HocreBoard Fiber Cement Products -Company Blog

That’s an excellent question, as the difference between “moisture-resistant” and “waterproof” is critical when choosing building materials like fiber cement board.

Here is a breakdown of the key differences:

 Moisture-Resistant Fiber Cement Board

• Definition: The material resists the detrimental effects of moisture and is not easily damaged or broken down by water, even when exposed for some time.
• Performance: It can absorb some water but is ...

Fiber cement board, while naturally moisture-resistant, is not inherently waterproof on its own and often requires additional treatment for wet areas or exterior use.

Here are the main ways to waterproof fiber cement board, depending on the application (e.g., shower walls, exterior siding):

1. For Interior Wet Areas (e.g., Showers, Tubs)

This is the most common application where complete waterproofing is critical, usually before ...

The primary risk associated with “free chlorides” in Magnesium Oxide (MgO) boards is accelerated corrosion of metal building components and significant moisture damage to the structure

This risk is almost exclusively tied to older formulations of MgO boards that use magnesium chloride (MgCl2) as the binding agent (known as magnesium oxychloride cement).

Key Risks of Free Chlorides

1. Severe Metal Corrosion

• The Problem: The ...

The “weeping” or “sweating” issue is a significant problem primarily associated with older-style Magnesium Chloride boards, a type of Magnesium Oxide  board.

It is a process where the board draws moisture from the air, causing salty, corrosive liquid droplets to form and leak from its surface.

What Is Weeping or Sweating?

The question has already been answered with sufficient detail ...

No, MgSO4 (sulfate-based) boards and MgCl2 (chloride-based) boards generally have the same high fire rating in their initial, dry state. The difference lies in the long-term stability of that rating in real-world, high-humidity applications.

Both types of boards are built primarily on Magnesium Oxide (MgO) cement, which is inherently non-combustible

1. Core Fire Rating is Identical

In laboratory tests, both MgSo4 and MgCl2 boards typically ...

The question of whether MgSO4 board is a structural sheathing material is complex and depends on the specific product and its code approval, but the general answer is Yes, specific, high-density MgSO4 formulations are engineered and approved for use as structural sheathing

Here is a breakdown:

1. Structural vs. Non-Structural

• Sheathing is a board or panel material covering the outer wall framing ...

Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4) Board is unequivocally more suitable for high-humidity and exterior applications than Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2) Board.

The reason is the absence of high concentrations of chloride ions in the  (MgSO4) formulation, which eliminates the core problems associated with  (MgSO4)boards in wet environments:

1. Corrosion: (MgSO4) boards are non-corrosive to metal fasteners and steel frames, whereas (MgCl2) boards can leach corrosive chloride-salt ...

An MGO (Magnesium Oxide) board is generally considered a safe and environmentally friendly building material, often marketed as a greener alternative to traditional options like gypsum drywall and cement board.

Here is a detailed breakdown of its safety and environmental attributes, along with a crucial safety consideration：

Safety and Health Profile

MGO boards have several characteristics that make them a safe choice for ...

MGO Board Fire Resistance Official Ratings

Magnesium Oxide (MgO) boards are officially rated for fire resistance using various international standards that categorize their non-combustibility and the fire-resistance duration of the assembly they are part of.

Here are the key official ratings and standards for MgO boards:

Reaction to Fire Classification (Non-Combustibility)

This classification determines if the material itself will contribute fuel to a ...

Yes, Magnesium Oxide (MgO) board can be corrosive to metal fasteners and framing, but the risk largely depends on the board’s composition and the environmental conditions.

The primary factor is the presence of magnesium chloride as a binding agent, which is common in traditional or lower-quality MgO boards.

The Cause of Corrosion

The corrosion risk stems from the chloride content in the ...