Your Ultimate Guide To Working With Liquid Screed

19th September 2024

Liquid screed is a highly versatile and efficient flooring solution used in many construction projects. However, unless you work in construction, it isn't a well-known material. So, what is liquid screed?

The self-levelling liquid is a flooring base, and thanks to its benefits, many builders are opting to use this material over concrete in certain situations.

At 2 Brothers Concrete & Pumping, we provide high-quality liquid screed and a pumping solution that allows you to get the screed you need directly to your project site with ease and efficiency. We are experts in the services we provide, so you can trust us to deliver exactly what you need when you need it.

In this blog, we have put together a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about liquid screed.

What Is Liquid Screed?

First things first, you need to understand what liquid screed is.

Put simply, it is a mixture of cement, water and sand. Often, it has chemical additives to increase strength and other properties.

When pumped, it is usually a self-levelling liquid, meaning it fills any space evenly without much manual labour.

There are several names for this construction product:

Flow screed
Pumpable screed
Self-levelling screed
Self-flowing screed

One of the biggest draws of this material is its thermal conductivity, meaning it works well with underfloor heating - a modern feature becoming more and more popular in new builds.

When Do You Use Liquid Screed?

Liquid screed is commonly used in construction projects for the flooring base.

It is used for indoor flooring of new buildings. There are a few key situations when you would use liquid screed over concrete:

Where there is underfloor heating
Where it is a large surface area
Where you need a thin layer
Where a level finish is vital
Where fast-drying times are needed
Where you want to reduce shrinkage and cracking
Where there is a complex floor layout

What Are The Advantages Of Using Liquid Screed?

Liquid screed has many advantages, making it a preferred choice in certain situations.

Easy installation - the liquid screed can be pumped into place and will self-fill and self-level, reducing manual labour needed.
Cost-saving - the ease of installation reduces the expense of hiring hands to help.
Thin layers - it is easy to lay a thin layer of this material, meaning you save material waste.
Thermal conductivity - it is a great thermal conductor, making it a great companion for underfloor heating.
Self-levelling - don't stress about getting an even surface, as this material will level itself out as it is being poured.
Less shrinkage - it is less likely to shrink, meaning you don't need as many expansion joints.
More reliable - it doesn't curl or warp, so you can be confident it will stay level and flat.
Eco-friendly - thanks to the ingredients, it can be an incredibly environmentally friendly option.
Durable - it has a similar level of strength and durability to concrete.
Versatile and compatible - you can lay various flooring types on top of it, giving you design flexibility and options.

What Is The Preparation Process For Installation?

Installation of liquid screed is usually a simple and hassle-free process. Typically, it will follow this process:

Subfloor assessment - a check that the flooring is clean, dry, free of debris and ready for the material.
Installing insulation and damp treatment - where relevant, a damp-proof membrane will be installed to prevent damp and mould from forming in the building over time, and insulation will be put in place.
Edge strips - edge strips are installed to create a buffer between the liquid screed and the edge of the room to create space for the material to expand without causing damage to walls and other structures.

How Do You Prepare And Pour The Liquid Screed?

It is recommended that you use a trusted supplier and installer of liquid screed, as this ensures the material is mixed correctly and laid efficiently.

Liquid preparation includes mixing the right ratio of water, cement and sand and adding any additional ingredients to adjust its characteristics. When doing this, you need to make sure you create the right consistency so it will flow easily.

When it comes to pouring, it is easier to pump the liquid in a concrete pump. These make the process simple and efficient, as the equipment can do all the hard work. You will just need to make sure it reaches the right place and levels itself out.

How Long Does Liquid Screed Take To Cure And Dry?

Like many materials, there are a number of factors that impact how long it will take to dry and cure.

Things such as the thickness and ambient temperature of the space will significantly influence these times.

On average, it will take between 24 and 48 hours to dry enough for some foot traffic. However, you must remember at this stage, it isn't completely dry.

A general rule of thumb for full drying time is one day per one mm, assuming normal conditions (20°C and 60% relative humidity). If your layer is thicker, the drying time will increase proportionally - 50 mm of thickness will take around 50 days to fully dry.

You must let the layer cure completely for several reasons:

Prevent cracking
Ensures strength and durability
Promotes even drying
Ensures safe installation of the final flooring

Final Tests And Preparations Before Floor Covering Installation

After allowing the set drying and curing time, you will need to take the following steps to make sure the liquid screed is ready for the final flooring cover of your choosing.

Test moisture using carbide tests or digital hygrometers
Sand the surface to remove any laitance on the surface
Apply primer to improve the bond between the screed and the final covering

Take The Stress Away With Our Trusted Service

Liquid screed is becoming increasingly popular in the construction of new residential and commercial buildings because it is easy to install and an excellent thermal conductor for underfloor heating.

However, the preparations and processes for laying the material have to be rigorous for an efficient and effective layer to be installed and for it to last.

At 2 Brothers Concrete & Pumping, we offer a comprehensive and professional liquid screed service. We will complete a site visit to understand the project so that we can provide the right screed mix and volume. We will also assess accessibility, which will determine the type of pump we use (line or boom pump).

Our team of operatives will handle the process, so you don't have to worry about anything except having a laugh with us.

As a family-run business, our values focus on quality, so we ensure that from the off, you receive a service that exceeds your expectations, be it through our phone calls, discussions and products provided. Our industry is filled with jargon, so we always try our best to forget the lingo and use everyday language that you will understand, but if we say something you aren't sure about, we are always happy to try again.

Learn more about liquid screed and our service by calling 01489 552737 or completing our online contact form.

Our specialists are always happy to take some time to discuss your project, answer your questions and explain anything you might need help with to make the best decisions, so don't hesitate to reach out.