Laying Floor Screeds on Concrete Slab

Laying Floor Screeds on Concrete Slab

Floor screeds are the layers of cement and sand mix laid onto concrete as part of a finish.

Floor screeds on a concrete slab are laid when the slab concrete has been done and after all other building elements are complete. This will allow for other floor materials like wood blocks, wood parquet, laminated timber, PVC tiles and ceramic tiles to be laid. The type of material to be added determines the screed to be laid. This can be smooth or rough using a steel or wooden float respectively.

The method used to lay floor screeds on concrete is to first hack the concrete to remove laitance (the smooth cement substance appearing on concrete after casting). Once this is done a key is formed to ensure proper bonding of the new floor and concrete. The next thing is to wet the floor to prevent competition of absorption of water between the slab and screed. Pour cement slurry and rub it in to the slab to create a bonding agent between the two elements.

Mark levels for the floor screed either to give it falls or to run smooth on the concrete slab. Pour the cement and sand mix on the concrete surface. Spread evenly with a rake and pound with a rammer to give a hard surface. Level out the excess mortar with a straight edge and follow the marked out levels. Use a wood float until the surface has reached the required level. This will ensure the screed is finished rough with a wood float for ceramic tiles. However for PVC tiles or parquet, a steel float is used for adding the skimming coat on which to lay them.

A skimming coat is usually a mix of cement and water. This is applied with a steel float to make a smooth finish on the screed. It can be applied as final floor finish. This also allows timber finishes, rubber or carpets to be laid using adhesives. After deciding about the intended finish on the floor, lay the required smooth or rough finish to the specification of the type of material you want to use for finish. Allow the floor screed to dry. Cure it continuously by wetting for about a week. When completely dry it is cleaned and the next finish like parquet or PVC added to finish off.

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