Discover expert advice on floor levelling after magnesite removal in Sydney. Learn essential tips for a seamless renovation process to avoid common pitfalls and ensure long-lasting results. Renovating older Sydney homes or units often uncovers hidden challenges, like magnesite flooring. If you're dealing with this outdated material, proper removal and floor levelling are key to a smooth finish. Sydney experts share their top tips to help you navigate the process without headaches. This guide draws ideas from reliable sources like Elyment's best practices and Carpet Removal Sydney's insights. Understanding Magnesite Flooring Magnesite flooring was popular in Sydney buildings from the 1920s to the 1980s. It's a mix of magnesium oxide and fillers, used for soundproofing and levelling concrete slabs in units. While effective back then, it absorbs moisture easily, leading to issues over time. Why Remove Magnesite? Leaving magnesite in place can cause big problems. It releases chlorides that trigger "concrete cancer," rusting steel reinforcements and cracking slabs. In Sydney's humid climate, this is a common headache. Removal also prevents health risks, like potential asbestos exposure in older mixes. Stops structural damage and costly repairs. Prepares the surface for modern flooring like tiles or timber. Boosts property value by addressing hidden defects. The Magnesite Removal Process in Sydney Professional removal starts with testing for asbestos. If clear, teams use dust-free jackhammers to strip the layer, typically 10-50mm thick. The process takes 1-2 days, followed by waste disposal. Costs range from $50-100 per square metre, depending on the area. Concrete Grinding: Preparing the Slab After removal, grinding smooths the concrete and removes residues. Sydney pros recommend grinding 2-5mm deep using dust-free machines. This step costs $20-60 per square metre and ensures no bumps remain. Assess the slab for cracks or damage. Use coarse grits first, then finer ones for polish. Clean thoroughly to ready for levelling. Floor Levelling Essentials Floor levelling creates a flat base for new coverings. Use compounds like Ardex or Mapei, applied after grinding. In Sydney, costs are $40-70 per square metre. Allow 1-2 days for drying before installing flooring. Expert Tips for Effective Floor Levelling Sydney renovation specialists emphasise these strategies for success: Always grind before levelling to avoid uneven results. Choose moisture-resistant compounds for humid areas. Hire locals who know Sydney's building codes. Schedule inspections for concrete cancer early. Use dust-free methods to keep your space clean. Common Mistakes to Avoid Don't skip grinding—it leads to cracking later. Avoid DIY; pros handle safety gear and equipment better. Never level over remaining magnesite, as it can fail within months. Key Takeaways Remove magnesite fully to prevent concrete cancer. Grind and level for a smooth, durable base. Budget $110-230 per square metre total for removal, grinding, and levelling in Sydney. Partner with experts like @ElymentGroup for seamless renovations. visit elyment.com.au. Ready to start your renovation? Contact Sydney's floor levelling experts today. Transform Your Floors Now! .cta-btn { background-color: #e67e22; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 32px; border-radius: 8px; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 600; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; box-shadow: 0 6px 15px rgba(230, 126, 3, 0.3); transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; position: relative; } .cta-btn:hover { background-color: #cf6415; box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(217, 107, 27, 0.5); transform: translateY(-2px); }