The installation of a slab is not enough to stabilize a floor. Before a floor covering is installed, a screed must be installed. Although it has the same design as a slab, there are a few differences between them. Find out what makes a screed special in the following article. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn everything you need to know about screed.
The characteristics of a screed
The pouring of a screed is less heavy than that of a slab in order to be able to cover the networks and the insulation laid on it. The floor covering chosen can be placed correctly over the floor thanks to the smooth and taut texture of the screed.
The different forms of screed
The pouring of a screed can be done in several ways. Its name, therefore, varies according to the technique applied, which in turn depends on the type of cover chosen.
The traditional screed
This is a classic pouring technique to receive tiles. An additive must be added during the drying process to make it self-leveling. You need a 7 cm thick screed for a traditional screed.
The floating screed
This is floating support on which a traditional screed is installed. It is laid on the slab in the form of an anti-condensation film. The whole is intended to receive an insulator.
The compression screed
The compression screed is obtained by pouring on the hourdis. It is suitable for low floors on a crawl space and for floor levels.
The screed of ravoirage
The screed is ideal for covering a heated floor system. To ensure that the heat flows to the floor covering. Be aware that these last two types of screeds require a 4 to 5 cm thick screed.
Materials for pouring a screed
Cement
A dense screed mortar is made from cement with a density of 350 kg/m³. To find out its density, you need to do the ball test. To do this, form a ball with your hand. If it holds together, its density is correct.
The aggregate
Choose fine and clean sand to avoid the formation of roughness.
The different casting techniques
Three techniques are available for pouring a screed, depending on the surface area and the location of the screed to be made.
Pouring with a concrete mixer
Before starting the pouring process, you must set up the spacers. Make sure that the space between each interval is equal before filling and smoothing. After the screed has been poured, remove the spacers, then refill and smooth their slots. This technique can be used for exterior screeds, provided there is a wheelbarrow supply.
Pouring with a screed pump
This is a machine equipped with a hose that propels the concrete after mixing it to the place where it is to be poured. This technique is ideal for pouring an interior screed of average size.
Pouring with a concrete pump
This method of pouring requires ready-mix concrete delivered by a truck equipped with a concrete pump. In addition, the arm of this truck can easily access the floors on the upper levels.
The budget
If you want to make a concrete screed yourself, you will need to spend about 30 $/m², apart from the equipment rental. However, this price varies according to the technique used and the equipment chosen. If you have chosen a screed pump, plan on at least 33 $/m² for a surface of less than 50 m², where the intervention of a liquid screed specialist is strongly recommended.
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