Does your floor need screeding?
Floor screed is a self-levelling compound made from sand and cement. It’s applied to the subfloor before final floor coverings are laid on top, providing a smooth surface for walking and placing furniture.
With the appropriate tools for the job, it’s perfectly possible to screed your own floor – saving you the expense of hiring a professional screed team.
However, there are several reasons why you should consider employing the expertise of floor screeding specialists.
Let’s take a closer look at these.
A professional finish guaranteed
Although it may seem straightforward enough, screeding a floor is no easy feat. It can be incredibly difficult to mix sand and cement properly – ensuring a smooth, even texture – and this can drastically impact the final floor finish.
Luckily, a professional floor screeder will have experience in abundance and know exactly what they need to do to ensure the material is mixed and applied correctly. This way, you can relax knowing that your floor will be perfectly smooth, ready for a final covering of your choice.
Help choosing the most suitable type of screed
Deciding which type of floor screed is best for your project can be tricky – especially when there are various products intended to remove impurities from the subfloor.
Liquid screeds have self-levelling properties and typically dry faster than traditional floor screed types. They can also be laid in thinner layers, which saves time. However, these come at a higher cost than sand and cement floor screeds.
Traditional sand and cement floor screeds are generally mixed and prepared on site using a cement mixer for most small-scale projects. However, they can be delivered ready-mixed.
Fast-drying sand and cement screeds contain additives which speed up drying times, and fibre-reinforced screeds include polypropylene fibres that help to minimise shrinking and cracking. Higher strength floor screeds also contain special additives which make them perfect for use in environments that receive high levels of foot traffic.
No setbacks or delays
It takes a lot of experience to create a level surface. If you rush or cut corners, you could be left with a bumpy surface that increases the risk of slips, trips and falls. And once screed is laid, it’s difficult to remove and redo.
Depending on the screeder’s availability, you may need to wait a short while for them to come and screed your floor. But you can trust that your floor will be perfectly smooth, and the job will be done to an exceptionally high standard. This means final floor finishes can be applied sooner and the need for costly repairs and timely holdups is significantly reduced.
Advice on curing times
No matter which type of screed you opt for, you need to allow it ample time to dry (cure) before normal foot traffic resumes and your final floor covering is applied.
Of course, the time it takes for your floor to cure will vary depending on the thickness of the screed and the size of your room. However, an experienced floor screed team will gladly share their knowledge to ensure optimal results for your project.
Competitive prices
Floor screed is typically priced per m², but the exact price you’ll pay largely depends on your chosen floor screed team, floor screed product and its thickness.
Bear in mind that most companies offer a free, no-obligation quote. However, some will also arrange a site visit to assess the job in full and provide a detailed quote for the task at hand.
Requesting a quote from a couple of local floor screeding specialists is a smart move and will help you to make an informed decision.
Reap the benefit of professional floor screeding today
JCW are leading floor screed specialists in the UK. They use only the best traditional floor screeds and provide a tailored solution for every application – whether you’re a small-scale self-builder or a large commercial contractor.
To discuss your requirements in more detail and get the ball rolling straight away, give them a call on 01204 387 029.
