Your carpet might be hiding more than just a bit of dust. In many older Australian properties, a subtle shift in the floor could be a warning sign of a serious issue known as magnesite failure. This article will help you understand what to look for and why it’s so important to address it. First things first, what exactly is magnesite? In simple terms, it's a floor-levelling compound that was commonly used in homes and apartments built up until the mid-1970s. While it was once considered a cost-effective solution, it has a major weakness: it doesn't get along with moisture. When magnesite gets wet, it starts to break down, releasing corrosive chlorides that can lead to significant damage to your concrete slab and steel reinforcements a process often called "concrete cancer." What to Look For: 3 Key Signs of Magnesite Failure A failed magnesite floor often leaves behind a few distinct calling cards. Catching these early can save you a fair dinkum amount of time and money in the long run. Here are the three primary signs to watch out for: 1. Lumps and Bumps Ever walked across your carpet and felt an uneven surface underneath? Those aren't just ripples. As magnesite absorbs moisture, it swells up and expands. This causes the compound to delaminate from the concrete slab, creating noticeable lumps and bumps under your floor covering. This is a clear indicator that the material is deteriorating. 2. Cracks and Shifting Floors Magnesite failure can also manifest as cracks in your flooring. As the material expands and the underlying concrete is compromised, pressure builds, leading to visible cracks in the magnesite itself. In some cases, you might notice your floor tiles or other hard floor coverings cracking, which could be a sign of the same underlying issue. It's a proper sign that something is amiss below. 3. Discolouration and Stains Discolouration under your carpet or floorboards is a major red flag. This can appear as dark, damp-looking patches. As the magnesite breaks down and corrodes the steel within your concrete slab, it can cause rust and other staining to bleed through to the surface. It can also produce a faint, unpleasant odour, a sign that the filler material (often sawdust) is rotting. No worries, though—once you spot it, you're on the right track to fixing it. Why Magnesite Removal is the Only Solution Some people might be tempted to simply re-level the floor or cover the issue with a new floor covering. However, this is a bit of a "she'll be apples" approach that just won't cut it. Magnesite is water-soluble, so simply applying a new smoothing compound or waterproofing over it will likely introduce more moisture, accelerating the problem. The only long-term, safe, and effective solution is full removal of the magnesite layer. This allows you to inspect the concrete slab for "concrete cancer" and repair it properly before a new, stable flooring system is installed. Next Steps & Key Takeaways Look for the Signs: Keep an eye out for lumps, cracks, or discolouration under your carpet. Act Fast: Early detection can prevent costly structural damage to your property. Seek an Expert: Don't try to fix it yourself. Removing magnesite requires specialised equipment and expertise to be done safely and effectively. Dealing with magnesite failure might seem like a bit of hard yakka, but the peace of mind knowing your home is structurally sound is worth it. For more information and to get a proper assessment, feel free to visit our website at elyment.com.au or find us on X @ElymentGroup. * { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; } .cta-btn { background-color: #022b5f; /* Deep blue for trust and coastal serenity */ color: white; /* White text for clarity */ border: none; padding: 12px 24px; border-radius: 8px; cursor: pointer; text-align: center; display: inline-block; margin-top: 20px; transition: background-color 0.3s, box-shadow 0.3s ease; box-shadow: 0 0 12px rgba(2, 43, 95, 0.5); /* Initial glow shadow */ font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; /* Bold font for emphasis */ font-size: 16px; } .cta-btn:hover { background-color: #16443e; /* Darker teal-blue on hover for depth */ box-shadow: 0 0 22px rgba(22, 70, 138, 0.7); /* Enhanced glow shadow on hover */ } Run an AI-Powered Magnesite Risk Check Now!