Renovate Without Demolition: The Complete Guide to Microverlay® Isoplam Microcement
Renovate Without Demolition: The Complete Guide to Microverlay® Microcement by Isoplam
Home renovation is often seen as a logistical nightmare: deafening noise, dust everywhere, debris disposal, and extended construction times. Many homeowners give up on modernizing their spaces just to avoid the stress of demolition. Moreover, in historic centers like Cefalù, debris removal and site access become a real challenge!
But what if we told you there’s a way to completely transform your floors and coverings without removing a single tile?
We at Marenetto Build, as certified partners and applicators, want to introduce you to the solution that has revolutionized modern interior design: Isoplam’s Microverlay® Microcement.
What Exactly Is Microverlay®?
Often mistaken for common "resins," Microverlay is technically a decorative coating made from cementitious and polymer-based materials. Its strength lies in an engineering paradox: it has an imperceptible thickness (only 3 millimeters) yet boasts extraordinary mechanical and wear resistance.
Unlike pure epoxy resins that can yellow or scratch easily, Isoplam’s cement base gives the material a natural, textured look with superior durability. It’s the preferred choice for architects and designers who want seamless surfaces—meaning no grout lines.
Where Can We Apply It?
The versatility of Microverlay is nearly limitless. As experienced applicators, we at Marenetto Build have worked on:
- Existing Floors: Tiles, marble, mosaic, sand-cement screeds.
- Vertical Walls: Drywall or plaster.
- Furniture Elements: Kitchen countertops, tables, bathroom cabinets.
- Damp Areas: Inside showers, bathtubs, kitchen backsplashes.
The Application Process: The Importance of Isoplam Certification
Many think microcement is a "DIY" product. Nothing could be further from the truth. Applying Microverlay is a complex artisanal process requiring chemical precision and artistic skill.
Being Isoplam certified means strictly following the official application cycle to ensure the floor neither cracks nor peels over time. Here’s how we work:
- Surface Preparation: This is the most critical phase. The old floor is sanded and cleaned. If tiles are present, we apply a specific primer and possibly fiberglass mesh to even out the surface and prevent underlying grout lines from "rising" to the surface (the so-called ghosting effect).
- Base Application: We spread the first coat of Microverlay Base or Medium, which provides body and strength to the structure.
- Decorative Finish: This is where artistry comes into play. We apply Microverlay Finish with a trowel. Depending on hand movement, we can create cloud-like effects, more textured looks, or smooth minimalist finishes.
- Sanding: Between coats, the surface is sanded to ensure softness to the touch.
- Final Protection: The decisive step. We apply specific protective coatings such as Plam Pol (a polyurethane resin) that makes the floor water-repellent, stain-resistant, and scratch-proof.
Microcement vs Tiles vs Parquet: A Comparison
To help you choose, we’ve compared Microverlay with traditional alternatives.
| Feature | Isoplam Microverlay | Tiles (Porcelain) | Parquet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 3 mm (No need to cut doors) | 10-14 mm (Door cutting required) | 10-20 mm |
| Demolition | No demolition needed | Seldom necessary but often required | Necessary or thick overlay needed |
| Hygiene | Total (Seamless surface) | Averages (Dirt collects in grout lines) | Averages (Joints between planks) | Thermal Conductivity | Excellent (Ideal for underfloor heating) | Good | Poor (Wood is insulating) |
| Bespoke Options | Total customization (Color mixed onsite)Capped by catalog options]Capped by wood species]Marenetto Build guarantees this outstanding material is applied with expert craftsmanship.
