Can MgO subfloor panels completely replace the gypsum concrete layer in multi-family LGS acoustic floor designs?

 High-density Structural MgO Subfloor Panels (typically 18mm to 20 mm tongue-and-groove boards) can successfully replace wet-poured gypsum concrete underlayment (gyp-crete) in light gauge steel (LGS) multi-family acoustic floor assemblies—provided the system is engineered holistically to address impact sound transmission.

While gyp-crete has historically been the default material to add mass over steel joists or metal decking, replacing it with dry MgO panels delivers major structural and logistical advantages:

Performance & Structural Comparison

Feature / Metric	Structural MgO Subfloor Panels	Traditional Gypsum Concrete
System Weight	~22–26 kg/m² (18mm panel)	~40–60 kg/m² (38 mm pour)
Dead Load Impact	Significantly lower (saves structural steel mass)	High dead load requirement
Installation Speed	Dry system; immediate trade access	Wet process; 7–14 days cure/dry time
Moisture / Mold	Impervious to moisture; zero rot/mold risk	Traps moisture; risks flooring failure if sealed early
Flexural Strength	High tensile & bending strength (≥16 MPa )	Low tensile strength; prone to cracking without topping

More information, please visit at www.hocre-board.com or send message by whatsapp +86 15001321220

 

Are MgO subfloor boards suitable for high-traffic ceramic tile or stone underlayment?

 

MgO Subfloor Boards Are Ideal for High-Traffic Tile & Stone Underlayment

High-density Magnesium Oxide (MgO) boards (1,100–1,300 kg/m3) are an exceptional underlayment for ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tile in heavy-foot-traffic environments (e.g., hotel lobbies, commercial corridors, and high-use residential spaces).

Key Advantages for Tile & Stone Applications

High Rigidity (Crack Prevention): Provides superior flexural strength to prevent subfloor deflection—the leading cause of cracked tiles and failed grout lines.

Aggressive Thinset Bond: The porous inorganic surface forms a strong mechanical lock with ANSI A118.4 / A118.11 polymer-modified thinset mortars.

100% Waterproof & Mold-Proof: Will not swell, rot, delaminate, or harbor mold if water penetrates through grout or tile seams.

Class A1 Fire Rating: Certified non-combustible material that adds passive fire defense to floor assemblies.

Quick Installation Checklist

Panel Thickness: Use ≥18mm (3/4 in) T&G panels for direct joist sheathing, or 12-15mm(1/2–5/8 in) as an underlayment over plywood/OSB.

Deflection Standards: Ensure floor joists meet L360 for ceramic/porcelain tile or L720 for heavy natural stone.

Fasteners & Joints: Fasten with alkali-resistant or stainless-steel screws. Tape board seams with alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh tape embedded in thinset.

More information, please visit at www.hocre-board.com or send message by whatsapp +86 15001321220

MgO Subfloor vs. OSB & Fiber Cement

 To support structural engineers, acoustics consultants, and general contractors in subfloor selection, the table below compares core engineering properties based on standard structural floor testing:

 

Performance Property	High-Density MgO Board (≥1,100kg/m3)	Structural OSB / Plywood	Fiber Cement Subfloor
Material Chemistry	Crystalline MgO Matrix + Double Layer Glass Mesh	Organic Wood Strands + Resin Binders	Portland Cement + Cellulose Fibers
Fire Reaction (ASTM E136)	Non-Combustible (Zero Flame/Smoke Spread)	Combustible (Spreads Flame)	Non-Combustible
1-Hour / 2-Hour Floor Assembly	Direct UL/ASTM E119 Rated Assemblies	Requires Gypsum Underlayment Pour	Requires Additional Fire Layers
Bending Flexural Strength	≥ 20 - 24MPa	≈12 - 15MPa	≈ 14 - 18MPa
Moisture Swelling (24h Immersion)	< 0.10(Zero Edge Swell)	10% - 15%Edge Delamination	< 0.50%
Mold & Termite Resistance	100% Inorganic / pH 10–11 (Zero Growth)	High Organic Vulnerability	High Mold Resistance
Fastener Holding Strength	High Pull-Out / Flush Self-Countersinking	Softens under Dynamic Traffic Load	Prone to Micro-Cracking around Edge Screws

More information, please visit at www.hocre-board.com or send message by whatsapp +86 15001321220

High-Density MgO Sheathing Board vs. Glass Mat Gypsum Board

 While Glass Mat Gypsum (GMG) sheathing remains a traditional baseline for commercial exterior walls, High-Density Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Sheathing Board is rapidly emerging as the superior architectural alternative. Offering zero-combustibility (Class A1/ASTM E136), higher structural shear capacity, exceptional moisture resistance, and direct-fastener retention, High-Density MgO eliminates core degradation risks during extended site exposure.

 

Technical Performance Matrix: MgO Sheathing vs. Glass Mat Gypsum

To assist structural engineers, facade consultants, and procurement managers in material evaluation, the table below outlines the core physical and mechanical parameters based on standard industrial testing:

Performance Metric	High-Density MgO Board (≥1,000kg/m3)	Glass Mat Gypsum Board (ASTM C1177)
Material Composition	Crystalline MgO Matrix + Alkali-Resistant Glass Mesh	Desulfurized Gypsum Core + Fibrous Glass Mat Facing
Core Density	1,050 - 1,250 kg/m3	750 - 850kg/m3
Fire Reaction Class	Non-Combustible (ASTM E136 / EN 13501-1 A1)	Fire-Resistant Core (ASTM C1177 Type X)
Flexural Strength (Dry)	≥18 - 22 MPa	≈approx 6 - 8MPa
Flexural Retention (Saturated)	＞85% Flexural Capacity	Rapid Softening & Core Breakdown under Hydrostatic Load
Fastener Pull-Out Strength	Superior Direct Screw Anchoring Strength	Requires Structural Stud Framing Anchoring
Mold & Biological Resistance	Inorganic Alkaline Matrix (pH 10-11) - Zero Growth	Resistant Facing, but Sensitive Gypsum Core

 

More information, please visit at www.hocre-board.com or send message by whatsapp +86 15001321220

Next-Gen Raised Access Floor Core: The MgO Board Advantage

 Upgrading from traditional wood particle board or brittle calcium silicate? Steel-Encapsulated Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Raised Access Floor Panels deliver the ultimate combination of fire safety, heavy load capacity, and moisture resistance for modern data centers and Class-A office buildings.

Key Advantages at a Glance

Class A1 Fire Rating: Certified non-combustible (ASTM E84 / EN 13501-1). Withstands temperatures above 1,000 C with zero toxic smoke.

High Structural Strength: Encapsulated in galvanized steel to handle heavy concentrated loads 3,500N- 6,700N without corner cracking.

15%–20% Lighter: Significantly reduces floor-slab dead load compared to calcium silicate boards.

Non-Corrosive MgSO4 Tech: Advanced sulphate formulation guarantees zero chloride ions, preventing moisture sweating and metal pedestal rust.

100% Eco-Friendly & Safe: Zero formaldehyde, zero asbestos, and zero respirable silica dust during job-site cutting.

 

Primary Applications

Encapsulated MgO Panels: Ideal for Commercial Office (OA) spaces with loose-lay carpet or magnetic LVT.

Anti-Static MgO Panels: Laminated with HPL/PVC for Data Centers, Server Rooms, and Cleanrooms.

Upgrade your infrastructure with zero-compromise safety and performance.

More information, please visit at www.hocre-board.com or send message by whatsapp +86 15001321220

Terracotta vs. Fiber Cement Panels: Technical Specifier Comparison

 Architects and specification teams often combine Terracotta Rainscreens with High-Density Fiber Cement Panels across elevations to create dynamic depth, or choose between them based on weight budgets and design intent:

Technical & Performance Criteria	Terracotta Rainscreen Panels	High-Density Fiber Cement Panels
Material Chemistry	100% Natural refined clay, vacuum-extruded & fired (>1200°C)	Portland cement, natural/synthetic fibers, silica, mineral fillers
Fire Reaction Rating	Class A1 / Non-Combustible (ASTM E136 / EN 13501-1)	Class A1 / A2-s1,d0 (ASTM E136 / EN 13501-1)
UV & Color Permanence	Vitrified natural clay body; 100% fade-proof over decades	Integrally pigmented or high-grade UV topcoats; excellent weatherability
Structural Mass	Medium-to-heavy (typically 24mm–30mm hollow-core panels)	High strength-to-weight ratio; thinner profiles (8mm–12mm)
Surface Textures	Earthy clay tones, 3D fluted/grooved profiles, baguettes, louvers	Crisp cementitious matte, large-format smooth panels, slate/stone effects
Maintenance Profile	Hydrophilic/anti-static (prevents airborne dirt accumulation)	Rot-proof, moisture-impermeable, resistant to mold and fungus
Primary Applications	Corporate headquarters, universities, cultural centers, podiums	High-rise curtain walls, modular facades, soffits, interior accent walls

More information, please visit at www.hocre-board.com or send message by whatsapp +86 15001321220

What is an MgO Duct Board?

 A Magnesium Oxide (MgO) duct board is a factory-prefabricated, non-combustible structural panel engineered specifically for central air conditioning supply ducts, commercial ventilation, and passive fire/smoke extraction systems. Manufactured from magnesium sulfate/oxide chemistry, MgO duct board combines structural rigidity, inherent thermal protection, and Class A1 fire resistance in a thin 6mm to 10mm profile, eliminating the labor-intensive external insulation required by traditional galvanized sheet metal.

Technical Comparison: MgO Board vs. Fiber Cement Board vs. Galvanized Steel in HVAC Duct Systems

Feature / Metric	MgO Duct Board	Fiber Cement Board	Galvanized Sheet Metal
Primary HVAC Application	Central Supply & Smoke Exhaust	General Wall Cladding / Sheathing	Traditional Ductwork
Fire Performance Rating	Class A1 / ASTM E119 Non-combustible	Class A1 Non-combustible	Non-combustible (Heat Conductive)
Thermal Insulation	Inherent Thermal Resistance	Low Insulation Value	None (Requires External Insulation)
Thickness Range for Ducts	6mm – 10mm (High Strength)	8mm – 12mm+ (Heavy)	0.8mm – 1.2mm
Flexural & Tensile Toughness	High Toughness / Crack-Resistant	Brittle / Prone to Edge Micro-cracks	High Ductility
Joinery & Edge Milling	Precision Tenon, Groove & T&G	Poor Milling / Crumbles under Stress	Sheet Metal Locks / Flanges
System Weight & Load	Lightweight / Low Hanging Load	Heavy Hanging Load	Medium-to-Heavy

More information, please visit at www.hocre-board.com or send message by whatsapp +86 15001321220