What’s The Difference Between Microcement and Concrete?
Three decades ago, our SEMCO engineers developed X-Bond Microcement as a surfacing alternative to traditional concrete walls, floors and joinery. Although concrete and microcement can look so similar, they’re vastly different when it comes to application and chemical composition.
In this article, we’ll take you through the differences between microcement and concrete, and why X-Bond is fast becoming the top choice of homeowners, architects, and builders around the world.
Molecular adhesion
Are you wondering; what is microcement made of? SEMCO X-Bond Microcement is mixed from stone and liquid polymer. The polymers are what enables it to bond at a molecular level with almost any hard substrate. These types of building materials are known as a surface overlay, meaning they’re applied by hand over another surface. While bad quality overlays have a bad reputation, X-Bond was formulated with long-lasting performance in mind — having three decades of case studies to prove it.
In contrast, concrete is created from a mixture of cement, water, sand, and rock — lacking those all-important polymers.
Remodel without removal
Due to its advanced adhesion (thanks polymers!), microcement can be installed over a wide range of existing substrates — including timber, tiles, plaster, brick, ply, plaster, laminate and concrete.
Concrete on the other hand can’t be poured over an old surface, meaning you’d need to go through the process of demolition before installing it.
This is why X-Bond Microcement is a much more convenient choice for home renovations. The Remodel Without Removal system saves time and costs on remodels and resurfacing projects, while also decreasing output to landfill.
Below is a before and after transformation, where X-Bond was installed over existing floor and wall tiles.
Seamlessly hand-applied
While they look similar, a key comparison between concrete and microcement is the application process.
Microcement is hand-applied, meaning no mess or machines are required. So, choosing X-Bond means less debris and minimal equipment for an easier and more efficient application.
There’s also no need for expansion joints or grout lines. X-Bond is installed as a continuous covering for a seamless, uniform look. This is great news if you’re looking to cover an entire room from floor to ceiling, or are sick of scrubbing your shower tiles and want something easier to maintain.
Minimal thickness
At approximately 1/4” thick, X-Bond Microcement is a lot thinner than concrete. This broadens the scope of application, as it’s an easier and faster way to cover intricate surfaces when compared to pouring a concrete slab. SEMCO has facilitated X-Bond Microcement installation on: floors, walls, ceilings, pools, staircases, coffee tables, basins, desks, and joinery.
Moreover, this means it won’t alter the load-bearing capacity of your surfaces, nor will it impact door heights if applied over an existing floor, for example.
Despite this thinness, X-Bond Microcement has the same structural integrity and resistance to cracks as concrete (see below!).
Durability and practicality anywhere
In fact, being one of the most flexible microcements on the market means that X-Bond is much less likely to crack as the structure underneath naturally moves over time — provided the substrate isn’t damaged before application. Concrete is more rigid, and therefore more prone to cracking with building settlement.
Some people also worry that microcement isn’t practical for wet areas. While it’s true that some microcements can’t be waterproofed, X-Bond can! Our SEMCO Liquid Membrane provides a continuous waterproofing barrier, while also boasting exceptional adhesion and anti-fracture benefits.
When installed with Liquid Membrane, you can create an X-Bond pool (from spas to olympic sized), garden, shower, sauna, or basin with no problems.
Versatile finishes and colors
Concrete can be hard to customise. Texturally, you can go for either polished or raw. And beyond the classic greys, it isn’t easy to get colorful (but we do have a solution for changing your concrete’s color if you need).
X-Bond Microcement, however, comes in a wide range of textures and colors. You can still achieve the concrete look that you love, or you can explore other options — giving you plenty of design freedom. You can even create your very own custom colour, if you really want to make your project unique. Discover the SEMCO X-Bond Microcement range.
Three bathrooms, similar but different:
In conclusion, there are many reasons why microcement is becoming a popular concrete alternative. We still love concrete, but a microcement system like X-Bond might be a better fit if you’re looking to remodel or seeking greater versatility. Get in touch to talk all things X-Bond with our expert team.
