Apply These Techniques to Improve Liquid Floor Screed

Underfloor Heating Services Surrey

Screed is typically made of cement and sand. A thin layer of screed is laid over concrete subfloors to form a uniform and smooth surface. This is usually done before applying polished or floor finishes.

Apart from dry screeds, liquid floor screeds are also used.  Liquid Floor Screed has many names such as anhydrite screed, calcium sulfate, and self-leveling screed. It is highly suitable for underfloor heating. It fills the void around the heating pipes and improves conductivity.

Liquid Floor Screed Vs Cement Sand Screed

  • Installation is less complicated and quick.
  • You can reduce screed depth allowing you to install thick floor insulation and thus improve the thermal efficiency of your underfloor heating.
  • Reducing the depth also reduces the drying time and the weight.

Application of floor screed

Several factors need to be taken into account when applying liquid floor screed:

  • The floor level should be uniform and flat.
  • The underfloor heating system’s output and the floor’s area must be considered.
  • To prevent cracking, placement or movement of joints should also be accounted for.
  • It should always be applied by professionals.
  • The floor screed should be given sufficient time for drying.
  • You can use your underfloor heating for reducing drying time but should still be given at least 7 days for drying.
  • After seven days, the commissioning process is started with water at a temperature of 25 Degrees Celsius.
  • After commissioning the screed can tolerate much higher temperatures. The temperature is increased gradually until it reaches 50 degrees Celsius.

Screed types and their application

The choice of screed depends on

  • Kind of concrete base.
  • The type of surface you want
  • Foundations

The three common types of screed include:

Bonded: The screed is directly applied to the substrate (subfloor) using adhesives. The concrete surface is roughened while bonding agents are thoroughly applied to ensure reliable adhesion. This application is usually between 25 to 40mm thick.

  • Unbounded:

A moisture-proof PVC membrane is used to separate the concrete surface and the screed. This is used in the case of buildings with severe issues of dampness. The layer is typically 50mm thick or more.

  • Floating screed:

The screed remains unbounded and is used for reinforcing a thermal or acoustic layer. The minimum thickness of this type is 65mm.

Benefits of liquid floor screed

  • East to install

If you get the experts to do this job, which we highly recommend, Liquid screed can be applied and cured with less labor and quicker.

Liquid Floor Screed
Liquid Floor Screed
  • Greater insulation

Liquid screed is relatively less voluminous than dry screeds. This implies that a very thin layer is required, giving you more room for installing a thicker layer of insulation.

  • Reduced energy bills

As only a thin layer of liquid screed is required and you can install thicker layers of insulation, the thermal efficiency of your underfloor heating will increase. It will minimize heat loss and your home will heat up quicker. A reduction in heat loss will save your energy bills.

  • Reduces noise

Where the layer of liquid screed increases the thermal efficiency of your underfloor heating system, it also provides noise reduction when you walk over the surface.

  • Fast Curing

After only 24 hours of application, you can walk on the liquid screed. This reduces the time taken by the screed to become strengthened.

Perfect for underfloor heating

Liquid screed is especially useful when it comes to Underfloor Heating Services Surrey. The heat provided by the system enables the liquid screed to fill in all the spaces and gaps around pipes and joints. This makes your heating system more efficient by eliminating any void.

  • No shrinkage

Liquid screed does not shrink with time. This implies that your surface will be highly resistant to cracks. It is a one-time investment that will go a long way.

  • Low cost

Liquid screed is applied using a hose and therefore requires fewer labor hours than other types of screeds. The installation cost is a one-time expense but the energy bills you will save are long-term.

  • Self-leveling

Liquid screed is self-curing, and self-leveling and makes a very sleek finish. It has a long life and does not require repairs or maintenance.

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