Screed floor

A screed floor is an important part of any floor construction. It is the layer that is applied on top of the supporting floor and serves as a base for the finished floor, such as tiles, laminate, parquet or carpet.

The right screed ensures that the floor is even, flat and level and that any pipes or insulation material can be concealed. A screed floor can also influence the acoustics, heat insulation and fire resistance of the floor.

On this page we explain what a screed floor is, what requirements it must meet, what types there are and how you can choose the right screed floor for your project.

What is a screed?

A screed floor is a thin layer, usually a few centimeters thick, that is applied to a supporting floor. The load-bearing floor is the structural floor that carries the weight of the floors above. A load-bearing floor can consist of concrete, wood, steel or a combination thereof.

Since a load-bearing floor is usually not suitable for walking directly on or for finishing with a floor covering, a screed floor is often essential for creating a strong and reliable floor. A screed floor therefore serves as a sturdy base for the finished floor.

What is the function of a screed floor?

A screed floor has different functions, depending on the type and application. The main functions are:

• Leveling, leveling and leveling the supporting floor;
• Concealing and protecting pipes, cables, heating elements or insulation material installed in or under the supporting floor;
• Improving the acoustic properties of the floor by reducing contact noise between the supporting floor and the finishing floor;
• Improving the thermal properties of the floor by increasing or decreasing the thermal resistance or applying underfloor heating;
• Improving the fire-resistant properties of the floor by using fire-retardant materials or creating compartments.

What requirements must a good screed meet?

A good screed must meet various requirements in order to properly fulfill its functions. The most important requirements are:

• The strength and hardness of the screed must be sufficient to bear the weight and load of the finished floor and its use.
• The bond between the supporting floor and the screed must be good to prevent cracking or loosening.
• The shrinkage and expansion of the screed must be minimal to reduce stresses in the floor.
• The drying time and moisture content of the screed must be appropriate for the type of finishing floor that will be placed on it.
• The thickness and flatness of the screed must be within certain tolerances to ensure a good finish.

What types of screed floors are there?

There are different types of screed floors, each with their own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. We can distinguish between the following types of screed floors:

Anhydrite screed

The anhydrite screed is a liquid screed consisting of anhydrite gypsum, sand and water. This screed is often used in situations where an even surface is required.

Sand cement screed

The sand-cement screed is composed of sand, cement and water. It is a common choice due to its excellent load-bearing capacity and durability. This type of screed is suitable for various floor finishes.

Floating screed

A floating screed floor is not directly attached to the supporting floor, but rests on insulation material. This type of screed is often used in noise-sensitive environments because it has sound-insulating properties.

Which screed should I choose?

The choice of a suitable screed floor depends on various factors, such as the type of supporting floor, the type of finishing floor, the desired result, the available budget and the available time.

There is no one best type of screed that is suitable for every situation. That is why it is important to be well informed and advised by an expert before making a decision. Below we provide some general guidelines to help you choose a suitable screed for your project:

• If you have a wooden supporting floor, it is better to opt for a floating screed floor to reduce contact noise and to absorb shrinkage and expansion differences.
• If you want to use underfloor heating, it is better to choose an anhydrite screed to obtain good heat conduction and a smooth surface.
• If you have a concrete supporting floor, you can opt for an adhesive screed, such as a sand-cement screed or an anhydrite screed, to create a sturdy and durable floor.
• If you are looking for a quick and simple solution, you can opt for an anhydrite screed that is applied liquid and requires little labor.
• If you are looking for a cheap and versatile solution, you can opt for a sand-cement screed that is applied manually or mechanically and is suitable for almost all finished floors.

Have the screed installed by ICM Projects

If you are looking for a professional and reliable company that specializes in installing screed floors, ICM Projects is the right place for you. We have more than 20 years of experience in supplying and installing high-quality screed floors for various sectors, such as offices, shops, schools, hospitals, hotels and industry.

With us you can choose from different types of screed materials, including anhydrite and sand-cement. We can provide any type of supporting floor with a suitable screed that meets your wishes and requirements.

We ensure that the work is carried out quickly and professionally with minimal inconvenience to your company. We also offer competitive prices, short delivery times, long warranties and excellent service. In short, you can count on us for a perfect finish of your industrial floor.

How thick should a screed be?

The minimum thickness of a screed depends on several factors, including the intended load and the type of screed. In general, the thickness of a screed floor varies between 3 and 7 centimeters.

How much does a screed cost?

The costs of a screed floor depend on various factors, such as the type of screed floor, the surface area, the thickness, the location, accessibility, preparation and finishing.

In general, prices range from €10 to €40 per m2. For an accurate quote, it is best to request a no-obligation quote.

Is a screed mandatory?

A screed is not mandatory, but in many cases it is essential to create a good basis for the final floor finish. It is important to consider which type of screed is most suitable for your specific situation.