Magnesium oxide (MgO) subfloor panels offer an innovative alternative to traditional subfloor materials like plywood, OSB, or cement board. These panels are made from a combination of magnesium oxide, non-organic minerals, and other additives, and they are reinforced with fiberglass mesh for enhanced durability and structural integrity. MgO subfloor panels provide several benefits, making them increasingly popular in construction.
Key Features of MgO Subfloor Panels:
Fire Resistance: MgO panels are naturally fire-resistant, with many rated to withstand fire for over 2 hours. They have been tested to meet or exceed fire safety codes, making them ideal for fire-rated assemblies in multifamily and commercial buildings.
Moisture and Mold Resistance: MgO subfloor panels are highly resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew, critical for preventing long-term damage and indoor air quality issues. They do not swell, warp, or degrade in wet conditions, making them suitable for use in wet areas or where water exposure concerns them.
Strength and Durability: MgO subfloor panels are known for their high flexural and impact strength. They provide excellent dimensional stability, resist bending or deformation under loads, and can handle heavy foot traffic in residential and commercial applications.
Eco-Friendly: MgO is a sustainable material with a low carbon footprint. It is made from abundant natural resources like seawater or brine pools, and the production process generates fewer emissions than traditional materials like cement or wood-based products.
Acoustic and Thermal Performance: When used in floor assemblies, MgO subfloor panels can improve sound insulation, which is beneficial in multifamily housing or commercial settings where noise reduction is essential. Their thermal properties also help contribute to building energy efficiency.
Ease of Installation: MgO subfloor panels are installed similarly to traditional wood or cement boards but with the added advantage of requiring fewer steps. They can be installed without needing specialty crews, reducing labor costs and construction timelines. MgO panels can also be cut easily using standard tools like circular saws or plunge saws.
Applications
Residential Construction: MgO subfloor panels are ideal for use in homes, especially in wet areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms where moisture resistance is crucial.
Multifamily and Commercial Buildings: MgO subfloor panels' fire-resistant and sound-insulating properties make them ideal for apartments, hotels, and office spaces.
Renovations: MgO subfloor panels can replace damaged or outdated subfloor materials in existing buildings, offering improved performance and durability.
Examples of MgO Subfloor Panels:
MagMatrix New MGO Subfloor Panels Multi-Support Model: A popular MgO option that offers fire, sound, and moisture resistance in a single layer, simplifying the installation process and providing a high-performance solution for floor assembly for the timber frame assemblies.
MagMatrix MgO Subfloor Panels Perseverance Model: Known for their superior strength and technical performance, these panels offer high resistance to weathering, making them suitable for both interior and exterior applications for the ICC & IBC type I II for the ASTM E136 noncombustible demand.
MagMatrix BMSC 517 New Sulfate MGO Subfloor Panels Advantages for Applications
The new MGO fire-rated subfloor panel highlights the capabilities of a high-performance magnesium oxide (MgO) subfloor panel designed for commercial and residential construction. Here's a breakdown of the key attributes:
Strength and Structural Performance:
Thickness & Load Support: At ¾" thick, the panel supports most commercial and residential loads, according to the load table, making it suitable for a variety of applications.
Span: The panels are capable of spanning 24 inches on center (OC), demonstrating their structural integrity.
T&G Edges: Tongue-and-groove edges provide interlocking connections between panels, reducing movement and helping distribute loads evenly.
Fire Resistance:
The panels meet 1- and 2-hour fire-resistance ratings per UL Classified standards, tested for steel and wood framing systems.
ICC-ESR Certification: The panel is ICC-ESR certified, which validates its performance against multiple standards, further enhancing its credibility in fire-rated assemblies.
Weather Resistance:
Factory Sealer Coating: The panels are pre-treated with a factory-applied sealer, allowing them to withstand weather exposure on job sites. This feature ensures durability and protection from the elements, which is crucial for projects with open job-site conditions.
Eliminating Poured Systems:
Single-Layer Subfloor Solution: These MgO subfloor panels meet fire and sound requirements without needing wet-laid systems like gypsum underlayment, which can introduce moisture and delay construction. This can significantly streamline the building process, especially for multifamily or commercial projects.
Health and Safety:
No Harmful Chemicals: The panels are free from silica, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which makes them a safer option for occupants and workers.
Mold Resistance: The panels do not support mold growth, contributing to healthier indoor environments.
No Chloride: No added chloride helps reduce corrosion risks, particularly in coastal or humid climates.
Ideal Applications:
- The panels are well-suited for various construction types, such as:
- Multifamily housing (apartments, condos)
- Hotels
- Mezzanines and platforms
- Tiered seating in auditoriums and theaters
- Modular and panelized construction
- Low-slope roofs, soffits, fascia, and more.
- Their use in both wood and steel framing systems highlights their versatility.
High-Quality Materials:
Proprietary BMSC 517 New Sulfate MGO Board Formulation: The panels use a proprietary magnesium sulfate-based, non-corrosive, and highly durable formulation.
Mesh Reinforcement: The panels are fortified for enhanced structural stability with six layers of high-strength, alkaline-resistant mesh.
Manufacturing and Quality Control: The panels are produced using top-tier manufacturing equipment and rigorous quality control measures to ensure consistent performance in testing and real-world applications.
These MgO subfloor panels offer a comprehensive solution for projects requiring strength, fire resistance, durability, and health-conscious building materials. They are ideal for demanding environments in both commercial and residential construction.
MagMatrix New Sulfate MgO subfloor panels are a versatile, high-performance solution for modern construction needs. They combine strength, fire and moisture resistance, and environmental sustainability, making them a strong contender for replacing traditional subfloor materials.
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