UK based floor screeding contractors
What is Liquid Screed?
Liquid screed, also known as flowing screed, is a modern and efficient alternative to traditional sand and cement screeds. It is used to create smooth, level floors in both residential and commercial settings. As a floor screeding expert, I will outline the key advantages of using liquid screed in your construction projects.
Physical Composition of Liquid Screed
Liquid screed consists of a mixture of fine aggregates, cement or anhydrite (calcium sulphate binder) and water-reducing additives.
The key features of liquid screed composition include:
- High fluidity, allowing it to flow easily and self-level.
- Reduced shrinkage compared to traditional screeds.
- Higher thermal conductivity, making it ideal for underfloor heating.
- Minimal cracking due to controlled drying rates.
Typical applications
Widely used in both residential and commercial projects across the UK. Common applications include:
- Underfloor Heating Systems: Liquid screed efficiently encases heating pipes, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Large Commercial Projects: Ideal for warehouses, offices, and shopping centres due to its quick installation and drying time.
- Residential Homes: Used to achieve a smooth and level base for floor finishes such as tiles, wood, or carpets.
- Renovation Projects: Can be poured over existing floors to create a uniform surface.
Types of Liquid Screed
Each type is suited to specific requirements:
- Anhydrite (Calcium Sulphate) Screed: Made from calcium sulphate instead of cement, it has a slower drying time but provides superior flexibility and minimal shrinkage.
- Cement-Based: Uses a cement binder, allowing for faster drying and compatibility with various adhesives and flooring types.
- Fast-Drying: Specially formulated for projects requiring quick turnaround times.
Comparison Table: Cement-Based vs. Anhydrite Liquid Screed
| Feature | Cement-Based Liquid Screed | Anhydrite (Calcium Sulphate) Liquid Screed |
|---|---|---|
| Binder Material | Cement | Calcium Sulphate (Anhydrite) |
| Drying Time | Faster (typically 1mm per day) | Slower (0.5mm per day) |
| Crack Resistance | Moderate | High (Minimal shrinkage) |
| Flowability | Good | Excellent (Superior self-levelling properties) |
| Underfloor Heating Compatibility | Good | Excellent (Better thermal conductivity) |
| Moisture Sensitivity | Lower sensitivity to moisture | More sensitive to moisture; requires careful sealing |
| Final Floor Covering | Compatible with most adhesives | Requires special primers before applying adhesives |
Liquid Screeds (aka flowing screeds ) fall into two main categories.
- Anhydrite ( Gypsum / Calcium Sulphate, rather than cement )
- Cementitous ( A mix of sand, cement, screed binder & water )
Ideal for Underfloor heating ( UFH )encasing underfloor heating pipes, creating a fantastic void free medium for absorbing and then radiating heat.
They can be laid a lot thinner than traditional screed with no need for reinforcement and over 5 times the volume can be installed in a single day. Other benefits are shown in the table below.
- Rapid installation
- Delivered to site pre mixed and pumped in directly
- Can be laid a lot thinner than traditional screed
- Increased thermal conductivity
What is Anhydrite Screed?
Anhydrite screed is a type of liquid screed that uses calcium sulphate as a binder instead of cement. It is known for its excellent flow properties and reduced risk of cracking.
Advantages of Anhydrite Screed:
- Self-levelling, reducing manual labour.
- Lower shrinkage and reduced risk of cracking.
- Ideal for large-scale applications due to its fast installation process.
- Higher thermal conductivity, making it more efficient for underfloor heating systems.
“Widely used in both residential and commercial projects across the UK”
Why Use Liquid Screed?
Often the preferred choice in the UK due to several benefits:
- Faster installation compared to traditional screeds.
- Higher precision in achieving a level floor surface.
- Minimised shrinkage, reducing the risk of cracking.
- Better thermal conductivity, enhancing the performance of underfloor heating systems.
Conclusion
Liquid screeds has revolutionised the UK construction industry, offering superior performance, quick installation, and better compatibility with modern flooring solutions. Whether using cement-based or anhydrite screed, choosing the right type ensures optimal results for different projects.
Residential & Commercial
floor screeding
Liquid screed services in the Midlands
Residential floor screeding
Liquid screed for new build homes
Liquid screed for home extensions
Liquid 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