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.