When a screed is laid down, it contains a certain amount of moisture content that needs to evaporate before a flooring cover can be installed. This necessary stage delays the installation of a floor, and can even cause construction or home improvement to come to a standstill before the screeded floor is dry enough to properly use. Rushing the drying process only leads to long-term issues with the stability of the floor, such as cracking or delamination, which are best to be avoided.
Fast drying screeds reduce the inconvenience of screed drying as much as possible. Traditional sand and cement screeds or calcium sulphate screeds require approximately between 75–100 days and 110 days to dry, respectively. However, fast drying liquid screeds can offer vastly improved drying times: a 75mm layer would typically dry as fast as within 21 days. Drying can therefore take less than a quarter of the time it would using traditional screed formulas.
It is important to note that other external factors will impact the drying time of screed, including humidity levels, room temperature and ventilation. For maximum efficiency, it is recommended that the room has low humidity levels, adequate warmth and thorough air circulation. The assessment of moisture levels before installing a floorcovering is the responsibility of the main contractor.
The primary advantage of fast drying screeds is that, by accelerating project timelines, they prove cost effective. In all projects, a slow drying process elongates the time of everyone involved in a project, which may include paid workers. For commercial projects in particular, such as showrooms or offices, long-sighted deadlines and delays inhibit the generation of income at the same time as adding to costs.
In addition to the benefits for the floor owner, contractors and specifiers will appreciate just how easy fast drying screeds are to work with, improving the efficiency of their floor installations. Contractors will appreciate how fast drying flowing screeds quickly and simply spread over large surface areas to form a smooth and level finish. Specifiers and main contractors will also gain from improved site productivity.
Minimising the risk of moisture-related issues is a further benefit to fast drying screeds. By promoting rapid evaporation of excess moisture, these screeds minimise the likelihood of trapped water causing damage to flooring materials. This quick drying process helps prevent issues such as mould and mildew growth, which can not only compromise the aesthetics of the floor but also pose health risks to occupants.
For a flooring project to be accomplished with efficient speed, fast drying liquid screeds are an innovative solution. Liquid screeds also have good thermal conductivity properties, making them ideal for use in underfloor heating systems. Additionally, liquid screeds are less likely to shrink or crack as they dry, resulting in a smoother and more uniform surface overall.
