build for the future
With MgO Structural Insulated Panels
"A Housing Game Changer"-KITV
Watch the full story below
What are MgO
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)?
MgO SIPS (Magnesium Oxide Board Structural Insulated Panels) are high-performance construction systems made up of an insulating foam core sandwiched between two magnesium oxide board sheathing layers. Walls, ceilings, and floors can be made of MgO.
SIPs are extremely well insulated and provide many benefits to traditional building methods like stick framing and concrete block. Once you understand the true advantages of MgO SIPS you will only want to build with them.
The Anatomy of a SIP
What are MgO Boards?
How are MgO SIP'S Becoming the future of building?
At room temperature, pure magnesium is a silvery metal element (as depicted in the chemical Periodic Table) that is a solid (unlike mercury, also a metal, which is liquid at room temperature). Magnesium is similar to aluminum, however it is much lighter. The so-called "mag wheels" on sports vehicles in the 1960s and 1970s were usually constructed of aluminum with a small amount of magnesium. Magnesium, like aluminum, is commonly utilized in alloy form, especially in lightweight high-performance structures such as airplanes and race cars.
Pure magnesium in its natural state is unstable–it burns–and is used to generate flares and fireworks. MgO, on the other hand, is the polar opposite. It is used for fireproofing and furnace liners because it is absolutely non-flammable.
When oxygen is combined with magnesium under high heat and pressure, a stone-like material called MgO is formed. MgO is mined like other minerals and can be found in massive amounts as raw "rock." It's pounded into a powder, then mixed with water to form a cement-like (adhesive) substance.
Asia accounts for over 70% of the world's MgO. Other deposits can be found all over the world, but not all of them are suitable for making sheathing. There is enough mineable MgO on the planet to make enough “MgO drywall” to last for centuries. Other magnesium-based components are included on the MgO board, although MgO is the most important.
What is the composition of MgO?
Magnesium Oxide board (MgO board) is a non-insulating sheathing board that is manufactured in a factory. Wall and ceiling linings, fascias, soffits, tile backing, and underlayment are just a few of the applications.
It is made of magnesium oxide, a sort of mineral cement, and is known simply as “MgO” (pronounced emm-gee-oh) because of its chemical composition of magnesium (chemical symbol MgO) and oxygen (chemical symbol O).
Consider MgO to be a form of sheathing board (similar to drywall or cement board) with significantly increased properties such as fire resistance, weatherability, strength, mold and mildew resistance, and so on.
MgO is available in a variety of forms, including varied thicknesses and sheet widths for use in construction. It's also available in a variety of finishes, including smooth finishes, rough textures, and utility grades.
It's white, beige, or light gray in color, and when pounded with your knuckles, it makes a "hard" sound, similar to Portland cement board. MgO board is manufactured by dozens of companies, most of which are based in Asia. There are a few significant producers, but the majority are small regional firms. MgO is not commonly used in North America at the moment, but it will undoubtedly become much more so in the future.
What is MgO board used for?
MgO boards can be utilized in many of the same applications as gypsum and Portland cement sheathings. In terms of sheet thicknesses, fastening methods, and joint treatments, the substitute is not completely direct, but it is extremely close. As a result, MgO board is a simple product to use. MgO board has a wide range of applications, including the following:
• Structural Insulated Panels facings or sheathings
• Firewalls • Partitions • Structural sheathing for wood or metal stud walls
• Shower stall tile backer board
• Shaft liners
• Ceilings
• Soffits
• Fascia
• Substrates for aesthetic finishes and/or coatings, claddings, insulated
systems direct-applied Finish Systems, EIFS, and/or stucco).
Why should you choose MgO SIP'S
on your next project?
There are a multitude of reasons why you should choose SIP's on your next project. They have far more advantages than disadvantages in so many different ways. Below is a list of different reasons why you should take the time to research further building with SIP's.
Eco friendly Process
"Sustainable buildings use less energy, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and playing an important role in combating global climate change. ... An airtight SIP building will use less energy to heat and cool, allow for better control over indoor environmental conditions, and reduce construction waste." - SIPS.org
Can withstand 200mph(322kph)
winds
"The Southeast and Mid-West have been ravaged by tornadoes this year. SIP homes have repeatedly withstood the 200 mph(322kph) winds that are delivered by extreme tornadoes."- acmepanel.com
Earthquake
resilient
"Several studies have been performed on SIPs to determine seismic activity resistance, and found them to be structurally sound during earthquakes."- greenbuildermedia.com
Insect and termite
proof
The panels are made of magnesium oxide and expanded or extruded polystyrene and therefore do not appeal to termites and other insects. The insulation helps keep them away from the structure of your home.
Fire Resistant
Sips have a high fire capacity that resists burn and structural damage much longer than traditional stick frame homes.
Fast and easy construction
"There are numerous advantages to using SIPs. They can be assembled very quickly; much faster than conventionally built homes. They also save on energy." Forbes.com
Cost efficient
"While SIPs can be used for walls or roofs, the best performance occurs when SIPs are used to create an entire energy-efficient shell. While SIPs may cost more initially, SIP construction provides benefits that impact the entire cost of ownership for the life of the structure."- Insulspan.com
No water damage/ flooding
Sips are perfect for building in moist and wet regions as they resist water and flooding allowing for a more comfortable home.
Mold resistant
Black mold can be a huge problem for your home. It can lead to health problems and be nasty inside a home. SIPS work to reduce moisture and stay dry making it harder for mold to grow.
No wood rot / warping
Wood over time can deform, delaminate and rot. SIPS Will never lose their shape and last for decades.
"My family and I now live in a comfortable house that withstood two storms after typhoon Yolanda. Tacloban had 24 hours of strong winds but in our disaster-resilient house, we barely felt it. We felt secure and safe."
-Benjamin Cinco, Carigara Philippines