Month: November 2025

The cement screed is supposed to provide a strong, stable base, and therefore, when cracks begin to show, it is generally a sign that something within the process has gone incorrectly. We have noticed this in a lot of our projects here at UK Screeds Ltd., including some recent work involving cement screed in Bristol, where small issues during early curing quickly turned into visible surface problems. Understanding why cracks form gives you a better chance of stopping small defects before they affect the wider structure of your floor.

What Causes Cracks in Cement Screed?

Cracks typically result from movement and moisture. The uneven drying of the screed causes differing shrinkage rates amongst various sections, thereby creating internal stresses. That stress shows up as fine lines on the surface, gradually spreading. Inadequate mixing ratios also lead to weakening of the material, making it less able to cope with normal foot traffic or heavy loads.

Subfloor preparation counts, too. If the base isn’t clean and level or primed properly, the screed may not bond and will start to lift eventually. And then there are the rapid temperature changes that exacerbate the situation further. The buildings that rapidly heat up from cold will make the screed expand and contract much faster than it is engineered for, adding extra strain.

Early Warning Signs You Should Catch

If you start to notice thin surface cracks within the first few days, do not ignore them. Often, they’re the first sign that deeper tension is building. Another red flag that you may notice is hollow patches. These come about when the screed has pulled away from the subfloor. Light curling at edges or corners happens frequently and may indicate uneven drying.

Catching these signs early gives you a chance to correct the issue before you install flooring on top.

How to Avoid Cracking From the Very Beginning

The best prevention always begins with preparation. We make sure the subfloor is solid and primed correctly, so the screed has a stable base to start with. Similarly, getting the right water-to-cement ratio is important. Too much water increases shrinkage, while too little affects strength. Proper curing protects the screed as it dries. Sudden heating, open windows, or switching on underfloor heating too soon can all cause cracking.

For complex layouts or demanding conditions, fibre-reinforced mixes often perform better. We’ve used them successfully in larger projects involving cement screed in Derbyshire, where the added stability helps the floor cope with wider spans and mixed temperatures during construction.

Need Expert Help?

Whether you’ve witnessed the earliest stage of cracking or want a professional installation right from the get-go, we’re here to help. Feel free to contact UK Screeds Ltd. for any advice, assessments, and expert screeding solutions to suit your project.

Liquid screed has been the talk of the construction industry in the past few years, with people hailing its speed and suitability for underfloor heating. However, there are still instances where the old method still wins out. We still see projects here at UK Screeds Ltd. where cement screed in Cheshire is still the better option. Its tried-and-tested durability, flexibility, and performance in harsh conditions make it a foundation that still endures the test of time.

Heavy Load Environments: Strength Over Speed

For commercial and industrial constructions where machinery, shelving, or constant foot traffic is anticipated, compressive strength takes precedence. Conventional cement screed, when fully cured, provides a solid and strong surface that can support heavy loads without cracking under pressure. This makes it particularly ideal for warehouses, retail premises, and workshops where floor performance is as much of a concern as the building above it.

More Control Over Slopes and Gradients

Liquid screed’s self-levelling properties are an advantage in flush, large floors, but not all projects require a surface that is level to perfection. Some spaces need a conscious fall or gradient to take water away. For instance, consider garages, wet rooms, or outside-facing rooms. When this is the situation, old-fashioned cement screed gives installers the ability to shape and trowel a surface with accuracy, producing useful gradients that a flowable mix cannot.

Moisture Resistance and Exterior Use

The other field in which conventional screed has an advantage is water exposure. Liquid screeds, usually calcium sulphate-based, are susceptible in consistently wet situations and are inappropriate for work on the outside. Cement screed, by contrast, works well in bathrooms, utility rooms, and outside projects where moisture resistance is critical. This puts it in the more practical option when durability must be beyond the indoor setting.

Flexibility for Thickness and Finishes

Regular cement screed is also more flexible when it comes to permissible thicknesses, making it convenient for renovation work where subfloors differ in height or are not level. Its provision of a thicker build-up provides extra flexibility, especially when covering services or fitting the difference in floor levels between areas. For customers seeking a durable base but with flexibility in the finishing layer, regular screed still provides unparalleled flexibility.

Why UK Screeds Ltd. Continues to Trust Conventional Methods

Here at UK Screeds Ltd., we take pride in understanding when convention produces superior outcomes. While we are experts in liquid screed for most contemporary uses, we also have skilled teams who are proficient in hand and machine-laid cement screed in Cheshire. This enables us to suggest and implement the correct solution for every project, whether that involves the precision and efficiency of liquid screed or the robustness and flexibility of traditional methods.

For those homeowners looking for trustworthy moisture protection, or for commercial builders requiring floors to withstand decades of use, our experience with cement screed continues to show why the traditional method still has its place. Selecting UK Screeds Ltd. is selecting a partner who appreciates new technologies and the long-term value of established methods.