Why Magnesium Oxide Boards Are Quietly Reshaping Modular Construction in 2025

JP Group MagMatrix Brand
22 hours ago
9 min read

Magnesium oxide boards can withstand extreme temperatures of up to 1200°F without melting, making them a game-changer in today's construction world. The ever-changing world of building materials has seen these remarkable boards become a safer alternative to traditional options. Their Class A fire rating and A1 non-burnable materials designation make them ideal for residential, commercial, and industrial uses.

Additionally, the market for magnesium oxide boards shows strong momentum.

Experts project it to grow from $1.5 billion in 2023 to $3.0 billion by 2032, with a 7.2% annual growth rate. This rapid growth makes sense because magnesium oxide MGO boards perform better than standard materials like gypsum board and plywood. These boards offer more benefits beyond fire resistance - they remain durable even in harsh weather, resist mold and mildew, and enhance energy efficiency in modular constructions.

This piece will get into why these impressive features are revolutionizing the modular construction industry in 2025 and what builders can expect in the future.

Jinpeng Group MagMatrix Brand BMSC 517 New Sulfate Magnesium Oxide Board Exterior Wall Sheathing Panel

Fire Safety and Compliance in Modular Construction

Following tragic incidents like the Grenfell Tower fire, insurers have begun to scrutinize fire safety in modular construction more closely. They now worry about more than just specific materials; their concerns encompass detailed fire safety standards, particularly the insulation used in modular units. Magnesium oxide boards have become a great solution to these concerns. These boards offer exceptional fire resistance that surpasses that of traditional building materials.

Class A Fire Rating in ASTM Magnesium Oxide Boards

Magnesium oxide boards get their superior fire resistance from their mineral makeup. With the Jinpeng Group — MagMatrix brand, the BMSC 517 new sulfate MGO board, specifically designed for the Perseverance model, is used in wall, roofing, and subfloor sheathing panels. These panels have earned a noncombustible rating under both ASTM E136 and EN 13501-1+A1:2010, demonstrating their excellent resistance to combustion. Tests show these boards can handle temperatures above 750°C (1,382°F) for over 60 minutes without changing color.

The boards stand out with their remarkable 0/0 rating on the ASTM E84 / UL 723 Flame Spread and Smoke Developed Index. This means the material doesn't help spread flames or create smoke - vital factors when checking if building materials meet fire safety rules.

These boards resist fire well and limit its spread, making them suitable for various fire-rated assemblies.

Non-toxic Smoke Emission During Fire Events

The boards' behavior during an actual fire is really impressive. While many regular building materials release toxic fumes when burning, magnesium oxide boards only release water vapor. These boards can release up to 30 pounds of water as vapor during a fire, which helps cool and contain flames.

This gives a vital safety advantage in emergencies. No toxic emissions means:

Clearer evacuation routes with better visibility
Reduced risk of smoke inhalation injuries
Safer conditions for firefighters and rescue teams
Protection for people with asthma or chemical sensitivities

The boards don't contain formaldehyde, crystalline silica, or other toxins that might escape during burning. This is a significant development, as it indicates that these materials lead to better safety outcomes in fire emergencies compared to those that produce harmful smoke and gases.

Insurance Benefits for Fire-Resistant Structures

Insurance companies now see the value of fire-resistant construction materials in reducing risk. Buildings using magnesium oxide boards often receive better insurance terms due to their enhanced fire safety profile. Buildings constructed with fire-resistant materials, such as MGO boards, are a viable option for obtaining coverage in fire-prone areas where traditional wooden structures are not covered by insurers.

The real benefits include:

Lower insurance premiums for structures using fire-resistant materials
Better coverage options and terms
Reduced reliance on limited state-backed insurance plans in high-risk areas

To cite an example, many California insurance companies now refuse to insure traditional homes in fire-prone areas, creating an opportunity for alternative building approaches. A California resident shared, "Having a fire-resistant building gave us peace of mind during the fire. It was the only structure on our property that survived."

The fire-resistant qualities of magnesium oxide boards provide both safety benefits and clear economic advantages through better insurability. This matters even more as climate change increases wildfire risks in many regions.

Moisture and Mold Resistance in Humid Environments

Moisture poses significant challenges in construction, particularly in humid environments where water damage and mold can compromise structural integrity. Magnesium oxide boards emerge as a solution that provides exceptional moisture resistance compared to traditional building materials.

Water Absorption Rate Comparison with Gypsum

MGO boards and gypsum show clear differences in their reaction to water exposure. MGO boards exhibit excellent water resistance, with a surface moisture absorption rate of only 0.34%. Gypsum board absorbs nearly 3% of its weight in water, making it more susceptible to water damage. This nine-fold difference explains why gypsum boards fail in moisture-rich environments.

Long-term water exposure causes gypsum boards to become soft and swollen, potentially leading to complete disintegration. These boards become weak after prolonged contact with moisture, even with water-blocking chemical treatments. MGO boards are able to maintain their structural integrity even after prolonged exposure to water.

While MGO boards aren't completely waterproof and can absorb about 20% moisture, they work differently from gypsum. They release extra moisture naturally once conditions stabilize without losing their structural performance or shape.

Mold Prevention in High-Humidity Zones

MGO boards work best in high-humidity environments because they create conditions where mold can't grow. Mold needs both moisture and an organic food source. The inorganic makeup of magnesium oxide boards gives them a big advantage. These boards don't provide nutrition to fungus, mold, mildew, and insects, which removes a vital element needed for mold growth.

EPA guidelines suggest that indoor relative humidity should be maintained between 30% and 50% to prevent mold growth. MGO boards provide additional protection in areas where humidity control is challenging. These boards were originally designed to resist both fire and moisture. They help create healthier indoor spaces by stopping mold growth even in areas prone to condensation or water exposure.

Use Cases in Bathrooms and Coastal Housing

Bathrooms create the toughest environment for building materials due to constant moisture. MGO boards serve as perfect substrates for tile installations in these spaces. Critical points where moisture might enter—such as where the wall substrate meets the shower pan—remain intact with MGO boards. Regular masonry boards don't work well here because "typical masonry boards are not very strong, they wick water due to their porosity or break down and may even grow mold".

Coastal homes face unique challenges from salty, humid air. Building materials in these areas must fight both moisture and salt damage. Traditional materials don't last long in coastal settings. Wood swells and rots, metal corrodes, and porous surfaces become perfect spots for mold growth.

Magnesium oxide boards solve these problems by:

Providing a stable substrate that doesn't warp with humidity changes
Keeping structural strength despite salty air exposure
Removing conditions that help mold grow, even in coastal areas with high moisture

Experts recommend covering exterior MGO boards with another material layer or proper coating to maximize protection in coastal areas. This creates a complete moisture management system that helps coastal structures last longer and need less maintenance.

Durability and Structural Performance Over Time

Building materials must withstand the test of time in modular construction projects. Their durability affects lifecycle costs and performance. MgO boards stand out here with exceptional strength that surpasses that of traditional materials.

Impact Resistance in High-Traffic Areas

MgO boards are tough against impact. This makes them ideal for busy areas that experience a lot of wear and tear. These panels can withstand hits of up to 5 kJ/m². They handle daily scratches and impacts that would wreck other materials. Unlike gypsum boards that tear easily at the paper face, MgO boards stay strong even after taking hard hits.

You'll find these durable boards work great in:

Schools and hospitals where walls take a beating
Commercial buildings with heavy foot traffic
Busy home areas that need less upkeep

MgO boards are dense. This provides them with better protection against punctures and biological degradation during and after construction. Yes, it is worth noting that they're tougher than oriented strand board (OSB) and regular gypsum products. This makes them your best bet for areas that might get damaged.

Dimensional Stability in Temperature Fluctuations

MgO boards retain their shape when temperatures and humidity fluctuate widely. These boards barely expand or shrink during freeze/thaw cycles. They can handle up to 50 cycles with just 0.5% strength loss. Their unique porous structure allows for expansion when frozen, preventing damage inside.

Wood-based panels tend to warp and bend when exposed to weather. MgO boards stay stable in normal construction conditions. They keep performing well through wet/dry cycles and temperature changes. This is a significant difference, as it means they last 180 days exposed, while gypsum boards only last 30 days.

Load-Bearing Applications in Modular Walls

MgO boards excel at carrying loads. A single fastener in half-inch MgO can hold more than 350 psf in shear and withstand over 150 lbs of pulling force. This amazing grip allows you to attach cladding directly to the board without needing frame support.

These panels bend better than Portland cement. Some products can handle bending forces above 16MPa. They match the strength of engineered wood and surpass gypsum products by a significant margin. Adding high-tensile fiberglass meshes makes them even stronger against racking forces.

MgO boards stay strong after 25 cycles of soaking and drying. OSB loses 40% of its strength, and plywood drops 9% under similar conditions. This demonstrates the durability of MgO boards over time.

Thermal and Acoustic Insulation Capabilities

Energy efficiency and noise reduction have become key factors in modular construction, alongside fire resistance and moisture protection. MGO boards excel in these areas, offering excellent thermal insulation and sound-dampening qualities that enhance building performance.

Thermal Conductivity of Magnesium Oxide MGO Boards

MGO boards' unique microporous structure creates impressive thermal insulation capabilities. These boards exhibit thermal conductivity values ranging from 0.038 W/mK to 0.216 W/mK. This performance is better than traditional materials like drywall (0.160 W/mK) and cement board (0.130 W/mK). Lower thermal conductivity means better energy efficiency in buildings.

MGO boards effectively regulate indoor temperatures by limiting heat transfer between a building's interior and exterior. This leads to lower energy costs for heating and cooling over time. The boards also stay stable during temperature changes, which helps buildings last longer and maintain their structural integrity.

Sound Transmission Class (STC) Ratings in Modular Units

MGO boards are great at controlling noise in modular construction. A standard 6mm MGO board cuts airborne sound by about 29dB. More demanding projects can utilize a 9mm double-panel partition system with metal studs and rockwool to achieve sound insulation of over 42 dB. These setups work perfectly in hotels, office partitions, and studios.

Modular construction projects use different STC ratings based on needs:

STC 35-40 for simple sound reduction in single-unit homes
STC 40-45 for office partitions that need speech privacy
STC 50+ for conference rooms and professional settings

Small improvements in STC ratings make a big difference in sound isolation. The jump from STC 36 to STC 41 is a big deal as it means that much less sound gets through between spaces. These acoustic benefits, combined with thermal properties, make MGO boards an excellent choice when projects need both energy efficiency and noise control.

Cost and Installation Efficiency in Prefab Projects

Material selection in commercial modular construction projects depends on quick installation and cost factors. Magnesium oxide boards provide major advantages that make them a popular choice for prefabricated construction.

Reduced Labor Time with Easy-to-Cut Panels

MGO panels are simple to score, snap, saw, and drill with standard tools that workers already have on job sites. Framing contractors can install these panels without special equipment or extra training. The installation works like a tile system for joint finishing, which lets workers paint the boards right away or the next day. MGO boards also eliminate corner beads and backing materials needed for shelving, cabinets, and grab bars. This creates substantial savings when compared to gypsum installation.

Lower Transportation Costs Due to Lightweight Design

MGO boards weigh less than fiber cement boards, which cuts down handling time and labor costs. Their light weight helps reduce shipping expenses, especially when components need manufacturing off-site for prefabricated construction. This feature makes shared logistics easier for modular units, and builders can complete structures much faster than traditional methods.

Lifecycle Cost Comparison with Cement and Gypsum Boards

MGO boards cost more upfront at USD 1.50-2.50 per square foot while gypsum boards run USD 0.40-1.20. However, these boards save 25-40% in total costs over 20 years compared to fiber cement, as they require less maintenance and fewer replacements. Builders can also use thinner MGO boards—12mm for walls and 6mm for ceilings—which helps lower material costs.

Conclusion

MGO boards are revolutionizing modular construction in 2025. These boards offer multiple benefits that traditional materials simply can't match. You get fire resistance, moisture protection, structural strength, and insulation - all rolled into one versatile product.

Fire safety is their biggest selling point. These boards can withstand temperatures above 1200°F and only release water vapor when they are burned. This makes them a great choice as building codes get stricter and insurance companies become more demanding. Buildings that use MGO boards are safer and cost less to insure.

The boards' resistance to moisture and mold solves big problems in humid areas. Unlike regular gypsum boards, which fall apart when wet, MGO boards remain strong even after prolonged exposure to water. This makes them ideal for bathrooms, homes near the coast, and areas with high humidity.

MGO boards are also tougher than other options. They resist impact well in busy areas, and they don't warp when temperatures change. The boards can also bear heavy loads, which makes them ideal for modular walls.

The thermal and acoustic properties of these boards are worth noting. They help control indoor temperatures better through improved insulation. The boards also cut down noise levels - something everyone needs for comfortable homes and offices.

Yes, MGO boards cost more upfront than regular options. However, they save money over time through reduced maintenance, quicker installation, and longer lifespan. The boards' lightweight design helps cut shipping costs, which is particularly important in prefab construction projects.

The construction industry's future will see MGO boards take center stage. They tackle today's builders’ biggest challenges through better safety, durability, efficiency, and performance. While some might call them a "quiet revolution" in construction today, these materials will become tomorrow's go-to choice for modular projects.