UK based floor screeding contractors
Traditional screed contractors in the UK
Traditional screed is a blend of sharp sand, cement and water. Traditional sand and cement screed can be laid “to falls,” meaning it’s intentionally laid with a slight slope to help with drainage. This is a common practice in bathrooms, showers, and other areas where water needs to be directed towards a drain.
Typical Usage Environments
Traditional sand and cement screed is widely used in various construction projects across the UK, including:
- Residential Buildings: Commonly used in homes to create a solid base for flooring materials.
- Commercial and Industrial Spaces: Used in warehouses, offices, and retail spaces due to its durability.
- Bathrooms and Wet Areas: Ideal for areas requiring falls to drainage, such as showers and wet rooms.
- Renovation Projects: Can be applied over existing subfloors to level uneven surfaces.
Typical Application Process
The installation of traditional sand and cement screed follows these steps:
- Surface Preparation: The substrate is cleaned, primed, and checked for moisture levels.
- Mixing: A blend of sharp sand, cement (typically 3:1 to 4:1 ratio), and water is mixed to achieve a semi-dry consistency.
- Application: The screed is spread and compacted using a screed bar or straight edge.
- Levelling: A float or trowel is used to achieve a smooth and even finish.
- Curing: The screed is left to cure naturally, with occasional moisture control to prevent cracking.
- Drying Time: Typically, it takes 1mm per day under ideal conditions.
Traditional screed specialists in Northamptonshire
Ready mixed sand and cement screed that can be tailored to suit your project. Traditional screed can be reinforced with invisible fibreglass fibres to provide enhanced strength where heavy footfall is expected.
Traditional Screed contractors
Consisting of sharp sand and cement and a small amount of water. Traditional screeds are perfect for drainage applications, where a slight surface fall is needed to shed water to a specific point.
Screed additives
Screed additives can be added to tradition screed to make the drying time quicker .
They can be reinforced with either traditional steel or fibre making it far stronger and prevent cracking.
Floor screed for new builds
Extensions, garage floors, new builds – whether you are a large building firm, a project manager or a self-builder, we offer a range of floor screed solutions to suit your project and budget.
Talk to us !
We have the answers to your questions. Liberty Floor Solutions have many years experience and can offer expert advice for your project.
Whether you are a large building firm, a project manager or a self-builder, we offer a range of high quality floor screed solutions to suit your project and budget. We have an extensive portfolio of works, backed up by many glowing testimonials.
“Ideal for areas requiring falls to drainage, such as showers and wet rooms”
Comparison Table: Traditional Screed vs. Liquid Screed
| Feature | Traditional Sand & Cement Screed | Liquid Screed |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Method | Manually mixed and trowelled | Pumped and self-levelling |
| Drying Time | Slower (1mm per day) | Faster (0.5mm to 1mm per day) |
| Thickness | 25mm to 75mm+ | Typically 25mm to 50mm |
| Levelling | Requires manual levelling | Self-levelling |
| Underfloor Heating Compatibility | Works but not as efficient | Highly efficient with better heat conductivity |
| Risk of Cracking | Higher risk, but can be reduced with fibres | Minimal shrinkage and cracking |
| Application Speed | Slower, requires manual labour | Faster, can cover large areas quickly |
| Cost | Generally cheaper | Higher initial cost but lower labour costs |
Benefits of Traditional Sand and Cement Screed
Despite the rise of liquid screed, traditional sand and cement screed remains popular due to its many advantages:
- Proven Durability: Provides a strong and stable subfloor for various flooring finishes.
- Cost-Effective: More affordable than some modern screed alternatives.
- Flexible Application: Suitable for both bonded and unbonded installations.
- Customisable Thickness: Can be laid from 25mm to 75mm or more.
- Ideal for Small Areas: Works well for spaces that require manual levelling.
Modification with screed additives
To enhance the performance of traditional sand and cement screed, various additives can be used:
- Plasticisers: Improve workability and reduce water content, leading to stronger screed. See Polymer screed
- Fibres: Help reinforce the screed, reducing the risk of cracking. See Fibre reinforced screed
- Accelerators: Speed up drying times, useful for fast-track projects.
- Waterproofing Agents: Improve moisture resistance, ideal for wet areas.
“Traditional screed It is a semi-dry mixture of sharp sand, cement, and water, designed to create a smooth and level surface for final floor coverings.”
Conclusion
Traditional sand and cement screed remains a popular choice in the UK due to its cost-effectiveness, durability, and ease of application. While liquid screed offers advantages in terms of speed and underfloor heating efficiency, traditional screed is still a reliable solution for many construction projects. The addition of modern screed additives further enhances its performance, making it a versatile flooring option.
Residential & Commercial
floor screeding
Traditional screed services in the Midlands
Residential floor screeding
Traditional screed for new build homes
Traditional screed for home extensions
Traditional 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 preparation
We use dust-free, vacuum-assisted diamond grinding equipment to grind concrete surfaces, effectively removing imperfections and providing a smooth base for new coatings