In older Australian buildings, especially in Sydney, magnesite flooring hides a ticking time bomb. Delaying magnesite removal isn't just inconvenient—it's a path to soaring repair bills and structural headaches. Let's explore why acting now saves you money and stress. This article draws ideas from expert insights on magnesite removal costs in Sydney from Elyment Group. Follow us on X at @ElymentGroup or visit elyment.com.au for more. What is Magnesite Flooring? Magnesite flooring was popular in Australian apartments from the 1920s to the 1980s. It's a cement-like topping applied over concrete slabs for soundproofing and levelling. Composed of magnesium oxychloride cement (Sorel cement) mixed with fillers like sawdust or wood flour, and sometimes asbestos, it results in a reddish-brown, semi-elastic surface. Historically, it peaked in usage during the 1950s–1970s in NSW apartment blocks, but over time, it absorbs moisture, releasing chlorides that corrode steel reinforcements—leading to "concrete cancer." Dive Deeper with Our New Guide We've just added a comprehensive resource: "Magnesite Flooring in Australia – Full Technical and Historical Overview." This detailed infosheet covers everything from its origins in the 1920s to modern hazards and removal best practices. Download it here: Elyment Magnesite Complete InfoSheet. The Hidden Dangers of Magnesite If left untreated, magnesite breaks down, causing cracks, spalling, and weakened structures. This isn't just cosmetic; it threatens safety and property value. Issues include chloride leaching leading to rebar corrosion, potential asbestos exposure, and failure to meet modern fire standards due to combustible fillers. Moisture buildup leads to rust in reinforcements. Asbestos risks in older installations require safe handling. Strata laws in NSW often mandate removal by owners corporations. Financial Implications of Delaying Magnesite Removal The cost of delaying magnesite removal can escalate quickly. Initial removal might cost $40–$50 per square metre, but waiting could triple that with added repairs. Non-removal can lead to escalated structural and legal costs. Early Stage Costs: Simple removal and grinding: $50–$110 per square metre. Delayed Damage: Concrete cancer repairs could hit $10,000–$50,000 per unit. Legal Fees: Strata disputes or insurance claims add thousands. One Sydney strata building faced a $100,000 bill after ignoring signs, per industry reports. Don't let neglect turn into a financial disaster. Benefits of Timely Magnesite Removal Acting fast protects your investment. Professional services like those from Elyment Group ensure dust-free, efficient removal, including hazard assessment, mechanical grinding, and safe disposal. Increased property value with modern, safe flooring. Avoidance of emergency fixes and downtime. Compliance with Australian building standards. Key Takeaways Here's a quick summary: Delaying magnesite removal leads to higher costs from structural damage. Average removal: $40–$50/sqm; delays can add tens of thousands. Prioritise inspection in older Sydney buildings. Download our new guide for a full technical and historical overview: Magnesite Flooring in Australia. Contact experts like Elyment Group for advice. For more on Sydney magnesite flooring issues, check our services page. * { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; } .cta-container { text-align: center; padding: 40px 20px; background: #fdfdfd; } .cta-btn { background-color: #e67e22; color: #ffffff; border: none; padding: 14px 32px; border-radius: 6px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 600; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, sans-serif; text-align: center; display: inline-block; box-shadow: 0 6px 15px rgba(230, 126, 3, 0.3); transition: all 0.3s ease-in-out; } .cta-btn:hover { background-color: #cf6415; box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(217, 107, 27, 0.5); transform: translateY(-2px); } Safeguard Your Property Today!