Month: January 2019

To the untrained eye, liquid screed and concrete can appear indistinguishable and it’s not hard to see why. The two are made from the same materials and use the same basic chemistry combining water, cement and aggregates. The elements which set these two apart is, in fact, the size of aggregates used, the grade of cement, the mix and finish consistency. The two are meant to provide very different results with concrete having a much coarser mix. As it contains much larger aggregates with a harder core, concrete can be much more durable and last longer than other materials.

This high strength found in concrete is one of the many reasons that it is used in the construction industry across the globe. It is the most commonly used man-made material in the world whereas Screed tends to be used in conjunction with concrete. Traditional screed is mostly a mixture of sand and cement mixtures that are blended on site and applied. The screed is then applied on top of existing concrete slabs as a finishing layer for indoor floors or as a means of levelling off the floor. The finishing cover of laminate, carpet, tile, stone etc. is then able to be applied on top.

As opposed to concrete, screed is used when a functional floor is required in the space or a specific floor type is wanted rather than a plain concrete floor. The type of screed applied will vary depending on the use such as how much traffic there will be, the location; whether it be commercial, residential or industrial. For indoor locations, liquid screed can be used to cover pre-installed heating systems or insulation for the property. Whereas with outdoor environments you will require a denser, more resistant polymer screed to withstand the elements and the different levels of traffic.

When it comes down to which is the better material between concrete and screed, there isn’t a straight answer. Each have their own unique properties and uses that can be applied to a number of flooring projects. It is important to shop around, do some research and ask an industry specialist for advice on which would best suit your upcoming project.

Why Use UK Screeds Ltd?

When it comes to liquid screed, we are industry experts, and we pride ourselves on having over 15 years experience in the application of liquid screed and underfloor heating throughout the UK. For a free, no obligation quote, contact us through our website or call us on 01865 660026

When it comes to Liquid Screed, every installation is different which means the drying times can vary. Factors such as the temperature and how many windows and doors you have in space are just some of the variables that will need to be considered.

Once the initial layer of screed has been applied, it should be left untouched meaning you cannot walk across it or place anything onto it for the first 48 hour. Throughout this time period all doors and windows should remain closed to allow it to dry quickly and evenly. Once the screed has completely solidified you should then begin to open the surrounding windows to allow moisture to evaporate, encouraging the final drying stages. It is at this point that you can begin walking across it provided it will only be minimal traffic; any high traffic areas will need added protection for a few days.

When Can You Begin to Apply Flooring?

Before you can begin installing the flooring of your choice you must ensure your Liquid screed has dried adequately and been approved by the installer. As an example, if you have let your Liquid screed dry on its own and it was 40mm deep, you would expect to wait 40 days before applying flooring.

Can the Drying Times Be Reduced?

The dry time of Liquid Screed can be reduced by implementing force dry techniques. Unlike cement-based screeds, Liquid screed can be dried using either a dehumidifier or an underfloor heating system. If you have had underfloor heating installed prior to the screed you can use this to decrease the drying time but only after the first week. Alternatively, you can choose to use several dehumidifiers, again, after the initial 7 days- something your installer will be able to provide at an additional cost.

Contacting UK Screeds

Hopefully, this answers some of your questions around Liquid Screed. We are always available to speak to you and advise on the best solution for your property, either through our contact form, via email, or by calling 01865 660026.