Liquid screed, also known as flowing screed, is a standard choice for floor installations due to its swift application, efficient finish, and useful drying times. The cost of Liquid Screed in Wolverhampton varies depending on the category, brand, and detailed project needs. Here are the main types of liquid screed and their related costs:
Anhydrite Liquid Screed:
Description:
Made from a gypsum-based binder, this type of screed is self-leveling and provides a smooth surface. Due to its excellent thermal conductivity, it is ideal for underfloor heating systems.
Cost:
Anhydrite screed typically costs between £10 to £15 per square meter ($13 to $20 per square meter), including installation.
Cement-Based Liquid Screed:
Description:
This type of screed is made from a blend of cement and other aggregates. It is suitable for areas that may be exposed to moisture and offers a quicker drying time compared to an anhydrite screed.
Cost:
Cement-based screed usually ranges from £15 to £20 per square meter ($20 to $26 per square meter), including installation.
Polymer-Modified Liquid Screed:
Description:
Enhanced with polymers, this screed offers improved strength, flexibility, and adhesion. It is often used in areas requiring higher durability and where rapid drying is essential.
Cost:
Polymer-modified screed costs approximately £20 to £30 per square meter ($26 to $40 per square meter), including installation.
Fiber-reinforced Liquid Screed:
Description:
This screed includes fibers to enhance its tensile strength and reduce the risk of cracking. It is suitable for high-traffic areas and projects requiring added structural integrity.
Cost:
Fiber-reinforced screed usually charges between £25 to £35 per square meter ($33 to $46 per square meter), with installation.
Additional Costs
Preparation:
Site preparation, including cleaning and priming the substrate, may add £3 to £5 per square meter ($4 to $7 per square meter).
Underfloor Heating Systems:
Installing liquid screed over underfloor heating systems may incur additional costs for the system itself and its installation, ranging from £15 to £30 per square meter ($20 to $40 per square meter).
Finishing:
Polishing or other finishing touches can add another £5 to £10 per square meter ($7 to $13 per square meter).
Drying Times for Floor Screeding
The drying time of floor screed is crucial as it affects when subsequent flooring layers can be applied. The drying times can vary based on the type of screed, thickness, environmental conditions, and whether underfloor heating is used. Here are the general drying times for different types of liquid screeds:
Anhydrite Liquid Screed:
Drying Time:
Anhydrite screed typically dries at a rate of 1mm per day for the first 40mm. Beyond 40mm, the drying time may increase to 0.5mm per day. Therefore, a 50mm thick screed can take around 60 days to dry totally.
Accelerated Drying:
Dehumidifiers, proper ventilation, and underfloor heating can accelerate drying time.
Cement-Based Liquid Screed:
Drying Time:
Cement-based screed generally dries faster than anhydrite screed, typically at a rate of 1mm per day up to 50mm thickness. A 50mm thick screed would, therefore, take about 50 days to dry.
Accelerated Drying:
Using underfloor heating and ensuring good ventilation can help reduce the drying time.
Polymer-Modified Liquid Screed:
Drying Time:
Due to the added polymers, this type of screed has faster drying times. It can dry at a rate of approximately 1mm per day up to 40mm thickness. For a 50mm thick screed, the drying time is around 40-50 days.
Accelerated Drying:
Enhanced drying conditions like controlled heating and dehumidification can further speed up the process.
Fiber-reinforced Liquid Screed:
Drying Time:
The presence of fibers does not knowingly vary the drying time. It normally dries at a similar rate to cement-based screed, around 1mm per day up to 50mm thickness.
Accelerated Drying:
Utilizing underfloor heating and maintaining a dry environment can help achieve quicker drying times.
Factors Influencing Drying Times
Several factors can impact the drying times of liquid screed:
Thickness of Screed:
Thicker screeds take longer to dry. Standard drying rates are often calculated per millimeter of thickness.
Environmental Conditions:
Temperature, humidity, and ventilation significantly influence drying times. Warmer, drier conditions with good air circulation will facilitate faster drying.
Underfloor Heating:
This can effectively reduce drying times by providing consistent, controlled heat.
Type of Screed:
Different screed compositions have varying drying rates, as highlighted above.
Conclusion:
Understanding the costs and drying times of different types of Floor Screeding in Solihull is vital for operative project planning. Anhydrite, cement-based, polymer-modified, and fiber-reinforced screeds each offer exclusive benefits and cost varieties, normally between £10 to £35 per square meter ($13 to $46 per square meter). Drying times normally range from 1mm per day, with changes based on screed type and eco-friendly features. Correct planning and considering faster drying methods can help certify a flourishing and timely floor installation.
