If you're renovating an older home or apartment in Australia, you might come across magnesite flooring. This outdated material can hide serious problems. In this article, we'll explain why removing it is essential before installing new floors. Follow us on X at @ElymentGroup or visit elyment.com.au for more tips. What Is Magnesite Flooring? Magnesite flooring was popular in Australian buildings from the 1960s to the 1980s, especially in Sydney apartments. It's a mix of magnesium oxide and chloride, often used as a topping over concrete slabs. At first, it seemed like a great choice for soundproofing and levelling floors. But over time, issues have become clear. The Hidden Dangers of Magnesite Flooring Magnesite absorbs moisture easily, which leads to big problems. Here's why it's risky: Corrosion and Concrete Cancer: The chloride in magnesite can corrode steel reinforcements in concrete, causing expansion and cracks known as concrete cancer. Structural Weakness: If left unchecked, it could lead to ceiling collapses or unstable floors, putting lives at risk. Mould and Health Issues: Moisture buildup breeds mould, which affects air quality and health. Potential Asbestos: Some older magnesite contains asbestos, adding health hazards. These dangers make magnesite flooring removal a must for safe renovations. Why You Can't Just Cover It Up Thinking of laying new carpet or tiles over magnesite? Think again. Covering it doesn't fix the underlying issues. Poor Bonding: New floors won't stick properly, leading to bubbling or lifting. Ongoing Damage: Moisture and corrosion continue, worsening over time. Costly Fixes Later: Ignoring it now means bigger repair bills down the track. Compliance Issues: In strata buildings, owners corporations often require removal for safety. Removing magnesite before new floors ensures a stable base and long-lasting results. The Removal Process: What to Expect Professional magnesite removal involves these steps: Inspection to assess damage and check for asbestos. Safe removal using specialised tools to avoid dust spread. Repairing any concrete damage underneath. Applying a waterproof membrane for protection. Always hire experts like Elyment Group to handle it safely. Learn more about our services here. Benefits of Removing Magnesite Flooring Investing in removal pays off: Increased property value and safety. Better indoor air quality without mould risks. Smooth installation of modern floors like timber or vinyl. Peace of mind knowing your building is structurally sound. Key Takeaways Here's a quick summary: Magnesite flooring causes corrosion, mould, and structural risks. Never cover it—remove it for a proper foundation. Professional removal prevents future headaches. Contact experts for safe handling. Inspired by expert insights from Carpet Removal Sydney. * { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; } .cta-container { text-align: center; margin-top: 40px; } .cta-btn { background-color: #022b5f; color: #ffffff; border: none; padding: 14px 32px; border-radius: 8px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 600; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif; box-shadow: 0 8px 20px rgba(2, 43, 95, 0.3); transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; } .cta-btn:hover { background-color: #16443e; box-shadow: 0 12px 30px rgba(22, 70, 138, 0.6); transform: translateY(-2px); } Secure Your Home Now – Remove Magnesite Today!