How Does MGO Board Perform in Terms of Sound Insulation?

Sound insulation has become an essential consideration in modern construction. Whether it’s in residential buildings, commercial offices, or public facilities, controlling noise levels significantly affects comfort, productivity, and overall wellbeing. Among the materials increasingly chosen for their functional properties is MGO board, or magnesium oxide board. While often praised for its fire resistance, moisture resistance, and durability, the question remains: how does MGO board perform in terms of sound insulation?

   

Understanding MGO Board

MGO board is a type of mineral-based board primarily composed of magnesium oxide (MgO), magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), and reinforcing fibers. Unlike traditional gypsum boards or plywood, MGO boards are naturally resistant to moisture, mold, and fire, making them suitable for a wide range of indoor applications, including walls, ceilings, and partitions.

While structural and safety properties often dominate discussions around MGO board, its acoustic performance is equally relevant, particularly in spaces where noise control is critical, such as apartment buildings, hotels, and offices.

   

Acoustic Properties of MGO Board

The ability of a material to insulate against sound is typically measured in terms of the Sound Transmission Class (STC). STC rates how well a material blocks airborne sound, such as voices, music, or traffic noise. MGO boards generally have an STC rating that can vary depending on thickness, density, and installation method.

   

1. Density and Thickness

Sound insulation is strongly influenced by density and thickness. Heavier and denser materials are more effective at blocking sound because they resist vibration. MGO boards are denser than standard gypsum boards, often weighing between 8–12 kg/m² for a 12mm board. This density provides a natural barrier to mid-frequency noise, which is common in residential and office environments.

Increasing the thickness of MGO board enhances its sound insulation performance. For instance, doubling the thickness from 12mm to 24mm can significantly reduce the transmission of airborne noise. However, practical considerations like wall framing and weight limits must be considered when selecting thickness.

   

2. Single vs. Double Layer Installation

MGO boards can be installed as single or double layers. Single-layer installation provides basic sound insulation suitable for standard residential applications. However, for higher acoustic performance, double-layer installation is recommended.

In double-layer installations, two boards are mounted on the same wall frame with staggered joints, often combined with resilient channels or sound-damping insulation between layers. This method increases the wall’s mass and reduces vibration transmission, enhancing the overall STC rating.

   

3. Integration with Soundproofing Materials

MGO boards can be paired with other soundproofing elements to improve performance. Common additions include:

• Acoustic insulation batts: Materials such as mineral wool or fiberglass placed between wall studs absorb airborne sound and prevent resonance within the cavity.
• Resilient channels: Metal strips that separate the board from the wall frame, reducing the transfer of vibrations from structure to board.
• Sealants: Acoustic sealants applied at board edges and around electrical boxes prevent sound leaks through gaps and joints.

When used together, these elements can significantly enhance the acoustic performance of MGO board walls and ceilings.

   

4. Impact Noise Performance

In addition to airborne sound, impact noise—such as footsteps or dropped objects—can travel through floors, ceilings, and walls. While MGO board alone is not specifically designed to dampen impact noise, it can contribute when integrated with flooring systems or suspended ceiling solutions that include resilient layers or underlayments.

For example, MGO board ceilings installed with resilient hangers and combined with acoustic insulation can reduce impact noise transmission between floors. Similarly, MGO wall panels installed with vibration-damping mounts can help minimize structural-borne noise.

   

   

Comparison with Other Wall Materials

Understanding how MGO board compares to traditional materials provides perspective on its acoustic value.

   

1. MGO Board vs. Gypsum Board

Gypsum board is widely used for interior walls and ceilings but has limitations in sound insulation due to its lower density. Standard 12mm gypsum boards typically have an STC rating of 30–34, whereas a single 12mm MGO board can reach an STC rating of 33–36.

With double-layer installation and insulation, MGO walls can achieve STC ratings exceeding 50, which is suitable for moderate soundproofing applications, whereas gypsum walls may require additional layers or insulation to reach similar performance.

   

2. MGO Board vs. Plywood

Plywood offers structural strength but is less effective in sound insulation because it transmits vibrations more readily. MGO board’s mineral composition and higher density provide better natural damping, making it more suitable for areas requiring noise control.

   

3. MGO Board vs. Concrete

Concrete walls offer excellent sound insulation due to high mass but are heavier, more expensive, and less flexible to modify. MGO boards offer a practical balance of acoustic performance, fire safety, and ease of installation, particularly in interior partitions where full concrete walls are impractical.

   

Installation Techniques to Maximize Sound Insulation

Proper installation is crucial for achieving the best acoustic performance from MGO boards. Key considerations include:

1. Staggering Joints

When installing multiple boards, staggering joints reduces sound transmission through weak points. Ensuring that seams do not align from one layer to another helps create a continuous barrier.

2. Sealing Gaps

Even small gaps can significantly compromise sound insulation. Applying acoustic sealant around board edges, electrical outlets, and window or door frames ensures that sound does not bypass the wall structure.

3. Combination with Acoustic Insulation

Placing acoustic insulation batts within wall cavities provides additional sound absorption. Materials like mineral wool are particularly effective when combined with MGO boards, improving both airborne and impact noise control.

4. Floating Wall Techniques

For high-performance applications, floating wall systems can be used. In this method, MGO boards are mounted on resilient channels or vibration-damping mounts that decouple the wall from structural elements, preventing noise transfer through the building frame.

   

Practical Applications

MGO boards’ sound insulation properties make them suitable for various environments:

• Residential buildings: MGO boards can reduce noise between apartments or from external sources such as traffic, enhancing occupant comfort.
• Offices: Partition walls made with MGO boards and insulation can create private workspaces and reduce distraction from ambient noise.
• Hotels and hospitality spaces: Noise control is critical for guest comfort, and MGO boards combined with acoustic solutions offer a practical approach.
• Educational facilities: Classrooms, libraries, and lecture halls benefit from walls and ceilings with higher STC ratings, minimizing sound transmission and improving concentration.

   

Limitations and Considerations

While MGO boards perform well in sound insulation, it is important to understand their limitations:

1. Impact noise: Alone, MGO boards are less effective at dampening heavy impact noise unless paired with specialized flooring or ceiling solutions.
2. Joint and fastener management: Improper sealing or overuse of screws can create vibration pathways that reduce acoustic performance.
3. Cost: Higher-density boards and double-layer installations may increase material and labor costs compared to standard gypsum walls, though the benefits in sound insulation and durability often justify the investment.

   

Conclusion

MGO boards offer a practical and versatile solution for interior construction, combining fire resistance, moisture resistance, and durability with respectable sound insulation capabilities. Their performance in soundproofing applications is influenced by density, thickness, installation method, and combination with other acoustic materials.

When properly installed—potentially in double layers, with acoustic insulation and sealing—MGO board walls can achieve significant noise reduction, making them suitable for residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. Compared to gypsum, plywood, and even certain lightweight concrete panels, MGO boards provide a balanced approach to sound insulation without sacrificing ease of installation or other essential properties.

In modern construction where noise control is a priority, understanding the acoustic performance of MGO boards and optimizing their installation can make a meaningful difference in comfort, privacy, and overall building quality.