Table of Contents:

• Why Common Problems Happen in Micro Cement Floors

• Preventing Cracks: Structural Considerations

  • Substrate Movement and Flexibility

  • Expansion Joints

• Avoiding Discoloration in Micro Cement Floors

  • Homogeneous Pigment Mixing

  • Environmental Factors and Drying Times

• Moisture Control for Micro Cement Floors

• FAQs

• Call to M Work: Get Expert Solutions for Micro Cement Problems

Why Common Problems Happen in Micro Cement Floors

Micro cement flooring is durable and handsome, yet not without its problems. Cracking, discoloration, and moisture seepage are just some of the problems poor installation practices, environmental factors, or lack of maintenance can cause. Not only will knowing why these things happen allow property owners to avoid costly repairs, but it also helps ensure years of satisfaction with micro cement floors.

Preventing Cracks: Structural Considerations

The most frequent problem found with micro cement flooring is cracking. In all such cases, cracks do not necessarily relate to the quality of the material used but are usually caused by movement of the substrate, incorrect preparation, or even thermal variation within the ambient environment. How to avoid them is discussed here.

1. Substrate Movement and Flexibility

The typical micro cement layer is thin; in fact, it is normally laid on an existing substrate, be it concrete, tile, or plywood. But probably the most common problem associated with micro cement has to do with its propensity to crack if there is instability in the substrate underneath it, or if it shifts even further following installation. This happens a lot in homes with subfloors of wood or in areas with increased expansion and contraction because of temperature changes.

Solution: The substrate should not be cracked and it has to be solid and stable. In case of a wooden substrate, a reinforcing mesh should be used in order to provide flexibility to the substrate without transferring any movement to the micro cement layer. It also needs that the substrate is cleaned well and any cracks are filled before the beginning of the application.

2. Expansion Joints

In large areas, or even when exposed to temperature changes, not having expansion joints can be harmful. These joints cater to the natural expansion and contraction of the floor mostly in an area experiencing extreme temperature changes.

Solution: Strategically place expansion joints in large open areas or along walls. These expansion joints give space that absorbs the pressure the natural movements cause, thus helping to prevent cracking. Make sure to carefully cover the joints with micro cement for cosmetic reasons.

Avoiding Discoloration in Micro Cement Floors

Discoloration is another problem that affects the beauty of micro cement floors. These are usually caused by poor application or improper pigment mixtures, or even environmental conditions during drying.

1. Homogeneous Pigment Mixing

The richness of color in micro cement is due to the pigments; however, if the latter are not mixed well, unequal patches or streaks may appear on the floor. This could happen when pigments are added to the mixture in an uneven amount or have not been distributed accordingly throughout the mixture.

Solution: The pigment should always be mixed with the micro cement base well. With a mechanical mixer, the mixture will be uniform. If you are covering a large floor area, an even small imperfection in the mixture may be reflected in that area. Also, prepare enough material in one mix to cover a whole floor section as batch-to-batch variation might lead to variations in color of the floor.

2. Environmental Factors and Drying Times

The drying of micro cement is influenced by humidity, temperature, and air circulation; irregularities could be a source of color inhomogeneity or variations in texture. For example, highly humid rooms may delay the drying time for micro cement, creating patches where moisture gets trapped.

Solution: Control environmental conditions in the room during installation and drying. Maintain temperature within acceptable limits, normally between 10°C to 25°C, with adequate ventilation. Avoid working in areas where there are extreme fluctuations in temperature or high humidity, since such an environment can make the material dry and set differently.

Smoothing of Micro Cement Floors: Control of Moisture

Moisture is one of the major problems, mainly in areas like bathrooms or basements. Micro cement is water-resistant; however, it is not completely waterproof if it is not sealed correctly. If one seals it incompletely or does a poor job waterproofing it, then water seeps in and, after some time, weakens the material.

Solution: Apply high-quality, purely waterproof sealers over the micro cement to avoid any damage from moisture. In wet areas, like bathrooms or kitchens, one can lay additional waterproofing membranes under the layer of micro cement as part of a complete barrier against moisture. Then reapply the sealers every 2-3 years, depending on the usage and degree of exposure to water.

FAQs

Q: Is it true that micro cement flooring can crack so easily?

A: They may crack in case the substrate is unstable or doesn't have proper expansion joints. To avoid cracking, in situ strengthening of the substrate and laying expansion joints in larger areas will do the magic.

Q: Why do micro cement floors discolor?

A: Discoloration is often caused by inconsistent pigment mixing, or it is due to environmental factors like humidity, which may be out of control or uneven drying. To avoid this, ensure the pigments are well mixed, and at the time of installation, the environmental conditions must be stable.

Q: How can I prevent moisture damage to micro cement floors?

A: Apply a high-quality sealer and use waterproofing membranes in highly moist prone areas like bathrooms. resealing of floors periodically can be done to maintain its water resistance.

Call to M Work: Your Micro Cement Experts in Metro Vancouver

If you're considering micro cement for your bathroom renovation in the Metro Vancouver area, M Work is here to help. We provide expert micro cement installation services, ensuring a high-quality, seamless finish that lasts for years. Let us guide you through every step of the process, from consultation to the final application.

Contact M Work today to discuss your project and receive a personalized quote. Let us help you create a stunning, modern bathroom with durable, long-lasting micro cement.

Phone: 888 900 4757 (Toll Free)

Email: info@mwork.ca

Location: Unit 105 -1515 Broadway Street, Port Coquitlam, V3C 6M2, BC, Canada

Reach out to M Work for reliable micro cement solutions, and let us bring your vision to life!