• Share us on:
Menu
About Us

John Stanley Plastering, with over 25 years in Poole, Dorset, is your go-to for precision and quality in plastering and rendering services. Our bespoke solutions transform every space into a masterpiece of aesthetic and functional elegance.

Contact Info
Phone Number

07961 206 573

Mobile Number

07813 932 201

Social Media

Facebook • LinkedIn

Call Now

Request Call Back

    Does my Floor Need Screeding?

    Home — Blog — Does my Floor Need Screeding?

    What is Screed Used For?

    Screed is mainly used for concrete as a top layer to make it level out. This could be to make it even, or in order to put down your final layer of flooring, such as carpet, wood flooring and so on. It is so important for the screed to be applied for a level finish, as otherwise, you’ll have lumpy flooring, which can be unsafe and also means you won’t be able to have any different flooring on top.

    The mixture itself is made from sharp sand and cement blended together. As well as being the layer before your final flooring is placed down, it can also be your final layer, but won’t make your flooring look any different. It basically just goes on like a clear coat as it dries. You can also use screed flooring to cover over your underfloor heating to provide a good foundation.

    How Does Screed Work?

    The screed mixture is made from sharp sand, water and cement mixed together, and it is so important that it is correctly blended to ensure it fulfils its purposes. Then, using a screed pump, you can transport it to its destination. Before you put down the screed, it is important to measure the levels of the existing floor using a laser level. The screed mix is then laid, ensuring no air gets caught in between, as this could weaken the screed.

    Once the screed is laid, it creates an excellent level surface for you. It is important that you hire a professional to do your screeding, who has been highly trained and qualified in the industry. The mixture forms the ideal base to ensure a sturdy and level floor for you to use as your final floor layer, or to add an extra layer on top, such as carpet, wood flooring, tiles and much more!

    What is Screed Made Of?

    Screed is made from a mixture of sharp sand, water and cement blended together. It is so important to get the ratio exactly right, which is between a 1:3 or 1:4.5 ratio of cement to sharp sand. This mixture is the most widely used for screed; however, it is more ideal for simple and less full-on jobs. When it comes to larger and more complex jobs, there are other mixtures that suit a wider range of purposes. These include the use of latex and epoxy, which are mixed in to create a stronger screed and can be used on more types of flooring, other than just concrete.

    Some manufacturers also create screed that can just be pumped onto the floor and still make a level surface using anhydrite compounds. This process makes the screed flooring more durable towards any kind of water damage.

    Is Screed Stronger than Concrete?

    Concrete is made from a stronger and rougher mixture compare to the way screed is made. This means that concrete does last longer and is more durable, but this is due to the way it is made. The way screed is made is much softer and gives a smoother mixture once blended together. The screed is used to go over the top of concrete to create a smooth layer with no lumps and bumps.

    With all that being said, concrete and screed don’t necessarily have the same purpose. Screed is applied over the top of concrete to create a smoother surface. Screed has many different uses, and sometimes the mixture needs to be stronger; for example, if it is being used for busy roads or other ways where it would need to withstand a heavyweight.

    The Different Types of Screed

    There are four main types of screed that are widely used; however, it is important to know that different mixtures can be created depending on the purpose:

    Underfloor Screed

    This is used to cover underfloor heating and is one of the best ways to do so. This is because the mixture is thin, allowing more heat to pass through.

    Floating Screed

    Floating screed is used to stop damp getting into the pipes, and also provides an extra layer of insulation for enhanced thermal efficiency.

    Bonded Screed

    Bonded screed is used to create a strong bond between the concrete to ensure they are well stuck together, usually if it is being used for something of a heavyweight, or for extra flooring on top.

    Unbonded Screed

    This is used for the top layer of screed and the concrete to separate, which helps to create a layer of flooring that prevents dampness and provide a smooth and level working surface.

    Is Screed Waterproof?

    Yes, laying screed onto concrete makes it waterproof at all times. It also makes the concrete flooring more durable to water damage, which is ideal for outdoor purposes. The screed can either be laid above or below the flooring to make it waterproof and is also great for uses such as it can be used for underfloor heating to stop the pipes from getting damp.

    The screed is waterproof so that it can be used for gardens, roads and other outdoor purposes. There is a process where you can waterproof screed; however, you need to wait at least 3-5 days after the screed has been placed down to ensure it is fully dried up. Screed also adds a layer of protection against water damage.

    Does Screed Crack?

    It is possible for the screed to crack; however, if you choose a professional company with years of experience and knowledge, then they have the right treatment and maintenance solutions to care for your screed flooring. Providing the screed is mixed to the correct ratios instructed by the manufacturers for that specific purposes; this will minimise the risks of your screed cracking. As long as the specific steps of the installation process are done, then this will also reduce the risks of the screed cracking.

    To avoid cracking, the screed shouldn’t be laid over pipes, such as underfloor heating, unless this is done by an approved and experienced professional, as this can cause cracks if not done correctly. Your screed installer will give you tips to maintain your flooring for as long as possible and prolong its lifespan. If your screed flooring does crack, it can be fixed.

    A Proud Member Of The Pro Tradesmen Club
    Join Now