Apparently, it’s challenging to differentiate between concrete and floor screed, but construction specialists can disintegrate them based on their features and functions. Though they share similarities, their uses, composition, and objectives draw a clear border between them.
Generally speaking, concrete’s strength is second to none, and on the other side, liquid screed is used to achieve tailored outcomes for the final flooring. In this blog, we’ll portray a clear picture of both construction materials so you can utilise them accordingly.
Can You Use Liquid Screed instead of Concrete for Flooring?
Liquid screed can be used where concrete is required, especially to achieve smooth and even flooring. With added benefits, liquid screed provides improved coverage for your projects. Additionally, these smooth results can be achieved with less materials than concrete.
Here are some of the benefits of using liquid screed over traditional concrete:
Enhanced Coverage
Liquid screed provides improved coverage for your projects, achieving a smooth and chic final look. Additionally, these smooth results can be achieved with less materials than concrete.
Quick Installation
The typical time required for liquid screed installation, including pouring and levelling, is undoubtedly less than for concrete. This effective material not only excels in settling on the floor but also needs minimal curing time.
Reduced Thickness
Unlike concrete, liquid screed can significantly be installed at a far thinner depth. This standout feature assists in maintaining the weight load as low as it can be on a building.
Higher Thermal Efficiency
Boasting remarkable thermal efficiency, liquid screed can seamlessly conduct and transmit heat where it’s used. This makes it an ideal option for installing underfloor heating systems in diverse settings.
Unveiling the Difference between Composition and Finish
Concrete and liquid screeds show parallelism when it comes to their composition, as both are made of water, cement, and aggregates. The distinction lies between the aggregate size with concrete requiring coarser and larger construction aggregate types, like crushed stone or gravel, from 5mm to 20mm. This robust configuration gives it a rough but enduring texture that stands the test of time.
In contrast, liquid screeds are composed of finer aggregate up to 5 to 6mm in diameter, complete with free-flowing consistency. For long floor liquid cement screed, various additives, such as limestone power-based binder and carefully chosen extracts, are added. Moreover, it holds a prominent accreditation of ISO 14021. C standards for recycling up to 95% content.
Envisioned Applications of Concrete and Liquid Screed
Concrete holds a prominent position in various civil engineering and construction endeavours for being the most operative and budget-friendly material. The UK residents are well-informed about this versatile material, as it seems everywhere, from commercial buildings and roads to domestic houses and bridges. Using this material inside your home for floors or internal walls can give you industrial aesthetics.
On the contrary, liquid screed is predominantly used as a flooring material, laying on the concrete top or other underflooring solids for an even surface. Furthermore, it provides a strong surface for the coverings you’re placing over it. This flooring material is highly adaptable due to its liquid nature, letting you opt for any of the flooring types you desire with a smooth final result. The flooring options to place on it are numerous, such as:
- Linoleum
- Vinyl
- Carpets
- Wood
- Ceramic Tiles
This versatile material’s added support is ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic. If installed precisely, the self-levelling capabilities of liquid screed make it the go-to for industrial, commercial, and residential flooring where robustness is a must.
To sum it up, it can utilised for various applications, including:
- Making a base layer for underfloor heating systems
- Creating flooring surface
- Forming commercial and residential concrete floor
- Hospitals and healthcare sites
- In sports facilities
Exploring the Curing Time
Is This the Same?
Generally, both flooring materials’ curing time is moderately the same, allowing foot traffic between 24 to 48 hours after pouring. However, this can vary depending on the screen type and weather conditions; for example, summer can take a little longer.
Building codes of practice state that gypsum screeds can take one day to cure when 1mm of screed is laid down up to a thickness of 40mm. If you increase the thickness level, the drying time increases to two days. In addition to gypsum screed, various other screeds can be applied to wet areas, forming blisters when moisture enters the mix.
Which Flooring Material is Cost-Efficient?
It’s important to remember that liquid screed tends to come at higher price tags initially. The fusion of fine aggregators and specialised additives’ makes it expensive. However, it’s worth noting that it has a high rate of energy efficiency, saving you costs in the long run. Due to their inherent thermal heat transmission, they improve power utilisation and cut costs in energy bills.
Additionally, the ease of installation serves as the best delight for reducing labour expenses. You can lay a large amount of liquid screed in a single day, making it friendly to pocket for big projects. For example, only 150 square metres of concrete can be laid, whereas you can cover the surface area up to 1,000 square metres with screed.