Within the hunt for sensible, low-maintenance flooring finishes for our properties, one choice which is pushing to the fore in trendy properties is microcement flooring.
In the event you’re wanting on the totally different forms of flooring obtainable in your self-build or renovation, microcement flooring could also be a great choice to contemplate. With an look much like polished concrete, it is referred to as ‘micro’ as in comparison with different concrete flooring, it’s laid in a far thinner layer of solely round 2-3mm.
However what else is there to find out about microcement and is it appropriate to be used throughout your entire house? Is it restricted to make use of on flooring or can it’s used elsewhere? How is it laid and may you put in it your self?
We requested the specialists all these questions and extra in our information to microcement flooring.
Microcement flooring is not polished concrete flooring
Whereas the completed look of each could also be related, the 2 forms of flooring will not be the identical and there are a selection of variations between microcement flooring and polished concrete flooring.
As beforehand said, microcement flooring is laid in a a lot thinner layer in comparison with the 100mm layer normally required for polished concrete. It additionally requires much less ending, is laid by hand and is mostly much less susceptible to cracks.
“Polished concrete would require diamond sprucing to get it to a sure gloss whereas microcement is completed by hand, and may also be utilized to a a lot bigger floor space earlier than requiring enlargement joints,” explains Jason Hyatt, managing director at The Resin Flooring Co.
“And naturally, maybe one of the crucial benefical causes to householders for utilizing microcement flooring,” provides Jason, “is that it may be laid a lot later within the undertaking because it requires much less drying time.”
“Sharpening concrete is usually a lengthy, messy, expensive course of,” agrees Richie Butt, Technical Director at Relentless Microcement, “and additionally, you will have little management over the tip consequence by way of color and patina.”
Microcement flooring could look much like polished concrete however it’s totally different(Picture credit score: The Resin Flooring Co.)
Jason Hyatt
Jason has been working within the microcement and resin trade since 2010, specialising in specifying and putting in high-end finishes for residential, retail, and business initiatives. He has collaborated with many main architects and designers, and his contributions have additionally led to a number of ideas, merchandise and programs being developed and adopted by many corporations and professionals.
Richie Butt
Richie and Sally, the founders of Relentless, first recognized a possible marketplace for microcement while they had been renovating their very own home again in 2015. Richie’s earlier expertise is in concrete manufacturing, plastering and rendering which means he was properly suited to the work, and Sally, who’s background is in advertising and marketing, constructed the Relentless model. A couple of years on and the product provide has grown significantly to incorporate microcement kits for furnishings, worktops, moist rooms, partitions, flooring and extra.
Sorts of microcement flooring
Microcement is usually known as microtopping, microcemento, microscreed or microcrete, however is mostly a product produced from a combination of cement, polymers, high-quality aggregates and components.
Nevertheless, Jason Hyatt says it’s the addition of various objects akin to epoxy and acrylic which creates the differing types, as follows:
Mono-componentmicrocement: This ‘conventional’ microcement is produced from powder and water. It’s appropriate for many steady surfaces and may be blended with pigment to create most colors, or to imitate the impact of polished concrete. It requires sealing however is low VOC, quick- drying and UV steady.
Bi-component microcement is produced from powder with the addition of polymer liquids which improve flexibility throughout utility. It may be color blended and has extra water and motion resistance. It’s UV steady however could require comparatively longer drying occasions.
Epoxy microcement, because the identify suggests, is produced from powder blended with epoxy resin. Providing further sturdiness and resistance, it is properly suited to high-traffic areas however is finest utilized by an expert. It is much less environmentally pleasant, has low UV stability and extra expensive to purchase and apply.
Acrylic microcement usually comes as a pre-mixed product making for simpler utility on web site. It has good resistance to water and stains, color decisions and a great choice for DIY lovers. It’s, nevertheless, costlier than mono or bi-component microcement. Some decrease VOC variations obtainable.
Putting in microcement flooring
Appropriate surfaces for set up
“Microcement is extremely versatile, so long as you could have a strong, steady floor, you possibly can apply microcement to,” says Richie Butt, with screed and self-levelling compound essentially the most steady.
It is the soundness of the substrate that is likely one of the most vital components of the set up course of, says Jason Hyatt.
“In case you are trying to lay it over tiles in a renovation undertaking, for instance, you would want to examine for cracks, grind the floor of the tiles, apply mesh and epoxy after which the microcement,” he explains. “You may additionally add a self-levelling screed previous to the microcement in case you had been not sure about any discrepancies in ranges.” Discover out extra about what’s concerned with this in tips on how to degree a flooring.
“You can even apply microcement to composite timber flooring like ply and OSB,” says Richie Butt. “Nevertheless, we’d at all times suggest utilizing a excessive efficiency primer, which is able to assist to bridge the joins and add energy to the floor.”
Skilled set up vs DIY
Even with an acceptable floor obtainable, preparation is vital with the intention to keep away from any issues additional down the road. With a clean, crack-free and degree floor your finish objective, it is normally finest utilized by professionals. Though Richie Butt notes how there are a selection of detailed coaching programs which can be free on-line at Relentless Microcement, in addition to various kits which can be designed particularly for DIYers.
Utilizing an expert is the popular selection of Jason Hyatt, who recommends you additionally comply with finest apply when hiring an installer.
“At all times you’ll want to ask which model they are going to be utilizing and if they’re a professional installer for that product,” advises Jason. “Set up if the product is manufactured from high-quality quartz or granite as this can have harder-wearing properties in comparison with these containing marble or ceramic powders.
“Additionally ask to see examples of their work — in individual if doable,” he provides, “and do not be swayed by cheaper quotes. They’re unlikely to provide the end you might be hoping for.”
For a top quality end ensure you select the best installer and the perfect product(Picture credit score: Relentless Microcement)
Timings
In the event you’re questioning at what stage of your construct you must set up microcement flooring, then this is able to moderately rely on the undertaking you are enterprise. “In case you are utilizing it in a brand new self construct or extension, customary process could be for it to be utilized as soon as the screed had dried and cured and the underfloor heating had been commissioned,” explains Jason Hyatt.
In a renovation undertaking it could rely on which room you had been putting in it in and some other work happening after it.
Drying occasions are comparatively fast and depending on the kind of microcement used. “However generally, it is a five-day course of,” says Richie Butt, “with drying occasions in between every coat. After the ultimate sealer is utilized, we recommend it’s left 48 hours earlier than mild use.”
“We might additionally suggest defending flooring for an extra 5 days, or till some other work has completed within the space,” says Jason Hyatt.
Execs and cons of microcement flooring
In the event you desire clear strains and modern finishes, you’ll probably discover microcement flooring interesting because the seamless end is taken into account one of many important professionals of the product. Different positives embrace:
Simple to wash and preserve
Will be color matched to fit your scheme with added pigmentation
Is sturdy and versatile
Solely laid to a depth of 2-3mm lowering the influence on flooring ranges (as a information this is able to be the identical depth of tile adhesive)
Appropriate to be used with underfloor heating
Much less susceptible to cracking
Onerous sporting
Quick drying
Waterproof
Nevertheless, if you’re not sure about your flooring’s energy or substrate, this is likely to be the product for you. Negatives embrace:
If the floor isn’t prepped appropriately it might result in the system failing
Will stain if the best sealant is not used
Wants further care if utilized in bogs or moist rooms the place there are joints between partitions and flooring
Not typically thought of appropriate for outside use
This isn’t typically thought of a low-cost flooring concept – though DIY kits can be found – so it is suitability would possibly come right down to price range
Microcement can be utilized in bogs when the best product and sealants are utilized(Picture credit score: Relentless Microcement)
The price of microcement flooring
The whole price of your microcement flooring undertaking will rely on various elements says Jason Hyatt.
“Your flooring substrate, measurement of the ground to be coated, your own home’s location within the UK and the end required will all affect the ultimate price,” he says.
Anticipate to pay round £140 – £160 plus VAT per m2 for a top quality product and set up. In case you are contemplating a DIY choice, kits begin from £27.50 per m2 advises Richie Butt.
FAQs
How lengthy does microcement flooring final?
“With the best cleansing and upkeep, you possibly can count on microcement flooring to final round 8-10 years,” says Jason Hyatt. “We frequently discover that folks wish to change their flooring for aesthetic causes, moderately than it needing changing.”
Make sure you use non-abrasive merchandise and instruments for cleansing microcement and a impartial soap-based cleaner. Test together with your provider for any particular recommendation as chances are you’ll be suggested to seal it once more after a number of years.
Can I take advantage of it anyplace aside from flooring?
Briefly, sure. So long as the substrate or floor is steady say the specialists, then it may be utilized to partitions, columns, doorways and wardrobes to create a seamless end within the room of your selection.
Are you able to add some other ornamental results to it?
Though the seamless end will attraction to many, there are different ornamental results you can too use. In addition to the addition of pigments supplying you with loads of choices on the subject of being artistic together with your color selection – Jason Hyatt notes how he is even put in a vibrant purple microcement flooring – there are different choices to contemplate.
“We have had clients add objects akin to metallic strips,” says Jason. “We are able to additionally create a tiled impact by reducing joints into the ground after which grouting the joints.”
Are you able to lay different flooring on high of it?
In the event you resolve to alter your microcement flooring, you could have loads of choices says Jason Hyatt. With ample flooring peak obtainable, you could possibly apply a brand new layer in a special color, add tiles, carpet or various kinds of wooden flooring.
Even if in case you have underfloor heating, it is so skinny that it will not stop warmth being transmitted by an extra layer of flooring. (That mentioned, on the subject of underfloor heating with carpet, you’ll need to examine the tog ranking of the brand new carpet to make sure functionality.)
Getting your flooring selection proper is important in any new construct or renovation undertaking, however with merchandise like microcement, all of it begins with the fundamentals of getting the substrate layer proper. In the event you’re simply embarking in your undertaking and nonetheless studying, learn our information to flooring screed first to ensure you know the place to start out.
