Can You Install A New Flooring System On Top Of Your Magnesite Flooring?

Can You Install A New Flooring System On Top Of Your Magnesite Floor?

No, a new flooring system should never be installed over Magnesite. A new flooring system should never be installed over the old Magnesite Flooring system because the magnesite is a minimum of 40 to 100 years old and has consistently been absorbing moisture throughout its lifespan. This moisture would then have seeped into your concrete subfloor and started the process of Concrete Cancer.

Even though the Magnesite Flooring can look intact, dry and untouched, it is impossible to see the amount of damage sustained to the concrete subfloor. This can be a real safety issue as concrete cancer will affect the structural integrity of the subfloor, meaning the floor could collapse into the apartment below. Fixing concrete cancer in the subfloor can also be expensive, so dealing with any issues that are lurking beneath the Magnesite is best done sooner rather than later.

Magnesite Flooring was also only invented and installed as a temporary soundproofing/floor levelling agent and was never meant to be a permanent subfloor. In addition, the Magnesite can contain ASBESTOS, a serious risk factor for anyone in the household. Leaving the magnesite down will lead to multiple issues, aside from just safety.

The other problem with keeping the Magnesite Flooring and having a new flooring system installed over the top is that you won’t be provided with/eligible for the warranty of the new flooring system (20-year warranties are provided by most manufacturers/installers). Many companies/installers will outright refuse to install a new flooring system over the existing Magnesite as there is a high chance that the new flooring system will fail within the first 12 months.

With the risk and safety factors, as well as the downsides to trying to install a new flooring system over the Magnesite, it is best to always have all the Magnesite removed, the concrete subfloor inspected to ensure any damage is found and repaired (and the floor levelled if it is required) and then a new flooring system installed over a clean, fresh concrete subfloor.

Not starting on a fresh and clean concrete subfloor will cost you a lot more money in the long run, as the Magnesite will continue to damage the concrete and fail the new flooring system that is installed on it.

On over 90% of Magnesite Flooring jobs, an attempt to install a new Flooring System over the Magnesite Flooring will often fail within 12 months or less.