Beyond the Standard - Magnesium Oxide (Mg0) Underlayments
Structural Integrity, Corrosion Resilience, and Real-World Application
Sponsored by Huber Engineered Woods | Presented by Emily Happel
Live Webinar Airing on December 10, 2025 at 02:00 PM ET
All multifamily buildings must meet demanding performance and durability requirements to ensure long-term safety and resilience. This course explores how magnesium oxide (MgO) underlayment panels address these needs through structural capacity, ESR testing advancements, and corrosion resistance. Participants will review performance data, consider durability in moisture-prone environments, and apply real-world case studies to understand installation efficiencies and project outcomes, gaining practical guidance for specifying underlayment systems that support safe, durable, and high-performing buildings.
Photo courtesy of Huber Engineered Woods LLC
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Emily Happel is a Product Manager for EXACOR®️, the newest brand from Huber Engineered Woods, the company behind ZIP System®️ and AdvanTech®️ products trusted across the industry. Specializing in new product development, Emily works closely with builders, architects, and trade partners to ensure solutions meet real-world needs. As a licensed architect and patent holder, Emily brings both technical expertise and practical insight to every conversation. |
Building products innovator Huber Engineered Woods LLC has a reputation built on consistent product performance and commitment to people. Fueled by on-the-jobsite analysis and building science principles, AdvanTech®️ subflooring, ZIP System®️ building enclosure and EXACOR®️ magnesium oxide products solutions have changed the way construction teams build better buildings. ZIP System®️ building enclosures integrate air and water-resistive barriers into the sheathing, simplifying installation while offering superior moisture management and structural durability. AdvanTech®️ subflooring is valued for its exceptional strength, stiffness, and moisture resistance, providing a solid foundation that supports design flexibility and long-term performance. EXACOR®️ MgO underlayment delivers streamlined fire resistance, sound control, and installation efficiency, making it an ideal alternative to traditional gypsum underlayment in multifamily and light commercial construction. With headquarters in Charlotte, NC and manufacturing facilities in Maine, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee and Oklahoma and a national sales team of over 100 members, Huber Engineered Woods provides specialty building materials to residential, multifamily, and light commercial projects nationwide, through a national network of lumberyard and distribution partners. Visit huberwood.com to learn more.
Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in October 2025
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Analyze MgO underlayment structural performance data (compression and dowel bearing) to support design decisions.
- Interpret ESR published results and apply them to materials selection and engineering design.
- Evaluate MgO corrosion resistance against current standards to ensure long-term building durability.
- Apply insights from real-world MgO projects to improve design and construction outcomes in multifamily projects.
