The floor screed is a structural layer of the construction mixture, which is used to evenly level the floor surface before laying elastic, semi-rigid, or rigid coverings (for example, ceramic tiles, laminate, parquet, linoleum, etc.).
The function of the screed consists of leveling the irregularities and curves of the floor base, creating an even and smooth surface for further laying of coatings, ensuring the strength and durability of the floor covering, heat and sound insulation, as well as moisture protection.
The main properties of screeds:
- compressive and bending strength;
- resistance to moisture;
- ability to reduce;
- adhesion strength to the base;
- easy processing and laying;
- fast hardening.
The choice of screed depends on the type of floor that will be laid, the technology of execution, and the operating conditions of the room. The right choice of screed will help increase the strength and durability of the floor covering.
What types of screeds are there according to the method of execution?
There are different types of floor screeds, which differ in the method of execution. The main types of screeds by execution method:
- Traditional screed is a classic method of laying screed, which consists of manually mixing cement, sand, and water and laying the mixture on a prepared surface. This method allows you to get a screed with high strength and stability, but it requires more manual work and takes more time.
- Self-leveling screeds are screeds that are characterized by high uniformity and the ability to self-level without additional effort. This method can be performed manually or using special equipment. It allows you to save time and reduce the amount of manual work.
- Semi-dry screeds are screeds that are made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water with moisture-resistant additives added to reduce water absorption and improve their strength. Semi-dry screeds are usually performed using special equipment.
- Wet screeds are screeds made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water in a higher ratio than semi-dry screeds. Wet screeds have a thinner consistency and can be easily applied, but they can be slower to dry and prone to cracking.
- Magnesite screeds are a type of floor screeds that are made from magnesite slabs with the addition of cement and water. Magnesite slabs are made from magnesite fibers that are mixed with water and cement, formed into slabs, and dried. To lay a screed made of magnesite plates, they must be moistened with water, placed on the surface of the floor, and filled with a cement mixture.
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The main differences between the methods of performing semi-dry and wet screeds
A semi-dry screed
usually consists of a mixture of cement, sand, and water with the addition of moisture regulating additives. This mixture has a drier consistency than a wet screed, which reduces water absorption, shortens drying time, and reduces the risk of breakage. A semi-dry screed can also be a filler used to smooth out unevenness in the floor before laying the final coating. It is done quickly, but not very expensive. Among the shortcomings that we identified during the installation of coatings, this type of screed, with poor quality, has a high strength on the surface (which is polished) and a low, one might even say – a loose structure in the middle (because the mass is not compacted during installation.
Because of that, this type of screed is more suitable for coverings that are laid by the locking method, without fixing to the base (Laminate, inexpensive parquet with a locking system, and vinyl floors on a rigid base with a locking connection.) If you want other types of coverings, then we advise you to consider the following manufacturing method screeds
A wet screed consists of a mixture of cement,
sand and water in a greater ratio than a semi-dry screed. A wet screed usually has a thinner consistency than a semi-dry screed, so it can be easier to apply and spread evenly over the floor surface. However, a wet screed has more water in it, so it can be slower to dry and more prone to cracking. Under the condition of high-quality execution and observance of the water-cement ratio, it forms a solid structure with excellent thermal conductivity and strength. It is desirable to use this type of screed in combination with a system of warm floors, under parquet for gluing, massive parquet, adhesive vinyl coverings, and poured floors.
Both methods can have their advantages and disadvantages,
depending on the needs of the construction project and installation conditions. Semi-dry screed is usually used in industrial buildings and other high-traffic areas, where it is necessary to provide a strong, stable, and quick-drying screed. Wet screed, on the other hand, is typically used in residential buildings and other less demanding environments where a longer drying time can be allowed and does not require expediting the project. The main thing in both cases is to observe the water-cement ratio, mix the components well, and place them tightly so that the structure of the screed has the same strength indicators throughout the entire thickness.
What type of screed to choose for parquet floors?
As a rule, cement-sand screeds are chosen for parquet floors. They have sufficient strength and resistance to wear, and are also sufficiently elastic, which allows them to compensate for minor movements and deformations of the floor base.
However, to ensure the optimal level of parquet floor quality, it is necessary to comply with certain requirements for the screed:
- Minimum compressive strength – not less than 25 MPa;
- Minimum bending strength – not less than 5 MPa;
- The maximum thickness of the screed is 30 mm;
- The maximum permissible shrinkage of the screed is no more than 0.5 mm/m.
Also, it is important to follow the screed technology and adjust the humidity level before laying the parquet. Before laying the parquet board, it is recommended to sand the surface of the screed to ensure maximum smoothness and evenness of the floor.
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What type of screed to choose for vinyl floors?
Different types of screeds can be used for vinyl floors, depending on the operating conditions and properties of the floor base. However, self-leveling polymer screeds are most often used.
Self-leveling screeds are an ideal option for laying vinyl coatings, as they have several advantages:
- Quick drying and high strength;
- High adhesion to the base of the floor;
- Easy to use and apply to the surface;
- Possibility of application on different types of foundations.
It is also important to pay attention to the screed requirements that must be followed for laying vinyl floors:
- Minimum compressive strength – not less than 20 MPa;
- Minimum bending strength – not less than 5 MPa;
- The minimum screed thickness is 5 mm;
- The maximum permissible shrinkage of the screed is no more than 0.5 mm/m.
Compliance with these requirements will ensure the optimal level of floor quality and increase its service life.
What type of screed to choose for vinyl floors?
Different types of screeds can be used for vinyl floors, depending on the operating conditions and properties of the floor base. However, self-leveling polymer screeds are most often used.
Self-leveling screeds are an ideal option for laying vinyl coatings, as they have several advantages:
- Quick drying and high strength;
- High adhesion to the base of the floor;
- Easy to use and apply to the surface;
- Possibility of application on different types of foundations.
It is also important to pay attention to the screed requirements that must be followed for laying vinyl floors:
- Minimum compressive strength – not less than 20 MPa;
- Minimum bending strength – not less than 5 MPa;
- The minimum screed thickness is 5 mm;
- The maximum permissible shrinkage of the screed is no more than 0.5 mm/m.
Compliance with these requirements will ensure the optimal level of floor quality and increase its service life.
Read Other: Exploring the Versatility of Laminate Vinyl Flooring
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