Floor screed may sound obscure and uncommon, but it’s actually surprisingly common. It’s usually spread on top of a concrete subfloor, and it used to level the surface and increase durability. Screed can be a decorative coating or be covered with a flooring of your choice.
What’s The Difference Between Floor Screed & Concrete?
Floor screed and concrete are different materials that often work well together. Concrete is usually used as a base, and is a key component of many construction projects. It’s a great substance to use for structures. Concrete can hold a lot of weight and is able to hold up to a lot of challenging conditions.
Floor screed is what gives concrete floors a smooth and even finish. Screed comes in a few different types, so you have a choice of what appearance you’d like.
The Types Of Screed
You can choose from three main types of floor screed. These are:
Bonded Screed – Bonded screed is strong, and is applied to concrete floors with an adhesive. The area needs to be prepared before applying the screed, and it’s usually done in very thin coat. This surface is suitable for surfaces where heavy loads are expected.
Unbonded Screed – This type of screed is often used in areas where damp is a concern. This screed is applied relatively thickly, and it needs to be dried out properly to be effective. Usually applied onto a damp proof membrane. Because it’s not directly connected to the concrete below, there’s not much risk of shrinkage.
Floating Screed – Floating screed is the thickest of all of the types of floor screed, and is considered as being a layer of insulation. This is usually used in applications where there is underfloor heating, because of its insulating properties.
What Is Screed Made Of?
Most floor screed is either made of a combination of sand and cement, or anhydrite. Anhydrite is also known as liquid screed, and is the easiest and cheapest to apply. It’s self-levelling and self-curing, meaning a lot less labour is required.
For Floor Screed, Choose Best Mix
If you need floor screed, Best Mix is the place to go. We supply and deliver screeds across Birmingham and the West Midlands. The semi-dry mixture we offer is easy to apply and is workable for up to 8-12 hours, for a simple application. Our team can also supply volumetric mixers to prepare screed on site. Contact our team today to discuss any of our services.
