Microcement Bathroom

Yes, Forcrete describes its microcement system as waterproof before the sealer is applied. That is a material property, not a guarantee that every finished shower is automatically watertight. The substrate, corners, penetrations and drain connection must be suitable and carefully detailed. The sealer remains part of the finish and protects against soiling and wear. We assess the complete build-up for use in a bathroom or shower.

In a microcement shower, drainage is addressed during the preparation phase. The subfloor slopes towards the drain so water can flow away. The drain must suit the chosen floor build-up. Corners, penetrations, sealant joints and the drain connection also require appropriate watertight detailing. The waterproof properties of the Forcrete material do not replace these details. Sealant joints need inspection and maintenance. We assess the substrate, gradient and connections before work starts.

Microcement can become slippery when wet. Slip resistance depends on the chosen texture, sealer, contamination and maintenance. A bathroom or shower finish must suit its intended use and wet conditions. Ask for the specification and available test evidence for that exact finish; a test value for another product or texture does not automatically apply to your floor. We discuss this before selecting the material. Proper drainage and suitable maintenance remain necessary.

Microcement can be applied over existing tiles when the substrate is suitable, stable and firmly bonded. We first check adhesion, cracks, joints, flatness and moisture. Cleaning, mechanical preparation, primer and the subsequent build-up are selected accordingly. A floor and a shower wall do not automatically receive the same system. Repairs or additional levelling may still be needed; unsuitable areas need addressing first. Keeping suitable tiles can reduce demolition work. Learn more: Read when microcement over tiles is possible.

Our terms distinguish three stages after completion: at least 48 hours before light use, 7 days before water exposure and 28 days before full use. No standing water is allowed on the floor during the first 4 weeks. This is not automatic clearance to shower after a week: the waiting period also depends on the sealer used and site conditions. Follow the product-specific maintenance protocol provided at handover. Ask us to confirm the waiting period for your finish before water exposure; a longer product-specific waiting period takes precedence. Learn more: Read the warranty and usage terms.

A standard floor project takes an average of five to seven working days, depending on the surface area and complexity. This includes substrate preparation, primer, reinforcement mesh, scratch coat, multiple layers of microcement and the final sealer. Each operation follows the specified drying and recoating times. A bathroom typically takes five working days. It is smaller, but takes more time per square metre because of waterproofing and detailing around drains, niches and connections. Curing after completion is additional. Our terms specify at least 48 hours before light use, 7 days before water exposure and 28 days before full use. No standing water is allowed on the floor during the first 4 weeks. These periods do not replace the product-specific maintenance protocol. Ask us to confirm the waiting period for your finish before water exposure; a longer product-specific waiting period takes precedence.

The thickness of the microcement finish is not the same as the complete floor build-up. Preparation, repairs, levelling and the selected base system can add height. Agree the complete build-up for your substrate and check doors, skirting and adjoining floors. Our interactive floor guide explains the components; the illustrated thicknesses are schematic. Learn more: View the interactive floor build-up.

Yes. Floors carry a three-year warranty including liquid-tightness, starting at full completion. The conditions are that you follow the maintenance protocol you receive at handover, and that sanitary skirting and sealant are fitted in wet rooms. Outside the warranty fall cracking caused by structural movement or subsidence of the building, wear from normal use, moisture problems in a substrate we did not lay, and damage from acids, abrasives, dyes or steam cleaners. The full text is in our terms and conditions. Learn more: Read the warranty and usage terms.

The room has to be empty, clean, safe and free of draughts, with adequate lighting. Empty means genuinely empty: furniture out, and in a bathroom the sanitary ware disconnected or removed as far as needed. We discuss that beforehand so you know what you arrange and what we do. Any change to colour or planning should reach us at least three weeks before the start date. Beyond that we provide the dust screens and protect the rest of the home. Learn more: Discuss your project.

Remove sand and dirt regularly and, after the permitted curing period, use a suitable pH-neutral cleaner according to the care instructions. Avoid abrasives, acids and steam cleaners. Protect the floor with appropriate furniture pads and inspect sealant joints in wet rooms. Signs of use depend on the finish, loading and care; a floor does not automatically stay identical for years. Dirt in the texture may eventually require professional cleaning. Confirm a method suitable for your finish first. Learn more: Read how to clean and care for microcement, Read our real-world experience of daily use.

Yes, in some cases. We first assess whether the issue is soiling, wear of the protection or damage to the microcement or substrate. That determines whether suitable cleaning, maintenance of the protective layer, local repair or refinishing a larger area is appropriate. Maintenance wax or a new sealer coat is not a standard remedy for every scratch or dull spot. First have the treatment confirmed as suitable for your existing finish. Local repair may be possible. Differences in colour, texture and sheen may remain visible; we do not promise an invisible repair. Whether local repair or refinishing a larger area is appropriate depends on the damage and existing build-up. Cracks or loose material also require assessment of the cause. Refinishing over existing microcement is only possible if the existing build-up is suitable. Send overview and detail photos and tell us which products have already been used, so we can discuss the next step. Learn more: Discuss your project.