Screed provides smooth surfaces for floorcoverings and can work excellently in conjunction with underfloor heating. However, with a wide selection of screeds available on the market, it can be difficult to understand where to begin. Understanding the characteristics and benefits of each type can help you make an informed decision. Here’s an overview of the best types of screeds for underfloor heating.
Traditional Sand and Cement Screeds
Traditional sand and cement consists of a mixture of sand, cement, additives and water.
Benefits:
- Cost-Effective: Generally, sand and cement screeds are less expensive compared to other types of screeds on small projects.
- Strong and Durable: When properly installed, they provide a robust and long-lasting floor base.
- Suitable for Various Applications: This type of screed can be used in both domestic and commercial settings.
Considerations:
- Long Drying Time: Traditional screeds can take several weeks to dry fully, delaying the final floor installation.
- Potential for Cracking: If not mixed or installed correctly, they can be prone to cracking and remedial action.
Flowing Screeds
Flowing screeds, also known as liquid screeds, are a modern alternative to traditional screeds, typically using anhydrite (calcium sulphate) or cement as a binder.
Benefits:
- Excellent Heat Transfer: Liquid screeds provide superior thermal conductivity and completely surround the pipes, making them ideal for underfloor heating.
- Even Surface: The self-levelling nature ensures a smooth and flat surface, which is perfect for installing floorcoverings and produces even heat distribution.
- Quick Application and Drying: They can be installed quickly and have relatively short drying times compared to traditional screeds.
Using Additives to Meet Your Requirements
Liquid flowing screeds can be enhanced with particular additives, providing improved solutions to meet specific project requirements.
- Fast Drying Screeds: Fast drying screeds decrease the time it takes to lay floorcoverings.
- Thermally Enhanced Screeds: Some flowing screeds are enhanced to make them a better radiator of heat, saving energy costs and heating up quicker.
- Thin Section Screeds: Specially designed screeds to be laid thinner with underfloor heating, as well as ideal where space is at a premium like renovation projects.
