Screed is the thin upper layer of material laid on top of a concrete base. It is an amalgamation of water, cement and sharp sand. Screed can be used to make the surface smoother and more solid to allow for the installation of the final floor layer.
Although it’s not as durable than the subfloor concrete that it protects, it boosts the flooring’s durability as well as improving its appearance. It’s perfect to cover pipes underfloor and creating a level surface for different flooring options, such as vinyl, laminates, tiling carpets, floorboards, carpets and even stone.
There are three primary kinds of screeds that are floating, unbonded and bonded. The kind of screed you choose will depend upon the kind of base concrete and the requirements you have. Each has its unique uses, but you must have an appropriate foundation in order for the best use of the screed you choose to use.
Alongside the different types of screed listed below, the reinforced and wear screed is used for certain uses. Reinforced screed Essex makes use of polypropylene glass fibres, or a metal mesh to provide extra durability. Wearing screed is the strongest kind and is a final layer of top-quality flooring without needing to put in other flooring, such as tiles or carpets. The type of screed used is made to withstand the most wear and tear, and usually requires the addition of aggregates to increase its durability. Wearing screed is often found in industrial environments like power stations and warehouses in which there is a requirement for durable, low-cost flooring.
Here are more information about the three types of screed.
Bonded Screed
The screed that is bonded is directly attached directly to concrete substrate (substrate) using an adhesive. It involves creating the concrete’s surface rough, and then using a bonding agent. It is ideally suited for applications in which heavy loading is anticipated and has an average thickness of 15mm to 50mm. However, 25-40mm is the best. Before bonding screeds, it is necessary to clean the area thorough cleaning.
Unbonded Screed
Unbonded screed is placed over a PVC/damp-proof membrane, which separates its concrete base. It is a great option for constructions where damp poses an issue. When using unbonded screed, it’s essential to keep an eye on the drying process as in the event that it drys too quickly it’s possible that the edge of screed may be distorted. This kind of screed is suitable for thicknesses of more than 50mm.
The Floating Screed
Floating screeds are not bound and are usually are added to an acoustic or thermal layer. Since they are not bound and unbounded, we suggest adding an additional membrane beneath or over that insulation layer specifically if it uses silver foil backing. Floating screed needs an minimum thickness of 65mm or 75mm if you have flooring that is heavily loaded.
What are the uses of Screed?
Uneven floors may have issues with structural integrity once the top floor layer is laid, and installing screed is a way to avoid these issues. Screed can be used to safeguard the concrete subfloor from damage, as well as withstand the pressure of continuous use and high footfall. Additionally, it has great insulation properties, making it an ideal choice for floors equipped with heated underfloor systems.
Screeds are made of 1:13 or 1:4.5 ratio of sharp sand and cement. Self-smoothing or “levelling” screed tends to be less the depth than a wearable screed, which contributes to the structural quality of the flooring. Before you lay screed, clean the floor by cleaning the area of any obstructions. After it is laid – and based on the various types of screed, it can take between 16 and 2 days for it to dry and cure however, you must keep it for until it is dry for the best endurance.
How much screed you need will depend on factors like the dimensions as well as the unevenness of your flooring and the goal of your work. A screed calculator can help determine the amount you require.
What projects does Screed Ideally Work For?
Screed is typically used in commercial buildings as well as schools, hospitals in airports, housing, and homes However, it is also used in any environment with flooring that is internal. It is considered to be one of the top materials for heating underfloor systems. Screed is also great for soundproofing homes between floors, as well as other structures susceptible to sound transmission.
Screed is a great choice for the final flooring layer for those looking to create an industrial look. You can also add an attractive finish by either painting the screed directly or making a stamp with the pattern throughout it’s curing.
What’s the difference between Screed and Concrete?
Concrete is more coarse than screed as it has bigger aggregates and it has a different quality of cement. There are flecks of stone and gravel in a mix of concrete, but screed is a more fine, appearance that resembles mortar. The procedure of making screed and concrete is the same, but concrete is intended to offer the strength and stability, while screed provides a smooth surface. Concrete requires greater, stronger aggregates to ensure more endurance and durability. Screeding is not a necessity but its smoothness assists in repairing irregular bases and improve the appearance of concrete.