UK based floor screeding contractors
Traditional screed contractors in the UK
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.
“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 gas 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