- These boards are highly resistant to damage from impact. They help to protect your structure from dents, cracks, and other physical damage.
- Fiber Cement boards hold up well in areas exposed to humidity, rain, or damp conditions because they resist moisture.
Common Application in Construction
Fiber Cement boards are widely used in both residential and commercial construction. They are commonly used for:
- Exterior Siding
- Roof Underlayment
- Interior Wall Panels
Their versatility makes them suitable for use in different buildings. They can be used for cladding, sheathing, and decorative finishes.
Why Fiber Cement Boards Have Been a Long-Standing Option
Fiber Cement boards have long been the most used material for construction. This is because of their proven reliability and performance. They offer features like low maintenance, long life span, and strength that were hard to find in any other material.
Additionally, these boards are available in different textures and finishes. Their flexibility allows architects to design modern and traditional structures, making them popular in many construction projects.
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Head-to-Head Comparison of MgO Boards and Fiber Cement Boards
It can be confusing to choose between MgO boards and Fiber Cement Boards. However, we can overcome this by weighing their strengths across several key factors. Let’s break it down.
| Feature | MgO Boards | Fiber Cement Boards |
| Durability & Strength | Highly durable, impact-resistant, and load-bearing. | Durable but prone to cracking under heavy impact. |
| Fire Resistance | Excellent fire resistance; withstands extreme heat. | Fire-resistant but less effective than MgO boards. |
| Moisture Resistance | Superior moisture resistance; prevents mold and rot. | It performs well in moisture but can absorb water over time. |
| Sustainability | Made from natural, non-toxic materials, eco-friendly. | It contains cement, which is less environmentally friendly. |
| Ease of Installation | Lightweight, easy to cut, quick to install. | Heavier requires special tools for cutting. |
| Cost | Higher upfront costs, but long-term value is greater. | Lower initial cost but higher maintenance over time. |
Durability and Strength
MgO boards offer incredible durability, resistance to wear and tear, and excellent load-bearing capacity, making them ideal for supporting structures in demanding environments.
On the other hand, Fiber Cement boards are also strong and durable. However, compared to MgO boards, they can be prone to cracking under high impact. However, they still offer reliable strength for most residential and commercial applications.
Fire Resistance
When it comes to fire resistance, MgO boards truly shine. Their superior fire rating means they can handle extreme temperatures without breaking, making them the ideal choice for areas with a high fire risk.
Besides that, Fiber Cement boards offer some fire resistance. However, they don’t perform as well as MgO boards in extreme fire conditions. MgO boards are safer in this aspect. They provide an extra layer of security.
Moisture Resistance.
MgO boards are highly resistant to moisture and prevent mold and mildew buildup. Because bathrooms and kitchens have high humidity, they are ideal for use in these areas.
Fiber Cement boards also perform well in humid conditions but can absorb water as time passes. If not properly maintained, they can lead to decay.
Sustainability
MgO boards have smaller environmental footprints. They are composed of non-toxic, natural materials, making them a more eco-friendly option than others.
The manufacturing process of Fiber Cement has a high environmental impact. Cement production releases CO2 emissions.
Ease of Installation
MgO boards are lightweight and easier to cut and install, reducing labor costs. Their smooth surface makes them more straightforward to handle.
Fiber Cement boards are heavier and more difficult to cut. They require specialized tools, making installation time-consuming and costly.
Cost
While MgO boards might have a higher upfront cost, their long-term value is undeniable. They offer a great return on investment because they are lower maintenance, better fire resistant, and longer durable.
Fiber Cement boards are affordable initially. However, they require maintenance and may develop moisture issues over time, so they may not provide the long-term value of MgO.
Both materials have advantages, but MgO boards are superior in fire resistance, moisture protection, and eco-friendliness.
Read out the key comparison between MgO boards and Gypsum boards.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct sheathing material in any construction project is a crucial step. Cement board offers benefits like durability and affordability. Conversely, end MgO boards are redefining expectations with superior fire resistance, moisture protection, and eco-friendliness.
MgO boards are the smart choice as they enhance your building’s safety and lifespan and help reduce your project’s environmental impact.Choose a material that delivers on all fronts to make your project stand out. With Sulfycor’s MgO boards, you can build smarter and better.