Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Floor and Wall Panels for Multifamily Buildings

One product that has been used extensively overseas is now becoming very popular in the United States as well. Boards or panels made from magnesium oxide (MgO) are showing up on projects across the country to act as a subfloor, sheathing, wall board, or underlayment material. In the process, they are bringing enhanced fire resistance and acoustical performance to many building types, most notably multifamily projects. Today we are talking to Kate Andrews Land, General Manager, EXA COR MgO Products, and Ben Richardson, the Technology Manager for EXACOR™ MgO products at Huber Engineered Woods. By the end of this podcast you should be able to: Learning Objectives: Identify the physical characteristics of magnesium oxide (MgO) panels in terms of their makeup and basic performance attributes for use in floor and wall assemblies in multifamily projects. Investigate the fire-resistance capabilities and testing standards that demonstrate the ability for MgO panels to provide fire-rated assemblies in buildings. Assess the acoustical capabilities of MgO panels in terms of meeting or exceeding code requirements for multifamily buildings and providing for the welfare of occupants. Compare and contrast the use of MgO structural panels with other floor underlayment options, particularly wet-laid gypsum, to specify MgO panels appropriately in multifamily floor assemblies.