MagPanel® - Magnesium Oxide Boards

MagPanel® is a strong, high quality, fire-resistant, 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 fire-resistant 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 fire-resistant 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.

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.

• 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 fire-resistant 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