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Liquid Screed
Liquid screed, also known as flow screed, is a highly efficient alternative to traditional sand and cement screed. It offers numerous advantages to the construction industry, making it the preferred choice for commercial and residential applications. Liquid screed is a self-levelling, pumpable flooring solution made from a combination of cement, water, and aggregates. It is designed to create a smooth, level surface for the application of finished floor finishes such as tiles, wood, or carpet. Unlike traditional screed, liquid screed is poured onto the floor and self-levels, filling in all gaps and voids, resulting in a more uniform surface.
Types of Liquid Screed
There are several types of liquid screeds available, including traditional sand and cement screed, liquid screed, and semi-cementitious screed. Each type has its unique properties, making it suitable for different applications.
Traditional Sand and Cement Screed
This type of screed is made from a mixture of sand, cement, and water. It is the most commonly used screed in the construction industry, offering excellent strength and durability. However, it takes longer to dry, typically requiring seven days per 25mm of depth.
Liquid Screed
Liquid screed is a fast-drying alternative to traditional screed, offering numerous benefits such as improved underfloor heating efficiency, reduced screed depth, and excellent thermal conductivity. It is also environmentally friendly and can be walked on in 24-48 hours, making it ideal for busy construction sites.
Semi-Cementitious Screed
Semi-cementitious screed is a combination of cement and anhydrite binder, providing excellent thermal conductivity, strength, and durability. It is ideal for use in areas exposed to high traffic, heavy loads, or where high compressive strength is required.
Benefits of Liquid Screed
Liquid screed offers numerous benefits, making it the preferred choice for flooring solutions in the construction industry. Some of the advantages of liquid screed include:
Improved Underfloor Heating Efficiency
Liquid screed offers improved underfloor heating efficiency compared to traditional screed. With almost twice the thermal conductivity of a traditional screed, any underfloor heating system which sits within the screed wastes very little heat and offers reduced energy consumption.
Reduced Screed Depth
Liquid screed can be laid substantially thinner than traditional screed, resulting in a reduced screed depth. This not only reduces the overall weight of the flooring but also offers a significant cost-saving.
Faster Drying Time
Liquid screed dries faster than traditional screed, typically requiring 1mm per day up to a screed depth of 40mm. It can also be force-dried as early as 7 days after application, making it ideal for projects with tight deadlines.
Self-Levelling
Liquid screed is self-levelling, filling in all gaps and voids, resulting in a more uniform surface. This eliminates the need for manual levelling, saving time and labour costs.
Environmentally Friendly
Liquid screed is an environmentally friendly option, requiring fewer raw materials than traditional screed. It is also protein-free, making it unable to harbor harmful bacteria.
Liquid Screed Installation
Liquid screed installation requires specialized equipment and skilled professionals. The installation process generally involves the following steps:
Step 1: Preparation of the Substrate
Before installing liquid screed, the substrate must be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for any damage. Any repairs or levelling required should be completed before the installation of liquid screed.
Step 2: Installation of Underfloor Heating
If underfloor heating is required, it should be installed before the liquid screed is poured. This ensures that the heating system is fully embedded in the screed, providing optimal efficiency.
Step 3: Installation of Liquid Screed
Once the substrate is prepared, and the underfloor heating is installed, the liquid screed can be poured. The screed is pumped onto the substrate and self-levels, filling in all gaps and voids. The screed is then laser-levelled to achieve a precision of equal to or better than surface regularity SR2.
Step 4: Drying and Curing
After installation, the liquid screed requires time to dry and cure. It can be walked on in 24-48 hours and can be force-dried as early as 7 days after application. The drying time may vary depending on the depth of the screed, with a drying time of 1mm per day up to a screed depth of 40mm.
Step 5: Finishing
Once the screed is fully cured, the finished flooring can be installed. The screed provides a smooth, level surface for the application of various types of floor finishes, including tiles, wood, or carpet.
Liquid Screed by Dean Concrete Pumping
Liquid screed is the future of flooring, offering numerous benefits over traditional screed. It is fast-drying, self-levelling, and environmentally friendly, making it the preferred choice for flooring solutions in the construction industry. With its improved underfloor heating efficiency, reduced screed depth, and excellent thermal conductivity, liquid screed is the ideal choice for both commercial and residential applications. If you're looking for a reliable, high-quality liquid screed installation service in the South West, look no further than Dean Concrete Pumping.