Magnesium oxide (MgO) panels are becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry due to their many advantages. They are resistant to fire, mold, and mildew, have high strength and durability, and can increase the lifespan of a building. However, one of the disadvantages of MgO panels is that they are not suitable for outdoor use and cannot be used for building exteriors or in open spaces. But is this really true? In this article, we will explore the use of MgO panels in outdoor spaces and how to prevent cracking in MgO panels.
What are Magnesium Oxide Panels?
Magnesium oxide panels, also known as MgO boards, are insulation boards made of a mineral cement called magnesium oxide. They can be used for various purposes in construction, such as subflooring, backing for tiles, flooring, fascia, and roof and wall cladding. MgO panels have specific properties such as resistance to weather conditions, fire resistance, and resistance to mold or mildew compared to drywall. Another key feature of MgO board is that they can be produced in various sizes and thicknesses, with no limitations in designing different sizes in their production. Magnesium oxide panels come in light gray, beige, or white colors.
Using Magnesium Oxide Panels in Exterior Building Facades
While MgO panels are generally not recommended for outdoor use or building exteriors, they can be used if certain precautions are taken. There have been reports of problems with MgO panels in outdoor settings, including bending, cracking near the connections, delamination of panels in decorative applications, and even exerting pressure on nearby tiles and marble causing them to crack and collapse.
However, there are many advantages of using MgO panels in building facades, such as the fact that they are highly resistant to potential impacts, which increases the lifespan of houses and buildings. They are also environmentally friendly, as no toxic materials are used in their production. Thin magnesium boards as thin as 12 millimeters can be used for walls and 6 millimeters for ceilings, reducing costs.
Reasons for Issues with Magnesium Oxide Panels in Outdoor Spaces
While there have been some reported issues with MgO panels in outdoor settings, this problem should not be generalized as a fundamental and universal flaw. The root cause of these issues should be investigated and addressed. One issue with MgO boards is that most of them are suitable for use in indoor environments and under low humidity conditions. Additionally, most builders and users lack sufficient knowledge about how to install and maintain them properly, as MgO panels are a relatively new product and considered a novel building material. Therefore, there is a possibility of errors occurring during installation, which may ultimately lead to problems, especially in outdoor settings and facades. Even some MgO panel and board suppliers do not have accurate and appropriate information about their production and design.
Solutions for Magnesium Oxide Panel Issues in Outdoor Spaces
There are various solutions to address the problem of MgO panel issues in outdoor and building facades. One solution is to add a reinforcing agent to the magnesium oxide panels. The use of raw materials on magnesium panels can make them resistant to various weather conditions, even suitable and practical for outdoor use. Another solution is to use a protective layer such as paint on magnesium oxide panels. However, it is essential to purchase required magnesium oxide panels for your projects from a reputable manufacturer to ensure that you have chosen high-quality products that are compatible with current global standards.
Ways to Prevent Cracking in Walls Made with Magnesium Oxide Panels
Fine cracking in walls completed with magnesium oxide boards can be caused by various factors, including wind or seismic forces, structural movement due to ground settlement, thermal expansion or hygroscopicity resulting from environmental changes. The frame used beneath the panels may also be affected by changes such as wood shrinkage and metal expansion due to heat, ultimately leading to fine cracks in the walls. To prevent these fine cracks on walls made of magnesium panels, several precautionary measures can be taken, including placing the boards in the structure they will be used in for at least 3-5 days to acclimatize before installation. The HVAC system should be turned on at least 72 hours before acclimatization. A small space between the boards should be left, and an expansion-free or elastic sealant should be applied, followed by a primer layer. Plaster can be used to hide any possible defects, or even a layer of paint on the panels to strengthen them against moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does MagPanel® perform against weather conditions and temperature fluctuations such as heat, freeze/thaw cycles, and moisture?
When MagPanel® panels are properly covered and installed, they have very good resistance against various outdoor environmental conditions such as rain, strong winds, and temperature changes.
Is MagPanel® waterproof?
While magnesium panels are somewhat resistant to moisture, they may be damaged when exposed to moisture for long periods of time. Therefore, it is better to cover or coat the panels when using them in outdoor spaces and for exterior facades.
Conclusion
While MgO panels are not recommended for outdoor use or building exteriors, they can be used if certain precautions are taken. Adding a reinforcing agent or using a protective layer such as paint can make them suitable for outdoor use. It is essential to purchase MgO panels from a reputable manufacturer and take precautionary measures during installation to prevent cracking in walls made of magnesium oxide panels. With proper care and installation, MgO panels can be a durable and long-lasting building material for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
منبع
https://www.ambientbp.com/mgo-magnesium-oxide-boards-magboard.php
https://www.magmatrixboards.com/post/are-mgo-boards-okay-for-outdoor-use
