SELF LEVELLING SCREED
Self Levelling Screed Contractors in London & the South East
O. C. Floor Screeding installs self levelling screed on domestic and commercial projects across London and the South East. With over 30 years' experience across a full range of screed systems, we'll give you honest advice on whether a self levelling screed is the right choice for your floor, or whether another system would suit your project better.
Self levelling screed, known technically as anhydrite screed and also called liquid, flowing or poured screed, is a calcium sulphate based screed that is pumped onto the floor and flows out to find its own level. Instead of being compacted and hand trowelled like a traditional sand and cement screed, it is spread with dappling bars to release trapped air and settle to a flat, even surface.
It is quick to lay over large, open areas, can be laid over insulation and is a popular choice with underfloor heating, where it flows around the pipes for excellent heat transfer.
SELF LEVELLING SCREED OR SELF LEVELLING COMPOUND?
The two are often confused. A self levelling screed is a structural floor layer laid at depth over insulation or a concrete slab, often with underfloor heating pipes running through it. A self levelling compound (often called latex) is a thin smoothing layer, typically just a few millimetres thick, applied on top of a finished screed or slab to prepare it for floor coverings. If you're not sure which your project needs, we'll advise.
Call us today for advice about your project and a free quotation.
Understanding Self Levelling Screed
Benefits of Self Levelling Screed
- Flows out to find its own level over large, open areas.
- Quick to lay, with no hand compaction or trowelling.
- Ideal for underfloor heating, as it fully surrounds the pipes.
- Excellent thermal conductivity.
- Reduced cracking and shrinkage.
- Lightweight and high strength, and can be laid over insulation.
We offer a comprehensive range of screeds rather than just one type, so we can recommend the most appropriate product for your project, programme and floor finish.
Our other screeding services: traditional screed, fibre reinforced screed, fast drying screed, polymer screed, granolithic screed, screed reinforcement and floor preparation.
FAQs
Is self levelling screed the same as liquid screed?
Yes. Self levelling, liquid, flowing, poured and anhydrite screed are all names for the same type of calcium sulphate based screed, which is pumped into place and levels itself.
How long does self levelling screed take to dry?
Self levelling screed dries at roughly 0.5mm a day, so it is actually one of the slower drying screed systems. If your programme is tight, our fast drying screeds may be a better fit.
Can self levelling screed go over underfloor heating?
Yes. Because it flows, it fully surrounds the heating pipes, and its excellent thermal conductivity makes it well suited to underfloor heating. Plastic sheeting is laid and lapped both under and on top of the insulation boards to protect them from the chemicals in the screed, and at the edges to stop the screed escaping.
Does self levelling screed need preparing before floor finishes go down?
Yes. As it dries, a surface laitance (a layer of hardened powder) forms, which needs sanding, and a latex layer may then be needed to give a smooth base. Tiles do not bond well to self levelling screed without this preparation.
Is self levelling screed cheaper than traditional screed?
Not always. It is quick to lay over large areas, but on smaller domestic projects sand and cement screed is often more economical because of the extra tanking needed to stop the screed escaping and the sanding of the finished floor. We'll recommend the most cost-effective system for your project.
NEED A SELF LEVELLING SCREED QUOTE?
Call us today about your domestic or commercial project on 020 7099 6264 and we’ll be happy to help.