Recommendation points
- When is additional alignment of an existing screed required?
- How thick should the floor screed be
- What is the approximate consumption of a sand-cement mixture for a screed
- When to remove the old screed
- How long does the screed dry on the floor
- How to reduce screed costs and reduce floor loads
- Do I need to use a reinforcing mesh when arranging a floor screed
- Are there any additional requirements for the screed, under which there will be a warm floor
- Why do you need an edge, damper tape for a wet floor screed
- Why the screed is watered with water
- Is it possible to replace the reinforcing mesh with something
Our advice site has already written how to make a floor screed with your own hands. However, there are still many questions about this very important and necessary part of the rough repair work. We will answer the most common ones.
When is additional alignment of an existing screed required?
In some cases, it is necessary:
- They removed the old tiles, there were irregularities on the floor, traces from it;
- The partition was demolished, respectively, the floor in this place needs to be leveled;
- The screed in the new building, made by the developer, is not of high quality.
How thick should the floor screed be
Cases are different. If the floor screed goes directly over the floor slab, then the minimum thickness will be 2 centimeters. If the screed is made on a loose layer, then the thickness will already be at least 4 centimeters. If you need to hide pipes under the screed, then 4.5 centimeters are added to their diameter.
What is the approximate consumption of a sand-cement mixture for a screed
About 20 kilograms per 1 square meter of the room with a thickness of 1 centimeter. So consider that leveling the floor in an apartment with an area of 100 square meters with a thickness of at least 2 centimeters will take 4 tons of sand-cement mixture! A lot.
When to remove the old screed
If it is covered with cracks, and when tapping you hear a dull sound, it is better to dismantle the old screed. In addition, if it is loose, shuffling your foot, you raise dust – dismantling is necessary.
How long does the screed dry on the floor
Experts have long calculated that it takes a week to completely dry a screed layer 1 centimeter thick. That is, if the thickness of your screed is 4 centimeters, you will have to wait almost a month – 28 days for complete drying. For a semi-dry screed, about which the portal wrote in detail, the drying time is exactly two times less.
Important! It is impossible to pour a layer of roving on a not dried screed – it will crack. And if you put a laminate or parquet on a base that is not completely dry, they will draw in moisture and swell.
How to reduce screed costs and reduce floor loads
The most popular option is to use expanded clay. It is lightweight and inexpensive. The consumption of the sand-cement mixture will noticeably decrease. But when laying a warm floor, you should not use expanded clay – its heat-insulating properties will reduce the efficiency of the heating system. In addition, expanded clay absorbs moisture, so it is not used in rooms without waterproofing. In such cases, it is better to use foam chips..
Important! When pouring a wet screed, there is a risk that it will seep to the neighbors below. Therefore, all the cracks in the floor slabs must be covered and the surface treated with waterproofing. Or just put a layer of thick plastic wrap on the floor slab.
Do I need to use a reinforcing mesh when arranging a floor screed
Yes, a metal mesh is necessary to prevent cracking of the surface. Take a grid with cells of 5×5 or 10×10 centimeters.
Are there any additional requirements for the screed, under which there will be a warm floor
Yes, it must be especially strong in bending, because it will be exposed to temperature changes. It is advisable to use special leveling mixtures for warm floors or add plasticizers to the usual solution.
Why do you need an edge, damper tape for a wet floor screed
It prevents the appearance of cracks during the drying process, and also separates the screed from the wall, improving its sound insulation properties. Such a strip of foamed polymer with a thickness of only 1 centimeter necessarily surrounds all walls around the perimeter of the room before pouring the screed. Then you can easily hide the remaining gap with a floor plinth..
Why the screed is watered with water
In order not to dry out too quickly, because this increases the risk of cracking. This is especially important in the heat of summer and in winter, when renovations are done with the central heating turned on. The first 5-7 days, the screed is watered and covered with plastic wrap so that the liquid does not evaporate.
Is it possible to replace the reinforcing mesh with something
Yes, now more and more I add fiberglass to the solution. These are metal or polypropylene fibers that also help prevent cracks and compensate for the stress that occurs during drying..
I would like to know more about floor screed. What is it exactly and what is its purpose? How is it applied and what are the benefits of using it? Are there any specific types of floor screed that are recommended for different types of flooring or environments? Also, what are some common issues or mistakes that people encounter when using floor screed, and how can they be avoided? Thank you in advance for your response!
Floor screed is a mixture of sand, cement, and water that is applied to the subfloor before laying the final flooring material. Its purpose is to create a smooth, level surface and provide a strong base for the flooring. The screed is applied in a liquid form and then leveled using screed boards or a specialist machine.
The benefits of using floor screed are numerous. It helps to ensure the durability and longevity of the flooring, improves heat insulation, and provides better soundproofing. It also helps to prevent moisture from penetrating the flooring material.
Different types of floor screed are recommended for different types of flooring or environments. For example, traditional sand and cement screed is suitable for most applications, while self-leveling screed is used to achieve a smooth and level surface quickly. There are also specialist screeds available for underfloor heating or areas where chemical resistance is required.
Some common issues or mistakes when using floor screed include insufficient drying time, insufficient thickness, and incorrect mixing ratios. These can lead to cracked or uneven surfaces. To avoid these problems, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, allow sufficient drying time, and ensure the correct thickness and mixing ratios are maintained. Professional guidance is always recommended for satisfactory results.
I’m curious to know what factors should be considered when choosing floor screed? Is there a specific type of screed suitable for different types of flooring? Also, what are the recommended thicknesses and drying times for different screed materials? It would be great if someone could provide some insights on the best practices for applying and finishing floor screed as well. Thanks in advance for the information!
I have a question for those who have experience with floor screed. Is it necessary to use a primer before applying the screed? I want to make sure I have all the necessary steps in place for a successful installation. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!