Yes - this is because Brendan is use to using the glass tape on joints and given that the frame is timber as a plasterer he is conservative and not yet confident of the bracing ability of our MgO Corp Boards when glued and screwed to a frame be it timber or metal..... he has done a great job given that he has taped and feathered over square edge but joints.... I recommend that the use of a good quality fibre cement single coast jointing compound that is sand-able smooth back to the face of the board is sufficient to do the job...... Has your associate back blocked his joints mid span or at the studs ??? This will also make a big difference as mid span back blocking is the preferred method..... this lessens the incidents of joint expansion due to the timber or metal shrinking and expanding (not the MgO Board) ....... My plaster finisher feels that with tapered joints he can bring down the coverage to that of typical plasterboard taping and jointing by at least 50% less and get a much better class of finish....... I hope this helps.

Hi GreenChat

Thanks for the reponse

My frustration continues.

I visited www.mgoboard.com.au. I tried to access their technical information. Signed up and everything, but can get any access to their technical information. Why isn't it available as a PDF like most other test data these days? This is nothing new. I had similar problems with getting the actual test data for other MGO Board producer's that you say are legit like MagnumBP or Dragonboard. While they do offer test data, it is not very useable by a structural engineer in the USA. My experience with MagnumBP is an example. When asked for copies of the actual independent testing, I was told that it was proprietary and would not be released. however they would allow my structural engineer to contact their structural engineer for MagnumBP to clarify some test data questions. However, after finally hooking up my SE with theirs, my SE would not qualify the board to be used as a replacement for OSB. Even if I try to get the MGO board qualified by my city building department for use in place of Gypsum Board, it will cost me $600 for them to evaluate the test data that I provide them because it is not prescriptive in either the UBC or URC.

Please post any technical test data you have on MGO Corp board that has been conducted in the US or and UL testing that has been done, I would love to evaluate it, if it is not proprietary.

Greenchat, It is interesting that you mentioned full test results. Based on which national standard(USA, Australia, China) those 3 big MGO board manufacturers tested to? Does James Hardie claim any of their board to be non-combustible while still structurally sound to replace OSB or plywood? What component in the MGO board makes it to be structural per ASTM E72 or ASTM E661? James Hardie and Certainteed, with about 90% market share of fiber cement board in US, trying to deny fibre cement from the rest of world to get into USA market, set up a standard to label their products Non-combustible and make USA the only country in the world has a non-combustible fibre cement board standard. I am not sure if their products contains as much fibre as it should be to maintain the strength they claim to be or if the actual products are non-combustible, but at least they don't claim it is for structural application.

The only reasons to hide the test data are: MGO boards produced are not the same formula and density for different applications. The test data may not match the formula and product specifications. For example, ASTM E 136 was tested on conventional MGO board per Chinese standard JC688-2006. But this report was used to represent all other modified MGO board. How could those industrial standard test like ASTM E72 or ASTM E 661 could reveal the company IP?

With good quality raw material to manufacture good quality raw MGO board per JC688-2006, the board cost will be very close to mid density fibre cement and large amount were shipped to AU.

You are very welcome to visit our factory to witness the production of ARMOROC, structural cement board for subfloor, roof and wall sheathing. We have 11 UL/ULC floor/roof assemblies now. www.armoroc.ca

Sorry Champ - you must of missed one of the threads during the week regarding why many sites such as MgO Corp, Dragonboard and MagnumBP have either locked down access to their test data or posted only enough information to initially assist interested clients....... FRANKLY........ the proliferation of IP theft is not just limited to that of professional MgO manufacturing companies and more companies need to take steps to assure that the people wishing to specify or buy their products contact the technical devision of their operations first to assure that people are not applying products incorrectly or just duplicating the information for their own marketing, profit or gain......... Did you personally give Dan Armstrong a call from MagnumBP to discuss your needs???? ....... He is a real nice guy, professional and approachable and there would have to be some clear reason why he would not service your needs!!! MgO Corporation is the same - In regards to Authentication of MgO Corp Boards Test Results Approvals this process has been streamlined for their clients as CODEMARK CONFORMITY CERTIFICATION is only awarded after all of MgO Corp's test material and production facilities have been fully inspected and audited by three (3) parties and only then they where awarded COMPLIANCE under the Australian Governments Strict Building Codes....... CODEMARK is also respected in over 20 countries worldwide and in these countries the building authorities will only require to see a copy of the certification that denotes the classification codes that MgO Corp Boards have been approved for use in........ email: [email protected]

Wayne when I am next in USA I will take you up on your offer sir...... You are right on the money in regards to much of the areas you are alluding with FC products and this is the same with Plasterboard ranges.......... I just did a test against the new BORAL so called fire and impact product ........ lets just say I will publish photos of the results in the coming weeks ....... farcical is a word I would use...... BUT THE BIG (3) have the money and to blind people with fancy marketing and deemed to satisfy test data......... You made a comment on density of MgO Boards and the formula of the products......... It is hard for people to accept that there is indeed a correct science / mixture required for all elements to work and combine correctly to make a great MgO Board Product........ You cant just throw in a bit of this and that and hope for the best (if you do - game over) ......... The JH, BORAL's, FC Companies of the world have manipulated the building codes and approval statuses to protect their products and industry....... To this point all TRUELY APPROVED MgO Board has to then be audited and reviewed inline with the FIBRE CEMENT ACT before it can be considered under the many building codes........ MgO Corp Pty Ltd was the first MgO company in the world to be audited by a government authority and approved as a true toe to toe competitor against JH and the big 3 ........... and now located in Australia and America MgO Corp and their partners are seriously entering the market to deliver the highest quality and tested MgO Corp Board products ever to come to the market...... Trust me they have a massive range of products that will blow peoples minds ------- but none will be released to the market until they are tested and documented ................... The first countries to benefit from this level of testing will be AMERICA and AUSTRALIA with extensive tests underway now and many more to happen over the coming months which will bring MgO Corp as the most leading and up to date (2012) fully tested and documented MgO Board Products.......

Suspect GreenChat and MgO Corp posters are one and the same. The language use of them both is almost identical. MgO Corp distribute Dragon Board here in Australia, among others, so they have a relationship to each other. Just lobbing myself into the forum should anyone have any queries about our experiences with buying MgO Board, or on the use of MgO with Structural Insulated Panels. We have had instances where what you order and what you receive are entirely different, and this may explain why test data is not transparently disclosed. The IP protection argument is flawed. The IP is in the recipe and process, not the test results. The test results confirm whether the recipe/ process has created a product that passes or fails the required standards. The only argument I can see for withholding would be to protect an entity who sources boards from numerous factories in China which may result in supplying something slightly different to what was ordered, or to simply hide selling something sub standard. So perhaps the reluctance for disclosure of test data could serve as an appropriate red flag for buyers. We have had to kiss a few frogs to get the prince/ princesses, and I think this will be the case for some time. Too many providers and too much market power. Even when you find the prince/ princess, things can change unexpectedly. Only this week the contact at our supplier in China attempted to process our normal order via an alternate factory. A back hand deal that could have resulted in our company receiving a sub standard board order. Vigilance is a constant. We deal direct with China so we can stay close to these sort of things. I may be in a position soon to disclose an MgO board manufacturer that is not China based (and it is not us by the way, so no self promotion here). Will significantly reduce a lot of the issues above. It will also allow buyers of any volume to access boards, which will assist many posters here. In the interim, my suggestion: Order through a local company. (i.e. use a US company in the US, they are responsible for any issues with your order and let them fight with China) Request 2 or 3 samples from different China manufacturers and conduct your own testing. Order the most acceptable for your purpose. Upon receipt of order, test the order against the sample data. If consistent, great, if not, pursue the local vendor to replace your order and post the result on forums such as this. Our challenge is that Australia is too small to drive change in China, but the US is a major market so has some buying power if the message is united. Am happy to pass on any experiences or contacts that may be of use. Just let me know. Sorry for the long post. Hope it is useful. Regards Dale

Dear Forum Members: It is clear Mr Lawrence has a vendetta to spin on the forums against MgO Corp Pty Ltd & has no respect other than for his own self serving purposes of which I am sure his superiors would not condone...........Fact is MgO Corp Pty Ltd does not distribute DRAGONBOARD and you can not purchase JAS/ANZ CODEMARK Compliant products from DRAGONBOARD......... A Further fact is MgO Corp Pty Ltd's products and services as well as each of our associated production facilities have been and are audited and approved under the highest level of approval for use within the building and construction industry in Australia and New Zealand through JAS/ANZ CODEMARK.......... MgO Corp Pty Ltd has just undertaken the yearly audit and gained a full bill of health as well as received several exciting NEW COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION APPROVALS (CM-11-A0007). For the America markets we have been successfully suppling Innova Eco Building Systems (Miami) our products of which they highly rate as "the best they have ever used": PLS Ring them to discuss.............Further more MgO Corp USA is also investing extensively in testing to cover the complete needs of the USA Building industry for our new products and systems for 2012...........YES Mr Lawrence is right in warning of substandard products in the market place and we all should be aware of this...... BUT: The same can be said about FC and Plasterboard products in all parts of the world and this is not limited to Australia............. Mr Lawrence has no right to slur his opinions towards MgO Corp Pty Ltd and I am sure the members of the forums are not interested in politics and personal banter........ To that end: I apologise for Mr Lawrence using this forum some unknown political gain........... I assure you MgO Corp Pty Ltd will do our best to only offer the group 100% impartial and constructive advice at all times.............. For Direct Contact members are always welcome to email my office at [email protected] or call +61754507314........... Kind Regards Steve Marskell General Manager

DEAR FORUM MEMBERS:
PLEASE BE ADVISED OUR MgO CORP's INNOVA SIP's HOME KITS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR EXPORT GLOBALLY: EX Miami Florida

We can supply direct from MgO Corp USA's Partner Factory.............. Raw Panels as well as fully supplied custom panels to suit your projects design............ needs........... EVERYTHING YOU NEED to OWNER BUILD WILL BE DELIVERED STRAIGHT to SITE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD (Minimum order qty by 20ft container loading) Indicative Pricing as follows:

We can provide blank SIPS panels in standard lengths to you or we can fabricate the panels into building kits per you plan.

INNOVA manufacture three types of SIPS panels:
OSB SIPS
MGO SIPS (magnesium Oxide SIPS)
CSIPS (Cement Fiber SIPS)

Each of these panels are manufactured in a variety of lengths and thickness.

Below we have listed some standard size panels for your review:

4" thick MGO CORP BOARD SIPS with 10mm skins USD$5.00 sf (panels available in 4' wide by 8' and 10' tall) 4" CSIPS with 5/16" James Hardie Cement Fiber board skins: USD$5.00 sf (Panels available in 4 foot wide by 8',10' and 12'** tall panels) (** 12' panels are special order and have additional lead time) 6" OSB SIPS with 7/16"GP skins USD$6.00 (panels are 4' wide and up to 24' long) 8" OSB SIPS with 7/16" GP skins USD$7.00 (Panels are 4' wide and up to 24' long)
All of the above panels are manufactured with 1#density EPS foam.
The Foam we use is non-flammable, non-toxic and is treated with borate for termites. For 2# foam, add USD$1 sf to each of the above prices.
All prices include crating and loading in your container for export.
Wall panels have electrical chases at 15" AFF and all roof panels have chases at 2' (center of panel)
Please let us know how we can be of assistance to you,
Best Regards: Steve Marskell (General Manager) email: [email protected]