Liquid screed, concrete.
Concrete, liquid screed.
If you’re not in the industry, you’d be forgiven for thinking they’re one and the same; after all, they’re made up of pretty much the same stuff; but when it comes to construction they have very different uses…
Liquid screed contains the same components as ready-mix concrete: aggregates, sand, water and cement. But what makes it different is that fewer and smaller aggregates are used in its make up, giving it a smoother consistency and making it ‘flow’ more easily. The more coarse aggregates used in concrete make it ideal for structural building jobs, whereas liquid screed is more of a, well, liquid than a solid.
So, What Is Liquid Screed Used For?
Unlike concrete, which is your go-to material when it comes to external construction such as structural foundations, paving, conversions and driveways, liquid screed is used internally.
Thanks to its flowability and smooth finish, there’s no fear of lumps or bumps on your internal floors. It provides a smooth, sturdy, flawless and level surface and is the perfect base for your final floor covering, whether it’s ceramic tiles, linoleum, vinyl, wood or carpet.
Liquid screed is also ideal if you have an underfloor heating system. The flowability of liquid screed allows it to encase the pipes closely giving better thermal transfer, unlike regular concrete, maximising conductivity, and meaning you won’t have to worry about air bubbles.
Liquid Screed Is Time And Cost Efficient
Depending on the time of year, screeds can normally be walked on one or two days after being laid. However, there are some that need more time to be sufficiently dry enough to lay a floor covering. General practice is that liquid screeds need one day of drying time per millimetre up to 40mm, and 2 days per mm over 40mm.
These quick-drying times make liquid screed a time and cost-effective option, and is ideal for large projects as its flowability means it can be laid at up to 1000 square metres in a day. When you compare this to traditional concrete, which can only be laid at a rate of 150 square metres a day, you can certainly see the appeal. It can also be laid much thinner than sand and cement, saving you on time and labour costs.
It Is Easy To Install
A huge advantage to using liquid screed that makes it incredibly attractive when it comes to DIY jobs is how easy it is to install.
Not only can it be installed ten times faster than sand cement with a reduced risk of cracking or curling, it uses less manpower and minimal installation equipment, making it a stress and hassle-free option.
So, whether you’re building a new house, a huge warehouse or factory, or restoring an older building; if you want a perfectly level surface that will work well with your underfloor heating and whatever flooring you choose, and is cost effective yet not labour intensive, liquid screed is the answer to your prayers.
Speak with Jason directly 01342 395 593
