Month: March 2019

Depending on the environment in which you have poured your liquid screed you may find yourself needing to sand your floors before you can continue with your project. After liquid screed is poured, often a weak, thin layer of laitance will be left sitting on top which will have to be removed within a week to ten days after pouring.

What is Laitance?

Laitance consists of cement and small aggregate particles that rise to the surface when too much moisture has been added to the mix. This may be as a result of inconsistent quantities in the initial mix or as a result of rain damage. Both of these factors will result in poor curing and increase the formation of laitance. This thin layer, although seemingly harmless, is one of the biggest causes of failure in liquid screed floor installation. Whilst initially it may appear that this layer isn’t an issue, as traffic increases on the surface and temperatures fluctuate throughout the year you will begin to notice it will crack and separate, ruining the finish of the screed and any installed flooring.

When Should the Sanding Take Place?

The sanding of the surface should begin a week to ten days after the initial application. The lower portion of the liquid screed will still be drying at this point which is why sanding is ideal during this period of time. Not only will sanding expedite the drying process, but it will also ensure that a stable surface forms on which you can place your flooring of choice.

By using a specialised diamond cutting pad, the screed will be sanded down, removing any layers of laitance. Overall the longevity and durability of the floor will be drastically improved and will ensure any further application of flooring whether it be laminate, tiles, vinyl etc. can be easily installed. The removal of laitance is key in achieving a successful liquid screed installation and ensuring you won’t have to spend time and money fixing your subflooring in the future.

Contact UK Screeds Ltd

We are proud to offer the complete liquid screed experience, including floor sanding services. Get in touch today for a free quote by calling 01865 660026.

Exposed concrete finishes have grown in popularity among architects and clients. Polished screed floors provide the perfect solution for your home or business. By choosing a polished screed finish, you can save on fitting expensive floor coverings.

This appealing finish can be achieved by power trowelling, or diamond grinding and buffering. Here’s an overview on how to polish a screeded floor.

Ground and Polished Concrete Screed

Ground and polished concrete screed allow greater variation in polishing and texture. Sanding mechanically removes the top millimetres of screed using diamond grinders. The level of aggregate exposure is relative to the depth of grinding.

This sanding process is recommended even when installing floor coverings like carpet or vinyl. After grinding, the surface is then brushed by a buffering machine to create a polished look.

The desired level of shine and appearance varies according to the screed mixture and level of buffering. A matt or gloss finish can also be specified. The resulting look is often compared to a terrazzo style in tiling.

Floated and Trowelled Finish

Power floating creates a polished and more solid-looking floor finish. Timing is critical, as power floating must take place before curing. The polished sheen is formed by mechanically trowelling the surface before the screed is fully set.

In this finishing method, less aggregate is exposed. The result is a more solid appearance when compared to the diamond grinding method.

Features and Applications

A polished screed finish is durable and slip-resistant. That makes it ideal for warehouses, public buildings and offices. For your home, the finish can also work perfectly with underfloor heating in your bathroom or kitchen.

Exposed aggregate and colour variants in the screed mix provide texture and character. This gives more scope to create an appealing, minimalist floor, which stands the test of time.

Professional Floor Screeding and Underfloor Heating

UK Screeds Ltd has 15 years’ experience as a trusted contractor with exceptional standards. To speak to our friendly expert team about whether a polished screed floor is right for you, contact UK Screeds today.