Screeding occurs when ordinary cement is applied with water and graded aggregates to the base of a floor. This process is generally executed to produce a solid sub-floor, which is then able to acquire the final floor finish. Screeding ensures a durable and smooth quality finish and so is a vital procedure.

Screed failures can be very costly so it’s essential to ensure that it is installed correctly. For the best results, avoid the common screed mistakes mentioned below:

1) Inadequate Mixing

If you fail to mix the cement, aggregate, water and additives properly, small pockets of unmixed materials will form, and this will prevent the screed from reaching its full potential of strength. Therefore, it can crumble under heavy pressure.

2) Inadequate Drying and Curing

Installation of the final floor prior to it finish drying will lead to costly problems such as floor swelling, bubbling and buckling. In addition to this, you want to avoid rushing the drying process by using ventilation or heat, as it will reduce the quality of construction. This could cause cracking.

3) Significant Flatness Deviations

It’s essential to use a flat screed in order to gain the desired flat floor. Should you want to install a larger format floor on top of your sub-floor with bumps and dips, there’s a high probability of it becoming cracked when walking over the surface. In addition to this, costly remedial work will be needed in the future if you’re unable to lay the floor due to uneven substrate.

Based in the West Midlands, Central Flow Screed is one of the UK’s leading installers of liquid floor and flowing screeds.

As approved contractors with the major screed suppliers, we provide nationwide coverage and have over 15 years’ specific industry experience.

Contact us today on:

01527 337023

Within the process of liquid screed for flooring, delays can have critical impacts on your project. Waiting upon your liquid screed to dry can bring the project to a halt. Therefore, it’s vital to understand how to dry the floor effectively. To gain the best end results, it’s essential to let the screed dry properly prior to laying the floor coverings.

Considerations when drying liquid screed

Setting & Drying time for liquid screed

After laying your screed successfully onto the surface, it’s vital to ensure that the correct conditions are implemented from the very start. For the screed to dry efficiently, you must always aim to create an optimal environment.

Inevitably, conditions will vary interfering with the screeds drying time. Therefore, ideally, the atmosphere should be well ventilated and warm.

Once the liquid screed has been dried, you should use an approved test method. This will assess residual moisture levels prior to laying the floor. The majority of the floor screed acquires its maximum strength approximately a month after its been laid.

Based in the West Midlands, Central Flow Screed is one of the UK’s leading installers of liquid floor and flowing screeds.

As approved contractors with the major screed suppliers we provide nationwide coverage and have over 15 years’ specific industry experience.

Contact us today on:

01527 337023

Generally, a screed will comprise of cement, sharp sand and water all being

Combined to form one solution. Screed is applied atop of a subfloor to provide an even base in order for you lay the necessary flooring. Furthermore, Screed can be poured over and around underfloor heating pipes too.

The two different types of screed you should know about are traditional screed and liquid screed.

Traditional Screed:

Traditional screed has a drying time of roughly 5 days before it can be walked on. Therefore, the process of this type of screed cannot be rushed. Traditional Screed also has a limit of 120-square metres that can be laid per a day.

Traditional screed may require you to insert joints to separate each area from the others if your floor is particularly large. The thinnest layer of screed is 40mm but it can be laid as thick as 100mm, dependent on what’s underneath.

Liquid Screed:

Liquid Screed allows you to walk on the floor within 24-48 hours of it being laid and so has a considerably faster drying time. With our liquid screed, you could lay up to potentially 2,000 square metres of liquid screed per a day, which is a significant difference from traditional screed. Liquid screed would therefore suit larger properties.

You also have the opportunity to force the drying rate with this type of screed. If you are behind on a project, this can provide as an effective means of getting back on track. In addition to this, during the winter or the cold weather, you have the ability to force-dry the screed, enabling you to beat the dampness.

Cost:

Liquid flowing screeds become lower in cost from 40m² whereas with a traditional screed, the ergonomics of scale are such that the larger the floor, the more expensive your screed becomes.

Tiled flooring is one of the most popular floor finishes for home renovations and new builds, they are also ideal for underfloor heating. There are a variety of floor tiles available, one of the main questions we get asked is which tile and floor finish works better with underfloor heating, porcelain or ceramic?

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are quite similar, both are composed of baked clay, strengthened by heat and then glazed for a hard-wearing floor finish. However, there are some slight differences…

Type of clays:

Ceramic tiles use darker clay whereas porcelain is made with whiter clay. The clay that is used in porcelain production is more refined compared to how it is used in ceramic tiles, and it is mixed with other minerals like quartz, feldspar and sand for a stronger form. Porcelain tiles are baked at a higher temperature than ceramic tiles.

Tile finish:

There are also a couple of differences in how the finished designs of porcelain and ceramic tiles are applied. With both tiles, you can choose any design and colour however the design on a porcelain tile can seep through the entire tile, whereas on a ceramic tile it is just applied to the surface.

Certifications:

To identify as true porcelain, the tiles must be certified by industry groups. The Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA) will evaluate the porcelain tiles based on the water absorption rates.

Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are ideal floor finishes for either electric or water underfloor heating. Floor tiles, no matter what material, are great conductors of heat and will quickly disperse warmth from the floor heater into the room. Tiles also provide a durable, hard-wearing surface which are easy to maintain.

Underfloor heating will take out the natural cold of the tiles, causing a cosier, comfortable room. Porcelain and ceramic tiles have a high level of thermal conductivity, so they heat up faster and retain heat for longer.

Even though that ready-mix concrete and liquid screed are made from the same components, they are both different in their texture and what they are used from. In this blog post, we will be explaining the differences.

How are they different?

Ready-mix concrete is made at a plant and created to a client’s individual specification. This is done by using specific measurements of aggregates, sand, water and cement mixed with any additives to achieve the required result, which could be faster drying times or enhanced strength.

Liquid screed is also made out of the above, but the difference is the amount and size of aggregates that is used. By using smaller and fewer aggregates it creates a smoother consistency which makes the screed more of a liquid. However, with bigger and more aggregates, it will make the concrete stronger which is typically used for structural building jobs.

What are they used for?

As they are both different, they are used for different purposes. Liquid screed has a smoother finish so is used for underfloor heating or as a protective layer over an existing concrete floor. This is because of the flowability of liquid screed, it leaves now lumps or bumps and if laid properly it will eliminate air bubbles and maximise conductivity.

Ready-mix concrete is used for different purposes in construction, it is used for pathways, driveways, cellar conversions, paving, conservatories and more. This will work best if you’re looking for something that creates a strong and long-lasting result.

If you are looking for liquid screed for your upcoming project, get in touch with our team today! We’re always on hand to help and answer any questions you may have.

Who is Central Flow Screed & Underfloor Heating?

Based in the West Midlands, Central Flow Screed is one of the UK’s leading installers of liquid screed. As approved contractors with the major screed suppliers we provide nationwide coverage and have over 15 years specific industry experience.

What depth of screed is recommended?

Bonded - 25mm
Unbonded - 30m
Over Matting - 35mm for domestic use and 40mm for commercial use.

Does underfloor heating take a long time to heat up and cool down?

A good quality underfloor heating system allows you to programme the times you want your heating on. The system uses the history which builds a pattern of your heating requirements.

How long does screed take to dry?

It would depend on the depth of the screed. Usually, our screed will have dried enough to walk on after 48 hours. You can load the floor with heavier items after about a week.

Can I fit underfloor heating myself?

Underfloor heating is a specialist job and at Central Flow, our engineers know exactly how to install your underfloor heating at the correct centres for your heat source. Costs that are cut in the preparation and installation of underfloor heating will be costly in the future, you only put your floors in once and you wouldn’t want to have to dig them back up.

I have a joisted timber floor, can I have underfloor heating?

There are forms of underfloor heating to fit every type of floor construction, as well as floor constructions that incorporate acoustic components.

Can you install underfloor heating upstairs?

Yes, we have several different systems that we use, depending on the floors structure.

Check out or underfloor heating page for more information: https://centralflowscreedufh.co.uk/underfloor-heating

Can I use solar or a wood burner with underfloor heating?

Yes! This will ensure the property runs effectively and is environmentally efficient.

Turning on underfloor heating for the first time

Adjusting to the falling temperatures in the colder months can be difficult, with cold fingers and toes first thing in the morning being a reminder that winter is on its way. Luckily, your underfloor heating system is the perfect solution to take the chill off those first few steps!

If your underfloor heating system has recently been installed and you are looking to turn it on for the first time, or if it has been laid dormant for an extended period like over the summer, it is best to warm the system up slowly to avoid ‘shocking’ the system.

If your underfloor heating system has just been laid

Once your underfloor heating system is in place you may be eager to fire it up straight away, however, if this is the first time you are using your UFH system it is important to check for a couple of things.

Is the screed fully dry?

One of the most important things to consider when your underfloor heating system has just been laid is whether the screed has fully dried. If the screed is still drying, heating the system up prematurely could cause cracking and damage, which will result in the flooring becoming uneven. It is important to let the screed fully dry naturally to remove the moisture and not to use the UFH system to speed this process up.

Different screeds will require different drying times. It’s always best to check with your installer if you are unsure what screed you are using for your UFH system.

What type of flooring are you using with your UFH system?

The type of flooring you have fitted can affect how you turn on your underfloor heating for the first time.

A timber floor, for example, can be sensitive to changes in temperature and should be gradually warmed to avoid warping.

It’s always best to check the flooring manufacturer’s guidance before turning on your underfloor heating.

If your system has been off for a while

You won’t need to use your UFH system all year round, even with the British weather, so your system may lay dormant during the warmer months. When heating your system back up again after a long period, it is important to follow the same steps as when heating up your system for the first time. This allows your flooring to adjust to the raising temperature again.

How long does underfloor heating take to warm up?

Wet UFH systems use water from your boiler, which has to circulate through the system to deliver warmth. Electrical wire and mat systems heat up a lot faster from the electrical current running through them.

This means that wet UFH systems take a little longer to heat up, but they will reach the desired temperature. If your floor feels like it isn’t heating up at first, wait a while rather than increasing the temperature to try and compensate.

The type of flooring will also have an effect on the time it takes to warm up. Tiles, stone and vinyl flooring will heat up fairly quickly while carpet and timber will take a little longer.

We are established screed and underfloor heating experts based in the West Midlands. There are a number of steps that you must take which prepares the floor for screeding. Our team are experienced and qualified to apply liquid screed. Preparation is key when it comes to laying a liquid screed, so here’s our guide:

Measuring the amount of screed

It’s very crucial that you use the correct amount of screed, here at Central Flow Screed we provide the perfect number of mixed batches with no inconsistencies. This prevents you from wasting money if there’s too much screed whilst reducing the need to dispose of excess screed.

Removing debris and lay insulation

It is important to make sure that the area to be screeded is made watertight, removing all dust and debris from the floor beforehand. Then if you’re adding insulation, this should be done below the waterproofing membrane.

Laying the watertight membrane

You can use a polyethylene sheeting which will create a waterproof membrane. This prevents all leaking of the screed when pumped in. It’s recommended to use 1000 gauge or thicker. The polyethylene should be curled up at the edge of the area to be screeded and stuck to the wall. Make sure all joints are taped.

Waterproof Shuttering

You’ll need to work around obstacles and troublesome pipe work so that water doesn’t get to them. Where this is shuttering, such as across doorways, you can seal with mastic or expanding foam so that it’s watertight.

Securing Underfloor heating pipes

If you are using underfloor heating, it’s important to secure the pipes or trays inside the polyethylene. Generally, the clips are self-sealing, it’s important that nothing is able to float up when the liquid screed is poured.

Now that you’ve sealed and made the area watertight you are now ready to pour the screed. It’s recommended to fill the underfloor heating pipes to stop them from floating up in the liquid screed.

If you have any further questions or enquiries, please contact out specialists today!


01527 337023

If you want an equally warm home with no cool patches, underfloor heating is the perfect solution for you. Not only is it lovely to walk on but it allows you to remove radiators from your walls, which frees up space for windows or furniture.

Perks of underfloor heating:

Underfloor heating is extremely cost effective when warming a room which will help cut fuel bills. Unlike radiators, UFH provides greater comfort levels by distributing heat evenly and gently. As well as this, very little heat is wasted due to the warmth being concentrated to the lower part of a room. Underfloor heating is generally used in ground floor rooms, however there is a system to suit and type of floor construction.

Based in the West Midlands, Central Flow Screed is one of the UK’s leading installers of liquid floor and flowing screeds.

As approved contractors with the major screed suppliers we provide nationwide coverage and have over 15 years specific industry experience.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team now!

01527 337023

Screeding is when ordinary cement is a plied with water and graded aggregates to the base of a floor. This process is usually carried out to produce a solid sub-floor, which is then able to take on the final floor finish. Screeding is the vital procedure as it ensures a durable and smooth quality finish.

It’s important to ensure that it is installed correctly as screed failures can be very expensive. For the best results avoid the common mistakes mentioned below:

1. Inadequate Mixing

If you fail to mix the cement, aggregate, water and additives properly then small pockets of unmixed materials will form and prevent the screed from reaching its full potential of strength and therefore can crumble under heavy pressure.

2. Inadequate Drying and Curing

If you install the final floor before it has finished drying, you will be lead to expensive problems such as floor swelling, bubbling and buckling. As well as this you don’t want to rush the drying process by using ventilation or heat as it will decrease the quality of construction. This could cause cracking.

3. Significant Flatness Deviations

In order to gain the desired flat floor, it’s important to use a flat screed. If you intend to install a larger format floor on top of your sub-floor with bumps and dips, there’s a high chance of it becoming cracked when walking over the surface. As well as this, if you’re unable to lay the floor due to uneven substrate, then expensive remedial work will be required in the future.

Based in the West Midlands, Central Flow Screed is one of the UK’s leading installers of liquid floor and flowing screeds.

As approved contractors with the major screed suppliers we provide nationwide coverage and have over 15 years’ specific industry experience.

Contact us today:

01527 337023

Based in the West Midlands, Central Flow Screed is one of the UK’s leading installers of liquid floor and flowing screeds. As approved contractors with the major screed suppliers we provide nationwide coverage and have over 15 years specific industry experience.

If your looking for Floor Screed in the West Midlands, Look no further.
© 2024 Central Flow Screed & Underfloor Heating
chevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram