Can You Level Over Magnesite Flooring?
Can You Level Over Magnesite Flooring?
No, Ardit, Ardex, Mapei, Sika, Screeds, and ANY other Floor Levelling product CAN NOT and SHOULD NEVER be used on top of Magnesite Flooring. Magnesite Flooring must be removed, the concrete must be ground down and all repairs must be done before re-leveling your floor with a new Floor Levelling product to ensure it does not fail.
– Magnesite is flexible: Magnesite is not suitable to be overlaid with a new floor levelling compound, as it’s flexible and not a solid substrate.
– Magnesite is water soluble: If exposed to enough water, the magnesite will return to its original state, crumbling and de-attaching from the subfloor.
– High chance of failure: New flooring systems installed over magnesite have over a 90% chance of failing within the first 12 months or less.
– Not suitable for floor levelling compounds: Magnesite is flexible and water-soluble, so it’s not suitable to be covered by a Floor Levelling compound.
– Banned by manufacturers: Manufacturers of floor levelling products, like Dunlop, Ardex, Mapei, Sika, etc. Do not recommend using their products over magnesite and will give no warranty on their products used on top of Magnesite Flooring.
– Magnesite can and will damage the subfloor: Magnesite can and will damage the subfloor over time, costing tens of thousands of dollars to repair. Attempting to apply a new flooring levelling agent over the Magnesite Flooring is simply hiding the Concrete Cancer that should desperately be repaired ASAP. Levelling over magnesite can lead to major issues, including your new flooring system failing, or structural issues with your concrete slab.
– Not suitable for anything besides carpet: No flooring system can be installed on top of Magnesite Flooring, sometimes it’s possible to get away with re-installing carpet on top for a short period of time. If the magnesite is still in a very strong, stable condition. However, this is not recommended, as it’s just delaying the repair process which will increase the price as the damage gets worse. Not to mention, the stretch of the carpet can fail if the magnesite ends up damaged. So the reality of the situation is that it’s always best to remove the magnesite.
– Hiding the issue may cause death: Potential ceiling collapse into the unit below or pieces of concrete falling off which may strike someone in the head!
– Asbestos: Magnesite Flooring may contain asbestos, so you’ll need to follow health and environmental requirements for removal and disposal.
– Silica Dust: If you disturb Magnesite Flooring it will release dangerous silica dust into the air.
What Is The Recommended Procedure?
The recommended procedure is to ALWAYS remove the Magnesite Flooring and grind away any residue before preparing for a new Floor Levelling compound. If you are going to re-level your floor the following steps should be taken:
Step 1) Remove the Magnesite Flooring
Step 2) Grind down the concrete to remove any residue
Step 3) Inspect the concrete for any damage and repair any issues
Step 4) Re-Level the concrete using a new Floor Levelling compound
Step 5) Install your new flooring system
Carpet Removal Services
$15
Per Square Metre*
– 200 SQUARE METRES MINIMUM
Flooring Removal & Concrete Grinding Services
$42
Per Square Metre*
– NON ASBESTOS ONLY
$9 – $19
Per Square Metre*– NON ASBESTOS ONLY
$9 – $19
Per Square Metre*– NON ASBESTOS ONLY
$10 – $60
Per Square Metre*– NON ASBESTOS ONLY
$10 – $60
Per Square Metre*– NON ASBESTOS ONLY
$40 – $65
Per Square Metre*
– 50 SQUARE METRES MINIMUM
$19 – $35
Per Square Metre*
$19 – $35
Per Square Metre*
$19 – $35
Per Square Metre*
$9 – $19
Per Square Metre*
$42
Per Square Metre*
$120 – $160
Per Square Metre*
$10 – $60
Per Square Metre* (Thick Lines)
$10 – $60
Per Metre* (Thin Lines)
$29 – $39
Per Square Metre*
