What is Floor Screed Used For?

No matter what type of construction project you’re undertaking, you need the right materials. Choose substandard products and you risk delays, poor-quality workmanship, and damage to your reputation and bottom line. In construction projects that require a floor to be laid, screed is a material that you can’t afford to take risks with. By choosing a quality screed product and laying it with precision, you can ensure the integrity of your floors for many years to come.

What is Floor Screed?

Screed is typically made up of sharp sand and cement. For more industrial applications, the mix can be made thicker and more robust by adding coarse aggregates. The screed then forms the finish floor surface, flat and level. Flooring such as tiles, vinyl or timber are later laid onto the screed. In some environments, such as warehouses, the screed is left bare and forms the final finish surface without further coverings. Contemporary studio apartments often have screed laid as the final finish to create a faux-industrial or polished floor look.

What Are the Different Types of Screed?

Floor screeds come in three different varieties. Deciding which type of screed to use will depend on the nature of your project and the type of base being used.

Bonded Screed

Bonded screed is applied directly to a concrete base, typically using bonding agents and primers. When the screed is laid, it forms a durable and robust top layer. Bonded screed is typically used in areas where heavy loads are common or where there is not enough room to use an unbonded screed.

Unbonded Screed

Unbonded screed is laid on top of a damp-proof membrane. Because it isn’t bonded to the main structure it can be laid thicker without delamination, shrinkage and settlement risk.

Floating Screed

Floating screeds are unbonded screeds but generally laid on a layer of insulation. They are mainly used in structures with underfloor heating or for situations where acoustic or thermal insulation is needed. It requires a thickness of 50-65mm, even up to 75mm for heavily-loaded floors. When underfloor heating is installed the critical thickness is the cover of screed over the heating pipes which should be 25-30mm minimum.

What is the Difference Between Floor Screed and Concrete?

Concrete is often confused with floor screed but they differ. The concrete is laid in a structural capacity as opposed to providing the more precise surface given by quality screed. Concrete involves a coarser mix using larger and harder aggregates to create maximum longevity and durability. This coarser mix is what gives concrete its long lifespan and why it’s a go-to material in construction.

Screed, on the other hand, uses half of the aggregates of concrete and is a smoother mix. Whilst typically less durable than concrete, screed creates a smooth, level, and stable surface for the final floor finish. For tiles, wood flooring, carpet, or resin topcoat, screed and concrete together will provide a solid foundation.

Residential builds to commercial projects, screed can be an important part of the process in laying a great floor. Choosing the correct type of screed is critical to the success of your project.

Speak to the Floor Screed Experts

Here at Screedafloor, we can give you advice on the best type of screed to choose for your project. From the space-saving nature of bonded screeds to the insulating or conductive properties of floating screeds, each type offers a host of benefits. Speak to our team today to find out more about our screed products and services.