Types of Floor Screed

1. Traditional Sand and Cement Screed

This is a manually mixed and trowelled screed, composed of sand, cement, and water.

• Best for: Residential and commercial projects requiring a durable, standard finish.
• Pros: Affordable, widely used, and offers good strength.
• Cons: Longer drying time (1mm per day, meaning 75mm thickness can take 75 days to dry).
• Underfloor Heating: Can be used but may require additional preparation.

2. Liquid Screed (Anhydrite Screed)

This self-levelling screed is pumped onto the floor, spreading evenly with minimal effort.

• Best for: Large areas and underfloor heating installations.
• Pros: Self-leveling, fast application, minimal shrinkage.
• Cons: Requires sealing before tiling due to its chemical composition.
• Underfloor Heating: Excellent thermal conductivity for efficient heat transfer.

3. Fibre-Reinforced Screed

This screed contains added fibres to improve strength and reduce the risk of cracking.

• Best for: Areas requiring added durability, such as garages and high-traffic zones.
• Pros: Enhanced strength and reduced shrinkage.
• Cons: Slightly more expensive than standard screeds.
• Underfloor Heating: Suitable but may require additional levelling.

4. Fast-Drying Screed

Specially designed screeds that dry significantly faster than traditional options.

• Best for: Projects with tight deadlines.
• Pros: Can be walked on within hours, reducing project downtime.
• Cons: More expensive than standard screeds.
• Underfloor Heating: Works well but requires careful planning to avoid cracking.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Screed

1. Underfloor Heating Installation

If your project includes underfloor heating, the screed should have good thermal conductivity. Liquid flow screeds are often the best choice, as they surround the heating pipes evenly, improving heat distribution.

2. Existing Floor Substrate Condition

The state of the underlying floor affects screed selection:

• Uneven or damaged substrate: Self-levelling screed is best for achieving a smooth finish.
• Moisture-prone areas: Fast-drying or polymer-modified screeds help reduce long drying times.
• High-traffic zones: Fibre-reinforced screed offers added durability.

3. Desired Final Floor Covering

Your choice of final flooring also impacts the screed selection:

• Tiles: Standard or fibre-reinforced screeds provide a solid base.
• Vinyl or laminate: A perfectly smooth and level surface is needed, making liquid screed a good option.
• Carpet: Most screeds are suitable as long as they are level.

4. Time Constraints

If you need a quick turnaround, fast-drying screeds allow for early application of final floor coverings.