SCREED FAQs
How do I order a screed delivery?
Book online or Call us on 01923 964444 and speak to one of our friendly team members who will be more than happy to help.
When and how do I pay?
All orders are paid for at the time of booking. We accept payment by all major credit cards except American Express. We do not accept cash.
Is there a minimum order?
Yes, there is a minimum order of 2m3.
Can I change the quantity / grade of screed once booked?
Yes, you can even change your order once we arrive on-site. Our volumetric lorry is a mobile mixing plant which allows us to adapt to your requirements immediately.
Do I get a product ticket?
Yes, you’ll get a handwritten ticket and a lorry printed ticket which details your exact mix with the quantities produced.
Is there a time limit for the pour?
We allow a 15minute set up time then 10 minute per cubic meter. Any time after that we will charge £2 per minute. If you need labour assistance please let us know and we can provide a labourer at an extra cost.
Do you help take the discharged screed to the pour site?
You can hire one of our pumps, line or boom, whichever suits your requirements. If you need a labourer to help run the screed to it’s pour site we can offer one as an extra.
How do you price screed?
We price in increments of 0.5m3.
How quickly will my screed be delivered?
We aim to deliver our screed in a 2hr time slot.
What is screed?
Screed is a thin layer of specialist concrete which is poured over a concrete floor base / over underfloor heating, to create a smooth, level surface that can accommodate the final floor covering such as carpet / tile.
What is screed made of?
For a fine screed / cement = Cement and sharp sand.
For a more heavy duty / industrial screed = a coarse 6-10mm aggregate and cement.
Are there different types of screed?
Yes, there are 4 different types. However, screed can be tailor made using admixtures.
1. Bonded Screed = fully bonded to the prepared concrete sub-base using a specialist agent or primer. Often applied when thinner screeds are needed.
2. Unbonded Screed = are laid onto a damp proof membrane or polythene sheeting, which separates the final layer of screed from the concrete base substrate. Often applied to older concrete sub-bases.
3. Floating Screed = is laid on to a layer of thermal insulation, which is usually on top of a damp proof membrane that separates the existing concrete sub-base.
4. Underfloor Heating Screed = is essentially the same as floating screed but is laid over underfloor heating pipes instead of insulating material.
What is the minimum screed thickness?
Depends on the type of screed and your application.
1. Bonded screed thickness: minimum 25mm approx.
2. Unbonded screed thickness: minimum 50mm approx.
3. Floating screed thickness: minimum 65mm approx.
4. Underfloor heating screed thickness: minimum 65mm approx.
Why is laying screed important?
It gives a smooth and even surface to a sub-base that could be uneven and unsafe. Generally, the level of a floor surface should not vary by more than 5mm over the space of 3m, and correctly laid screed can ensure this.
How long does screed take to cure?
Different types and thicknesses of screed will take different lengths of time to cure. It should be left for at least 24 – 48hrs before it is walked on, although with certain additives this time could be reduced to 12hrs.
For heavier traffic, to have a floor covering laid on top of, or to move furniture / tools across it, it’s best to leave it at least 5-7 days.
Most screeds will reach their fully cured strength after 28days.
How do you level screed?
Straight-edge wooden float. Self-levelling floor screeds can also be used – these have more free flowing consistency.
Does sunlight / heat damage screed?
No, however it is suggested that if screed is laid in direct sunlight / heat, it should be protected with a tarpaulin to prevent it drying out too soon. Screed needs to maintain a certain amount of moisture to ensure it reaches its full strength.
Can you pour screed in any weather?
It can be poured in both wet and cold weather, as long as the outdoor temperature remains above 3degrees. In hot weather it will cause screed to cure more quickly.
Can screed be a final floor finish?
Yes.
Do I need a concrete flooring screeded?
Yes, without screed it will be difficult to get a concrete floor level.
Can screed be sound proofed?
Yes, mixtures can be tailored to offer acoustic insulation.
Can screed be used outside?
Yes.
Can screed be pumped?
Yes.
Is screed pours messy?
Yes, mixer lorries carry pressure washers to help clean up.
Ways to manage mess is placing a tarpaulin under the mixer’s auger chute and pump.
What access is needed to deliver my screed?
Mixers are roughly 11m long and 3m wide. Chutes are around 6m. Height is 3.8m
Pumps are also around 11m and can reach up to 50m.
How is the screed taken from the mixer to the cavity?
We supply 2 wheelbarrows or a screed pump of up to 50m.
What do I do with any excess screed?
Volumetric mixers produce screed as you go to ensure there is no ‘excess’ screed – you only pay for what you use.
What is the weight of the mixer?
The gross vehicle weight is 32kg, so it is best for vehicles to be roadside rather than on your driveway.
How much screed can a volumetric lorry produce?
One lorry can produce 10m3 of concrete.
How long does it take to produce 1m3 worth of screed?
It takes the lorry 5mins to mix 1m3 of screed.
Can you add additives to a volumetric screed mixture?
Yes, the lorry has capability for any additives.
What admixtures can be used with concrete and what do they do?
Fibres – enhance strength
Plasticisers – free flowing, better workability
Retarding agents – reduce rate of setting
Accelerating chemicals – increase rate of setting
Corrosion inhibitors – reduce corrosion of steel rebars