UK based floor screed contractors
Usage Environments
Fast drying screeds are commonly used in:
- Commercial Projects: Offices, shops, and hotels needing rapid flooring installations.
- Residential Buildings: Home renovations requiring a quick turnaround.
- Healthcare & Education: Schools and hospitals where disruption must be minimised.
- Industrial Facilities: Warehouses and factories requiring durable floors with minimal downtime.
- Underfloor Heating Systems: Where rapid moisture loss is beneficial.
“Fast drying screeds provide an excellent solution for projects requiring rapid completion”
Application Process
The installation of fast drying screeds follows these steps:
- Surface Preparation: The substrate must be clean, dry, and primed if necessary.
- Mixing: Screed is mixed with special fast-drying additives or pre-blended materials.
- Application: Laid using traditional trowel techniques or poured for self-levelling varieties.
- Compaction & Finishing: Screed is compacted and smoothed to the desired finish.
- Drying Acceleration: Special additives and curing methods help speed up the process.

Fast Drying Screed vs. Traditional Screed
Feature | Fast Drying Screed | Traditional Screed |
---|---|---|
Drying Time | Walkable in 12-48 hours, full drying in 5-7 days | 1mm per day, up to 28 days for full drying |
Application Time | Faster due to pre-mixed formulations | Longer due to mixing and manual compaction |
Floor Covering Installation | Possible within days | May require several weeks before finishing |
Best Use Cases | Fast-track construction, time-sensitive projects | Projects where drying time is not a constraint |
How to Modify Traditional Screed to Dry Faster
Traditional sand and cement screeds can be adapted for faster drying using various techniques:
- Use of Accelerating Additives: These additives speed up hydration and moisture evaporation.
- Reduced Water Content: Lower water-to-cement ratio can shorten drying time.
- Improved Ventilation: Enhancing airflow over the screed surface accelerates drying.
- Dehumidifiers & Heating: Controlled drying environments reduce excess moisture quickly.
- Calcium Sulphate-Based Screeds: Some modified screeds can dry faster than traditional cement-based options.
Conclusion
Fast drying screeds provide an excellent solution for projects requiring rapid completion. By incorporating special additives or optimising drying conditions, traditional screeds can also be modified to dry faster. Choosing the right screed depends on project timelines and specific requirements.
Residential & Commercial
floor screeding
Fast drying screed services in the Midlands
Residential floor screeding
Fast drying screed for new build homes

Fast drying screed for home extensions

Fast drying screed for Underfloor heating
We provide the complete underfloor heating package.
We supply and install EVERYTHING required for underfloor heating installation. From DPM, Radon barrier, insulation and floor screed materials through to the boiler itself.
Commercial floor screeding
Warehouse flooring
It will enhance the structural integrity, prevent cracks, and ensure a smooth base for final floor finishes like epoxy coatings or polished concrete.
Floor preperation
We use dust-free, vacuum-assisted diamond grinding equipment to grind concrete surfaces, effectively removing imperfections and providing a smooth base for new coatings