Durable and Fast-Drying Floor Screed

Why Do You Need to Screed Your Floor?

Screed is often confused with concrete, however, they are created differently. Screed uses much finer aggregates than concrete to create a smoother finish and the consistency is consequently thinner, for a level pour, whereas concrete requires rougher aggregates like sharp sand to give it its robust quality. 

One of the main reasons floor screeds are used in the majority of homes is that it is extremely useful for levelling uneven floor structures and evening out existing foundations. Floor screed is also commonly used to give more strength in the application of unstable floor finishes. When considering laying wooden flooring or carpets, you may wish to consider screeding your floor to prepare your existing foundation beforehand.

If you are looking to install underfloor heating, screed flooring installation is preferred due to its heat-absorbing properties. Screed installed for underfloor heating pipes will help radiate the warmth becoming an essential part of the heating process. Floor screed can also be used as the final layer of flooring for those who aspire to achieve an industrial aesthetic which can be achieved very easily with epoxy resin screed or polished concrete.

Types of Floor Screed You Can Benefit From 

There are three original types of screed: floating, unbonded and bonded. The type of screed that you choose for your flooring will be chosen based entirely on your requirements:

• Floating Screed

Requiring a thickness of 50 – 65mm, floating screed is an unbonded type of screed which is typically used to structure underfloor heating or where thermal insulation is needed. 

• Bonded Screed

Allowing for a thinner thickness of 15mm, bonded screed is typically used to be installed over the top of a concrete slab to bond the slab using adhesive. Also, a common choice for thinner installations where a heavy load is expected.

• Unbonded Screed

Generally unbonded screed is required when you are applying a screed onto an existing membrane that sits on top of the concrete foundation. A membrane is imperative to reduce the risk of shrinkage and trapped moisture.

Regardless of the type applied, floor screed provides a smooth and reinforced base that can either be polished or coated as a finished product, or it is used to level out bumps and imperfections ready for you to apply your finished floor.

Different Types of Screed Coating

Floor screeds should have a sufficient thickness which is often measured by the screed type and application. All screed types should be applied correctly to provide a satisfactory base for your floor finish. There are multiple types of screed coatings, the most popular being:

• Traditional/Sand and Cement Screed

Traditional screed is the product that has most consistently been used for the longest time. It is a material created by mixing cement and water to form a semi-dry consistency which can be applied via shovel or trowel by hand. Sand and cement are both extremely low-cost materials however are slow to apply and require more physical labour to apply.

Drying time: 21 days (before applying floor covering)

• Liquid Screed

If you are looking to apply a self-levelling and free-flowing screed, liquid screed is made up of a gypsum base which can be applied readily via a pump. Liquid screed comes in a wide range of varieties; epoxy, acrylic etc. Due to the application process, liquid screed can be installed much quicker in comparison to traditional screed and is self-levelling; however, it also has to be sanded and properly finished prior to laying floor coverings.

Drying time: 1 day per 1mm of thickness

• Cement-Based Flowing Screed
  

A cement-based screed is created with a formulation of sand, water, cement and a limestone powder-based binder. Cement-based flowing screed has the benefits of minimal shrinking, self-levelling and can be used in wet areas without requiring a primer.

Drying time: 21 days

All screeds are made up of an array of different materials, posing pros and cons for all types depending on what you need to use your screed for. If you are wondering which screed is best for your particular project, please speak to a member of our team who will be happy to advise.

How Much Does Floor Screed Cost?

The cost of your floor screed installation will entirely depend on the dimensions of your required space. Whether you are looking to install a kitchen or garage screed floor, install underfloor heating or if you’re just looking to improve your existing foundation, Concrete Flooring Solutions is the UK’s only specialist provider of both concrete and resin flooring for commercial and domestic customers in the UK.

With over 30 years of industry experience, we offer premium quality projects from home installations or industrial installations of floor screeding. We understand that screeding a floor is a large project and therefore, we will ensure the highest quality installation. We only use the best materials in our services, meaning that your flooring will be a long-lasting and durable investment which will require little to no maintenance and save you money in the long-run.

Receive Your Free Floor Screed Installation Quote

Floor screed is crucial for flooring installations that require a perfectly flat surface or if you are looking to protect an existing concrete subfloor. Screed is a multifaceted material which possesses a wide range of practical and aesthetic benefits.

If you require quick-drying or self-levelling floor screed, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team today to receive your free, no-obligation quote for installation.

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