Magnesium Oxide (MgO) board is highly effective for outdoor applications, provided it is used correctly—primarily as a substrate rather than a finished exterior surface. While it is naturally moisture-resistant and non-combustible, it is not “waterproof” in the sense of being a final weather barrier.
Primary Outdoor Uses
Fiber cement is a composite material made of Portland cement, cellulose fibers, and mineral fillers. When manufactured as a flat roofing sheet, it undergoes a high-pressure steaming process (autoclaving) that results in a material with remarkable dimensional stability and strength.
For high-rise developments and industrial hubs, fire compliance is non-negotiable. Most ...
Continue Reading →Fiber cement lap cladding is a highly durable exterior siding material made from a mixture of cellulose fibers, portland cement, sand, and water. It is designed to mimic the appearance of traditional wood siding—specifically “lap” or “clapboard” styles where each board overlaps the one below it—while offering significantly higher resistance to environmental factors.
Key Performance Benefits
Fiber cement grooved weatherboards are a versatile cladding solution, designed to mimic the aesthetic of traditional timber tongue-and-groove planks while providing the durability of masonry. Because they are composed of pressurized sand, cement, and cellulose fibers, they offer significant performance advantages in both internal and external environments.
Technical Performance
MgO boards do not burn. In the event of a fire, they do not contribute fuel to the flames and, crucially, do not emit toxic smoke or “dripping” particulates, which are the primary causes of injury during building evacuations.
Unlike plywood or OSB, which lose structural capacity quickly when charred, MgO maintains its shape and load-bearing properties for a longer duration under high temperatures. This is vital for maintaining “compartmentation” ...
Continue Reading →Magnesium Oxide (MgO) boards with a Tongue & Groove (T&G) profile are increasingly used as high-performance subflooring and underlayment. They offer a robust alternative to plywood or fiber cement, particularly in environments requiring high fire ratings and moisture resistance.
Core Technical Specifications
MgO flooring boards are typically denser and thicker than standard wall panels to handle structural loads.
For a 2-sided Tongue and Groove (TG) fiber cement decking board with dimensions of 2700mm x 600mm x 16mm, you are looking at a high-density, structural-grade panel typically used as a subfloor or finished floor base in modular construction or mezzanine applications.
Technical Specifications & Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
| Material | Cellulose fiber-reinforced cement (Autoclaved) |
| Density | Generally ≥1.3g/cm3 for structural flooring |
| Fire Rating | Typically A1 or A2-s1, ... |
For 12mm MgO Shiplap panels, the focus shifts from structural flooring to decorative and functional wall cladding (facades). Shiplap is highly valued in international markets like the US, Canada, and Australia for its superior water-shedding capabilities and “seamless” aesthetic.
The 12mm thickness is specifically optimized for vertical applications where weight and ease of installation are as important as fire resistance.
Key Technical Specifications (12mm)
| Feature | Target ... |
For heavy-duty flooring applications, Tongue & Groove (T&G) MgO boards are often the gold standard due to their structural integrity and superior fire resistance compared to traditional plywood or OSB.
Here is a breakdown of the technical specifications, benefits, and installation considerations for T&G MgO flooring:
Slip resistance for fiber cement decking is typically measured using two primary standards: the Pendulum Test Value (PTV) and the R-Rating (Oil-Wet Ramp Test). Because fiber cement is a manufactured product, the rating often depends on whether the board is smooth, textured (wood grain), or has a factory-applied anti-slip coating.
Common Slip Resistance Ratings
For most commercial and residential fiber cement decking products, you will find the following average ratings:
| Condition | Pendulum Test Value (PTV) | R-Rating (DIN 51130) |
| Dry | 60+ (Low Slip Potential) | R11 – R12 |
| Wet | 36 – 45 ... |