24
May 2019
What is Floor Screed used for?
You may have heard the term ‘floor screed’ bandied about but what is it and what is it used for?
In the construction of concrete floors, there is a tolerance that needs to be worked to. With prestressed concrete units and beam and block floors, the tolerances are not high enough for a floor finish to be laid without a sacrificial levelling layer. This is known as ‘floor screed’
Floor screed gives you a high tolerance which varies depending upon the category of floor required and the type and size of floor finish being applied.
Tolerances range from SR3 to SR1. SR stands for Surface regularity and when laid correctly to SR1 can achieve a tolerance of 3mm under a 2m straight edge.
JCWs team of experienced installers can consistently and efficiently carry out screeds to high tolerances and do so on a daily and weekly basis. This makes JCW the nationwide choice for floor screed.
Types of screed for all applications
Here at JCW Floor Screeding we supply a range of high-quality ready-mixed screed products including.
- Fibre Reinforced sand and cement- Obtaining a compressive strength of Minimum 18N and a drying time of 1mm per day by the rule of thumb this screed contains polypropylene fibre reinforcement that is employed to reduce shrinkage and cracking.
- High/ Early Strength sand and cement- With a compressive strength of Minimum 30N and a rule of thumb drying time of 25mm per week this screed can be used to expedite a programme or improve the compression of a screed.
- Retanol Xtreme- Retanol is a relatively new product to market. Its benefits include its ability to be laid thinner, a rapid drying period and a much improved compressive strength at Minimum 40N.
All of these screeds can be used for large and small construction projects including schools, retail units, hospitals or residential buildings including house extensions.
All screeds laid by JCW conform to British Standard BS8204- Part 1.
Underfloor Heating
Whether you are building a new project, residential extension or any kind of refurbishment you may decide to employ an Underfloor heating system. If this is the case JCW can use the types of screed cited to encapsulate your pipework and produce a smooth level surface at an optimal thickness to allow the thermal transfer through the screed and into your required rooms.
Projects
At JCW, our floor screed has been successfully installed at many large projects across the UK, including:
- McDonald’s at London Bridge, Southwark
- Surf Snowdonia Adventure Parc, Dalgarrog
- Premier Inn, Pacific Quay, Glasgow
- Burnley General Teaching Hospital
Need to know more about how floor screed could be of benefit to your project? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team, here at JCW Floor Screeding. We are always on hand to help and will be more than willing to share our expertise. Call us today on 01204 387 029.
Frequently Asked Questions
Floor screed is a cementitious mixture typically laid on top of a concrete subfloor to help even it out and make it safer for people to walk on.
Having your floor screeded will provide a smooth finish and offer better adhesion for new carpet, tiles, laminate or vinyl. However, leaving screed bare will provide a strong, sturdy surface.
Screed can be laid on top of underfloor heating (UFH) systems to ensure heat is distributed evenly throughout the room. Eliminating hot and cold spots not only makes for a cosier feel but also helps to reduce your energy bills.
Traditional sand and cement floor screed is applied in a thin layer.
Our expert screeders will begin by dividing the room into sections to make it easier to achieve a smooth, flat surface across your entire floor.
Then, starting at the point furthest away, we’ll pour a small amount of the mixture on top of the subfloor and use a trowel to spread it out before flattening it with a straight-edged tool.
We’ll then repeat this process until the whole floor has been screeded and advise you on curing times to ensure optimal results.
For more information about the process of floor screeding, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We understand that, with so many different floor screed products on the market, knowing which one to choose can be difficult – especially since they all boast advantageous properties.
However, here at JCW, we supply and install only the best quality traditional floor screeds, including:
Exactly as its name implies, our quick-drying floor screed dries much faster than any other type – allowing floor coverings to be laid sooner, which is great for projects with looming deadlines.
PFibre-reinforced screed, on the other hand, consists of polypropylene fibres which help to minimise shrinkage and cracking. This type of screed is typically suited to industrial environments (i.e. factories and warehouse units).
And higher-strength screed contains additives that increase its strength, making it perfect for commercial floors and areas that endure heavy foot traffic every day.
Still unsure? Feel free to talk to the team. We’re always on hand to help and will gladly advise you on the most suitable type of screed for your project requirements.
Although it’s perfectly possible to screed a floor yourself, there is a lot to think about to ensure you achieve the best results.
And that’s where our expert screeders can help.
We have been working with contractors, construction workers and self-builders across the UK for many years – providing only the best quality screeds for new-builds and renovation projects.
Whether your floor is sloping and you need to level it out with floor screed or you’re fitting new flooring and want to guarantee a bump-free finish, JCW considers no task too big or too small.
Our screeders will make sure that the appropriate floor screed is selected and laid correctly, meeting British Standards.
If you have any questions regarding our floor screeds or the process of floor screeding, we’d love to hear from you.
Either give us a call on 01204 387 029 or drop us an email at estimating@jcwgroup.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
