Magnesite Flooring Removal Sydney

Magnesite Flooring Removal

Our Dust-Free Magnesite Flooring Removal team has completed thousands of jobs throughout Sydney. Here at Magnesite Flooring Removal Sydney, We have perfected the strategy of clean, fast, affordable, and efficient Dust-Free Magnesite Flooring Removal. 

We begin by jackhammering up your Magnesite Flooring using only the highest quality, high powered Dust-Free Hilti TE-2000 AVR Jackhammers which will fast-track your project and leave you inconvenienced for as little time as possible.

After the Magnesite Flooring has been removed, we start the process of cleaning your subfloor using our Dust-Free Concrete Grinding System which has a commercial dust extractor attached to it. We grind down any remaining Magnesite Flooring Residue that may be left over after the Magnesite Flooring has been removed. 

The concrete is then vacuumed leaving you with a concrete slab that is ready to accept any new floor coverings, paints, epoxies, waterproofing membranes, floor levelling products, ETC.

– We are a fully insured business with worker’s compensation, insured for public liability and all employees have white card health and safety and COVID vaccinations.

– Our highly trained staff will always work in a safe and efficient manner while using high-quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Dust Extraction Equipment.

We then take all our mess, dust, and waste to a local resource management centre leaving your property clean and ready for the re-installation of any new flooring system! We keep dust to an absolute minimum. We can’t promise it will be a completely 100% Dust-Free experience. But it will be as close as physically possible you can get to a Dust-Free Magnesite Flooring Removal and Dust-Free Concrete Grinding job. We will always clean up the best that we can and use all the latest methods, technology, and equipment to make it a 90-99.99% Dust-Free Magnesite Flooring Removal experience.

We leave your property clean, vacuumed, and tidied, with all waste removed by our team and disposed of. Most Magnesite Flooring Removal jobs take us less than a day, leaving you to get on with the rest of your project.

Our staff are experienced professionals at Dust-Free Magnesite Flooring Removal, they know exactly how to go about the job of Magnesite Flooring Removal safely and quickly. Our Dust-Free Magnesite Flooring Removal team prides itself on its customer service, its ability to get the job done when other companies can’t, and a result that the customer is always happy with.

Magnesite Flooring Removal should never be attempted unless you are licensed by NSW to remove asbestos unless it has been tested to show that no asbestos is present. Our Dust-Free Magnesite Floor Removal specialist team uses PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as well as a commercial dust extractor while also taking the proper precautions to remove and dispose of the Hazardous Waste safely and legally. It is illegal to remove materials containing ASBESTOS without a license and to dispose of the waste in normal residential bins

What Is Magnesite Flooring?

Older buildings, especially apartments & unit blocks across Sydney that were built between the 1920s and the late 1980s, are more than likely to have Magnesite Flooring.

Magnesite Flooring is a specialised cementitious product that is based on Magnesium Oxychloride (or Magnesium Oxysulphate) cement. The most common form involves the reaction between a Magnesium Chloride solution and Magnesium Hydroxide powder to form the cement binder. The finished product also contains a filling material, which is commonly sawdust, wood fibres, cork, or can also contain ASBESTOS. Colourants may have also been added.

The product is mixed and then poured onto the surface to be topped. Magnesite Flooring is normally at least 10mm – 25mm thick. But can get up to 50mm thick if two coats have been poured. Magnesite was applied to the top of concrete ground floors in unit blocks. It has been commonly used in homes built in the ’20s and ’30s and was still used up into the ’80s.

Magnesite Flooring was commonly used as a Floor Levelling compound from the 1920s up until the 1980s. Magnesite Flooring is not used anymore, but because it was present in a lot of older buildings throughout Sydney and NSW, it means that Magnesite Flooring contractors will come across it quite often, so knowing how to deal with it when the issue comes up is very important.

Magnesite is a form of cement created through calcined or burnt Magnesite and various organic and inorganic fillers, such as wood, sawdust, ground silica, and talc, mixed with a solution of magnesium oxychloride.

What makes Magnesite Flooring different from normal cement is that fillers and aggregates such as wood chips or sawdust have been added to it. Sometimes, it may also have ASBESTOS. Magnesite Flooring was mainly used in Sydney as a slab topping or an underlay to carpet and other forms of floor coverings.

Magnesite is extremely rich in chlorides, resulting in problems of sweating, diffusion of chloride ions into the concrete substrate, and metal corrosion, The results of this are usually seen as lumps appearing below the carpet or cracks in the floor tiles that are being displaced.

Magnesite Flooring is not a floor covering an individual unit owner would have installed. It would have been laid to level the slab and act as a soundproofing agent. It doesn’t get used anymore due to its destruction of concrete slabs through Concrete Cancer, its general lack of waterproofing, and it is known to contain ASBESTOS.

Because Magnesite Flooring is water-soluble, it will return to its previous state should it be exposed to enough water. Magnesite Flooring is also quite flexible, meaning that it is not suitable to be overlaid with a smoothing compound, making it unsuitable to be used with all types of floor coverings.

There are many issues with having Magnesite Flooring in your property which is why it is now recommended to remove it ASAP.

Magnesite Flooring Removal is moisture-sensitive and will gradually break down if it remains wet for an extended period. Magnesite will swell up, and the filler can also rot and produce unpleasant odours. The product is mixed and then poured onto the surface to be topped. Magnesite flooring is normally at least 10mm – 25mm thick.

But it can get up to 50mm thick if two coats have been poured—Magnesite, which was commonly used as a floor topping or floor levelling product. There are thousands of buildings built between the 1920s and 1980s with Magnesite Floor toppings that are now facing large Concrete Cancer repair bills due to homeowners and strata not removing Magnesite from properties early enough and repairing the damage early on.

It is not a suitable material to simply be overlaid by a smoothing compound as it has most likely been down for such a long time that the effects of it have most likely already started to damage your subfloor.

Just like any other ASBESTOS containing building materials, it was a useful product for a range of materials, but unfortunately, time revealed that it is a health hazard and structural hazard that can cause Concrete Cancer—forcing residents to remove this harmful material from their homes to avoid further structural damage.

However, you can’t encapsulate Magnesite Flooring, as they are so vulnerable to deterioration when exposed to water. If you tried to encapsulate by pouring a screed (such as Ardex) over the top, then you’d be introducing large amounts of construction moisture into the Magnesite.

The underlying Magnesite would then most likely turn to a Weetabix-type consistency and start to break up, leaving you with no suitable substrate support below the screed. The water penetrates the Magnesite Flooring, or where there is an inadequate slab membrane, the material absorbs moisture, which results in Concrete Cancer.

Do I Need Strata Approval To Remove Magnesite Flooring From My Home?

Yes, you must obtain strata approval before removing Magnesite Flooring from your home.
Click Here To Learn More About Strata Approval

How To Start The Magnesite Floor Removal Process

Magnesite Flooring Removal: Who Is Liable To Pay?

As of 2024, The Following Rules Apply:
– If Your Strata Have NOT Changed The By-Law They Are Liable To Pay For:
– Magnesite Flooring Removal
– Concrete Grinding
– Disposal of all Waste
– Concrete Cancer Repairs

– If Your Strata HAS Already Changed The By-Laws, They Are Only Liable To Pay For:
– Concrete Cancer Repairs

– It should be noted that it is always the customer’s responsibility to pay for Floor Levelling as well as the removal of any flooring systems above the magnesite, such as carpet.

Magnesite Flooring is “Common Property”, and so is your concrete subfloor. Your Strata is required by law in NSW to pay for the removal of your Magnesite UNLESS the By-Law has been changed.

Magnesite Flooring Removal Cost

$42 Per Square Metre*

– Magnesite Flooring Removal = $42 / Per Square Metre*

– Concrete Grinding = $10 – $60 / Per Square Metre*

– Floor Levelling = $40 – $65 / Per Square Metre*

– Concrete Cancer Repairs = Approx $130 / Per Litre*

– Disposal of all Waste = $150 – $750*

– Please review the information below for a further understanding of how we price these services.

MAGNESITE REMOVAL
– This is a firm per square metre price which does not change
– We charge ($42 / per square metre) for Magnesite Flooring Removal
View our Magnesite Flooring Removal Pricing page for more information

CONCRETE GRINDING
– How many square metres require Concrete Grinding
– Access to the site (LIFT or STAIRS? and what LEVEL?)
– What level is the property on? (Access to the property)
– We charge ($10 – $60 / per square metre) for Concrete Grinding
View our Concrete Grinding Pricing page for more information

FLOOR LEVELLING
– What primer is required
– What level is the property on?
– Minimum Job Size: 50 Square Metres
– How many square metres require floor levelling
– How many bags do we need to complete the job
– How many MM do we need to raise up your subfloor
– The condition of the concrete slab or timber subfloor
– Access to the site (LIFT or STAIRS? and what LEVEL?)
– We charge ($40 – $65 / per square metre) for Floor Levelling
– What level of power can be provided? (10AMP > 15AMP OR 3PHASE)
View our Floor Levelling Pricing page for more information

CONCRETE CANCER REPAIRS
– On average we charge ($130 / per litre) for Concrete Cancer Repairs
– Depending on several different factors, This price may go up or down
– We will supply a firm quote after the Magnesite Flooring has been removed
– Otherwise, if we quote “blindly” before the job starts. You are looking at the maximum price of ($130 / per litre)
View our Concrete Cancer Pricing page for more information

The cost of removing Magnesite Flooring can vary quite a lot from company to company. Here at Magnesite Flooring Removal Sydney, we guarantee that we’ll always have the lowest prices for Magnesite Flooring Removal we will always be upfront with the cost of Magnesite Flooring Removal with no hidden extra fees.

Feel free to use our free Square Metre Calculator if you would like to calculate the Cost Of Removing Magnesite Flooring from your property.

Other Magnesite Flooring contractors and Removing Magnesite companies that Remove Magnesite, regardless of job size will make you hire a skip bin which will cost a huge amount ($375 – $1,000+) and will have to sit in your front yard for days while you deal with the annoyance of organising it and the large cost of the whole process.

Here at Dust-Free Magnesite Flooring Removal we come in, remove your Magnesite Flooring and Grind down any Magnesite Flooring residue on your concrete slab to allow the clean installation of a new flooring system, or a floor levelling agent, epoxy, paint, waterproofing, or the concrete slab to be inspected for Concrete Cancer.

Then our team will sweep and vacuum your property of any remaining mess! Even though we use commercial dust extraction equipment to offer you a nearly completely Dust-Free experience.

Once our team is finished, we will also take all the waste from the process of Removing Magnesite Flooring from your property to a local resource management centre for you. Which will be far cheaper than having to hire a skip bin and dealing with the frustration of that whole process!

Is Concrete Grinding Required After Magnesite Removal?

Yes, Once our team has removed your Magnesite, you will see magnesite residue that will need to be ground off your concrete using a Concrete Grinder. We need to Grind your concrete to remove any remaining residue to reveal any potential Concrete Cancer that needs to be repaired before Floor Levelling occurs so the product does not fail. This will allow the successful reinstallation of a new flooring system and coating without failure.

How Much Does Concrete Grinding Cost Per Square Metre?

General Grind – $10 – $60 Per Square Metre*

Coating Removal – $10 – $90 Per Square Metre*

How Much Does Concrete Grinding Cost Per Square Metre? Concrete Grinding costs vary greatly from company to company or private contractor to private contractor. Here at Concrete Grinding Sydney, we guarantee that we will always be upfront with pricing, with no hidden extras.

On average Concrete Grinding Costs $10 – $60 Per Square Metre for jobs that require a General Grind.

On average Concrete Grinding Costs $10 – $90 Per Square Metre for jobs that require a Coating Removal.

These are the factors that we take into account when quoting:
– How many layers there are
– How thick the coating is (0 – 6mm)
– How many MM may need to be ground down
– How many square metres require Concrete Grinding
– Access to the site (LIFT or STAIRS? and what LEVEL?)
– What level is the property on? (Access to the property)
– What service is required (General Grind? Coating Removal?)
– The condition of the concrete that requires Concrete Grinding
– What level of power can be provided? (10AMP > 15AMP OR 3PHASE)

Other Concrete Grinding contractors and Concrete Grinding companies that Grind Concrete do not meet the standards that we do at Concrete Grinding Sydney. We use only the highest quality products that are available on the market.

Here at Concrete Grinding Sydney, we come in and do a swift Floor Preparation and Concrete Grinding service for all of our clients. We Concrete Grind and Prime all floors before Floor Levelling to ensure a flawless installation without failure.

Magnesite Waste Disposal Cost

($150 – $750)

Here at Magnesite Flooring Removal Sydney, we take all your rubbish away with us for disposal at your local resource management centre. This saves our clients hundreds of dollars in hiring skip bins, as well as the frustration of the whole process of hiring one and having to have a skip bin sit in your front yard or strata unit block for days. (Depending on how many square metres of Magnesite you have will be the deciding factor on your disposal of waste charge.)

Does Magnesite Contain Asbestos In Australia?

Sometimes, Magnesite is a magnesium carbonate mineral with a chemical composition of (MgCO_3). Magnesite is an important industrial mineral. Pure Magnesite is theoretically 47.8% magnesia (MgO) and 52.2% carbon dioxide (CO2).  It is the source of two-thirds of the world’s magnesia (MgO); 25% is extracted from seawater, with the balance coming largely from brines.

World production of Magnesite is estimated to be 5.96 Mt, with China being the major producer. Australia produced about 90,000 tonnes in 2013, with South Australia contributing 3,632 tonnes.

It is named after the presence of magnesium in its composition. Magnesite usually forms during the alteration of magnesium-rich rocks or carbonate rocks by metamorphism or chemical weathering. Magnesite is a specialised cementitious product that is based on Magnesium Oxychloride (or Magnesium Oxysulphate) types of cement.

The most common form involves the reaction between a Magnesium Chloride solution and Magnesium Hydroxide powder to form the cement binder. The finished product also contains a filling material, which is commonly sawdust, wood fibres, cork, or can also contain ASBESTOS.

Typically, Magnesite Flooring does not contain asbestos; however, it has been found in some magnesite floors. An owner’s corporation could be liable for diseases found to be caused by the asbestos in Magnesite Flooring.

Magnesite Flooring is common property. To stop the possibility of claims being made against the strata scheme, the strata scheme will need to have an up-to-date asbestos register, asbestos management plan, and emergency procedures. Having this documentation may be a legal requirement for some strata schemes.

The removal of any Magnesite Flooring that contains ASBESTOS will need to follow an existing asbestos management plan and if one does not exist, one will need to be created to specifically manage such works.

Before all jobs commence you must obtain an “Asbestos Clearance Certificate” showing that the Magnesite Flooring has no asbestos content. If the Magnesite Flooring does have asbestos, you must contact a professional asbestos removal company.
– Click Here To Learn More About Asbestos
– Click Here To Contact AIRSAFE.NET.AU To Obtain This Document

Homeowners who also illegally removed the material without first checking if it contained asbestos will face heavy fines that could reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. You must always contact a company that can test the Magnesite Flooring for any asbestos before removing the product for the safety of everyone.

As discussed earlier, Magnesite can contain ASBESTOS fibres as a filler. Commonly, the way to deal with ASBESTOS, once identified, is to remove it, using a licensed contractor, or to encapsulate it. However, you can’t encapsulate a Magnesite Floor, as they are so vulnerable to deterioration when exposed to water.

If you tried to encapsulate by pouring a screed over the top, then you’d be introducing large amounts of construction moisture into the Magnesite. The underlying Magnesite would then most likely turn to a Weetabix-type consistency and start to break up, leaving you with no suitable substrate support below the screed as Concrete Cancer develops.

How Do I Find Out If My Magnesite Flooring Contains Asbestos Or Not?

To find out if your Magnesite Flooring contains ASBESTOS or not, you can do either of the following:

1) Send a small sample of the magnesite to a lab for testing (AIRSAFE) or a similar company.
2) have AIRSAFE or a similar company come out to your property to take the sample for testing.

NOTE: WE DO NOT OFFER A SERVICE TO REMOVE ASBESTOS
https://www.carpetremovalsydney.com.au/asbestos-warning/

CONTACT AIRSAFE.NET.AU NOW TO HAVE YOUR MAGNESITE FLOORING TESTED FOR ASBESTOS.

– Asbestos exposure can be a health risk. It is estimated that 4,000 Australians die each year from asbestos-related diseases.

– Working with Magnesite Flooring that contains Asbestos will release toxic dust and fibres into the air. Lack of awareness in the past has led to many workers suffering from terrible diseases today such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.

– Magnesite Flooring is generally safe to be around. But that changes as soon as you decide to remove it or if the Magnesite Flooring becomes damaged in any way shape or form.

– Magnesite Flooring that contains Asbestos remains in many buildings across Australia, creating a hazard for contractors and do-it-yourself renovators.

– Workers must take many precautions to Remove Magnesite Floors safely as well as safely dispose of the waste.

– It is illegal to remove asbestos products without a CLASS A + CLASS B + SUPERVISOR LICENSE in Asbestos Removal.

– It is always safest to leave ASBESTOS Magnesite Flooring Removal to qualified professionals who are licensed by the Australian government to remove it.

Is Magnesite Flooring Removal Dangerous?

Yes, Magnesite Flooring Removal is dangerous.

Magnesite Flooring Removal without the correct PPE and power tools/equipment will create a harmful silica dust environment. It’s also possible to be injured by tools as well as injured from the Magnesite Flooring Removal process.

– SERIOUS INJURIES: Sometimes tiny pieces of Concrete can go flying in the air during the Magnesite Flooring Removal process. This can accidentally hit your eye causing serious damage if not blindness. When Removing Magnesite Floors, The tools required to perform this task are also dangerous to use for people who are not highly skilled in using these tools.

– ACCIDENTAL INJURIES: It’s easy to look up a guide on what tools to use, but injuries often occur from a lack of knowledge of how to use these tools safely.

– PERMANENT LUNG DAMAGE: Inhaling dangerous silica dust by not using the correct PPE and Dust Extractors can be deadly.

The longer silicosis goes without treatment, the more likely it is to develop a complication. Because the disease affects the immune system, silicosis patients are vulnerable to developing tuberculosis, lung cancer, COPD, and kidney disease.

• • Lung Cancer.
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Kidney Disease.
  • Autoimmune Disease.

Breathing in very small (“respirable”) crystalline silica particles causes multiple diseases, including silicosis, an incurable lung disease that leads to disability and death. Respirable crystalline silica also causes lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease.

Click Here To Learn More About The Dangers Of Silica Dust

Why Is It So Important To Remove Magnesite Flooring

– Magnesite Flooring will devalue your property.

– Magnesite can be harmful to your health (especially if you have children or pets!)

– Magnesite Flooring will often cause concrete spalling (Concrete Cancer).

– Magnesite Flooring may contain ASBESTOS.

– If the Magnesite is removed early enough, you might be able to avoid having to repair your concrete slab.

– Magnesite Flooring can corrode the steel reinforcing beams in the concrete slab.

– It may ruin your new flooring system if you leave your Magnesite Flooring while trying to install a new floor topping over it.

– Since Magnesite is water-soluble, that means that it will always return to its previous state if it is exposed to enough water, which will destroy the floor topping and lead to (Concrete Cancer).

– Magnesite Floors will eventually corrode any water and gas pipes present.

– Magnesite Floors are prone to getting damp since they do not remain moisture-proof.

– Magnesite Floors are tricky to work with, especially if you are trying to refurbish or renovate your home. Since Magnesite is flexible, it is not a suitable material to simply be overlaid by a smoothing compound.

– Because your Magnesite Flooring has most likely been laid over 30 – 100 years ago, it will already be showing signs of wear and tear, which means it should always be replaced with a more suitable product.

What Does Magnesite Flooring Look Like?

Magnesite Flooring in Australia is a “Brownish” colour, in other areas around the world, it’s more of a “pinkish/red” colour.

Magnesite Flooring is not used anymore but was very popular for domestic applications in unit blocks from the 1920s to the 1980s. Magnesite Flooring was commonly applied on top of concrete ground floor slabs. Magnesite Flooring was made from a mixture of calcined magnesite and magnesium chloride solution with various fillers (e.g. wood flour, sawdust, and sometimes asbestos).

Magnesite Flooring was made from a mixture of calcined Magnesite and magnesium chloride solution with various fillers (e.g. wood flour, sawdust, asbestos). It was typically laid between 10 – 25mm thick, but two-coat applications could be up to 50mm thick. Magnesite Flooring is very vulnerable to dampness and if there is any doubt about moisture protection, it should be replaced.

Click Here To View More Photos Of Magnesite Flooring

Does Magnesite Contain Silica Dust And Is It Dangerous When Exposed Or Disturbed?

Yes, Magnesite Flooring does contain silica dust. Magnesite occurs as veins in and an alteration product of ultramafic rocks, serpentinite and other magnesium-rich rock types in both contact and regional metamorphic terrains. These magnesites often are cryptocrystalline and contain silica in the form of opal or chert.

Yes, Magnesite Flooring is dangerous when exposed or disturbed, it will release silica dust into the air. If you have removed your flooring system, you must have your Magnesite Flooring removed ASAP, or you must live in another property or hotel until the work has been completed. It is NOT safe to live in a home with exposed Magnesite Flooring.

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

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.

Where Might Magnesite Be Lurking In My Unit?

Older buildings especially apartments & unit blocks across Sydney that were built between the 1920s and up until the 1990s are more than likely to have Magnesite Flooring.

Can Floor Levelling Products Be Used On Top Of Magnesite Flooring?

No, Ardit, Ardex, Mapei, Sika, Screeds, and ANY other Floor Levelling product CAN NOT 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-levelling your floor with any new Floor Levelling product to ensure it does not fail.

Can You Repair Magnesite Flooring?

No, Magnesite Flooring should NEVER be “repaired” or “patch repaired.” This is simply delaying the issues that Magnesite Flooring is causing to your property. Repair and Patch Repair jobs should never be performed. The FULL Magnesite Flooring Removal process should be followed to ensure that your Floor Levelling agent correctly bonds to your concrete. Patch Repair jobs will also often fail and crack within a short period of time.

Magnesite Flooring should never be repaired. It’s a material that Australia thought was a great idea, which ended up turning into a massive issue causing tens of millions of dollars worth of damage and crumbling structures throughout Sydney.

Before the new safe Floor Levelling agents that we have today. Magnesite was used (from the 1920s to the 1980s) before asbestos was banned, and shortly after, they noticed the effect Magnesite was having on the structures of buildings.

Where Can We Remove Magnesite Flooring From?

Here at Magnesite Flooring Removal Sydney, we specialise in Magnesite Flooring Removal from ANY location. We Remove Magnesite Flooring From:

– Residential Properties
– Commercial Properties
– Industrial Properties
– STRATA Properties
– Government Properties
– Retail Locations & Outlets
– Any Unit Block / High Rise / Apartment
– As well as any other location required!

Is Magnesite Flooring Removal Required
Before I Install A New Flooring System?

Yes, Magnesite Flooring Removal should always occur before the installation of a new flooring system. The appropriate Floor Preparation before installing the new Flooring System, Floor Levelling Agent, or Floor Coating is also required. To install a new Flooring System, Floor Levelling Agent, or Floor Coating, you must ensure the following:

To install a new Coating or Flooring System you must ensure:
1) The previous Magnesite has been removed
2) All residue from the previous Magnesite has been removed
3) The appropriate floor preparation has been applied
– Concrete Cancer Repairs
– Concrete Crack Repairs
– Concrete Grinding
– Floor Levelling

Click Here To Learn More About Why Floor Preparation Is Required

What Equipment Do We Use To Remove Magnesite Floors Safely?

Why Should You Remove Magnesite Flooring?

Magnesite Floor Removal is a plague throughout Sydney’s older apartment developments. They have a topping of Magnesite Floor displays a brown finish that’s often damp from absorbing moisture.

Magnesite Floor Removal is a MUST as long-term exposure to moisture that occurs in household kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, or balconies, as well as windows can lead to the Magnesite Floor releasing harmful chlorides.

Which will start to damage the material as well as the concrete and steel reinforcing beams, causing corrosion and the material to disintegrate, crack, and lump. When this occurs a few decades after installation, the Magnesite must be removed and the damaged areas treated or removed.

Magnesite Floor Removal Sydney offers Magnesite Floor Removal services to ensure that your home is repaired of any issues caused by the Magnesite such as Concrete Cancer.

We will also do a free inspection once the Magnesite Floor Removal process has been completed, we inspect the concrete slab for any damage from the Magnesite Flooring such as Concrete Cancer/Concrete Spalling.

Our professionals are experts in Magnesite Floor Removal, so they have the expertise and skills to remove Magnesite Floortoppings from concrete floors and deal with the damage appropriately safely and efficiently.

Our experts at Magnesite Floor Removal Sydney use high-quality equipment and tools to ensure that you can restore your concrete slab to a safe and usable condition which will be ready for the reinstallation of a new flooring system.

What Is Magnesite Removal?

Magnesite Removal refers to the process of removing existing Magnesite from a structure in a safe and efficient manner. We start by removing the existing layer of Magnesite Flooring, we then follow up with a Concrete Grinding service to ensure we can see any potential Concrete Cancer that may require repairs and to ensure the concrete slab is ready for a Floor Levelling compound. Once Concrete Grinding is completed, we provide a FREE Concrete Cancer Inspection.

If any repairs are required, we will undertake those repairs before installing a new Floor Levelling compound. Once completed, you are ready to install a new flooring system!

How Water Affects Magnesite Flooring In Sydney

In the ensuing years, storms, equipment malfunctions and occupant carelessness have led to water reaching the magnesite. The windows and doors were not as good as their modern counterparts, and in stormy conditions, they leaked. Also, over half a century of use, doors and windows have been left open in stormy conditions, and water has been spilt, overflowing from kitchens, laundries and bathrooms due to equipment failure, waterproofing membrane failure or simple carelessness.

Let’s talk about why Magnesite Flooring is such a problem when wet.

Does Steam Cleaning Damage Magnesite Flooring?

Does Being Near The Ocean Affect Magnesite Flooring?

Yes, in buildings near the ocean, chlorides from salt water can enter the concrete, even after it is built, and corrode the steel. Due to this being closer to the ocean will rapidly increase how fast your Magnesite Flooring has caused Concrete Cancer throughout your unit.

Magnesite Flooring is moisture-sensitive and being closer to the ocean will accelerate the rate at which your Magnesite Flooring breaks down and develops Concrete Cancer. Magnesite Flooring will swell up, bubble, and crack and the filler can also, rot and produce unpleasant odours. Once wet, it often resembles the texture of a cork from an old wine bottle!

Magnesite Flooring is extremely vulnerable to dampness, once it becomes significantly moist, the chlorine in the magnesium oxychloride begins to seep out of the Magnesite Flooring and into the concrete slab below, causing corrosion to the reinforcement bars within the concrete, as a result, it will also attack all pipework within the slab, as gravity does its job and pulls the now-contaminated water through the concrete subfloor.

This means that the steel reinforcement of the concrete subfloor is at risk of corrosion and Concrete Cancer, which can cause tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars worth of damage to your building. This is why removing your Magnesite Flooring ASAP is as important as replacing it with a new Floor Levelling agent.

The Risks Of Magnesite Flooring And Concrete Cancer

Magnesite Flooring is made of Magnesium Oxychloride. It has been used as a floor leveller and was predominantly used in a lot of multi-story buildings across Sydney from the early 20th century until the ’90s, which aided the rapid growth and building of these structures. It is often a reddish-brown appearance and is relatively soft and flexible to the touch. Once wet, it often resembles the texture of a cork from an old wine bottle!

So why is it a problem when it gets wet, though? For a start, Magnesite is extremely porous and absorbent. As a result, it will also leech chlorides into the concrete subfloors and any pipework within the slab, as gravity does its job and pulls the now-contaminated water through the concrete subfloor. This means that the steel reinforcement of the concrete subfloor is at risk of corrosion and concrete cancer, which can cause thousands upon thousands of dollars worth of damage to your building. This is why it is so important that your flood restorer is familiar with this surface and how to dry it properly.

Generally speaking, most Magnesite Floors are between half an inch to one and a half inches in thickness. It will hold a lot of water, and the drying process takes a significantly longer time than just a regular concrete subfloor, as not only does the magnesite have to be dried, but so does the subfloor below. The drying process also tends to show up any weak areas of magnesite, which can often present as cracks or separated sections that are not always apparent to the naked eye but can show up with the implementation of a “drum” test.

Therefore, all floor coverings must be removed from Magnesite, not only for the drying process but also to be able to expose any weak or damaged areas to be replaced with modern products such as Ardit.

For anyone living in a Magnesite building, it’s always important to ensure that any building managers, strata, or body corporate members are familiar with the seriousness of what water-damaged Magnesite can present to the structure of the building. It is also recommended that anyone walking on exposed Magnesite wear enclosed footwear, as the chlorides can also pose quite an irritant to sensitive skin.

It had the appearance of cork and had good soundproofing qualities, it was ready to take carpet, parquet, vinyl, or tiled finishes. The concrete slab beneath had a fairly rough finish, and the Magnesite was an economical and popular floor topping. By the mid-70s, it was realised that this “wonder” material had a most undesirable property: it contained a high level of soluble chlorides, which can cause corrosion of reinforcement, which is essential to the concrete beneath, and it quickly went out of fashion.

In the ensuing years, storms, equipment malfunctions, and occupant carelessness have led to water reaching the Magnesite. The windows and doors were not as good as their modern counterparts, and in stormy conditions, they leaked. Also, over half a century of use, doors and windows have been left open in stormy conditions, water has been spilled, and it has overflowed from kitchens and bathrooms due to equipment failure, waterproofing membrane failure, or simply carelessness. Water has gained access to the Magnesite, particularly in high-risk areas.

When the Magnesite became wet, the chlorides were leached into the underlying concrete, and with time the risk of corrosion increased. Once chlorides reached the reinforcing steel in critical amounts, corrosion commenced, and in the wettest locations, advanced corrosion caused spalling, the shelling off of concrete due to the expansive corrosion of reinforcing steel.

Magnesite Flooring Will Lead To Concrete Cancer

Concrete Cancer can be caused by the Magnesite Flooring when it gets wet (often near windows, bathrooms, or pipe bursts). Rainwater often comes through the balcony door or windows, wetting the magnesite.

Which then leaches aggressive chloride ions into the concrete, leading to major corrosion issues in the concrete slab. Concrete Cancer corrodes the steel reinforcing beams and pipes in the concrete slab.

Concrete Cancer (also known as Concrete Spalling) is the aggressive rusting of steel reinforcement beams in the concrete slab, which can be incredibly dangerous to the strength of the structure and flooring.

Sydney’s older apartment developments have a topping of Magnesite Flooring on concrete flooring that displays a smooth finish.

Long-term exposure to moisture that occurs in household kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, or balconies, as well as windows, can lead to the magnesite releasing harmful chlorides.

Which will start to damage the material as well as the concrete and steel, causing corrosion and the material to disintegrate, crack, and lump.

When this occurs a few decades after installation, magnesite must be removed, and the damaged areas affected by Concrete Cancer/Concrete Spalling must be repaired.

Is Magnesite Considered Dangerous?

Yes, Magnesite is considered dangerous to the structure and your health. It is important to determine whether or not your home has a Magnesite Floor because this type of flooring is unsafe and should be replaced. Floors that were made from Magnesite are prone to getting damp since they do not remain moisture-proof.

When this occurs, the chlorides that are in the Magnesite end up seeping into the concrete that is beneath the topcoat. If it is bad enough, it can even corrode the reinforcements of the floor or corrode any water or gas pipes that may be present. Since Magnesite is water-soluble, that means that it will always return to its previous state if it is exposed to enough water. So, what does this mean for homeowners?

Magnesite Floors are tricky to work with, especially if you are trying to refurbish or renovate your home. Since Magnesite is flexible, it is not a suitable material to simply be overlaid by a smoothing compound. It is also not a good material to be used with some types of floor coverings. Something flexible, such as carpet, can be successfully used, but if a more resilient covering is used, then problems are likely to occur.

The fact that Magnesite was used in old homes also means that by now, your Magnesite Floor might not be in the best of shape and is likely showing signs of wear and tear. If this is the case, the best solution is simply to dig out the old material and replace it with a more resilient product.

Learn More About Magnesite Floor Removal

Magnesite Floor Removal is a plague throughout Sydney’s older apartment developments. They have a topping of Magnesite Floor displays a brown finish that’s often damp from absorbing moisture.

Magnesite Floor Removal is a MUST as long-term exposure to moisture that occurs in household kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, or balconies, as well as windows can lead to the Magnesite Floor releasing harmful chlorides.

Which will start to damage the material as well as the concrete and steel reinforcing beams, causing corrosion and the material to disintegrate, crack, and lump. When this occurs a few decades after installation, the Magnesite must be removed and the damaged areas treated or removed.

Magnesite Floor Removal Sydney offers Magnesite Floor Removal services to ensure that your home is repaired of any issues caused by the Magnesite such as Concrete Cancer.

We will also do a free inspection once the Magnesite Floor Removal process has been completed; we inspect the concrete slab for any damage from the Magnesite Flooring, such as Concrete Cancer.

Our professionals are experts in Magnesite Floor Removal, so they have the expertise and skills to remove Magnesite Floor toppings from concrete floors and deal with the damage appropriately safely and efficiently.

Our experts at Magnesite Floor Removal Sydney use high-quality equipment and tools to ensure that you can restore your concrete slab to a safe and usable condition, which will be ready for the reinstallation of a new flooring system.

Learn More About Magnesite Removal

Our Magnesite Removal specialist team will remove the Magnesite topping, leaving the concrete slab in a condition that is ready to have new flooring installed. However, sometimes, some Magnesite Flooring jobs will have magnesite residue stuck to the floor even after the Magnesite Flooring has been jackhammered off.

When this happens, the remaining Magnesite residue will need to be ground off using specialized equipment to restore your concrete slab to a level and smooth state, allowing a new flooring system to be installed or allowing the fresh concrete slab to be used as your new floor.

When Magnesite Flooring is exposed to moisture over prolonged periods, chloride ions from the magnesite diffuse into the pores of the underlying concrete slab, eventually reaching the reinforcing steel.

As chloride levels in the slab reach the chloride threshold, corrosion of the steel reinforcement will begin to take place; the longer the exposure time to the moisture source, the more aggressive the corrosion of the steel reinforcement will be.

Corrosion of this nature results in the pitting of the steel reinforcement, where it loses its cross-sectional area and strength. Iron oxide deposits also occur, causing expansive forces within the concrete. These forces cause cracking and spalling of the concrete around the corroding steel; a common name for this type of concrete spalling is Concrete Cancer.

Dust-Free Magnesite Flooring Removal

Will The Job Be 100% Dust-Free?

How Do We Achieve An Almost 90 – 99.99% Dust-Free Flooring Removal and Concrete Grinding Experience For Our Clients?

Here at Dust-Free Magnesite Flooring Removal Sydney, we specialize in Dust-Free Magnesite Flooring Removal Sydney. We employ a specialty system that suctions and removes dust and debris directly from our tools into a powerful commercial dust extractor. Our equipment is powerful, strong, and guaranteed to significantly reduce, or even completely eradicate, the dust and debris that is often associated with Dust-Free Magnesite Flooring Removal and replacement projects.

Our specially designed dust-free equipment makes the Magnesite Flooring Removal process much faster than traditional Magnesite Flooring Removal. It is also more efficient than traditional removal techniques and is substantially cleaner and safer. This gives our Dust-Free Magnesite Flooring Removal process the added benefit of being the most environmentally friendly solution.

We will grind your concrete slab with the use of high-powered, Dust-Free Concrete Grinding equipment that is connected directly to a high-powered commercial dust extractor. We will also perform demolition services with the use of high-powered commercial dust extraction equipment plugged directly into our tools.

Unfortunately, small amounts of dust are still produced and cannot be completely eliminated even with the most expensive high-end equipment and the latest technology. It should also be noted that certain equipment, such as Jackhammers, has a harder time trying to contain the dust, even with the use of high-end dust extractors. Concrete Grinders can contain dust a lot more easily. (Roughly 90 – 99.99% of the dust is still sucked up by a 3-engine high-powered commercial dust extractor that is plugged directly into the equipment) but sometimes, a small amount of dust can still escape.

If you are concerned about the small amounts of dust that may possibly get into areas that we are not working in, such as the kitchens, bathrooms, cabinets, etc., we would advise that you seal off those areas that we are not working in with plastic and sticky tape before our team arrives to avoid delays.

Click Here To Learn More About Dust-Free Flooring Removal and Concrete Grinding

What Is Magnesite Flooring?

Magnesite is a mineral compound mostly composed of magnesium carbonate. Known for its high durability, fire resistance, and thermal insulation, it’s no wonder it’s been used in construction for decades, especially in flooring systems.

In building construction, including industrial, commercial and residential, Magnesite Flooring had become more and more commonly used as a top-layer floor leveller until engineers realised the major issues it was causing to structures.

When Magnesite Flooring is installed the concrete floor slabs are still used but they are covered with a layer of Magnesite Flooring.

Older buildings, especially apartments & unit blocks across Sydney that were built between the 20s up until the ’90s, are more than likely to have Magnesite Flooring. It is made of a chemical named Magnesium Oxychloride, which may contain ASBESTOS material. (It can be extremely dangerous to your long-term health to remove if you don’t take the proper precautions while doing it).

Magnesite Flooring isn’t used anymore, but because it was present in a lot of older buildings, it means that floor removal contractors could come across it, so knowing how to deal with it is very important.

Magnesite was used quite a lot in the flooring industry in the past, and it is the properties that are often thirty or more years old. These older properties could still have it present. Magnesite Flooring screeds were predominantly used in industrial buildings as it was known to be resistant to oil spillages, but are also often found in unit blocks and apartments.

Because Magnesite Flooring is water-soluble, it will return to its previous state should it be exposed to enough water. Magnesite Flooring is also quite flexible, meaning that it is not suitable to be overlaid with a smoothing compound, making it unsuitable to be used with all types of floor covering.

Although Magnesite Flooring was quite a popular subfloor product many years ago, the introduction of more modern, safer, and more durable subfloor products has meant that Magnesite Flooring has fallen from favour.

When building contractors do discover a flooring screed that contains magnesite, the chances are that it was installed many years ago and is now showing definite signs of wear and tear. The best thing to do in this case would be to carefully remove the Magnesite Flooring and lay a new floor in its place.

Magnesite Flooring Removal will take some time, but laying a new damp-proof membrane and a smoothing compound capable of offering a deep fill to replace the Magnesite will mean the subfloor is far more suitable for modern use and will remove the risk of Concrete Cancer-damaging your subfloor.

Magnesite is often mixed with concrete, making it extremely difficult to remove even with the strongest team and specialized heavy demolition equipment such as a hydraulic jackhammer.

The dust that is released from Magnesite Flooring when it is removed can be extremely dangerous to breathe in as well, making specialized safety equipment a MUST!

It has been commonly used in homes built in the 20s-80s. Just like many other asbestos-containing building materials, it was a useful chemical for a range of materials, but unfortunately, time has developed it into a health hazard, as well as a hazard to the building structure as it can cause Concrete Cancer.

What WERE The Benefits Of Magnesite Flooring And Why Was It Used?

1. Durability
First and foremost, magnesite flooring offers long-lasting durability. There’s no need to delve into why this is important for your flooring – especially in a building setting where foot traffic and daily use are more intense. The hardiness of the magnesite material makes it a strong option for both residential and commercial applications.

2. Fire Resistance
However, is the level of fire resistance magnesite offers. Fire safety is a key consideration in building construction, so finding a material like magnesite that neither burns nor releases toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures is a great advantage.

3. Thermal Insulation
Similarly, magnesite has natural thermal insulation properties. This means that during the hotter and colder months of the year, this flooring makes it easier to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Apart from the fact that thermal insulation improves one’s ability to maintain the atmospheric temperature inside the building at a comfortable level, it also effectively helps reduce costs associated with heating/cooling a space.

4. Smooth Finish
Magnesite flooring offers a smooth and seamless finish. While aesthetically this is certainly a benefit, it also makes the flooring itself significantly easier to keep clean and maintain, saving you time, effort and money in the long run.

5. Sustainability
Environmentally friendly options are becoming more and more popular and magnesite flooring, being made from naturally occurring materials and without extensive energy needs during production, ticks all the right boxes for those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint.

When Do You Need to Remove Your Magnesite Flooring?

Magnesite Flooring Removal should always be carried out immediately. Magnesite Flooring (depending on the age of your building) may be anywhere from 40 – 100 years old. To ensure your building is as safe and functional as possible, it’s important to keep on top of required maintenance and repairs.

Magnesite Flooring is susceptible to water damage and unfortunately, the reality is over the last 40 – 100 years, there will be water that has leaked down into the Magnesite Flooring and started the process of attacking it, it may be from windows left open, balcony doors left open, accidental bathroom and kitchen leaks, windows that are not sealed correctly, accidental spills, ETC.

When the magnesium chloride in your Magnesite Flooring is exposed to excessive moisture, detrimental chlorides can be released. If this gets into the underlying concrete structure, it can cause corrosive damage to the steel reinforcement within the concrete itself. This, of course, compromises the structural safety of your building.

So, at what point do you need to give us a call? Here are the signs to look out for.

1. Renovations
If you are installing a new flooring system, it’s a MUST to remove the Magnesite Flooring. Otherwise, all companies will refuse to do the job or refuse to give you any warranty on the work, as the flooring system is most likely to fail within a short period of time.

2. Wear and Tear
If you begin to notice your flooring cracking, chipping, or changing due to heavy or excessive use, you may be noticing general wear and tear. As with all things in building maintenance and repair, the sooner you can attend to such issues the better (and often cheaper). Your magnesite flooring may just need some restoration attention to fix its appearance and/or functionality.

3. Structural Changes
Structural changes are likely caused by underlying issues that you ought to address. A damaged subfloor, for example, could require your flooring to be removed in its entirety or simply subjected to a more straightforward repair job.

4. Health Concerns
From older buildings containing asbestos to ensuring the well-being and safety of building occupants with broken flooring, removal and replacement can be crucial. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry in these instances. If you’re concerned or notice anything abnormal about your magnesite flooring.

5. Aesthetic Upgrades
Sometimes, there’s nothing functionally wrong with your magnesite flooring but it’s time for a little cosmetic upgrade. The flooring of a building is a relatively unsung hero in setting out the overall look and feel of a space. If you’re interested in replacing outdated or worn but not compromised flooring.

Magnesite Flooring Issues?

What issues does Magnesite Flooring create? After long-term exposure to moisture, the magnesite may start to wear and become damaged. This will result in harmful chlorides being released into the air and getting into your family’s and pet’s lungs.

Common areas of the household for this to happen include kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, balconies, and windows. Once the Magnesite starts releasing the chlorides, it will damage the surrounding concrete, pipes, and steel. It is causing corrosion, cracks, lumps, and disintegration.

Magnesite Flooring should be replaced before any of these effects happen as it is unsafe to leave it as well as the factors of it devaluing your property and causing future issues that will be far more expensive to fix.

The disintegration of the concrete can not only be a health hazard but also a tripping hazard, which is a huge problem, particularly for businesses that want to avoid worker’s compensation lawsuits if you want to refurbish your home or renovate your business workspace.

Magnesite Flooring can be extremely difficult as it is not a suitable material to use smoothing compound on and can limit what floor covering you can use.

The best thing for you to do is to get your Magnesite Flooring professionally removed before replacing it with a more substantial, sturdy surface. By getting it professionally removed, you can ensure that the job will be completed in a safe and fast manner by our team at Magnesite Flooring Removal Sydney.

At Magnesite Flooring Removal Sydney, we offer a service to remove your magnesite in a safe manner while making sure that you avoid any of the harmful effects of breathing in the dust in the area by attempting to do it yourself.

Our team of professionals has years of experience in Magnesite Flooring Removal. We use high-quality safety equipment and specialized tools to get the best results when completing the task of removing the Magnesite Flooring. We will be able to remove the magnesite toppings in a safe and efficient manner while making sure that are completed within a reasonable time frame.

Magnesite Flooring – The Owner’s Dilemma

Because chloride salts attract moisture and dissolve, just as kitchen salt does when left out in Sydney’s humid summer, chloride migration from Magnesite into the concrete slab has occurred everywhere, even in relatively dry areas. Chlorides have been drawn from apparently dry Magnesite into concrete, developing the conditions necessary for corrosion.

Hence, building owners have slabs with some degree of chloride contamination everywhere. The worst areas of local corrosion are observable and can be identified visually or with a hammer “dummy” test, but significant corrosion risks are concealed elsewhere where chloride movement is slower, and corrosion is developing more slowly.

If the risk of chloride-related corrosion is left unattended and the Magnesite is left on floors, with time, the top layer of reinforcing steel in slabs will start to rust, and the cost of remediation will be maximised. Unfortunately, this is the strategy that many owner corporations adopt because it is the easiest, it looks OK so it must be OK, but not so.

The chlorides in the Magnesite continue to migrate down into the drier concrete, and once they get to the steel, corrosion will eventually start. In 5, 10, or 20 years, the cost of remediation will be greatly increased. Early action is responsible and pays dividends. Leaving the problems for the future can be seen as being negligent, leaving greater costs for future owners.

Why Is Magnesite Flooring No Longer Recommended?

Magnesite Flooring is moisture-sensitive and will gradually break down if it remains wet for an extended period. The filler consists of sawdust, wood, and sometimes ASBESTOS particles bound together with Magnesium Oxychloride.

It will swell up, and the filler can also rot and produce unpleasant odours. It was typically laid between 10mm and 25mm thick, but two-coat applications could be up to 50mm thick.

Magnesite Flooring is hygroscopic and in high humidity environments, close to water (e.g. lakes, coastal, etc.), or when exposed to wetting from situations such as accidental pipe bursts, accidental water spillage over decades and decades of time, constant steam cleaning of carpets, washing of vinyl where the water penetrates joints or where there is an inadequate slab membrane and rising damp is present, the material absorbs moisture with the resultant effect as Concrete Cancer.

Prolonged exposure to high humidity or moisture will release chlorides, either by leaching of unreacted Magnesium Chloride or possible breakdown of the cement. These chlorides are highly corrosive and can attack concrete and metal fittings or reinforcement, and are part of the ‘concrete cancer’ phenomena.

This problem has been identified in a number of buildings in coastal areas of NSW and the resultant damage to steel reinforcement produced concrete failures with considerable expense and inconvenience to repair damaged floors.

There is always an element of risk in covering Magnesite floors with new impervious floorings, especially where the sub-floor is on the ground.

They are sometimes laid where the protection from rising damp is barely adequate, and whilst the Magnesite surface can breathe so that the flooring remains dry, once covered, the moisture levels can rise to an extent that failure occurs.

What Will Happen If You Don’t Remove Your Magnesite Flooring?

What’s Wrong With Magnesite?

Firstly, Magnesite contains chlorides, so if there is any embedded steel reinforcement within the floor slab, then the concrete can be affected by Chloride attack, which will corrode the embedded steel. Corrosion is an expansive reaction, and cracking of the concrete is likely to occur as the steel corrodes. You should also consider that steel water pipes may be buried in the concrete, and these are equally at risk.

Many old concrete floors do not have a damp-proof membrane installed. DPMs came into common use in the mid-60s, but prior to this, many concrete floors had a waterproof oversite, and a layer of bitumen was commonly used. It would be wrong to assume that Magnesite provides that same protection against dampness, and in fact, they are very vulnerable to dampness. Magnesite is water soluble and will return to its previous state if exposed to enough water.

The Affects That Magnesite Has On Sydney Properties

Up to 90 per cent of apartments built between 1920 and 1980 have Magnesite-related defects, according to experts. Louie Douvis.

The City Futures Research Centre at the University of NSW said that in NSW alone, there were more than 14,000 strata schemes containing more than 186,000 lots or units registered between 1961 and 1979, which may contain a Magnesite Floor.

Peter Johnsson, associate principal with engineering consultancy firm ACOR, said up to 90 per cent of apartments built during that period had a Magnesite Floor, particularly those in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, northern beaches, and western suburbs.

“The cost to fix this issue can range from $5,000 for an apartment on the low side to over $250,000 today,” Mr. Johnsson said.

Marton Marosszeky, director at BCRC, a group of specialist consultants in construction materials, said owners of older apartments needed to be aware of the problem. “It’s a looming problem that’s coming towards us at a fast rate at the moment,” he said. There are thousands of buildings built in that era with Magnesite Flooring. This could potentially eclipse the cladding issue.

But because it’s hidden and slow to manifest, it’s not getting a lot of attention.” One of the Magnesite Floor-related jobs in Sydney involved a 64-apartment building where all units were affected Signs of Magnesite Floor damage include cracked tiles, flooring systems failing, and floors that bulge over rusting steel bars.

“The owners will have to spend up to $2 million to fix this problem,” he said.

“They’re spending millions of dollars rectifying a problem caused by a defective building material that is no longer in the market for the last 30-odd years.”

Unlike the cladding issue, which prompted government and insurance industry intervention because it involves newer buildings, owners of older apartments with legacy problems will have to shoulder the cost. “You could argue that Magnesite is similar to faulty materials like flammable cladding, but because it’s not a new building, it’s been built at a lower standard in the old days, there’s no current pressure for the government,” Mr Johnsson said.

Magnesite A Costly Issue Plaguing NSW

“In those days, apartments were built quickly, and builders didn’t take time to make the floors perfectly flat with the concrete.

“The Magnesite Floor used to make the floors nice and flat was filled with sawdust and cork held together by glue. Now, the glue was the problem because it was made of magnesium oxychloride in the Magnesite Floor.”

The Magnesite Floor absorbs water and dissolves the chloride in the topping. When the chloride leeches to the steel bars reinforcing the floor, it corrodes them.  Mr Marosszeky said the corrosion causes the concrete to expand by as much as eight times the volume of the original steel.

These expansive forces rupture the concrete, lifting the concrete just as a tree root lifts a footpath as the roots expand, Which is why it’s best to remove your Magnesite Floor ASAP. Magnesite Floors that are damaged could show up as hollow sounds on tiles, cracking of tiles, and bulging of the carpet over the rusting steel bars.

Because of the slow corrosion, the symptoms aren’t visible until the damage is already widespread.

Usually, when it’s discovered, the affected area that you can see is nowhere near the extent because it’s a massive hidden problem in the concrete.

So you’ll be looking at least two to three times the amount that is visible on the surface that will require repair. So when you see lumps on the floor, or corrosion rust stains on the concrete, the problem is already there.

Because it is a structural issue, ignoring it is not an option.

“If you leave it for too long, the bars simply get eaten away, and then structural strengthening has to be undertaken, adding very significantly to the remedial cost,” Mr Marosszeky said. “If you let it go, it can cost more than $1000 per square meter to remediate the problem, so stay alert and get help as soon as you detect any issues.” The cost rapidly increases the longer the Magnesite is installed.

“In the worst cases, the building will collapse. You have to fix it because it’s a structural problem.”

Here at Magnesite Flooring Removal Sydney We Educate Our Clients

Unlike our competitors, here at Magnesite Flooring Removal Sydney, we provide information for our clients to ensure they understand the process and pricing and to ensure there are no surprises. We have more content on our website, our service pages, and blog posts than any other company in Sydney.

We are Sydney’s largest Magnesite Flooring Removal company that completes tens of thousands of square metres of Magnesite Flooring Removal projects every year and is trusted by the largest of companies and STRATAs throughout Sydney.

Why Do I Need A Professional For Magnesite Flooring Removal?

– SPEED: Hiring a professional company to remove your Magnesite Flooring is incredibly faster than attempting to do the project yourself.

– COST: Here at Magnesite Flooring Removal Sydney, we have very reasonable prices and offer a Price Beat Guarantee. We can often complete your project for a fair price compared to the costs of attempting to remove the Magnesite Flooring yourself. When it comes to larger Magnesite Flooring Removal jobs, it will always be cheaper to leave it up to the professionals at Magnesite Flooring Removal Sydney!

– READY: Rather than slowly completing your job on your hands and knees, we can complete your project within a short period of time to ensure that your home is ready for the next part of your renovation project.

How Does Magnesite Flooring Removal Work?

1) We will provide you with a free quote for Dust-Free Magnesite Flooring Removal.

2) We will come to your property and remove all Magnesite Flooring on-site.

3) We will come back to provide a Concrete Grinding service to remove all Magnesite Flooring residue.

4) After Concrete Grinding has taken place, our team will provide a free Concrete Cancer inspection.

5) We will then evaluate your concrete to see if any Concrete Cancer Repairs or Concrete Crack Repairs are required.

6) Our team will then level your floor using Floor Levelling products.

7) Our team will take all rubbish/waste to a disposal centre for recycling.

8) Finally! We have completed your job! and your floor is ready for the re-installation of a new Flooring System.

Is Magnesite Flooring Removal Hard?

Yes, Removing Magnesite Floors can be a difficult and time-consuming project, and the challenges often remain hidden until the project is underway. Magnesite Flooring should be left up to the professionals; it may contain harmful materials such as asbestos and silica dust.

If you have a Magnesite Flooring Removal job that is over 10 square metres, it is considered a hard task that will be expensive and frustrating to attempt to do yourself. It’s often cheaper to hire a Magnesite Flooring Removal contractor than to hire the tools, PPE, and other equipment required to attempt the project yourself.

We only recommend attempting Magnesite Flooring Removal yourself if the project is under 10 square metres and you have the appropriate tools, PPE, and dust extraction equipment.

For jobs over the size of 10 square metres, we ALWAYS recommend leaving it up to the professionals.
Contact Us Now For A Free Quote!

What Is The Easiest Way To Remove Magnesite Floors?

Simply contacting a professional company to provide the service for you will take the stress away and be fast, efficient, and clean.

Contact Us Now For A Free Quote!

What Is The Fastest Way To Remove Magnesite Floors?

Jack Hammers and Remote Controlled Floor Scrapers:
We have specalised equipment such as Remote Controlled Floor Scrapers and High Powered Dust-Free Jack Hammers. They are the fastest way to Remove Magnesite Floors.

Dust-Free Jack Hammers and Remote Controlled Floor Scrapers are simply the easiest and best way to remove Magnesite Floors. However, this equipment is best left up to the professionals to use. Leaving the Magnesite Flooring Removal project up to the professionals is simply the fastest way to Remove Magnesite Floors.

Our team has the highest quality and most expensive Demolition Equipment, as well as Concrete Grinding equipment to remove the Magnesite Flooring Residue.

What Is The Best Tool For Magnesite Flooring Removal?

When it comes to tools for Magnesite Flooring Removal, you should stick to two options.

• DEMOLITION: Walk Behind or Remote Controlled Floor Scrapers, Jack Hammers, and Dust Extraction Equipment.
  or
• GRINDING: Walk Behind Concrete Grinders, Hand Grinders, and Dust Extraction Equipment.
  

Do You Offer Discounts For Larger Jobs When Removing Magnesite Flooring?

Yes, we offer large discounts for larger Magnesite Flooring Removal jobs while Removing Magnesite Flooring. We Will NEVER Be Beaten On Price. We will always have the lowest and most competitive prices for all Magnesite Flooring Removal jobs!

We Are Happy To Beat Competitor’s Quotes By Up To 10%!

Please visit our Commercial Flooring Removal page for more information on our discount prices for larger areas.

Can You Work After Hours While Removing Magnesite Flooring?

Yes, our Dust-Free Magnesite Flooring Removal specialist team can work:

– Any Day
– Anytime
– 24 Hours A Day
– 7 Days A Week
– 365 Days A Year

Our team can work at any time that suits our clients while Removing Magnesite Flooring. If you have time restrictions, noise restrictions, or any other restrictions or deadlines, we can make sure that we can fit them into your schedule to make sure that your job is completed in the time frame needed while still maintaining the highest quality of work standards at any time that you desire with NO additional charges!

Why Choose Magnesite Flooring Removal Sydney Over Our Competitors?

Cleaner Magnesite Flooring Removal

Dust extraction equipment that is plugged directly into the tool will stop dust from spreading throughout your property, especially in hard-to-clean areas.

Magnesite Flooring Removal Sydney utilizes a Dust-Free Magnesite Flooring Removal system. Our specialty equipment is top-of-the-line and state-of-the-art. The equipment we use does not require the installation of plastic room containment systems, which sets us apart from other competitors.

The difference shows itself in how our equipment functions. By suctioning the dust directly from the flooring as it is removed, our equipment prevents this dust from ever becoming airborne. Because airborne dust has always been one of the major concerns with Magnesite Flooring Removal, replacement, and renovation projects, our specialized technology and Dust-Free equipment are cleaner and more environmentally friendly than traditional Magnesite Flooring Removal.

Faster Magnesite Flooring Removal

Our equipment is also faster and stronger than other Magnesite Flooring Removal companies. Our equipment is stronger and more durable than other Magnesite Flooring Removal tools and technologies, which means the actual work of removing the Magnesite Floor goes faster.

Cleanup after the Magnesite Flooring Removal is also a breeze. The lack of airborne dust and debris means projects can move forward in less time, bringing our clients into the installation phase of their renovation. Our equipment also leaves behind a flatter and cleaner subsurface. This means there is less preparation work needed on the actual concrete base material before the new coating can be installed.

Affordable and Efficient Magnesite Flooring Removal

Utilizing a cleaner, faster, more efficient set of equipment, our Magnesite Flooring Removal team can save you time and money. Our affordable services will help you undertake your project while still staying within budget. Our clients save time by using our services to ensure they can get to the next part of their project on time without delays.

Our Promise To You At Dust-Free Magnesite Flooring Removal Sydney

We specialise in Magnesite Flooring Removal and Removing Magnesite Floor Dust-Free! for the residential, commercial, industrial, and civil sectors throughout Sydney. No job is too big or too small. We’ve built our reputation based on quality workmanship, efficient service, and value for money.

We will always beat all of our competitor’s quotes on all Magnesite Flooring Removal jobs while maintaining a professional, fast, and efficient service for all our clients. We will remove all the Magnesite Flooring and dispose of all of the waste so that your concrete is safe and ready for the re-installation of a new coating.

Our team has over 35 years of experience combined with the most skilled and also the most professional Magnesite Flooring Removal and Magnesite Floor Removal team that Sydney has to offer. You can have peace of mind knowing that we have been through it all and seen it all!

While Removing Magnesite Floor and Magnesite Flooring Dust-Free! from your roof, our team will always take the utmost care to avoid any accidental minor damage. You can also rest assured knowing that we are fully insured as well and use only the highest quality dust extraction equipment free of charge on all Magnesite Flooring Removal jobs to give our customers a Dust-Free! Magnesite Flooring Removal and Concrete Grinding experience.

These are two of the many reasons that we are known for and often referred to as the best Magnesite Flooring Removal team in Sydney. Our Magnesite Flooring Removal teams are trained, certified, and insured to work on residential properties, large commercial projects, and construction sites.

Hire our specialist Magnesite Flooring Removal team with over 35 years of experience, all the trucks, and specialized tools needed to get the job done quickly, efficiently, and affordably today!

We’re looking forward to extending to you the same quality results that we’ve become known for throughout the industry.