Liquid screeding has surpassed traditional floor screeds due to its many benefits. Yet sometimes mistakes occur. Details that are overlooked in the planning, installation or drying stage can be costly.

A recent report estimates £10 billion to £25 billion is wasted annually on construction errors in the UK. Thankfully, screeding mistakes are easily avoidable. Here are some of the common liquid screeding mistakes and how to avoid them.

Inadequate Planning and Specification

It’s vital to choose an approved screed contractor with a proven track record. An expert will select the screed mix based on the type of environment and frequency of traffic.

Rigorous industrial and commercial work conditions need more hardwearing screeds. This differs from screed used in homes. Another design criteria are the type of flooring to be applied.

The pre-planning stage is imperative, as it allows the screeding contractor and main builder time to programme and coordinate.

Improper Installation

In reality, installing a screed floor is a simple process. But when procedures are not followed correctly, cracks can appear. Screed can also breakdown due to an incorrect mixture or insufficient cover.

Getting the water-to-cement ratio right is essential for the liquid screed. The substrate floor must be clean and ready for insulation. Edge strip and tanking membrane should be properly installed and checked.

Curing or Drying Stage

According to the Building Research Establishment (BRE) the most common fault occurs when floor coverings de-bond from the screed.

Installing coverings before the screed has properly dried can lead to floor swelling, buckling, and bubbling. Over larger floor areas, the problem is even more expensive.

Often in more complex projects, there’s a rush to get onto the next trade. These flaws are avoided by sticking to the agreed timescales. Projects with tight deadlines can use specially modified screed that cures faster.

Specialist Liquid Screeding and Underfloor Heating

Get it right the first time by partnering with UK Screeds, a trusted contractor since 2002. Whether business or domestic, contact UK Screeds today for professional help with your liquid screeding and underfloor heating.