Does Microcement Crack? Causes, Myths, and How Professionals Prevent It

One of the most searched questions about microcement is also the most misunderstood:

Does microcement crack?

The concern is valid. Microcement is a thin, seamless finish applied over existing surfaces, which makes people assume it behaves like paint or plaster. In reality, microcement is a high-performance architectural coating that behaves very differently—when installed correctly.

The short, honest answer is this: Microcement can crack only when the system is poorly designed or incorrectly applied.With a professional, reinforced system, microcement is stable, flexible, and highly resistant to cracking.

At Conmarble, microcement systems are engineered specifically for luxury architecture in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and demanding climates across the GCC

Read: Modern Microcement Wall Designs – The Ultimate Guide for Luxury Architecture

Why People Believe Microcement Cracks

Most online concerns about cracking come from three sources:

• DIY applications

• Low-quality microcement products

• Incorrect substrate preparation

Microcement itself is not the problem. The system behind it is.

Understanding the real causes of cracking explains why professionally installed microcement performs exceptionally well

The Real Causes of Microcement Cracking

1. Unstable or Moving Substrates

Microcement follows the behavior of the surface beneath it.If the substrate moves, cracks, or expands, the finish will reflect that movement.

Common substrate issues include:

• Old or cracked plaster

• Hollow tiles

• Poorly cured concrete

• Moisture-affected surfaces

• Structural movement

This is why professional systems never apply microcement directly onto unstable bases

2. Missing Reinforcement Layers

One of the biggest mistakes in failed projects is skipping reinforcement mesh.

Without fiberglass mesh:

• Micro-movements are not absorbed

• Stress concentrates in small areas

• Hairline cracks appear over time

Professional systems always include full-surface mesh reinforcement.

3. Incorrect Thickness Control

Microcement is designed to work within a precise thickness range.

Too thin:

• Loses flexibility

• Becomes fragile

Too thick:

• Creates internal tension during curing

• Increases cracking risk

The optimal thickness is controlled layer by layer.

Read: How Thick Is Microcement? And Why Thickness Matters for Durability

4. Moisture Exposure Without Waterproofing

Bathrooms, showers, and wet areas require waterproof protection before microcement application.

Without a waterproof membrane:

• Moisture penetrates the substrate

• Adhesion weakens

• Cracking or delamination can occur

This is why microcement bathrooms must be treated as technical wet systems, not decorative surfaces

Read: Is Microcement Waterproof? Everything Architects Need to Know

Does Microcement Crack in Bathrooms or Kitchens?

When installed correctly:

• No, it does not crack due to normal use

• No, it does not fail because of humidity

• No, it does not peel or bubble

Failures occur only when:

• Waterproofing is skipped

• Low-quality materials are used

• Application is rushed

• The substrate is not prepared properly

In high-end projects, microcement outperforms many traditional finishes in wet environments

How Professionals Prevent Microcement Cracking

At Conmarble, crack prevention is not a single step—it is a complete system.

1. Substrate Evaluation

• Moisture testing

• Stability checks

• Repair of cracks or hollow areas

2. High-Adhesion Primers

• Chemical bonding to the substrate

• Uniform absorption

3. Full Fiberglass Mesh Reinforcement

• Absorbs movement

• Distributes stress evenly

• Prevents micro-fissures

4. Controlled Layer Thickness

• Balanced flexibility

• Proper curing

• Structural stability

5. Professional Sealing

• Protects from moisture

• Maintains elasticity

• Extends lifespan

This is why professionally installed microcement behaves as a structural surface, not a cosmetic coating

Is Microcement Crack-Proof Forever?

No architectural finish is 100% crack-proof.However, with a correctly engineered system, microcement is highly crack-resistant and suitable for long-term use in luxury residential and commercial environments.

Most issues reported online are installation failures—not material failures

Why Architects Trust Microcement for Modern Projects

Architects choose microcement because it delivers:

• Seamless, joint-free surfaces

• High flexibility

• Excellent adhesion

• Minimal maintenance

• Compatibility with modern architecture

• Strong performance in hot climates

When installed professionally, microcement becomes one of the most reliable contemporary finishes available

Conclusion: Cracking Is a System Issue, Not a Microcement Issue

Microcement does not crack by nature.Cracks are the result of:

• Poor preparation

• Incorrect systems

• Inexperienced application

With a professional approach, microcement delivers durability, stability, and architectural freedom unmatched by traditional finishes.