How to Pour Liquid Screed for Concrete Flooring

As trusted suppliers of leading liquid screed products from Longfloor IntegraCure, the team here at Chorley Concrete are experts in this essential construction material.

When constructing any new floor, liquid screed is integral and this is particularly the case for concrete floors.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to properly pour liquid screed to create a smooth concrete floor.

What is liquid screed?

Liquid screed, also sometimes called flow screed, is an increasingly popular choice when it comes to screeding a floor. This type comes pre-mixed and can be poured directly from the truck onto the floor. 

Made from cement, water and aggregates, unlike traditional screed, liquid screed is self-levelling which makes it the ideal choice for concrete floors. Its self-levelling nature means that the floor is smooth and uniform without any inconsistencies. As well as this, it also has a faster drying time than normal screed which means it can be walked on at a quicker rate after it is laid. 

Often, liquid screed is chosen for manufacturing facilities, industrial areas or showrooms as it creates a hardwearing base that can easily withstand heavy foot traffic. It also works well with underfloor heating systems as it can easily encapsulate pipes.

The importance of liquid screed for concrete flooring

Liquid screed plays a crucial role in the construction of concrete floors. 

It is useful for several reasons, including:

• Providing a level surface – Liquid screed ensures a smooth and even finish, making it ideal for concrete flooring as well as the application of other flooring materials like vinyl, carpet and tiles.
• Reduced drying time – Liquid screed often dries faster than traditional sand or cement options. This allows your project to be completed quicker.
• Enhanced durability – Concrete floors manufactured with liquid screed tend to be more durable and less prone to cracking or shrinkage.
• Great workability – Liquid screed can be poured quickly and easily, reducing timeframes.

How to pour liquid screed correctly

Follow the steps below to prepare your site and pour liquid screed correctly:

Prepare the area

Take some time to clean the area to ensure it is free from dirt, debris and any other contaminants. Sometimes, a primer may be required to ensure the screed will adhere to the area but we’ll be able to advise on this. If this is the case, the primer will need to be applied at least 24 hours before the screed is poured.

Mixing the screed

Typically, liquid screed will be delivered to your site pre-mixed, meaning you don’t need to do anything. 

Pouring the screed

Beginning at the furthest part of the pour site, pour from the farthest corner and work backwards. To avoid cold joints and to guarantee the screed is level, make sure to pour in one continuous flow. A dapple bar may need to be used to ensure air bubbles have been removed and it is fully level. 

Curing

Now, you need to leave the screed to cure.

The time this takes will vary but you should wait 24 to 48 hours before walking on it. 

As leading liquid screed suppliers in Wigan, Chorley, Preston and the surrounding areas, Chorley Concrete is here to achieve the results you desire for your next project. For more information or to place an order, contact our expert team today.