What decides how long microcement lasts?
Three things decide it: whether the substrate is stable, whether the installation controls movement with joint sealing and fibre mesh, and whether the sealer is kept up. Microcement is a thin coating, so it follows whatever lies beneath it. When a surface fails early, the cause is typically the installation or the upkeep rather than the material.
The 15-20+ year figure describes a correctly installed and maintained surface. It is not a warranty term. A 2-year written warranty is provided on microcement installations. This does not affect your statutory rights.
The condition of the floor or wall is assessed before any work begins, which is why the first of the five steps is a technical assessment. The full system is set out on the microcement in London page.
Does microcement crack?
It can, when the substrate beneath it moves and the installation does nothing to control that movement. Microcement is a thin coating, so it follows what it is bonded to. Joint sealing and fibre mesh reinforcement are the controls, and both are part of step three of the five-step system.
Step three of the five-step system is reinforcement and structural control. Joint sealing and fibre mesh reinforcement are applied to the substrate to control the movement that causes cracking in a thin coating.
Early failure typically has one of three causes:
- Substrate movement that was never controlled. A flexing subfloor or a live structural crack transfers movement to a thin coating.
- Missing reinforcement. Joint sealing and fibre mesh sit beneath the finish and are invisible once it is complete.
- Unsealed joints and an unmaintained sealer. In a wet area, water reaches the substrate when the protective layer is not renewed.
Does microcement stain or scratch?
A sealed surface resists staining better than bare cement, which is porous, so the sealer does the protective work. It is also a wearing layer: abrasive pads, dragged objects and harsh chemicals can mark it. Wipe spills promptly, and put hot pans on a trivet rather than straight onto the surface.
What are the disadvantages of microcement?
Microcement needs resealing on a schedule, it depends on the condition of the substrate beneath it, and a thin coating can crack if that substrate moves. It asks for care with hot pans, abrasives and harsh chemicals, and it is a specialist installation. A technical assessment identifies substrate problems before work begins.
Pros and cons at a glance
| In favour | To weigh up |
|---|---|
| A finish with no grout lines | Resealing on a schedule |
| A thin coating that adds little height to an existing floor | Depends on the condition of the substrate |
| One finish for floors, walls, wet rooms, kitchens and staircases | Care needed with hot pans, abrasives and harsh chemicals |
The microcement cost guide sets out what drives the price, and the comparison of microcement, resin and polished concrete floors covers how it differs from resin and polished concrete.
How do you clean microcement?
Clean with a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth or damp mop. Avoid abrasive pads, scouring powders and harsh chemicals, which wear the sealer. Wipe wet areas after use and lift grit from floors promptly. Follow the product guidance for your own installation, because sealers differ.
How often does microcement need resealing?
Wet areas are resealed every 2-3 years and living areas every 4-5 years. Resealing renews the protective layer and is not a re-installation. Other areas depend on water exposure and use, and the interval for each surface is confirmed at survey.
| Surface | Reseal interval |
|---|---|
| Bathrooms, showers and wet rooms | Every 2-3 years |
| Living areas and bedroom floors | Every 4-5 years |
| Kitchens, hallways, staircases and walls | Depends on water exposure and use; confirmed at survey |
Can microcement be repaired?
Resealing is routine maintenance. Whether a damaged area can be patched or needs recoating depends on the damage and the substrate, and it is assessed case by case. Whether Atelier repairs work installed by another contractor is confirmed on enquiry.
What should you avoid on a sealed surface?
Avoid abrasive pads and scouring powders, harsh chemicals, hot pans placed straight onto the surface, dragged heavy or sharp objects, and spills left to stand. Each of these wears the sealer, which is the layer that protects the finish and is renewed on the intervals above.
Frequently asked questions
How long does microcement last?
Correctly installed and resealed, microcement is expected to last 15-20 years or more. That is an expectation, not a guarantee, and it is separate from the 2-year written warranty.
Does microcement crack?
It can, when the substrate beneath it moves and the installation does nothing to control that movement. Joint sealing and fibre mesh reinforcement are the controls.
How often does microcement need resealing?
Wet areas are resealed every 2-3 years and living areas every 4-5 years. Other areas depend on water exposure and use, and the interval is confirmed at survey.
How do you clean microcement?
Use a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth or damp mop, and avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemicals. Follow the product guidance for your installation.
Does microcement stain?
A sealed surface resists staining better than bare cement, which is porous, so the sealer does the protective work. Wipe spills promptly and renew the sealer on schedule.
Can microcement last in a wet room or shower?
Microcement is water-resistant once sealed; waterproofing comes from the tanking membrane beneath. Wet areas are resealed every 2-3 years.
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