Magnesium Oxide Wallboard - Disadvantages

Disadvantages

• Natural deposits of magnesium oxide occur primarily in China, local governments there prohibit the exportation of the raw materials for manufacturing outside China.
• Little mining of magnesium based minerals occur in the United States at this time.
• In most cases good quality magnesia board is more expensive than conventional paperfaced gypsum drywall material.
• Like all cement mixtures magnesia cements and related mixing recipes and equipment require strict controls in both the raw material going into the mixer as well as the curing process and proper waiting time for setting and handling of the fresh and semi-fresh product. Many cheaper brands cut corners making inconsistent material.
• Several different producers exist with big differences in their production and selling costs which greatly impacts on the mix design and curring process which makes each brand very different in potential uses. Even though the different brands may look and feel similar caution must be used when selecting the versions and brands for specific use since they are not all the same or usable in the same way.
• As a new kind of board material it has unique installation requirements. Each version of magnesia board needs to be installed using the manufacturer's recommendations to avoid installation problems.