Magnesium oxide wallboard-Cedar Herald Index

Magnesium oxide, more commonly called magnesia, is a mineral that when used as part of a cement mixture and cast into thin cement panels under proper curing procedures and practices can be used in residential and commercial building construction. Some versions are suitable for general building uses and for applications that require fire resistance, mold and mildew control, as well as sound control applications. Magnesia board has strength and resistance due to very strong bonds between magnesium and oxygen atoms that form magnesium oxide crystals (with the chemical formula MgO).

Magnesia boards are used in place of traditional gypsum drywall as wall and ceiling covering material and sheathing. It is also used in other construction applications such as fascias, soffit, shaft-liner and area separation, wall sheathing, and as tile backing (backer board) or as substrates for coatings and insulated systems such as finish systems, exterior insulation finishing systems, and some types of stucco.

Magnesium oxide wallboard

Magnesia cement board for building construction is available is various sizes and thickness. It is not a paper-faced material. It generally comes in light gray, white or beige. Grades include smooth face, rough texture, utility and versatile, and there are different densities and strengths for different applications and uses.

Magnesium oxide wallboard

Various magnesia cement boards are used in Asia as a primary construction material. Some versions have been designated as the official construction-specified material of the 2008 Summer Olympics, and some versions are used extensively on the inside and outside of all the walls, fireproofing beams, and as the sub-floor sheathing in one of the world's tallest buildings, Taipei 101, in Taipei, Taiwan.

Magnesium oxide wallboard

Magnesia cement is manufactured around the world, primarily near areas where magnesia based ore (periclase) deposits are mined. Major deposits are found in China, Europe, and Canada. Magnesia ore deposits in the US are negligible. Estimates put the use of magnesia board products at around in Asia. It is gaining popularity in the US, particularly near coastal regions.

History

Magnesia cement use in masonry construction is ancient. It was used primarily as a mortar component and stabilizer for soil bricks. Magnesia has also been identified in the Great Wall of China and other ancient landmarks. Roman cement is reported to have contained high levels of magnesia. In the West, Portland cement replaced magnesia for masonry uses in the 20th century when energy was cheap (see energy efficiency) and mold infection was poorly understood. However, some projects continued to use magnesia. New York City's Brooklyn Bridge base is made from locally mined cement, a mixture of calcium oxide and magnesia cement commonly called Rosendale cement, the only natural non-fired cement made in the US. Magnesia cement boards were approved for construction use in the US around 2003. Due to its fire resistance and safety ratings, New York and New Jersey were early adopters of magnesia cement board. Florida has adopted magnesia boards for mold/mildew resistance. It is hurricane and impact tested and approved in Miami-Dade County. Located in Taipei, Taiwan, magnesia board can be found on all 101 stories of Taipei 101, currently the eighth tallest building in the world. Magnesia sheeting was used on the inside and outside of all the walls, fireproofing beams and as the sub-floor sheathing.

Purpose and use

Magnesia is widely used primarily as wallboard alternative to conventional gypsum-based drywall and plywoods. The magnesia boards can be scored and snapped, sawed, drilled, and fastened to wood or steel framing.

Magnesia boards are a good example of the advances made in construction materials to meet changes in building codes for safety and durability .