Discover why magnesite floors in Vaucluse & Sydney homes are a ticking time bomb. Learn the signs of failure and the expert process for removal and floor levelling.Beneath the stunning herringbone timber, luxury carpet, or polished tiles of many beautiful Vaucluse and Eastern Suburbs homes lies a hidden problem: magnesite. If your home was built between the 1960s and 1980s, you could be facing a ticking time bomb that threatens not only your new flooring but also the structural integrity of your subfloor.But what exactly is it, and why has it become such a critical issue for renovations in NSW? More importantly, how do you fix it properly?What is Magnesite? (And Why Is It a Problem in Sydney?)Magnesite flooring was once a popular, cheap solution for floor levelling and soundproofing in apartment blocks and homes across Sydney. It was essentially a compound of magnesium oxychloride, wood chips, and sometimes asbestos, trowelled over a concrete slab.The problem? Magnesite is highly hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. In a humid, coastal climate like Vaucluse, this is a recipe for disaster.Over time, the trapped moisture causes the magnesite to break down and release chloride ions. This creates a highly corrosive environment that attacks the steel reinforcement (rebar) within your concrete slab, leading to "concrete cancer."The Ticking Time Bomb: Signs Your Magnesite Floor is FailingAre you noticing any of these warning signs?Lifting or "drummy" tiles: Your tiles sound hollow when tapped.Cracking in grout or flooring: Unexplained cracks are appearing.A spongy feeling underfoot: The floor feels soft or uneven.Visible rust stains: Brown or reddish stains weeping from the concrete or tile grout.Persistent musty smell: A damp odour you can't seem to locate.Ignoring these signs can lead to catastrophic damage and repair bills that skyrocket. The only solution is complete, professional removal.The Solution: Professional Magnesite RemovalThis is not a DIY job. Magnesite removal is a specialist task that requires precision, experience, and the right equipment to protect both your property and your health (especially if asbestos is present).Our team at Elyment Group specialises in floor preparation services across NSW. We use state-of-the-art dust extraction systems and grinding equipment to safely and efficiently remove all traces of magnesite, right back to the original concrete slab.Beyond Removal: The Art of Perfect Floor LevellingOnce the magnesite is gone, the next step is arguably the most crucial for your renovation's success: floor levelling.The underlying concrete slab is almost never perfectly flat. To install any premium flooring—be it large format tiles, engineered timber, or polished concrete—you need a flawlessly level subfloor.This is where true expertise shines. We use high-performance, cement-based self-levelling compounds to create a surface that is:Perfectly Level: Eliminating all dips, bumps, and imperfections.Strong & Durable: Providing a stable foundation that lasts.Ready for Installation: Ensuring your new flooring warranty is valid and the final finish is impeccable.Why trust your Vaucluse renovation to anything less? A poor subfloor guarantees a poor finish, no matter how expensive your new floor is.Key Takeaways: Your Flooring ChecklistHere’s a quick summary for busy Sydney homeowners:Identify: Magnesite is common in Sydney-area properties built from the 1960s-1980s.Act: Don't ignore signs like cracking tiles or hollow sounds.Remove: Always use a professional for magnesite removal to avoid structural damage and health risks.Level: Flawless floor levelling is non-negotiable for a luxury finish.Trust: Choose a specialist like @ElymentGroup who understands the unique challenges of NSW properties.Don't let a hidden floor flaw compromise your dream renovation. Secure a perfect foundation for your home by visiting elyment.com.au.