Microcement is a variety of cement obtained from high-strength polymers, resins, agglomerating elements and very fine-grained aggregates. It has a long history of use in architecture and construction. However, its use for aesthetic purposes as a covering in continuous flooring is somewhat more recent. Let us look at the reasons why this is possible:
It is a material that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Its installation only raises the floor level by about 3 mm. As it also has a high adhesion on different types of surfaces, it does not require the removal of the existing surface. It is also a flooring without separations or joins, totally continuous and with a wide variety of finishes and colours. On the other hand, temperature changes do not cause it to expand or contract significantly, which makes it a material with great mechanical capacities. Finally, it lacks the property of being a thermal insulator, so it can be used in underfloor heating. As if all of the above were not enough, microcement also requires simple, quick and economical maintenance: surface cleaning with water and a mild detergent (thanks to the fact that it has no joins).
For its use in architecture and construction, it is necessary to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. These usually refer to the preparation of the base surface, which must be sanded beforehand and then be free of moisture and dust. After an initial priming, it is advisable to apply fibreglass mesh. Next, the microcement is applied in successive layers, normally 2 to 3. Finally, the floor is sealed, which protects the floor and gives the surface a non-slip and waterproof finish, making it suitable for a wide range of uses.
By José MarÃa Núñez, Senior Architect in the Architecture Department of Amusement Logic
