Floating screed

As a specialized flooring company, we at ICM Projects understand the importance of a solid foundation for every floor. A floating screed floor can be an essential element for many modern constructions.

On this page you will find all information about floating screed floors and we will tell you how we can help you install a floating screed floor for your project.

What is a floating screed floor?

A floating screed floor, also known as a floating floor, is an insulated construction floor that does not make direct contact with the load-bearing structure of the building. Instead, it rests on a layer of insulation.

The floating screed floor consists of several layers, including insulation material and the actual screed floor. The type of insulation material you choose depends on the function of the floating screed floor.

What are the advantages of a floating screed floor?

A floating screed floor has several advantages compared to a traditional screed floor that is applied directly to the substrate. The main benefits are:

• Excellent sound and/or heat insulation;
• Increases comfort and well-being of users;
• Prevents crack formation in the floor;
• Flexibility when installing pipes and electrical installations.

What are the disadvantages of a floating screed floor?

Despite the many advantages that a floating screed floor has to offer, there are also some disadvantages that you should consider:

• A floating screed floor requires expert installation for optimal performance.
• Floating floors can in some cases take up more space than other floor systems.
• The initial investment of a floating floor can be higher compared to traditional floors.

What types of floating floors are there?

Two main types of floating floors can be distinguished, depending on the purpose of the insulation layer: an acoustically insulating floating floor and a thermally insulating floating floor. Both types can be made from different materials, such as (sand) cement, anhydrite, concrete or gypsum.

Acoustic insulating floating floor

An acoustically insulating floating floor is specially designed to reduce noise pollution. The insulation layer consists of a material that can absorb or reflect sound waves, such as foam, rubber, cork or felt.

For this reason, acoustically insulating floating floors are often used in apartment complexes, offices and other areas where noise control is of great importance.

Thermally insulating floating floor

A thermally insulating floating floor offers excellent heat insulation. That is why the insulation layer consists of a material that can retain or reflect heat, such as polystyrene, glass wool, rock wool or hemp.

Thermally insulating floating floors are often installed at ground floor level to limit heat loss to the crawl space. However, they are also ideal to combine with underfloor heating due to the high thermal insulation.

How is a floating screed installed?

Installing a floating screed floor consists of several steps. Below is a general step-by-step plan that may vary depending on the type and material of the floating floor:

1. Preparation: The surface must be clean, dry, level and load-bearing. Any imperfections must be removed or filled. Any pipes or cables must also be laid underground.
2. Insulation layer: the insulation layer must be applied over the entire surface of the substrate. This layer must connect well to each other and to the walls. An edge strip must also be placed along the walls to prevent contact with the finished floor.
3. Finished floor: after placing the insulation layer, the finished floor is poured. It is important that the finished floor is evenly distributed over the entire surface and has a consistent thickness. It is then important to level and smooth the finishing floor using a trowel or trowel machine.
4. Finishing: the finished floor can be finished with a floor covering of your choice. The expansion joints and edge strips must be taken into account when installing the floor covering.

Installing a floating screed floor is a careful process that requires craftsmanship. At ICM Projects we follow strict guidelines and use high-quality materials. Our experienced team ensures that the floating screed floor perfectly meets the specific needs and requirements of your project.

Have the floating screed installed by ICM Projects

Do you want to be sure of a perfectly placed floating screed floor? Then trust the expertise of ICM Projects. We guarantee high quality and professional service.

We can advise you on the best type of floating screed floor for your project and ensure professional and quick installation. We also deliver custom work and guarantee the high quality and durability of our floors.

Are you curious about what we can do for you? Please contact us for a no-obligation quote or a personal consultation. We are happy to assist you and help you with the installation of a floating screed floor.

How thick is a floating screed?

A floating screed floor usually has a thickness of 5 to 10 centimeters, depending on the type and material of the screed floor and the insulation layer. In general, a floating screed floor must be at least 5 cm thick to provide sufficient strength and stability. The insulation layer must be at least 2 cm thick to provide sufficient sound or heat insulation.

How much does a floating screed floor cost?

The average price for a floating screed floor is between €25 and €40 per m2. Costs may vary depending on various factors such as surface area, thickness, type, material, finish and labor costs. For an accurate quote for your floating screed floor, you can request a quote without obligation.

Which floors can you place on a floating screed floor?

Various floor finishes can be placed on a floating screed floor, such as laminate, parquet, carpet and tiles. Our team is happy to advise you on the best options for your specific project.