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MagPanel® - Magnesium Oxide Boards

Our Magnesium Oxide Sulfate boards are a step up from traditional Magnesium Oxide Chloride fireproof boards. Exceptionally resistant to fire, pests, mold, and weather conditions – this is the obvious, sustainable, and robust choice for your building needs.

**Please note, while we maintain a selection of popular thicknesses readily available at our Maryland distribution center, we specialize in fulfilling high-volume orders for construction projects. For container quotes or project-specific needs, please contact your dedicated Ambient account executive or our sales team at [email protected]. We're happy to discuss custom requirements and ensure a seamless ordering process for your bulk needs.

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mgo magpanel 3mm T
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1/8 in MagPanel MgO Board

Item No: 691324728734
$16.00per panel
Dimensions
1/8" (3mm) x 4 ft x 8 ft
Common Uses
Walls & Ceilings
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mgo magpanel 6mm T
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1/4 in MagPanel MgO Board

Item No: 691324728529
$22.00per panel
Dimensions
1/4" (6mm) x 4 ft x 8 ft
Common Uses
Walls & Ceilings
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mgo magpanel 9mm T
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11/32 in MagPanel MgO Board

Item No: 691324728680
$77.00per panel
Dimensions
11/32" (9mm) x 4 ft x 8 ft
Common Uses
Walls & Ceilings
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mgo magpanel 20mm T
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3/4 in MagPanel MgO Board

Item No: 691324728543
$89.00per panel
Dimensions
3/4" (20mm) x 4 ft x 8 ft
Common Uses
Sub-flooring
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mgo magpanel 10mm T
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13/32 in MagPanel MgO Board

Item No: 691324728697
$91.00per panel
Dimensions
13/32" (10mm) x 4 ft x 8 ft
Common Uses
Walls & Ceilings
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mgo magpanel 12mm T
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1/2 in MagPanel MgO Board

Item No: 691324728536
$101.00per panel
Dimensions
1/2" (12mm) x 4 ft x 8 ft
Common Uses
Walls & Ceilings
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mgo magpanel 18mm T
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5/8 in MagPanel MgO Board

Item No: 808857987419
$138.00per panel
Dimensions
5/8" (16mm) x 4 ft x 8 ft
Common Uses
Walls, Ceilings & Subfloor
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mgo magpanel 18mm T
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11/16 in MagPanel MgO Board

Item No: 691324728703
$157.00per panel
Dimensions
11/16" (18mm) x 4 ft x 8 ft
Common Uses
Walls & Ceilings
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Features of MagPanel®

  • eco-friendly building material

    ECO-FRIENDLY BUILDING

    MagPanel® is the most eco-friendly of all building panels. It’s made from natural compounds & safe for landfills or recycling as 'nutritional waste.’

  • fireproof board

    INCREDIBLE RESISTANCE

    Magnesium Oxide boards don’t warp, swell, or deteriorate because they naturally resist moisture, fire, mold, & pests.

  • versatile material

    VERSATILE USES

    Builders love MagPanel®, since it can be installed from the ceiling to the subfloor & everywhere in between: walls, stairs, sheathing, and more.

  • builder friendly material

    BUILDER FRIENDLY

    Magnesium Oxide is a lightweight material so these panels are easy to store and ready for installation in all climates.

  • safe mgo boards

    HEALTH SAFE

    These MgO boards are safe for those with allergies or asthma. They don’t contain fly ash, formaldehyde, crystalline silica or toxins.

Inside, Outside, Floor, Ceiling, Walls – MagPanel® is your Next-Gen Building Material!

MagPanel® is a versatile, eco-friendly Magnesium Oxide Board, also called magnesium oxide panels or MgO panels. Our MgO boards have a wide range of construction applications beginning with the inside for wall, ceiling and subflooring (for example tile backer), and outside for exterior trim, to roof decking and lap siding


Is MagPanel® the Same as Traditional MgO boards?

No! The primary difference lies in the fact that MagPanel® is made from magnesium sulfate instead of magnesium chloride normally used in traditional MgO boards. This alteration not only enhances the board's durability but also eliminates the risk of corrosion that could occur due to chloride ions in MgO boards.

Why Choose MagPanel® over Traditional MgO boards?

MagPanel® offers superior corrosion resistance, especially in high-humidity or saline conditions, where regular MgO boards might corrode. Its enhanced material stability due to lower reactivity of magnesium sulfate minimizes harmful reactions over time.

Additionally, MagPanel is more eco-friendly, using sulfate compounds for a lower ecological footprint than the chlorides in conventional boards.

Finally, MagPanel's exceptional durability ensures longevity and less need for maintenance, surpassing traditional MgO boards.

  • mgo board quarter inch
  • mgo board half inch
  • mgo board three quarter inch
  • mgo board
  • mgo board building
MagPanel® Magnesium Oxide Boards
Length 8'
Width 4'
Thicknesses 3 OPTIONS IN STOCK:
1/4" (6mm) (walls/ceilings)
1/2" (12mm) (walls/ceilings)
3/4" (20mm) (sub-flooring)
Surface Smooth front surface, variegated back surface

MagPanel® can be used in most construction, on wood frame, metal frame and SIP panel assemblies.

Use virtually any finish you prefer including paint, stucco, plaster, wallpaper and more.

MagPanel®’s antimicrobial characteristics make it resistant to mold, mildew, fungus and rot. The perfect indoor Air Quality wallboard.

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Where MagPanel® is Used Indoors

MagPanel® Used As Ceiling
Wall treatment glued to MagPanel®.
MagPanel® used as sub-flooring / tile backer
magnesium boards mgo indoors uses

Where MagPanel® is Used Outdoors

Soffit
Fascia
Roofing / tiles secured to MagPanel®
Siding / sheathing secured to MagPanel®
magnesium boards mgo outdoors uses
MagPanel® is fireproof and highly resistant to insects, fungus, mold, mildew and chemicals

MagPanel® Compared to Other Building Materials

MagPanel MgO board is different than other building materials because it is fireproof and highly resistant to insects, fungus, mold, mildew, and chemicals. It surpasses traditional MgO boards in being environmentally friendly and non-toxic.

Use the charts below to compare the applications and features of MagPanel® to other common building panels. You will find that MagPanel® offers superior performance in every category compared to other building products.

ApplicationsMagpanel® MGO
(magnesium sulfate)
Regular MGO Board
(magnesium chloride)
Oriented Strand Board (OSB)Exterior Gypsum SheathingDry WallCement Siding
Fireproof Walls
As a part of Structural Insulated Panel
Soffits
Subflooring
Structural Sheathing

Did you know? MagPanel® is made from bonding certain elements (including magnesium and oxygen) which results in an extremely strong cement-like material. Similar compounds have been used for construction purposes for hundreds of years in such world-famous sites such as the Great Wall of China, Rome's Pantheon, and extensively throughout one of the world's tallest buildings, Taipei 101.

MagPanel® is extremely environmentally friendly and consumes less energy compared to similarly used materials to reduce the environmental footprint. It is non-combustible, which helps protect homeowners, tenants and building occupants while mitigating damage and loss. MagPanel® provides all of these features in one remarkable product.

FeaturesMagpanel® MGO
(magnesium sulfate)
Regular MGO Board
(magnesium chloride)
Oriented Strand Board (OSB)PlywoodCement Board
Environmentally FriendlyHighHighPoorAverageAverage
CombustibilityZeroZeroHighHighZero
Flame ResistanceHighHighPoorPoorHigh
Freeze/Thaw ResistanceHighHighAverageAverageAverage
Impact ResistanceHighHighAverageAveragePoor
Mold and Mildew ResistanceHighHighPoorPoorHigh
Termite ResistanceHighHighPoorPoorHigh
Water ResistanceHighHighPoorPoorHigh
Corrosive / Sweating ZeroPoorPoorPoorHigh
environmentally friendly home

An Environmentally Friendly Building Material for Building Healthier Homes

Ambient’s MagPanel® is a technologically advanced, high performance, fully recyclable board used to replace traditional MgO boards (with chloride), gypsum drywall, fiber cement wallboards, OSB or plywood. The board’s resistance to mold, mildew, fungus and extreme environmental exposure makes it the perfect building material for health-conscious builders and families.

MagPanel® gains its strength and resistance from very strong bonds between magnesium and oxygen atoms that form magnesium oxide crystals (with the chemical formula MgO).

The use of sulfate in MagPanel® makes it superior to regular MGO boards which use chloride. Sulfate is an eco-friendly alternative that prevents the corrosion of steel frames and damp insulation materials which can potentially cause structural damage and health issues.

MagPanel® is a mineral based green building material. It has high moisture resistance and repels mold, mildew and other fungal health hazards. This also means no warping, swelling, or rot when exposed to water or other elements. Because it is resistant to extreme cold or heat, construction can take place in virtually any environment, at any time, and in any season.

Did you know? Leftover MagPanel® can be ground up and added to the soil as a nutrient!

MagPanel® Environmental Benefits:

  • MagPanel® offers excellent impact strength which increases the lifespan of homes and buildings.
  • Resistance to fire, mold and insects increases the lifespan of homes and buildings.
  • MagPanel® is a completely recyclable product classified as ‘Nutritional Waste’.
  • Leftover material can be ground up and sprinkled into the soil to act as a nutrient.
  • MagPanel® is not made with any toxic materials and is considered landfill friendly.
  • Magpanel uses a low energy manufacturing process.
  • Captures carbon dioxide CO2 during the curing process.

Benefits of MagPanel® Magnesium Oxide Boards

fire resistant magnesium oxide boards
Fireproof

Magnesium oxide is inherently non-combustible, which means it does not catch fire easily. MgO boards can withstand high temperatures for extended periods without burning, making them an excellent fire-resistant material.

waterproof magnesium oxide boards
Water Resistant

MagPanel® maintains its structural stability when slightly bent and will not warp, swell or delaminate when exposed to moisture for short periods of time. Long period exposure to moisture however is not recommended.

health safety of magesium oxide boards
Health Safe

Magnesium oxide boards are safe for people who suffer from allergies or asthma or who are chemically sensitive. It does not contain fly ash, formaldehyde, crystalline silica or toxins.

Magpanel mgo panel termite proof
Termite Proof

MagPanel® is not a food source for termites, carpenter ants or other wood boring insects. It is completely inorganic and contains zero foodstuff.

environmentally friendly magnesium oxide boards
Environmentally Safe

MagPanel® is not made with any toxic materials and is completely recyclable. Acts as a nutrient when it is ground up and sprinkled into the soil.

Magpanel heat resistance
Environmental Exposure

MagPanel® is freeze/thaw tested for 36 months. Build anytime of the year.

Magpanel mgo panel fungus resistant
Fungus Resistant

MagPanel®’s antimicrobial characteristics make it resistant to mold, mildew, fungus and rot.

builder friendly Magpanel mgo
Builder Friendly

Stronger, more durable and lighter than other products, beautiful finishes, unmatched screw and nail holding capabilities, scores and cuts easily.

The many benefits of using Ambient's MagPanel® MgO Boards

  • Structural Floors
  • Sound Proofing
  • Structural Walls
  • Fire-Rated Floor & Wall
  • Assemblies
  • Mold/Fungus Resistant
  • Moisture Resistant
  • Termite/Vermin Resistant
  • Quick and Easy Installation
  • Dimensionally Stable
  • Traditional Edge Details
  • Weather Resistant
  • Noncombustible
  • Abuse Resistant
  • Lightweight

MagPanel®… the strongest, healthiest, multipurpose building material available

Indoor Uses
Outdoor Uses
applications of magnesium boards mgo panels

One Board… Multiple Applications

MagPanel® eliminates many challenges consumers, architects, builders, contractors and engineers face with residential, commercial and industrial construction. It comes in many different densities and strengths making it suitable for different applications and uses. It is used to replace a variety of other building materials including MgO boards (traditional magnesium oxide withchloride), pressed board, gypsum board, oriented strand board (OSB), plywood, and cement board.

Easy to Install & Use
  • The boards can be scored and snapped, sawed, drilled, and fastened to wood or steel framing. The back surface is sanded for easy tile application.
  • For building construction, MagPanel® is available in a variety of sizes and thickness.
  • Unlike other board or panel building material, MagPanel® is not a paper-faced material.
  • Instead numerous versions and value of grades exist including smooth face, rough texture, utility, and versatile grades.
  • It generally comes in a light gray, white or beige color but it can be painted any color.
mgo easy to install
Ideal for high-traffic areas
  • MagPanel® is ideal for many applications especially for high-traffic, abuse-prone infrastructures such as multifamily units with stairways, entries and common areas, school classrooms, corridors, gyms and college dorms, hospitals and healthcare facilities.
  • MagPanel®’s antimicrobial characteristics make it resistant to mold, mildew, fungus and allergens.
  • The product is also ideal for high traffic areas like retail malls and stores, government buildings, military facilities, and transportation facilities.
Magpanels in hospitals and health facilities

MagPanel® is an extremely versatile product

magnesium oxide board director cabin
Offices
magnesium oxide board meeting room
Meeting Rooms
magnesium oxide board classrooms
Classrooms
magnesium oxide board building shafts
Building Shafts
magnesium oxide board warehouse
Warehouses
magnesium oxide board lt-panel-room
LT Panel Rooms
magnesium oxide board datacenter
Datacenters
magnesium oxide board hospital
Hospitals
magnesium oxide board control room
Control Rooms
magnesium oxide board kitchen
Kitchens
magnesium oxide board wet areas
Wet Areas
magnesium oxide board hotel room
Hotel Rooms
Balconies
Balconies
Stages
Stages
Equipment Shelters
Equipment Shelters
Modular Schools
Modular Schools
Interior Applications
Interior Applications
Libraries
Libraries

Check out Magpanel used to build a Tiny Home!

  • MagPanel® MgO boards are the most energy efficient, socially and environmentally responsible building material.
  • It's a breathable material that is not susceptible to moisture and interacts in stable manner with other building materials.
  • It's also fireproof and highly resistant to insects, fungus, mold, mildew and chemicals.
  • It's a natural product that contains no toxins whatsoever.
why ambient
5 year warranty
Buy with confidence
5 years warranty against structural defects
This warranty applies solely to MagPanel® sold by Ambient Building Products. This warranty does not cover products that are not purchased directly from Ambient. We guarantee that our MagPanel® is free of manufacturing defects and will remain free of said defects during the term of the warranty period when used for the intended purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

MagPanel® is a strong, high quality, fireproof, mineral-based building material used to replace regular MgO boards, plywood, fiber cement panels, OSB and gypsum wallboards. It is an extremely versatile product for use with interior and exterior construction. It is made from bonding certain elements (including magnesium and oxygen) which results in an extremely strong cement-like material.

Expansive deposits of magnesium oxide can be found in China, Europe, and Canada. The great White Mountains in China have so much natural MgO, it is estimated there is enough to last another 800 years at today's rate of consumption. Thus, MagPanel® is an incredible building material with seemingly unlimited uses. It can be used in place of drywall, and some of the many applications include sub-flooring and tile backer, ceilings, walls, exteriors, soffits, sheathing, shaft-liner, bathtub enclosures, and exterior siding. When used for exterior projects it must be coated or protected from the elements.

MgO board is harder and stronger than drywall, and it is resistant to fire, insects, mold, mildew, and rot. It is sound and impact resistant, and has good insulating characteristics. It's noncombustible and non-toxic, has a receptive bonding surface, and contains no dangerous toxins like some other building materials. One exciting characteristic about Magnesium board is that it's lightweight while still being very, very strong. Therefore, a smaller amount of MgO board can do the same job (or better) as a greater amount of another material, such as sheetrock. And don't forget, because MgO board is so moisture-resistant, it lasts a very long time. The Great Wall of China is a perfect example of that!

Magpanel® can be sawed, drilled, router-shaped, scored and snapped, nailed, and painted. It's many uses in the construction field include fireproof materials for ceilings and walls in every type of construction including apartment complexes, theaters, airports, hospitals, and much more.

This amazingly versatile product also happens to be very green (environmentally friendly – not the color green). It has no ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene, silica, or asbestos, and it is completely safe for humans. It's a natural product that can be completely recycled, so it leaves a very small carbon footprint, and has no negative impact on landfills.

MagPanel® is available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, it comes in a choice of basic colors and textures, and there are different grades and strengths to choose from, depending on the application. Because of its strength, thin boards can be used in place of thicker boards of another material.

When it comes to fireproof magnesium oxide boards, there are two types: MagPanel® (made using MgSo4 - magnesium sulfate) and traditional MGO boards (made using MgCl - magnesium chloride). To understand the differences between the two, take a look at what each kind of board is composed of:

MagPanel® (made with magnesium sulfate)

  • Magnesium Oxide (MgO): 56-58%
  • Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4): 27-29%
  • Perlite: 3-4%
  • Wood Fiber: 5-6%
  • Phosphate (PO4): 0.1-0.3%
  • Fiberglass Mesh: 4-6%

Traditional MGO Boards (made with magensium chloride)

  • Magnesium Oxide (MgO): 56-58%
  • Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2): 27-29%
  • Perlite: 3-4%
  • Wood Fiber: 5-6%
  • Phosphate (PO4): 0.1-0.3%
  • Fiberglass Mesh: 4-6%

There are two key differences to note in the composition of these two types of panels: 1) the presence of magnesium sulfate vs. magnesium chloride, and 2) the level of dissolvable chloride content. In MagPanel, magnesium sulfate is used instead of magnesium chloride. If you're not a chemist, you're probably wondering what that means.

Simply put, the magnesium sulfate makes MagPanel less prone to humidity problems, as the MGS04 prevents moisture from absorbing back into the board, unlike traditional magnesium oxide boards. This added moisture protection in MagPanel protects it from “weeping boards” and corrosion of metal fasteners. This contrasts with how traditional magnesium oxide (MgCl) boards, which experience “weeping boards” and corrosion of metal fasteners.

MagPanel® is a unique, cost-effective building material available across the U.S. The product has been engineered to resolve some of the toughest building challenges faced by architects, contractors, installers, builders and consumers. These include resistance to fire, moisture, mold, mildew, fungus and insects.

MagPanel® is an extremely versatile product and can be used in many applications both interior and exterior.

Exterior Applications:
  • Wall sheathing
  • Fascia
  • Soffit
  • Trim
  • Lap Siding
Interior Applications:
  • Wall panels
  • Ceiling board
  • Tile backer
  • Drop ceiling tiles
  • Fire wall system
Specialty Applications:
  • Office cubicles
  • Room dividers
  • Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS)

MagPanel® MgO Boards are sold in standard 4 × 8 ft sheets and in multiple thickness from 6mm to 20mm.

Yes. MagPanel® is safer than many comparable building products. It is a mineral based product made with non-toxic ingredients. It is completely recyclable and resistant to mold, mildew, fungus and allergens. It is ideal for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. It is also free of carcinogens and silicas.

Purchase MagPanel® directly through Ambient Building Products. We ship directly to your home or business. Read our shipping policy here.

MagPanel® offers many cost benefits. Because of its strength and durability MagPanel® increases the lifespan of structures such as homes and buildings.

When comparing building material costs consider the benefits and features offered by each product. This includes the upfront costs but also the savings recognized during the life of the product. MagPanel® MgO Boards provide a cheaper lifetime cost and a similar installation cost to gypsum when all the expenses are considered.

Cost benefits of MagPanel®
  • Faster installation, using a “tile” approach to joint finishing boards allow the boards to be painted the same or next day.
  • No corner beads are required leading to a significant savings compared to gypsum installation.
  • No backing materials are required for shelving, cabinets, grab bars, etc.
  • Virtually expense free disposal with no dedicated waste removal needed.
  • Thinner boards can be used - 12mm for walls and 6mm for ceilings thereby reducing costs.
  • Expansive resistance adds stiffness to walls and will perhaps reduce bracing or the need for interior plywood shear panels that are necessary with traditional construction.
  • MagPanel® is fireproof and resistant to moisture, mold, termites, impact, and freeze/thaw cycles.

The possibility of expansion for MagPanel® is low however there is some hydrothermal movement. You can leave smaller gaps to accommodate for lower expansion or shrinking. MagPanel® is highly resistant to extreme outdoor environmental exposure such as rain and strong winds as long as it is properly coated.

No. MagPanel® is considered moisture resistant, however during periods of extended exposure, moisture can affect it and it will experience hydrothermal expansion. When used outdoors, Magpanel should be covered or coated to protect it from the elements.

The chloride content of our MagPanel® is regulated during our manufacturing process and our boards average approximately 8%. Additionally, our dissolvable (free) chloride ion content is less than 5% and our sulfate content averages 0.2%. Conversely, the chloride content in traditional/regular magnesium oxide panels (not Magpanel®) is as high as 40%.

MagPanel® MgO boards are made from natural minerals, 91% of the composition of the board is comprised Magnesium oxide and Magnesium Sulphate otherwise known as Epsom salts. The additional 9% is comprised of wood fiber (cellulose) perlite or vermiculite and a glass fiber mesh backing. There are no volatile organic compounds or toxic ingredients. The chloride content of our MgO boards is regulated during our manufacturing process and our boards average less than 1%.

MagPanel® can be stored easily indoors. It is highly resistant to moisture, and humidity making it easy to store. MagPanel® should be stored inside in a cool dry place as with any sheet building material. To protect the edges and corners, carry boards on their side. Stack boards flat on dunnage, loose wood, matting or other material and not directly on the ground. Do not allow MagPanel® to bow. Do not stack any other materials on top of MagPanel®. Before installing MagPanel® acclimate the panels for 48 hours in the room where they will be installed.

Finish MagPanel® with most products such as paint, stucco, synthetic stucco, wallpaper, plaster, stone, tile, brick and much more. The strong adhesion properties of MagPanel® also make it a perfect product for Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS), Exterior Insulated Finish Systems (EIFS) and interior wall systems using fabrics.

To finish MagPanel® MgO boards after installation, begin with a primer. This is required because MagPanel® panels are alkaline in nature. We recommend using a primer that is suitable for concrete or masonry. There are a few popular brands of paint which react molecularly with the cement in MagPanel® forming a UV highly resistant coating that will last for years. Acrylic stucco topcoats or polymer modified cement base coats can also be used and individually applied to the board. Test the topcoats and paints prior to completing the entire project. To properly test the bonding capability of the topcoat, brush on or spray a small area of the MagPanel® with paint, let the board dry and cure. Then make an X with a sharp razor knife, apply masking tape over the cut and press firmly and rip it off like a band-aid. If the paint stays on the board, this indicates the paint and board have a successful bond.

Micro cracking in walls finished with magnesium oxide boards can be caused by several factors, including structural movement due to settling, wind or seismic forces, and thermal or hydrometric expansion resulting from changes in the ambient environment. Additionally, the frame used beneath the boards may be affected by changes such as wood shrinkage and metal expansion due to heating. While MagPanel®s may experience some movement due to thermal or moisture changes during curing and drying, micro cracking should be a minimal concern as long as stable interior humidity and temperature conditions are maintained.

To address and prevent micro cracking, several precautionary steps can be taken. Prior to installation, it is recommended to allow the boards to acclimatize in the structure where they will be used for at least 3-5 days. The HVAC system must be turned on at least 72 hours prior to acclimation. A small space should be left between boards, and a non-shrinking or elastic caulking applied, followed by a primer coat of paint. Spackle or plaster can then be used to hide any imperfections, with a final coat of paint designed to prevent moisture absorption applied as a finishing touch. By taking these steps, the occurrence of micro cracking in finished walls can be minimized or avoided.

To fasten MagPanel®, always use corrosion-resistant fasteners. Drywall screws that have a phosphoric coating also work well with MagPanel® panels. For the easiest installation, choose screws with self boring heads. Alternatively, use gun nails when applying to wood framing with the appropriate nails and /or light gauge steel framing with screws.

To finish MagPanel® joints, use sandable elastomeric joint compounds or lightweight concrete patching compounds in conjunction with wide fiberglass tape of 6" or more. Check with the manufacturer of the product to ensure it is compatible with MagPanel®. Use finely ground hydraulic cement fillers such as RapidSet One Pass to establish industrial strength joints. Additionally, urethanes bond well to MagPanel® panels. Most lightweight pre-mixed mud does not like moisture and MgO panels can dry moisture through the board.

MagPanel® MgO Panels bond well to itself, metal, expanded polystyrene, wood, and laminates using ChemLink M1 or another moisture-cured urethane adhesive.

The density of MagPanel® is around 1 gram per cubic centimeter or just over 2.2 pounds per square foot for 12mm (1/2 inch) board – They are typically heavier than gypsum and lighter than ordinary cement boards.

For optimal results cutting MagPanel® panels, use a thin carbide circular saw or worm drive saw. Rout the edges using carbide tooling. MagPanel® can be scored with a razor blade and snapped apart from the smooth side. This method does not provide as clean an edge and will require more finishing work. To prevent micro cracking with cuts, glue all corners together.

MagPanel® MgO Boards are ideal for use as a sub floor. Additionally, boards are available in the correct thickness and strength for use as structural sheathing. To determine the proper board grade depends on the design of the floor, joist span, spacing and size, dead load and live loading factors.

MagPanel® (MgSO4 boards) are generally lower in dissolvable chloride content making them safe for applications on steel framing and the use of steel fasteners. The big difference is that MagPanel doesn't experience the "weeping problem" that plagues regular MGO boards in the presence of humidity. Despite having a few compositional disparities, MgSO4 and MgCl panels generally share similar characteristics, which primarily include:

  • High water-resistance
  • Lightweight
  • Non-combustible
  • High mold/mildew resistance
  • Easy to install
  • Heat isolation
  • Sound reduction
  • High stability
  • Impact strength
  • Bending strength

Installation Instructions and Handling Guidelines

For successful installation of MagPanel®, follow the instructions and guidelines listed here

Storage and Handling

Although MagPanel® is heat and moisture resistant, it should be stored inside in a cool dry place as with any sheet building material. To protect the edges and corners, carry boards on their side. Stack boards flat on dunnage, loose wood, matting or other material and not directly on the ground. Do not allow MagPanel® to bow. Do not stack any other materials on top of MagPanel®.

Tools and Materials Required

MagPanel® is a multipurpose board used inside for walls, floor, ceiling, tile backer board and also outside for sheathing, roof decking and lap siding. Depending on how the board is used and the thickness of the board being used, will dictate what tools may be needed.

  • Safety Glasses
  • Dust Mask
  • Gloves
  • Putty Knife
  • Saw Horses
  • Square
  • Carbide Tipped Scoring Knife or Utility Knife
  • Fiber Cement Shears
  • Dust Reducing Circular Saw
  • Polyurea or Modified Epoxy Seam Filler
  • Underlayment
  • Fasteners (Recommended fasteners vary by application, see fasteners below)
  • Adhesive – (Depending on application - ASTM D3498 compliant adhesive, Select Construction Adhesive

Acclimation

Remove the packaging and allow the MagPanel® panels to acclimate to the room temperature and humidity for 48 hours. Ideally, the boards should acclimate in the room where they will be used with the temperature replicating the planned temperature of the room.

Placement

Placement varies depending on the application of the boards. When attaching to cold-formed steel framing (CFS), stagger panels with a 1/16” (1/5mm) gap between boards. When attaching to wood allow 1/8” gap.

Board Orientation

MagPanel® is constructed with one side smooth finish and one side rough finish. The rough finish can be used as a backer board for tile and other applications.

Filling Seams

When laying resilient flooring such as Luxury Vinyl Plank, Bamboo Flooring, Eucalyptus Flooring, Vinyl plank or Linoleum over MagPanel®, fill with a polyurea or modified epoxy seam filler and shave or sand until flush. This helps create a smooth surface and avoids “telegraphing” which is uneven joints to on the wear surface.

Installation (Flooring, Wall and Ceiling)

  • Installation must comply with all applicable local, state and federal codes and should also follow industry installation practices.
  • Cut MagPanel® with a carbide tipped scoring knife or a power saw equipped with a carbide blade. Do not use power saws indoors. For best results, use a blade designed specifically for cement board and use a T-square to help ensure cuts are straight and even.
  • For circular cuts and irregular angle cuts use a Roto Zip, Dremel, or equivalent tool, equipped with a cement board bit or carbide tipped bit.
  • Start with proper framing and ensure studs are straight and square to allow for adequate fastening surface at adjoining walls and flat stress-free installation of MagPanel®. Ensure framing is level.
  • The fewer cuts that are made the better and easier installation will be. Begin by laying out your floor before fastening to the joists. When planning the layout make sure the cut edges will be against the perimeter of the room. Sheets should be spaced evenly and butt tightly.
  • Install MagPanel® on 16” centers. Always support board ends by joists. Slightly countersink each fastener. Leave about 1/8th inch between the perimeter walls and the MagPanel® to allow for expansion.
  • After installing the initial sheet of MagPanel® flooring, apply a generous amount of Select Construction Adhesive, or equal, to the exposed edge of the installed sheet of MagPanel®. Install the next sheet of flooring butting joints together tightly. Squeeze a small amount of well-bonding construction adhesive the surface along the entire seam. Use a putty knife to remove excess from the butt joint. After installation of first board, verify the board is level before continuing.

Fastening

MgO board is a non-toxic board material and certain types of fasteners may corrode the board. Because all projects and locations are different, consult a local fastener expert for your location and project. Ambient recommends using a 316-stainless steel material for all fasteners. Alternatively, a ceramic coated fastener designed specifically for cement board products may also be acceptable.

  • Fastening to wood studs with screws: Use #8 flat head fasteners with high / low threads and a sharp drill point.
  • Fastening to metal: Use 18 gauge or heavier, with screw: Use #8 flat head screw with nibs under the head for countersinking into the MagPanel®, and a self-drilling point for penetrating the light gauge metal. When fastening to light gauge materials lighter than 18 gauge, consider using pneumatic fastening. Other fasteners may strip out lighter gauge studding prior to countersinking the head of the fastener into the MagPanel® sheathing. If fastening using pneumatic nails use hardened nails. Pneumatic pressures vary depending on board thickness and stud material used. Always set pressure based on countersinking needs.
  • Fastener Installation: Install fasteners no closer than 4” from corners. Perimeter fasteners should be placed 6” apart. Center fasteners should be placed 12” apart. Install fasteners approximately 9/16” from board edge. Do not install fasteners at 45º angles. Always begin fastening at one side and proceed to fasten across the board to the other side to avoid stress.

Safety

MagPanel® does not contain any carcinogenic material. We do recommend that installers wear a dust mask and safety glasses during routing, cutting and sanding operations. Never dry sweep MagPanel®, instead use a wet suppression or HEPA vacuum.

If you are using galvanized steel framing, the chlorides in some MgO sheathing, used to ward off insects and prevent the feeding of mold and mildew, may experience a reaction. There have been no reports of such reactions. If using MagPanel® as a sheathing, we recommend installing a barrier of some type to eliminate direct contact between the board and the framing.

Be sure to always follow local, state and national building codes with your construction projects.

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