How Much Does It Cost To Screed A Floor

During the development of any building, the application of floor screed is one of the most important stages of laying a new floor. Screed is a mixture of sand, water, cement and other sand-based aggregates, which helps to create a sturdy, even layer of flooring – a perfect base for any flooring finish. But how much does it cost to screed a floor?

Factors Affecting the Cost of Floor Screed

There are factors that should be considered when pricing a floor screed project. These include:

• Type of screed used
• Quality of the screed
• Depth of screed required
• Overall size of the floor
• Accessibility
• Drying and trafficking time of the screed
• How many people are working on the project
• Geographic location in the UK

Due to these factors, it can be difficult to get an exact figure from an online calculator. However, while there are many variables, it helps to have a general figure to use when you are planning your project. Look at this rough guide:

• Traditional screed costs between £11 and £14 per square metre, based on a thickness of 75mm covering 125 square metres per day.
• Flow screed costs between £10 and £16 per square metre, based on a thickness of 50mm covering up to 1,500 square metres daily.

Get in Touch

To obtain an exact quotation for your floor screed project, it’s best to contact a professional for a quote.

Residential and domestic customers across the UK are investing in heated floors for all kinds of reasons. When you install a heated floor, you can benefit in a variety of ways and gain more enjoyment and comfort from your home or business premises. Heated floors and underfloor heating feel great to walk in and ensure heat is distributed evenly around your space. When you have underfloor heating in place, you can stop relying on radiators and can use the space for artwork, units and much more.

Barefoot Luxury

Many homeowners find themselves walking around their homes barefoot thanks to the luxurious warmth offered by underfloor heating. Your underfloor heating solution can even help you reduce your fuel bills. This is because it works at a lower temperature than a radiator. You will also lose less warmth when your windows are open or when you’re faced with draughts once you have made your investment. Your heating solution can even help you add value to your home and result in a higher price being paid for it should you ever decide to sell up.

A Modern, Inviting Look

Another key advantage of underfloor heating is that it is invisible, which is ideal for those opting for a minimalist look as well those people who don’t want radiators compromising the aesthetic appeal of their space. You can even install heated floor systems underneath carpets as well as floors made from tiles, wood and stone.

Why UK Screeds Ltd?

At UK Screeds Ltd, we can come to your assistance if you are in need of an underfloor heating system. We can provide you with a system that will keep you warm in the winter and cool during the summer months. What’s more is that we can provide and install systems that you can control with your smartphone when you are away from home. Simultaneous heating and cooling are available for different parts of your home, giving you ultimate flexibility.

Getting in Touch

To find out more about our heated floor systems, get in touch today. You can reach us by calling 01865 660026, 07900 154666 or by sending a message to info@ukscreedsltd.co.uk. Alternatively, use the form on our website.

Liquid Screed Problems and how to avoid them

Whilst offering many benefits to traditional floor screeds, you may also hear of liquid screed problems occurring in certain situations.

It’s fair to say, you will be pretty unlucky to have a problem with liquid screeds, and are more likely to have a problem with more traditional methods, but with so many different applications and environments, you need to know it can happen and why.

Liquid screed problems happen in 3 areas

When liquid screed problems occur, it will generally fall into 3 problem areas; at the planning stage of the construction; during the application and installation stage; or at the curing and drying stage.

At the planning stage, everybody needs to be very clear on the timelines for the installation including planning the installation of an underfloor heating system, any Damp Proof Membranes (DPM) and in working out timeframes to allow for correct curing and drying times.

Having an expert plan your liquid screed installation is vital to avoid any such liquid screed problems. You must choose the right partner, one with a proven track record and ability to deliver a successful solution, and one that can work closely with the main contractor.

Again, if you have chosen your provider correctly, the installation should be a simple and effective task. Get it wrong and you can face issues ranging from cracking, uneven and damaged surfaces or even a weak floor screed due to incorrect screed depths. If the pre-installation work and specification is not perfect, these liquid screed problems can occur.

Special care must be taken when working with DPM’s and underfloor heating systems to ensure no creases or gaps are present which will lead to weak points. A expert liquid screed contractor will ensure all this preparation is completed correctly before work is started, then check everything as the installation progresses.

Finally, the curing and drying stage must be performed exactly as recommended by the liquid screed contractor. Nothing should effect this final stage. Other trades must not interfere or attempt to accelerate or deviate from the original plan and specification.

For example, things like testing the underfloor heating systems should not be done until well after the cure time has elapsed, ventilation should be maintained as per the original plan. The liquid screed will have been installed around the existing environment, so changing anything would potentially effect the drying process, leading to liquid screed problems.

UK Screeds Ltd have been providing liquid screed floors across most of the UK since 2002 and are the partners of choice for many well-known construction companies, trusted to do the job right each and every time. Our consultants offer expert advice and planning to ensure your project is completed perfectly.

Call us now on 01865 660026 or email us at info@ukscreedltd.co.uk for a fast and friendly professional floor screed service.

Liquid floor screed verses traditional floor screed

We are often asked, “which is the best? liquid screed or traditional sand cement floor screed”. Our answer in most cases will be liquid floor screed of course, but let’s explain why in more detail.

Installation and drying times

With any building project, the speed of installation is one of the vital issues. Installing a liquid floor screed is always going to be faster, but more importantly, the drying times are really fast in comparison allowing the project to move forward more quickly.

BS8204 states that standard screed drying times should be 1 day for every 1mm thickness, so a 50mm standard screed will take 50+ days to dry. Compare this to a liquid floor screed which in almost all cases can be walked on after 24 hours and force dried in under 7 days.

This alone saves project delay and planning times allowing trades to work very quickly after the installation, allowing completion dates to be reduced, saving vast sums of money – time is money after all.

Overall thickness of floor screed

A traditional screed is generally installed as a thick layer to ensure no cracking or shrinkage occurs when dry. In comparison, liquid floor screed is generally a much thinner layer of material and due to its make-up, is stronger and more durable.

The other advantage of being a thinner layer is that the floor insulation layer can be thicker and so, therefore, more efficient in the long run.

Higher efficiency in underfloor heating systems

When installing underfloor heating systems, liquid floor screed is vastly superior compared to standard screed. As the liquid screed is poured, it completely surrounds the heating tubes so no air gaps are present, thus conducting the heat more efficiently.

Traditional screeds can never surround the tubes as effectively, so heat transfer will be less efficient and overall the running costs of any underfloor heating system will be higher than when a liquid screed floor is installed.

Cost comparisons

Standard screed materials and labour costs are arguably cheaper, however, you really need to think about the bigger picture of the overall project costs rather than the unit cost per square meter. Yes on paper liquid screed will almost certainly work out more expensive but in the overall project it will work out more cost effective and help keep timelines for the project to a minimum.

If you have a current project and want to explore how liquid screed floor installation can help you deliver your project more efficiently, call us now for advice and a quotation

Is underfloor heating right for me?

We are often asked about underfloor heating systems and of course, the ideal time to install one is when we are pouring the liquid screed flooring. So here are the most common questions and answers which will help you make the decision.

Do I need a special boiler or heating source?

No, the underfloor heating systems we provide use pretty much any existing gas LPG or oil-fired boiler as well as using heat pumps. The main thing is that the boiler must be reliable and regularly serviced.

Which underfloor heating systems are the best?

It is widely recognised that wet underfloor heating systems are the most effective and cheapest to run, install, and has little or no maintenance requirements. We install small pipes in the liquid screed which carry the water from the heat source around the floor.

How effective are underfloor heating systems?

This does vary from building to building and will depend on lots of factors, but it is common to see savings of 30 – 40% on traditional radiator systems. Underfloor systems are designed to be cheaper to run more controllable and more effective than other systems.

When switched on, how long does it take to warm up?

Underfloor heating systems warm up very quickly and can soon raise the temperature of the room. This is because it is very effective and uses the conductivity of the screed and the floor covering to radiate the heat. Stone and tiles are the most effective and will warm up the fastest, with carpet taking a little longer.

Where can underfloor heating be used?

Underfloor heating systems can be installed all over the building, including the upper floors, so it is a versatile and discrete way of heating a property – no ugly pipes and radiators to be seen. Wet rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens are the most common places to install systems but when building a property from scratch, it is now becoming a system of choice.

How long will it last and what if it goes wrong?

Our systems are designed and tested before being installed in the liquid screed flooring, so it is highly unlikely a problem will occur. The pipes are designed to last more than 50 years as a minimum and the pipes are a continuous single section without joins. If a leak is detected, this can be simply repaired, but it is very rare.

What are the maintenance plans?

Underfloor heating systems are designed to have no maintenance; however, the boiler and pumps will need to be regularly serviced (as with any system) to make sure they are working efficiently. If you take a system from us, we are always available to offer any advice and ongoing support.

We hope this will answer some of your questions. We are always available to speak to you and advise on the best solution and design the most effective systems for your property.

Call now on 01865 660026 for fast, efficient service and advice on underfloor heating systems.

After a liquid screed floor has been poured and has dried off, it will need to be properly prepared to take a floor surface, especially when the floor will be tiled.

We strongly recommend floor sanding should be carried out in all cases, but especially when preparing a liquid screed floor for tiling.

So why would you need to do this?

It is recognised that all Anhydrite liquid screed floors have a weaker surface layer than traditional sand cement screeds and good preparation is required for any floor covering.

Once dry, a liquid screed floor generally has a thin layer of laitance left on the surface which needs to be removed. Furthermore, sanding will remove any imperfections and provide a more durable surface for the floor, thus avoiding potential issues when laying the final floor covering.

Sanding is carried out approximately 5 – 7 days after the installation to ensure the floor is dry, residual moisture content should be less than 0.5%, but it will depend on the screed mix.

A diamond cutting pad is used to sand the area. Once the area is completely sanded and cleaned, a calcium sulphate compatible primer is applied and allowed to dry to seal the floor. Primer is applied until no more can be absorbed, thus ensuring the area is sealed correctly.

Before tiling, the area must be fully dry to ensure the adhesive will adhere to the tile and floor screed without issue. Tiles should be fixed using a 3mm deep solid layer of adhesive and a minimum 3mm joint should be left between tiles to accommodate movement and for grouting.

Why not call one of our floor screed experts to find out exactly what you need to do to prepare your liquid screed floor for tiling and other floor coverings you may want.

Liquid Screed Thickness, what is the correct measure?

One of the most important questions asked is liquid screed minimum thickness in certain situations. We are faced with three main situations when applying a liquid screed, so getting the correct liquid screed thickness correct for each application is crucial.

1. The first situation is a bonded liquid screed, this is where the liquid screed is laid directly on a solid pre-prepared base. In this case, the liquid screed minimum thickness is 25mm.
2. The second situation is an unbonded screed. This is where the solid base is separated from the liquid screed using a polythene membrane. In this case, the liquid screed minimum thickness is 30mm.
3. The third situation is called a floating screed. In this case, the screed is separated from the solid base by both an insulation layer and a polythene membrane. In this case, the liquid screed minimum thickness is 40mm.

Liquid screed thickness with underfloor heating

There is one other variable which needs to be considered in liquid screed thickness and that is if the floor area is to have underfloor heating as part of the structure. In this situation, the liquid screed minimum thickness of 30mm is needed for covering the heating pipes or cables.

As to the maximum recommended liquid screed thickness, 60mm should not be exceeded in any situation.

Good practice dictates that thickness applied should be governed by the floor area to be covered, the budget allocated and the possibility of unevenness in the base layer, so liquid screed thickness should carry a tolerance of 10mm to account for all variations in the structure. This should be carefully considered when deciding on the liquid screed minimum thickness.

It is worth noting that curing and drying times are affected by liquid screen thickness, so when planning other works on the site, these should be reflected in the overall project plan of construction.

For more information on liquid screed thickness and how we can help you design the correct installation, call now for help and advice.

How long for liquid screed to dry?

We get asked a lot about liquid screed drying times, initially for individuals to be able to walk on it, and then for the final finish to be installed whether that is tiling or carpet.

There isn’t always an exact answer as different installations will have totally different conditions, but there are a few rules of thumb that can be applied and we have tried to detail those below.

Drying The Screed (the first 24-48 hours)

The screed should now be left untouched until it is solid, which usually takes 48 hours. During this time, all the windows and doors should be kept shut and nobody should walk on the screed. Once the screed has become solid the windows should then be opened to allow evaporation to take place helping the final drying stages.

How long for screed to dry before you can walk on it?

It is essential that the material is allowed to cure undisturbed for the first 24-48 hour period. The floor area should be closed to all traffic. Liquid Screed can usually accept light site traffic after that time, full site traffic should be avoided for at least 2-3 days. Where heavier site traffic is expected it is advisable to temporarily protect these areas with plywood sheets, which should be removed in good time to permit adequate drying.

Curing

Traditional curing procedures using impermeable membranes are not necessary but rapid loss of moisture should be avoided during the first 24-48 hours. Where windows and/or doors are not installed a temporary provision must be made using appropriate materials.

Direct sunlight must be avoided during the first 24-48 hour curing period. After that doors and windows may be opened.

During the Drying Out Period (after 24 – 48 hours)

Avoid water ingress to completed screeds and arrange to dry out accidental ingress as soon as possible. The screed will suffer a minor loss of strength if it becomes wet, however, this strength will be regained when it dries out. Open windows on all sides of the building in order to achieve good cross ventilation and air changes thus accelerating the drying out process. A typical 40mm thick screed can be expected to dry to 0.5% moisture content in 40 days under ideal conditions. This can, however, be greatly affected by actual conditions.

Conditions will affect liquid screed drying times

It is important to note that drying times relate to ambient humidity, temperature and number of air changes. In general, liquid screed installed as an un-bonded system dries at a rate of 1mm per day for the first 40mm of depth and 0.5mm per day for any depth over and above this. This is provided a temperature of 20 degrees Celcius is maintained and 65% relative humidity. here drying temperatures are high and humidity is low, drying times will be less.

How long does screed need to dry before tiling?

Prior to the installation of a floor covering, liquid screed must have dried to an approved level. For moisture sensitive coverings the code of practice value is stated as 75% relative humidity which equates to 0.5 % moisture content by mass. Below this value, impermeable floor finishes may be applied. (so without force drying typically liquid screed drying times would be 40 days on a 40mm depth screed)

Forced Drying (after 7 days)

To reduce liquid screed drying times, unlike cement based screeds, calcium sulphate screeds can be forced dried, by commissioning the underfloor heating system (if applicable) or by utilising a dehumidifier.

Commissioning Underfloor Heating

Where underfloor heating is installed this can be used to decrease drying times but should only be used after the first 7 days.  After 7 days of installation of the liquid screed, the commissioning process starts with a water temperature (UFH manifold) of 25 degrees Celcius, which is maintained for 3 days. The water temperature is then raised to the maximum value (max 55 degrees C) and kept at this level for at least 4 days. Allow for plenty of ventilation by opening windows on each side of the building. Please Note: it is essential that the building receives sufficient air changes in order to achieve low air humidity (65%RH). Continue with above procedures for approximately 4 weeks or until a moisture content of 0.5% (tiling/vinyl) or 1% (carpet) is achieved.

Using a Dehumidifier

Unlike conventional cement/sand screeds, dehumidifiers may be used to accelerate drying.  After 7 days of the installation of the liquid screeds, introduce heat and utilise a dehumidifier with enough capacity for the m3 area of the building. Use several dehumidifiers if required. Keep windows and doors closed in order for the dehumidifier to work efficiently. Continue with above procedures until a moisture content of 0.5% (tiling/vinyl) or 1% (carpet) is achieved.

Moisture testing by Hair Hygrometer can be arranged upon request at an additional charge.

Before liquid screed can be poured there are a few steps to complete to make sure you get the optimum finish. The building, of course, needs to be weather tight, the roof covered and all external doors and windows in place. (or all openings made weatherproof with clear polythene) Then follow these simple steps for your liquid screed preparation:

1. Subfloor preparation

Scrape off any debris or mortar splashes from the sub-floor and brush the sub-floor leaving a flat clean surface on which to place the insulation.

2. Laying the insulation

Place the insulation in 2 layers where service pipes are to be installed. Place the first layer between any service pipes on the sub-floor ensuring it is laid flat.

3. Filling voids

Fill any voids around the pipes, with dried sand and level off, then place the 2nd layer of insulation over the 1st layer ensuring it remains flat with no rocking.

4. Laying the membrane

Lay 500 gauge plastic over the top of the insulation ensuring it is pulled tight with no creases and lap joints at a minimum of 100mm. Leave approximately 100mm of the membrane to run up the wall so the perimeter edging strip can be laid on top.

5. The perimeter

Install the edging strip around all walls taking care to ensure it is neatly placed into all corners at 90 degrees. Tack the edging strip to the walls using a staple gun as required to hold it in position.

6. Laying the underfloor heating

Install the underfloor heating pipes, ensuring they are appropriately fixed at every 400mm along the length of the pipes more frequently on bends

7. Pressurising the system

Fill the underfloor heating pipes with water and check for any signs of leaking. Perform a pressure test to ensure pipes hold water under pressure.

Just one word about control joints. As liquid screed has minimal drying shrinkage, control joints are not usually needed at less than 40m lengths. In the case of long narrow sections, where the aspect ratio of the floor is greater than about 1:6 a joint or joints are recommended to reduce the ratio. Control joints will also be needed between any areas of heated floor and unheated floor. They should also be used at doors and similar restrictions in plan dimension. All structural joints in the sub-base should be carried through the screed or reflected cracking may occur.

Once you have finished your liquid screed preparation you are ready to pour your anhydrite screed, remember only approved contractors can lay the liquid screed so do make sure the contractors you use are approved installers.