Using a MgO (Magnesium Oxide) board for exterior walls offers a range of advantages, making it an ideal choice for durable, sustainable, and high-performance building envelopes. Here's a detailed overview:
Key Features of Magnesium Oxide Board for Exterior Walls
Fire Resistance: MgO boards are naturally fire-resistant, often achieving high fire ratings (e.g., ASTM E136 compliance, Non-combustible material (ASTM E136) with excellent performance in fire-rated wall assemblies and the MagMatrix Perseverance model of the exterior sheathing is owning the ASTM E136 noncombustible grade). It can serve as part of fire-rated wall assemblies without additional layers, reducing costs and simplifying installation. Depending on thickness and system design, they are typically rated for up to 2 hours of fire resistance in assemblies. It also prevents flame spread (Class A rating under ASTM E84) and improves fire-prone areas' safety.
Moisture Resistance: Unlike wood or gypsum-based materials, MgO boards are impervious to mold, mildew, and rot. It is effective in regions with high humidity or exposure to driving rain.
Breathability: Depending on the formulation, MgO boards can provide vapor permeability, allowing walls to "breathe" and reducing the risk of trapped moisture. They are often paired with vapor barriers or breathable membranes to optimize moisture management.
Structural Performance: It provides rigidity and impact resistance for exterior sheathing. It can replace traditional materials like OSB or plywood in structural wall systems. It serves as both a fire-rated sheathing and a structural component. High flexural and impact strength, enabling use in wind zones, seismic areas, and other demanding environments.
Eco-Friendliness: Made from abundant natural materials (e.g., magnesium oxide derived from seawater or brine pools). Low carbon footprint compared to Portland cement or other conventional materials: Low-carbon manufacturing process and recyclable composition. Free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, asbestos, or silica.
Weather Resistance: It performs well in extreme climates, including freeze-thaw cycles, UV radiation, and salt spray. MagMatrix's new sulfate magnesium oxide board sheathing panel handles freeze-thaw cycles without degradation, ideal for regions with harsh winters.MagMatrix's new sulfate MgO board sheathing suits hurricane or coastal zones.
Compatibility: Can be finished with various claddings, including stucco, brick, stone veneer, or siding systems (fiber cement, metal, or wood). Supports the application of air and water barriers, improving energy efficiency. Works with continuous insulation and weather-resistive barriers.
Typical Exterior Wall Assembly with MgO Board
Magnesium Oxide (MgO) fire-rated exterior sheathing is an excellent choice for projects requiring high fire resistance and structural durability. MgO boards meet stringent fire codes while offering additional benefits like weather resistance, moisture protection, and eco-friendliness.
Outer Layer: Finish material (e.g., stucco, siding, or stone veneer). Weather-resistant barrier (if not integrated into the MgO board). MagMatrix's new sulfate magnesium oxide board is moisture-resistant and cannot be used for weather or water-resistant barriers.
MgO Board: Acts as exterior sheathing. Provides structural rigidity and a fire-resistant layer.
Insulation Layer: Continuous rigid insulation (e.g., polyiso or mineral wool) or cavity insulation.
Framing: Wood or metal studs. MgO board can span across these to form a strong and resilient wall.
Interior Layer (Optional): An additional MgO board layer for fire protection or sound insulation. Interior finishes (e.g., drywall or directly painted MgO).
Considerations for Installation of magnesium oxide board as the fire-rated sheathing panel of exterior walls
Fasteners: As MagMatrix's new sulfate MGO board is the latest sulfate formulation from the BMSC 517 hydration crystal whisper, so use the average and standard screws or nails just as the OSB sheathing or the fiber cement sheathing is ok.
Sealing: Ensure all joints are sealed with high-performance tapes or caulks to prevent water infiltration.
Breathability Management: Pair with a vapor-permeable membrane when necessary to maintain drying potential.
Framing Details: Account for MgO’s slight expansion and contraction during wet/dry cycles by ensuring proper spacing of fasteners and gaps at joints.
Applications
Residential: Exterior walls for homes, especially in fire-prone or coastal areas.
Commercial: High-performance building envelopes with stringent fire or moisture requirements.
Multifamily Construction: Fire-rated assemblies to meet code compliance without additional layers.
Would you like information on specific products or case studies for exterior wall projects using MgO boards? Please inquire with MagMatrix's team about the new sulfate magnesium oxide board of the exterior fire-rated sheathing panel.
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