NON-RESILIENT TILE: MAGNESITE FLOORS

The composition of these floors is magnesium oxide combined with a strong solution of magnesium chloride to form magnesium oxychloride.  This binder can be combined with sand, gravel and dye to form what appears to be a colored concrete floor.  Or when marble chips are added will resemble Terrazzo.  Magnesite floors are porous and will stain.  Therefore, they must be sealed.  However since magnesium oxychloride is a salt, they cannot be cleaned or sealed with any material that contains soap, or the floor will turn white.  If there is any doubt about the floor, you should test a small area first.

CAUTIONS

• Avoid acids.  Acids will attack Magnesite floors and cause pitting and in case of extreme exposure, loss of strength.
• Avoid harsh alkaline cleaners.  Use only mild or neutral cleaners.  Harsh alkaline cleaners will cause a surface deterioration.
• Avoid crystalline cleaners such as Trisodium Phosphate (T.S.P.).  Crystals formed in the pores of the floor upon evaporation of the cleaning solution extert a sufficient pressure to cause a spalling or chipping of the surface.
• Avoid excessive use of water.  Excessive water in contact with the floor for extended periods will penetrate the surface, exert a leaching action and cause an ultimate deterioration.