Self-Smoothing Screeds

Summary

Self-Smoothing Screeds - can be cementitious or resin screeds that are mixed to a fluid consistency and flow applied on to the substrate.

Technical Information

Self-smoothing screeds are designed to provide a smooth finish for the refurbishing, protection of, or providing a decorative finish to concrete floor slabs and are suitable for a variety of industrial and commercial environments. Sometimes known as ‘self levelling screeds’ this description should be used with caution, as their levelling properties are limited and as the products are flowable, they will follow the profile of the substrate upon which they are placed.

Split in to two distinct material sectors; Cementitious and Resin based, each has their own place in the market. Cementitious products can be applied by pump to cover large areas in a short time period and are also used as a levelling screed where the screed is intended to receive floor coverings such as, ceramic tiles, wood, carpet, etc. They can also be applied as a wearing screed, where the screed is intended to provide the wearing surface itself.

Cementitious wearing screeds are based on cementitious binders and levelling screeds are predominately based on calcium sulphate binders. Care should be taken at the specification stages to ensure the correct product is applied for its intended use.

Cement based wearing screeds should be applied at a minimum thickness of 6mm for industrial use (3mm in commercial areas),with the maximum thickness generally limited by technical factors, such as excessive heat of hydration. Manufacturers will generally state the usual maximum thickness for their product.

Calcium sulphate based levelling screeds are generally laid at thicknesses’ between 25mm – 80mm and may be laid as bonded, unbounded or a floating screed.

Resin based self smoothing screeds are not suitable to be applied by pump therefore to cover a large area in one day, will be more labour intensive. The resin based self smoothers are more commonly available in Epoxy or Polyurethane, where epoxy will provide a gloss finish and the polyurethane a matt finish. They can be laid at a thickness between 2mm – 6mm and are available in almost any colour. The resin screed is a wearing surface in itself and is ideal for use in clean areas such as pharmaceutical, food and drink and electrical industries.

When used as a wearing screed both cementitious and resin screeds are durable with high abrasion resistant surfaces, that are generally easy to clean and maintain.