MAXTERRA® Becomes First MgO Panel with ICC-ES Acoustical Certification for Both Wood and CFS Framing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New ESL-1645 listing certifies MAXTERRA® for both wood and cold-formed steel floor assemblies, delivering STC ratings up to 59 and giving architects a proven acoustic solution for any framing system.
BRADENTON, Fla. (July 17, 2025) — NEXGEN Building Products, LLC, today announced that MAXTERRA® magnesium oxide panels have received ICC-ES Listing Report ESL-1645 for acoustical performance in floor-ceiling assemblies. The comprehensive listing covers both wood and cold-formed steel (CFS) framing systems, making MAXTERRA® the only MgO structural subfloor certified by ICC-ES for both wood and CFS framing with verified acoustical performance.
"This certification represents our commitment to rigorous testing and transparent performance data," said Eric Polzin, Chief Construction Science Officer at NEXGEN. "ESL-1645 gives architects and specifiers the verified acoustical data they need to confidently specify MgO panels in sound-critical applications."
Acoustical Performance Snapshot
- STC ratings: 55-59 across tested assemblies
- IIC ratings: 50-58 for impact sound control
- Three certified configurations: Wood truss, CFS truss, and underlayment systems
- Multiple floor finishes: LVP, LVT, engineered wood, and carpet tile options
The ESL-1645 testing program evaluated MAXTERRA® panels in floor-ceiling assemblies per ASTM E90 and ASTM E492 standards, with results that meet or exceed the acoustical requirements for multifamily, hospitality, and commercial construction. Significantly, the certification includes cold-formed steel framing—a capability that differentiates MAXTERRA® from competing products that are limited to wood-only applications.
"Steel framing is becoming more and more common in multifamily and commercial construction, but many rated acoustical assemblies stop at wood systems," added Ryan Miller, Vice President of Multifamily & Commercial Construction at NEXGEN. "ESL-1645 removes that limitation. MAXTERRA® is now the only MgO structural subfloor verified by ICC-ES for acoustical performance for both wood and steel framing systems."
The listing covers three distinct assembly types: structural floor panels over wood trusses (MOS-1645-01), structural floor panels over cold-formed steel trusses (MOS-1645-02), and underlayment panels over wood structural panels (MOS-1645-03). This comprehensive coverage allows design teams to specify MAXTERRA® with confidence across diverse project types and construction methods.
"We've invested heavily in testing because claims without data don't build buildings," emphasized Scott Lidberg, CEO of NEXGEN. "ESL-1645 represents extensive, rigorous laboratory testing, and the results speak for themselves. MAXTERRA® delivers both structural performance and acoustical control."
MAXTERRA® panels are already recognized as the most thoroughly tested MgO product line in North America, with certifications including structural performance (ESR-5194), fire resistance, and environmental transparency through a third-party verified EPD. The addition of acoustical certification under ESL-1645 further solidifies NEXGEN's position as the industry leader in high-performance, rigorously validated MgO building materials.
Download ESL-1645 and explore MAXTERRA®'s complete certification portfolio at www.nexgenbp.com/resources.
About NEXGEN
NEXGEN Building Products is a leading innovator in high-performance magnesium oxide (MgO) building materials. A safer, stronger, healthier way to build. The MAXTERRA® product line delivers superior fire, water, mold, and impact resistance while setting new standards for durability, sustainability, and transparency. Through relentless testing, third-party certification, and continuous innovation, NEXGEN is providing tomorrow's building solutions today.