HocreBoard Fiber Cement Products -Company Blog

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

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 ...

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:

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 ...

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 ...

While Calcium Silicate raised floor panels have historically served as a dense non-combustible option, Steel-Encapsulated Magnesium Oxide (MgO) raised floor panels represent a superior engineering upgrade—delivering higher impact resistance, lower dead-load weight, superior screw-holding strength, and zero silica dust hazard.

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:

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 ...

Traditional steel ducts come with a massive list of headaches: high weight, complex on-site fabrication, and the added cost and labor of installing external thermal insulation. MgO boards change the game completely:

• 🔥 Class A1 Fireproof Safety: Certified non-combustible material that provides ultimate protection for central air supply and critical fire smoke extraction systems.

• 🌡️ Built-in Thermal Insulation: Unlike bare steel that bleeds energy, MgO boards have natural insulating properties—saving you time, material, and ...

When designing for extreme fire loads and safety compliance, fiber cement boards outperform traditional materials across several key metrics:

Conclusion

As energy storage capacities grow ...