Floor Screeding FAQs

To make a screed a specialised type of concrete is used and then poured onto a concrete floor base. This is done to create a level surface which is smooth and ready to be covered with carpet, tiles and other flooring materials.

A screeds main purpose is to level out a concrete base which is unlevel and rough. By screeding over this kind of surface, it allows a smooth and level floor to be made and therefore creates a surface ready for carpet and other floorings to be applied.

Floor screeds can be used as the final flooring for space. Many people choose to cover their screeds with different flooring types, however, in commercial and industrial environments it increases cost-effectivity to leave the screed as it is. As well as this, some homeowners are now hopping on the minimalistic design trend and leaving the screed exposed in order to make it a feature in their room.

If your floor is already in good condition a screed should have no problem making it level. However, if a floor is very uneven it is best to start from the beginning with the project and take the whole surface up.

Depending on the type of screed you choose or require will determine its drying time. Most screeds are normally adequate to walk on after 48 hours at most however some can be walked on within a day and with added additives can be walked on after 12 hours.

It is recommended to leave a screed 28 days before placing furniture on it, however, flooring and some furniture can be placed on the screed after 7 days if completely necessary.

Yes, screeds can be applied over under floor heating. The screed used to cover under floor heating is much like a floating screed but is laid over the heating pipes instead of using an insulating material.

Yes, it is important and beneficial to screed over your underfloor heating. Not only does the screed protect your under-flooring heating pipes but also helps prolong the heating effects due to the screed retaining the warmth.

Some screeds can have sound proofing properties incorporated with them to increase acoustic insulation.

There is a type of floor screed for essentially any property. Whether you want to screed your commercial, domestic or industrial property there is a screed that can be applied. This is because screeds can be adapted to suit the environment they will be in, i.e. screeds can be made to withstand more heavy duty loads if required.

Making you screed last is important, especially in commercial and industrial premises. Some old and worn floors can have debris that can affect the profile of your screed and therefore adequately preparing your floor before the screed can increase its longevity and durability of your new screed.

There are many ways to prepare a floor for screeding. This includes:

• Crack and joint repairs
• Diamond grinding
• Scarifying
• Shot blasting