Concrete is among the primary building materials in the majority of construction industries. It is used to put up pillars and walls. It’s a sturdy material that can stand up to the most wear and tear and will last an extended period of duration.
Although it’s a solid flooring, concrete does not always appear or feel the most appealing. The temperature of concrete floors fluctuates and could damage other materials for finishing. After you’ve laid your cement floor you’ll usually need to cover it with something different, like a screed or rug.
What exactly is screed and is it a necessary element to concrete floors?
Screed Vs Concrete
Screed is an extremely thin layer of material typically laid on the concrete subfloor. It may be laid between the concrete layer and any other to make it even or create a smoother surface for adhesives.
The concrete subfloor is attached to floor joists in order to provide support for the floor. It also shields your home from water damage and mold.
Although it is possible to skip screed in certain situations, you may be surprised to discover that an unfinished concrete subfloor alone isn’t the most ideal surface. It is often uneven with uneven areas and cracks or holes could develop over time.
The screed as well as concrete composed of the same cement mixture. The major distinction is that concrete is more robust and courser as opposed to screed, which has more smoothness. Screed is also more expensive, based what brand you choose.
After a layer of screed is in place it is possible to lay any final material you’d like to put over it, like tile or carpet. In some instances screed is laid over another layer of insulation.
There is also an industrial screed appropriate for older or newer concrete. It is designed for industrial use It is extremely tough and is resistant to scratches or scratches.
Different types of screed
The three types of screed available include unbonded, bonded and floating. They are all used based on the intended use as industrial screed is heavier than standard screeds.
Bonded
The name suggests that the screed that is bonded to the substrate using an adhesive. In this instance it’s bonded directly to the concrete slab because of the screed’s thinness.
Although you can technically join any screed, it’s not required at greater levels of thickness. This type of bonding can be applied to concrete if it is used for continuous construction or other loads that are heavy. This can also be utilized with the cast-in water pipes used in heating units for the underfloor.
The thickness could vary from 25-40mm. Anything beyond that does not require bondsing agents.
Unbonded
Unbonded screeds are not placed directly over the concrete layer like the bonded type. Instead, it has an impervious membrane, known as builder’s polymer between them and concrete.
The membrane assists in reducing shrinkage and also prevents moisture from building up. Similar to a bonded screed you can utilize it in conjunction with cast-in pipes to provide underfloor heating. It is more thicker and doesn’t need an adhesive.
In addition, you don’t need to be concerned about cracks or movement within the slab as the screed that isn’t bonded isn’t linked to it.
Floating
Screed is also a good choice as a floating insulation material or with another insulation layer.
Floor insulation can stop drafts, provide an environment that is dry, and prevent pipe from freezing. In the case of concrete floor insulation, it can help keep temperatures of floors from changing excessively.
Floating screeds are typically employed in homes that have underfloor heating. It can also be utilized in the case of thermal or acoustic insulation is employed. This is why floating screeds are the strongest of the three types.
Where can I buy Screed London
If you’re thinking about what screed to purchase be sure to consider the kind you’ll require. Industrial screed must be sturdy enough to stand up to the rigors of heavy loads and harsh conditions. It should also be able to withstand skidding. For a domestic, light installation, you could be able to use a smaller choice. But heated flooring might require a larger screed that acts as insulation.
There is also screed that is a ready-made liquid. Liquid floor screed gets mixed in the plant before being transported in trucks with mixers. The screed is then pumped in which results in a more abrasive coating than the majority of alternatives.
Explore our wide range of screed choices to get a sense of what you can purchase.
How to Screed Floors
Once you’ve gotten the right type of screed, then you’ll have to master the art of screed the floor.
The first step is to clean the concrete base before mixing the screed. If you’re using unbonded screed it is necessary to lay down a sheet too.
Split the floor into sections for example, using timber battens. The room can be divided into strips approximately 3 to 4 meters wide.
Start the screed at the very end of the section and then level it with straightedge. Start section by section until the entire area is filled, and then take out the battens. Fill the holes that are left by the battens, and let the screed float immediately.
The screed should be cured and waited until you can lay flooring over it. In certain cases it is recommended to delay the installation for at least three weeks, however the screed should be dry within a single day.
Layering Your Base
If you’re not using screed before, then you’ll be amazed by how it can enhance the flooring you install. It doesn’t just help eliminate bumps and lumps, it also creates the smooth surface that you can stick your floors that you’ve put in place over.
If you’re interested in learning more about screed and what it could be able to do for your company or other projects, get in touch with us now.
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