MAGNESITE REMOVAL
What is magnesite?
Magnesite was a building material commonly used in the 1960s and 70s. It was used as a floor levelling compound and an acoustic barrier to supress noise between levels in Strata buildings.
Magnesite is made from ingredients such as Magnesium Oxychloride, it is a cementitious substance.
Although a great idea at the time, regrettably when magnesite becomes wet over a prolonged period of time it releases its contents of chloride ions into the porous concrete below.
As a result, the reinforcement steel within the concrete begins to rust.
Why remove magnesite?
When magnesite becomes wet it will cause concrete cancer. It is only a matter of time before this happens. In my experience it is a frequent occurrence beneath south facing windows, under east facing balcony doors and outside bathroom and kitchen areas. Why? Because these areas are often subject to water ingress.
Unfortunately on most occasions Owners Corporations will not have a choice by the time the remedial contractor is called and the magnesite must be removed to access the concrete under attack from concrete cancer.
In proactive situations magnesite should be removed before it causes concrete cancer. Some Owners Corporations make this a requirement taking advantage of a period where a lot owner may be changing floor coverings or renovating an apartment.
Who can remove magnesite?
We can remove magnesite quickly and cost effectively. We start by taking a sample of it and having it tested for asbestos, this costs about $120 and gives everybody piece of mind. This test will help to determine what happens next.
We then proceed to appropriately remove the magnesite. The concrete floor is then relined with a topping compound such as sand and cement or other levelling compounds depending on the situation.
We remove magnesite and repair concrete cancer affected floors!