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Liquid screeds or floor screeds are a unique flooring solution made from a blend of premium cement, sand, and water. It has a smoother, more fluid consistency that enables easy pouring rather than manual handling and laying. The application of flowing screed is carried out efficiently using a pump. Explore further to discover the benefits of this innovative flooring solution...
Liquid screeds or floor screeds, also referred to as flow screeds or self-levelling screeds, are a unique flooring solution made from a blend of premium cement, sand, and water. Enhanced with polymers to improve its flow characteristics, this material offers a unique consistency that sets it apart from traditional screeds. It uses smaller and fewer aggregates than its traditional counterpart. This results in a smoother, more fluid consistency that enables easy pouring rather than manual handling and laying. The application of flowing screed is carried out efficiently using a pump.
The pump dispenses the liquid screed onto the subfloor, allowing the self-levelling material to effortlessly spread and fill all gaps. Despite its thinner composition compared to traditional sand and cement screed, this flowing screed still delivers a resilient and long-lasting surface.
Screed is commonly utilized in a variety of settings including commercial units, hospitals, schools, housing, and airports. However, its versatility allows for application in any space with internal flooring requirements. Liquid screed is highly regarded for its effectiveness in underfloor heating systems. Additionally, it serves as a reliable solution for soundproofing residential properties, creating a barrier between floors and other structures susceptible to noise transmission.
What are the benefits of flowing screed?
Since flowing screed can be poured all at once rather than applied in sections, it offers exceptional speed of application - covering up to 25m2 in as little 20 minutes. This makes it ideal for projects with tight deadlines, ultimately saving both time and labour costs. Liquid screed effortlessly levels itself as it flows seamlessly across areas, effectively filling in any gaps or inconsistencies to produce a flawless and uniform surface, thereby reducing the likelihood of cracks and imperfections.
The liquid screed also boasts a quicker drying time, with most applications drying within 24 hours. Given its thin composition, flowing screed allows for the addition of bulkier insulation, enhancing the efficiency of heating systems. The liquid-like screed wraps around the pipes, improving heat transfer and maximising the benefits of underfloor heating. This promotes superior heat distribution, ensuring warmth spreads quickly and evenly throughout the space.
The superior strength and durability of liquid screed, thanks to its high-quality composition, make it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. The exceptional levelness achieved through the science of liquid levelling surpasses any level of experience, which means you can save time by avoiding manual levelling efforts. There is then less strain on the body as the application is carried out by a machine rather than manually by an individual.
Additional equipment required for the application of liquid flow screed
Your liquid flow screed shouldn't be too wet or too dry and the correct consistency will prevent drying shrinkage and other problems. This is where our liquid flow screed flow test kit comes in to play, it is specifically designed & manufactured for testing the slump/flow of liquid flowing screeds in accordance with BS8204-7. This means it will check the consistency of your liquid flow screed and ensure it is workable. To use, simply place the cone on the plate, fill the cone with screed and remove the cone. The spread is then measured to determine flow-ability.
To ensure precise and accurate levelling, essential floor screeding tools include a laser level for setting tripods at the correct heights. Additionally, a set of Screed Levelling Tripods is necessary for adjusting the flat plate to achieve the desired level for the finished screed. CES supply threadless levelling tripods in sets of 10 (find them here). Don’t forget those safety boots (CES’s Ox boots are ideal) since you’ll be wading through the screed as you pour. The liquid screed will have a creamy consistency, so it is crucial to wear waterproof boots. After completing the pumping process, the screed should be tamped using a dapple bar. The initial compaction should be firm to eliminate any air bubbles.
Our liquid flow screed machines
Within our range at CES, we offer a diverse selection of screed pumps sourced from reputable brands like Euromair and Putzmeister. If you're on the hunt for a compact electric pump to test out that new liquid screed, why not consider exploring the Euromair MixPro 28 for optimal performance. For larger scale projects, the EuromairX-PRO D140 and D200 offer heavy-duty diesel machines that can handle the job with ease. Our team of specialists are on hand to assist you in selecting the perfect pump for your specific project requirements, so why not reach out to us for expert guidance? And when you’re ready to pump check out our Tips for achieving great results with floor screed.
