Types of Floor Screeds Available
At Promain, we offer a comprehensive selection of floor screeding solutions tailored for different applications. Our range of screed flooring includes options such as liquid, bonded, and unbonded screed, each offering unique benefits like compatibility with underfloor heating systems and optimised heat distribution. Our range includes:
- Traditional Sand and Cement Screeds – A durable screed mix made with sharp sand and cement.
- Self-Levelling Screed – Ideal for achieving an ultra-smooth finish with minimal manual work.
- Bonded Screed – Directly applied to the concrete subfloor using a bonding agent for superior adhesion.
- Unbonded Screed – Laid over a membrane, preventing direct contact with the subfloor.
- High-Strength Concrete Topping – Used in areas requiring heavy foot traffic and durability.
Selecting the right screed material ensures long-term durability and correct thickness for your flooring materials.
Traditional Cement Sand Screeds
Traditional cement sand screeds are a popular choice for floor screeding due to their durability and versatility. Made from a mixture of cement, sharp sand, and water, these screeds are suitable for a wide range of applications, including both residential and commercial buildings. One of the key benefits of traditional cement sand screeds is their compatibility with underfloor heating systems. They provide excellent thermal conductivity, ensuring efficient heat distribution throughout the floor. These screeds can be laid to a thickness of up to 75mm, making them ideal for various floor finishes such as tiles, carpets, and wood flooring.
Fibre Reinforced Sand and Cement Floor Screed
Fibre reinforced sand and cement floor screed incorporates polypropylene fibres to minimise shrinkage and cracking, enhancing the screed’s durability. This type of screed is ideal for use with underfloor heating systems, as it provides a smooth and level surface that ensures efficient heat distribution. Fibre reinforced sand and cement floor screed is particularly suitable for high-traffic areas, such as commercial buildings and industrial spaces, due to its enhanced strength and resistance to wear. It is also a great option for residential buildings, especially in areas that experience heavy foot traffic.
Why Choose a High-Quality Floor Screed?
Using quality floor screeds offers several key advantages:
- Creates a smooth, level surface for seamless floor installations.
- Enhances structural performance, reducing cracks and shrinkage.
- Increases durability, handling heavy foot traffic and loads.
- Supports underfloor heating, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Minimises dust and debris, improving air quality and cleanliness.
Whether you need a traditional screed or a self-levelling screed, selecting the right option is crucial for a flawless finish.
Concrete Floor Screeding for Strong and Durable Surfaces
Concrete floor screeding is a popular method for achieving a level surface over concrete subfloors. Wearing screed, a high-strength concrete topping, is often used for its durability and structural benefits in heavy-duty applications. It is commonly used in construction projects where durability and strength are paramount.
- Improves wear resistance for heavy-duty applications.
- Ensures even floor levels for proper installation of flooring materials.
- Reduces surface cracking, enhancing longevity.
For floor screeding services, ensuring the correct thickness and drying process is critical for a long-lasting floor.
Understanding Floor Screed Thickness Requirements
The thickness of a floor screed depends on the type of application:
- Bonded Screed – Typically 25mm to 40mm thick, directly applied to the concrete subfloor.
- Unbonded Screed – Requires a minimum thickness of 50mm to 70mm for optimal stability.
- Floating Screed – Installed over insulation, needing at least 65mm to 75mm to support foot traffic.
Choosing the correct thickness ensures that the floor screed performs effectively in most applications.
Self-Levelling Screed for an Ultra-Smooth Finish with Underfloor Heating
A self-levelling screed provides an efficient way to create a smooth finish without requiring excessive manual troweling. It flows naturally to fill gaps, creating an even surface across the whole floor.
- Ideal for renovations, where uneven surfaces need correction.
- Reduces installation time, accelerating the drying process.
- Ensures a smooth, dust-free finish, perfect for final floor finishes.
Choosing the Right Screed Mix for Your Project
When selecting a screed mix, consider the following factors:
- Application Type – Whether for bonded, unbonded, or self-levelling use.
- Load Requirements – Heavy-duty areas require high-strength concrete topping.
- Drying Times – Some screeds dry within seven days, while others require longer.
- Environmental Factors – Proper ventilation and humidity control ensure optimal drying.
Our experts can help you choose the right floor screeding solution based on your specific needs.
Base Preparation for Optimal Screed Performance
Proper base preparation is crucial for achieving optimal screed performance. The subfloor must be clean, dry, and free of any dust, dirt, or contaminants that could affect the screed’s adhesion. It is essential to ensure that the subfloor is level and even, with any imperfections or irregularities corrected before the screed is applied. Using a bonding agent can help to create a strong bond between the screed and the subfloor, enhancing the overall stability of the flooring system. Additionally, it is important to verify that the subfloor is suitable for the type of screed being used and that the screed is compatible with any underfloor heating systems.
Product Spotlight: High-Performance Floor Screeds at Promain
At Promain, we stock a wide range of floor screeds designed for smooth and level flooring applications. Here are three of our best solutions:
1. Ronacrete RonaScreed Fast Dry Prompt
Ronacrete RonaScreed is a fast-drying cement screed, allowing quicker installation of final floor finishes. It is suitable for projects with tight deadlines, minimising drying times.
2. Centrecoat MMA Smooth Screed
For an ultra-smooth finish and enhanced durability, Centrecoat MMA Smooth Screed is a top choice. It provides high-strength structural topping, ensuring long-lasting performance.
3. Resbuild MMA Smooth Screed FR
For superior bonding strength, Resbuild MMA Smooth Screed delivers a reinforced surface ideal for industrial and high-traffic areas.
How to Ensure Proper Floor Screed Installation
To achieve the best results with floor screeding, follow these guidelines:
- Prepare the concrete subfloor, ensuring it is free from dust, dirt, and debris.
- Use a bonding agent for bonded screeds, ensuring a strong connection.
- Apply the screed material using a sawing motion to achieve a smooth finish.
- Using a screed board can help ensure a smooth surface by compacting and leveling the laid screed during the installation process.
- Ensure correct drying times, preventing early exposure to foot traffic.
- Use the right thickness, maintaining structural stability.
When installed correctly, floor screeds provide a stable, level surface for all floor coverings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Floor Screeding
What is a floor screed?
A floor screed is a thin layer of sand and cement, applied over a concrete subfloor to create a smooth and level surface for floor coverings.
What is the cheapest way to screed a floor?
A traditional sand and cement screed is the most cost-effective option, requiring sharp sand, cement, and water.
How much does a 20kg bag of screed cover?
A 20kg bag of screed typically covers around 1m² at 10mm thickness, depending on the screed mix and drying process.
Can you screed straight onto a concrete floor?
Yes, a bonded screed can be applied directly to a concrete subfloor, provided a suitable bonding agent is used.
Order Your Floor Screeds Today!
At Promain, we provide premium floor screeding solutions for every project. Whether you need self-levelling screeds, bonded screeds, or high-strength concrete toppings, we have the right product for you.
Ensure your floors are smooth, level, and durable - choose Promain for high-quality floor screeds today!