Sydney, NSW – For owners of apartments built between the 1960s and 1980s, the discovery of magnesite flooring can be a prelude to a significant financial headache. This once-popular flooring material is now a known culprit for “concrete cancer,” a serious structural issue that can devalue your property and pose safety risks. The big question for many Sydney residents in 2025 is: can you get insurance to cover magnesite removal and the associated concrete cancer repairs? This guide will walk you through the complexities of insurance claims and strata responsibilities for this growing problem.
What is Magnesite Flooring and Why is it a Problem?
Magnesite is a cement-like flooring material that was used for its soundproofing and levelling qualities. However, its composition is its downfall. Magnesite is porous and absorbs moisture, which leads to the release of corrosive chloride ions. These ions seep into the concrete slab below, causing the steel reinforcements to rust and expand. This expansion leads to cracking and crumbling of the concrete, a condition known as concrete cancer.
Key Takeaways
- Magnesite flooring is a common issue in older Sydney apartment blocks.
- It can lead to “concrete cancer,” which is a serious structural problem.
- Insurance coverage for magnesite removal is rare, but you may be covered for concrete cancer repairs.
- Strata bylaws play a crucial role in determining who pays for what.
- Always get professional advice from a remedial builder and check with your strata manager.
Is Magnesite Removal Covered by Insurance?
Unfortunately, most standard home and contents insurance policies, as well as strata insurance policies, do not cover the cost of magnesite removal. This is because the issue is seen as a result of a pre-existing building defect or gradual wear and tear, rather than a sudden and unforeseen event, which is what insurance typically covers.
However, the situation is more nuanced when it comes to the resulting damage, i.e., concrete cancer. While the removal of the magnesite itself may not be covered, the repair of the concrete slab might be. This is where you need to carefully review your strata’s insurance policy and bylaws.
Strata’s Responsibility: What You Need to Know
In New South Wales, the concrete slab is generally considered common property. This means that the owners’ corporation (strata) is responsible for its maintenance and repair. Historically, this has meant that strata would cover the costs of both magnesite removal and concrete cancer repairs. However, many strata schemes are now amending their bylaws to shift the cost of magnesite removal to the individual lot owner. As of 2025, it is crucial to check your strata’s current bylaws to understand their position.
How to Approach a Magnesite-Related Insurance Claim in 2025
If you discover magnesite flooring and suspect concrete cancer, here are the steps you should take:
- Contact Your Strata Manager: Inform them of the issue immediately. They will be able to advise you on the correct procedure according to your building’s bylaws.
- Get a Professional Assessment: Engage a qualified remedial builder, like our team at Elyment Group, to inspect the flooring and the extent of the damage. They can provide a detailed report that you can present to your strata committee.
- Review Your Strata’s Insurance Policy: Request a copy of the strata’s insurance policy and review it carefully with your strata manager. Look for any clauses related to building defects and concrete cancer.
- Lodge a Claim (If Applicable): If it appears that the concrete cancer repairs are covered, your strata manager can help you lodge a claim with the insurer.
The Bottom Line
Navigating the world of magnesite removal and concrete cancer insurance claims can be complex. The key is to be proactive and informed. While insurance is unlikely to cover the removal of the magnesite itself, you may have a case for coverage of the resulting concrete cancer repairs through your strata’s policy. Always work closely with your strata manager and a reputable remedial builder to ensure the best outcome for your property.
For expert advice on magnesite removal and concrete cancer repairs in Sydney, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can follow us on X @ElymentGroup or visit our website at https://elyment.com.au/.