A liquid screed floor can make an excellent base for tiles, but getting the timing right is important. The screed needs to dry properly and the surface may require preparation before the tiling adhesive is introduced.
For an Essex house renovation or new build, it is worth building these requirements into the programme rather than assuming the floor will be ready immediately after screeding.
Don’t judge readiness by appearance
One of the easiest mistakes is assuming that a firm looking floor is ready to receive tiles. Liquid screed can retain moisture beneath the surface even when it appears dry.
The drying period varies according to the screed specification, depth and conditions inside the property. Moisture should therefore be checked using a suitable method before tiling begins.
Manufacturer guidance should be followed throughout this process.
What happens to the surface?
Some liquid screed systems leave a surface layer of laitance as they dry. Where this needs to be removed, mechanical preparation may be required.
Once preparation has been completed, the substrate should be left clean, stable and free from dust or loose material.
A primer may also be specified before the adhesive is applied. Whether one is needed depends on the particular combination of screed, primer and adhesive.
Get the adhesive choice right
The adhesive needs to work with both the screed and the chosen tiles. This is particularly important when using larger or heavier tiles, where substrate preparation and adhesive selection need to be considered together.
Following the product manufacturer’s installation requirements can help avoid compatibility problems later.
A tiled floor over underfloor heating
If underfloor heating has been installed beneath the screed, the system should be commissioned as required before the final floor covering is fitted.
The screed must also have reached the required condition for tiling. These stages should be coordinated rather than treating heating, screeding and tiling as completely separate jobs.
This can be particularly useful on projects around Chelmsford, Colchester, Brentwood and Basildon, where renovation and new build work may involve several contractors.
If you are planning a new tiled floor, Floor Screeding Essex can provide liquid flowing screed for a range of residential and commercial applications.
Get in touch with Floor Screeding Essex for advice and a fixed price quote.