Technical

Comprehensive Installation Guide for Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Boards

Introduction

Gooban MgO Boards offer a durable and environmentally friendly solution for modern construction needs. Correct installation is crucial to leverage their fire resistance, moisture resistance, and overall durability. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to ensure proper handling and installation.

Preparation and Handling

• Storage: Store Gooban MgOPanel indoors in a cool, dry place to protect from moisture and heat. Stack the boards flat, supported on dunnage or matting, ensuring they do not directly touch the ground or bow under weight.
• Handling: Always carry boards on their sides to protect edges and corners from damage. Avoid stacking other materials on top of the boards to prevent bending or breakage.

Tools and Materials Required

• Safety Glasses, Dust Mask, and Gloves for personal protection.
• Tools for cutting: Carbide Tipped Scoring Knife, Utility Knife, or Fiber Cement Shears.
• Dust Reducing Circular Saw for precise cutting.
• Fasteners and Adhesives appropriate for the specific installation (details provided below).
• Putty Knife, Saw Horses, and Square for measuring and cutting accuracy.

Installation Process

1.Acclimation:

• Remove Gooban MgOPanel from packaging and allow the boards to acclimate to the ambient room temperature and humidity for 48 hours, preferably in the installation space.

2.Board Placement:

• For cold-formed steel framing (CFS), stagger the panels while maintaining a 1/16-inch gap between boards.
• For wood framing, allow a 1/8-inch gap to accommodate natural expansion and contraction.

3.Board Orientation:

• Gooban MgOPanel comes with one smooth and one rough side. The rough side typically serves as a backer for tiles or other finishes.

4.Cutting and Fitting:

• Use a carbide-tipped scoring knife or a circular saw with a carbide blade for cutting. Ensure cuts are straight using a T-square. Perform circular and irregular cuts using a rotary tool equipped with a cement board bit.

5.Fastening:

• Fasteners should be chosen based on the specific application and substrate:Place fasteners at least 4 inches from corners to prevent cracking, with perimeter fasteners every 6 inches and central fasteners every 12 inches.
  • For wood studs, use #8 flat head screws with high/low threads.
  • For metal, use self-drilling screws suitable for the gauge of metal being penetrated.

6.Seam Treatment:

• Fill seams with polyurea or modified epoxy seam filler when installing resilient flooring to prevent telegraphing and ensure a smooth surface.

7.Safety Measures:

• Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask during cutting and sanding to protect from MgO dust.
• Use wet suppression or HEPA vacuum cleaning methods rather than dry sweeping to collect dust particles effectively.

Specific Notes on Fasteners and Adhesives:

• Fasteners: Opt for 316-stainless steel material or ceramic coated fasteners specifically designed for cement board products to avoid corrosion and ensure longevity.
• Adhesives: Use ASTM D3498 compliant adhesives or select construction adhesives suitable for the environmental conditions and substrates involved.

Final Recommendations:

• Always consult local building codes and standards to ensure compliance with all regulations.
• Consider installing a barrier between MgO boards and metal framing to prevent potential chemical reactions, especially with galvanized steel.

By following these detailed instructions, installers can effectively utilize MgO boards in various construction applications, ensuring durability, safety, and compliance with environmental standards.