MOBBTA approved Magply MOS boards withstand real life fire test on Surrey home

A potentially catastrophic blaze, which consumed the garage containing a parked vehicle adjoining a £1M house in rural Surrey, was stopped in its tracks thanks to the use of 12mm A1 non combustible Magply being chosen as the render substrate board on the contract , the property was constructed using a Structurally Insulated Panel system construction (SIP) with A1 non-combustible Magply being used on the exterior of the building as the substrate panel for the proprietary render system. Magply is a multi-use A1 non-combustible board with an impressive library of testing for fire applications , in the offsite and timber frame sector the board is designed and specified to contain fire and support the emergency service with added crucial time! Although the emergency services were quick to attend the fire, which happened in August, it had taken sufficient hold that the large timber framed garage was totally destroyed with just some sections of the frame still standing. However, the gable end to the house which features a relatively thin, weatherproof finish of the silica-based K-Rend suffered only surface damage. Remarkably, although areas of the render had spalled off, the 12mm Magply boards underneath had not even charred while they had fully protected the SIPs structure beneath: a fact borne out by the system supplier, Glosford SIPs, which took core samples to confirm the continued integrity of the insulated sandwich panels which are faced by OSB. Application Fire test Contractor Fullers Plastering Location Surrey For more information visit: magply.co.uk “The fire-resistant qualities of the Magply boards saved the day. We had utilised Magply as a render-backer on a number of projects before being awarded the contract to apply K-Rend to the half dozen homes here and have always been very pleased with the performance. It is an easy board to cut and fix, while we can now definitely confirm to clients that it fully complies with the fire requirements for domestic and commercial buildings.” The Contracts Manager for Fullers Plastering, James Corlet The home’s owner confirmed: “The Magply boards stood up extremely well: although the K-Rend which took the full brunt of the heat cannot be easily removed. So, though the Magply base boards did an absolutely f irst-class job they are going to be replaced as a precaution before the gable end wall is re-rendered and we hope the repairs will only take eight weeks to complete – mainly down to the lead time for a couple of replacement windows to be delivered.” Fullers Plastering is based in nearby Brighton and is an approved applicator for a variety of render systems, whose manufacturers correspondingly recognise Magply as being a suitable substrate or carrier, in this case credit must be giving to James Corlett of fullers plastering for requesting John Malone National sales manager of IPP/ MAGPLY to attend the contract prior to construction to discuss the use of Magply as a render substrate board , in this case Magply was not part of the fire protection build up however Magply over performed and made the difference when needed. Magply board is BBA certified and tested with the leading testing houses in the UK and testing is an ongoing project ensuring our board is tested right up to stringent levels required , Magply is an magnesium Oxysulphate board and day to day we do get asked questions regarding MgO board , we as a business never want to see our board perform in real life fire situations however it happens and thankfully Magply has done its job in this case and a lesser board may not have performed the same.

John MaloneComment
BBA Certification for all MOBBTA Boards

The BBA Agrément Certificate is a mark of excellence based on rigorous national and European standards that validate a construction product’s specialist formulation, capability and uniqueness. All current MOBBTA members supply boards that are fully BBA certified

John Malone
MgO The environmental friendly board option

MOBBTA approved boards are all tested to confirm their exceptional sustainability, strength, and versatility, MOBBTA is here to set new standards for sustainable building materials. This group of innovative boards benefits the environment and provides high-performance results that meet and exceed traditional material options. As we move towards a more sustainable future, MOBBTA members MgO boards are leading the way in revolutionizing construction practices for the betterment of our planet.

 

John Malone
Global Sales of MgO Boards 2024 was $1.8 billion and growing at a CGR of 6.5% 17/4/2025

Global sales of MgO Boards in 2024 reached $1.8 billion, showing a steady growth rate of 6.5%. MgO boards are recognized as a safe and reliable choice for various applications in the construction industry, offering unparalleled fire performance and numerous benefits. The global sales of these boards are on the rise, reflecting the increasing demand for their exceptional properties. In the UK market, MOBBTA remains a key player, actively promoting the myriad advantages of Magnesium boards. #ConstructionIndustry #MgOBoards #GlobalSales

John Malone
Gordon Pirret Announced as the New Chairman of MOBBTA 17/4/2025

Exciting news at MOBBTA as Gordon Pirret assumes the role of Chairman, bringing with him a wealth of experience and success in the industry. With Gordon at the helm, we anticipate a bright future for MOBBTA. A special thank you to Leo Bagnall for his dedicated leadership as Chairman in recent years; Leo continues to play a vital role within MOBBTA on the technical committee.

MOBBTA remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the highest standards for MgO board in the UK market, ensuring rigorous testing to meet MOBBTA's stringent requirements.

John MaloneComment
MOBBTA Technical update -June 2022

Further to the publication of the new BSi PAS 670 in the summer of 2021, MOBBTA has felt it would be of interest to the market to explain more about the process and the research involved.

We have now published an update in our PAS section of this website (see banner above) which also directs readers to some of the detailed research papers published by some of those involved in the critical assessment of the PAS as it was developed, and other acedmics and experts in the wider world.

The paper also outlines the ongoing processes for 3rd party assessment and insurers approvals.

Guest User
PAS 670:2021 PUBLISHED
 

Further to recent announcements on the progress of the new PAS standard being developed over the past year with BSi , Mobbta are very pleased to announce that the review process has now been completed and the new Magnesium Oxide board PAS670:2021 has now been completed and published, and is available for sale on the BSI Shop:

https://shop.bsigroup.com/products/magnesium-oxide-based-boards-for-use-in-buildings-specification-1

PAS is a process whereby (in our case) a trade association can sponsor the development of a quality and testing standard for a new product where there might not be an EN or UK  BS in place.

Working with the British Standards Institute (BSi) , experts in the field from academia, industry, insurers and building warranty providers and 3rd party verifiers work as a steering group and review panel to develop an appropriate quality standard.

With the formal publication of the PAS, Mobbta members are now engaged in the testing process of their own individual boards in accordance with the new PAS:670 standard.

Dialogue is continuing with the testing labs, 3rd party accreditation agencies and building warranty providers to gain universal acceptance of the board for specific uses in UK construction. It is intended to develop the PAS further to cover multiple uses of this versatile product. For those interested, the BSI have also a page on the history and background.

Below is a hyperlink to the BSi website to learn more about the reason for the creation of this standard

https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/standards/pas-6702021/

 
John Malone
BSI PAS 670 - June Update
 

BSi PAS 670
(Product Assurance Standard)

A new MOBBTA update with progress of Publicly available standard (BSI sponsored standard) is now available to read and download here.

 
John Malone
BSI PAS 670 - March Update
 

BSi PAS 670
(Product Assurance Standard)


The PAS Steering Group has now signed off the Draft Standard, to move on the next stage which is public consulation.

You are recommended to read the Draft PAS (For more information please refer to the PAS section of this website) and follow the guidance as to how you would make your comments to BSi

 
John Malone
BSI PAS 670 - Further Updates
 

The PAS process continues to move forward with intentions to see the final PAS coming into effect during the course of Summer 2021.

For more information please refer to the PAS section of this website

 
John Malone
BSI PAS 670 - update
 

The ongoing PAS process for Magnesium Oxide building board standards has continued to move forward.
It has been given the reference number PAS 670 by British Standards Institute.

The sponsors are pleased to report that the 5-stage process has now reached the Steering Group stage, and the initiative remains on programme. Final publication anticipated Summer 2021.

  1. Base Document Draft

  2. Base Document BSI-TA Review

  3. Steering Group Review

  4. Public Consultation & Review Panel

  5. Publication

The Steering Group comprises Academics, Insurers, Verifiers and UKAS-approved Inspection bodies, with particular expertise in MgO and other building boards.
The Review Panel includes local authorities, system-builders, users, MMC experts, other Trade Associations and specialist consultants who have relevant experience in both relevant BS EN ISO standards, or the boards in use.

 
John Malone
ANNOUNCEMENT: NEW MEMBERS
 

Mobbta are very pleased to announce that Magply and Greenspan have joined the Trade Association, and have also joined the BSI PAS Certification process team. Both companies are well-known names in the UK and Ireland construction sector, supplying extensive ranges of products for the residential and commercial sectors, including MgO-based building boards.


MAGPLY

(t) +44 (0) 1621 776 252
(e) refer to website enquiry link
(w)
www.magply.co.uk

GREENSPAN
Greenspan System Sales Ireland
(t) +35 (0) 3698 2222
(e)
sales@greenspan.ie

Greenspan System Sales UK
(t) +44 (0) 121 781 7309
(e)
sales@greenspan.co.uk
(w)
www.greenspan.ie

 
John Malone