What is an MgO board?
As an environmentally friendly building material, magnesia board has exceptional strength and durability due to the very strong bonds between magnesium and oxygen atoms that form magnesium oxide crystals (with the chemical formula MgO).
Magnesium oxide panels are factory manufactured non-insulating cladding panels that are used for general building applications. MgO board is similar to traditional drywall or cement board, but is much stronger, fire-resistant and has a higher resistance to mold, mildew, moisture and weathering. It is made of magnesium oxide, which is a type of mineral cement, and contains magnesium (which has a chemical symbol of Mg) and oxygen (a chemical symbol of O). It is an advanced building product that replaces wood board and drywall. It not only has the lightweight and flexible properties of organic wood-based boards, but also the fire-resistant and waterproof properties of inorganic boards. Magnesia was used in the construction of the Great Wall of China, and the Roman Empire represented the first use of magnesia mixed in mortar. In the early 20th century, the use of magnesia declined as builders turned to cheaper options such as Portland cement and similar materials. In the last decade, magnesia has made a comeback as a component found in sustainably produced magnesium oxide slabs. Magnesium oxide panels offer substitutes for gypsum-based panels, drywall, and other building boards and panels.
Magnesia boards are used instead of traditional plasterboard as roofing material and cladding for walls and ceilings.
It is also used in a number of other building applications such as facades, soffits, lining technical insulation of shafts and dividing areas, wall cladding and as backing for tiles (underlay) or as substrates for coatings and insulation systems such as finishing systems and some types of plaster.Magnesium cement board for construction is available in different sizes and thicknesses. It is usually available in light grey or white.There are multiple versions and grade values including smooth face, rough texture, utility, universal grades, and different densities and strengths for different applications and uses.
Аdvantages of MgO boards, according to evaluations and tests:
Fire resistant (UL 055 and ASTM-tested and A-rated)
Waterproof (freeze/thaw tested for 36 months)
Mold/fungus/insect free (ASTM G-21 non-food grade for mold, fungus, insects)
Impact Resistant (ASTM D-5628)
Silica/asbestos free
Can be used in place of traditional drywall or cement board
No special tools required
Has a rigid non-absorbent surface - with fiberglass backing - paperless
Can be used in applications such as cement-based siding when using waterproof coating systems
Available in colors
Energy efficient- magnesite calcines at approximately 780 Celsius, compared to over 1400 Celsius required to form traditional Portland cement or calcium oxide, a starting material for the preparation of quicklime or Portlandite used in ordinary mortar and plaster
Magnesia slabs imply biologically clean construction and no risks of mould contamination
Comparable in cost to cement board made from Portland cement, with numerous advantages over this material for wet applications.
Magnesium boardscan be used as:
- Roofing (replaces OSB without putting black paper under the tiles)
- Railings and partitions
- Internal cladding
- Base for ceramic tiles and for bathrooms
- Base for decorative cladding
- Fireproofing and insulation applications
- Facade cladding and thermal insulation
- Refractory door production
- Base for floors, ceilings, formwork
Magnesia boards are suitable for:
- office buildings
- shopping centres
- apartments
- facade cladding
- sandwich panels
- reinforced concrete structures
- shops
- cinemas and acoustic halls
- industrial workshops
- laboratories, bathrooms and laundry rooms where moisture is usually present
- cladding of attic space
Can MgO panels burst?
Homeowners should take precautions when installing magnesium panels externally to avoid any small cracks. Cracking can occur if the steel or wood frame behind the panels shrinks. Wind and earthquakes can cause cracks. However, these problems remain relatively minor. Typically, panels installed indoors are not damaged as the ambient temperature does not change significantly. To avoid cracking, experts recommend leaving a small joint between the boards. A non-shrinkable sealant should fill the space. Paint a primer as the first coat and a moisture-absorbing paint.
Only apply suitable joint-specific materials approximately 4 mm wide. Use a 50mm joint compound and apply perforated fibre tape over the opening. Fully seal the surface with filler and finish using the plasterboard jointing method. The surface mass should remain smooth and it is very important to wait for it to dry. Apply the joint compound a second time, this time a 200mm joint compound for the second time. When the joint mass has dried, they are ready for sanding. The wall sheet is now ready for plastering or painting.
What kind of finishes can be applied to magnesium oxide panels?
Any standard finishing on board including concrete and synthetic plaster, paint, stucco, stone, tile, brick, fabric and wallpaper. Panels need a concrete or masonry primer, followed by paints and topcoats. Ask at your paint store for brands and types of products that bond well to magnesium oxide panels - some adhere particularly well. Experts recommend testing the paint's adhesion.
Are magnesia boards compatible with structural panels and systems?
Yes, their adhesive characteristics create excellent structural insulated panels (SIPS) and exterior insulation systems (EIFS). These systems improve wall fire resistance, insulation and moisture resistance. Many companies are beginning to sell MgO panels as part of structural wall systems rather than as individual panels.
Are magnesium panels compatible with structural panels and systems?
Yes, their adhesive characteristics create excellent structural insulated panels (SIPS) and exterior insulation systems (EIFS). These systems improve wall fire resistance, insulation and moisture resistance. Many companies are beginning to sell MgO panels as part of structural wall systems rather than as individual panels.
Installation
No special tools are required to install magnesium sheets. They can be cut, drilled, nailed, screwed and planed like ordinary wood or plasterboard/gypsum board. Once installed, they have exceptional durability, superior to any construction using gypsum-based methods.
The panels are fixed directly with corrosion resistant 0.5mm flat head self tapping screws. The screws should be spaced 200 to 250 mm apart on the panel surface and should be placed from the centre to the edge of the board and under no circumstances should they be placed in all corners, only in the centre of the board. The spacing between metal mounting profiles is a maximum of 600 mm for a 10 mm thick panel for walls and a distance of 350 mm for ceilings. The joint should be approximately 4 mm to ensure smooth shrinkage and expansion of the material. The use of refractory stone wool as a thermal and acoustic insulator is recommended for panel insulation.
Storage
All sides and corners of the boards must be protected. Boards should be lifted by two people with both arms extended as far as possible to provide greater stability thus avoiding excessive bending of the board. Work should be carried out vertically. When the thickness of the board is less than 8 mm, it is recommended to handle two boards at a time. Make sure that the base of the place where you will place the first board is clean and smooth. The boards should be placed horizontally and stacked in a certain way.
Болгарика БС ЕООД - Строителни материали за довършителни и ремонтни дейности - Бургас
