In construction and renovation projects, establishing a sturdy and even floor surface is an essential first step. Cement-sand mixtures are frequently used as the preferred material for floor screeding. This blend of cement, sand, and water forms an even, smooth layer that acts as the base for your flooring. This adaptable solution makes sure floors are sturdy, level, and prepared for the final surface material in both residential and commercial buildings.
To prepare for a floor screed, you must determine the required amount of cement-sand mixture. The thickness of the screed layer and the particular characteristics of the materials used are two examples of variables that can affect the consumption rate. By being aware of these variables, you can minimize waste and make sure the project stays within budget by making the appropriate number of material purchases.
The area of the floor, the desired thickness of the screed, and the mix ratio of cement to sand must all be taken into account when figuring out how much of a cement-sand mixture is used per square meter of screed. Standard guidelines can help simplify these calculations, but depending on the particulars of the project or the surrounding conditions, modifications might be needed. appropriate preparation
Thickness of Screed (cm) | Consumption per 1 m² (kg) |
2 cm | 32-35 kg |
3 cm | 48-52 kg |
4 cm | 64-70 kg |
5 cm | 80-87 kg |
6 cm | 96-104 kg |
- Calculation of the amount of material and proportions
- Types of screed
- Semi-dry
- Self-leveling
- Sand concrete
- Dry
- Marking of the mixture
- How to calculate the required consumption
- Video on the topic
- Floor screed. Price is 5 times cheaper than self-leveling floor!
- DIY FLOOR SCREED #InstallationMayakov CONSUMPTION cement-sand floor screed, screed device
Calculation of the amount of material and proportions
There are two methods for making a cement solution for floor alignment: either mix the ingredients by hand or take the completed mixture and dilute it with water. The standard solution consists of water, pure granular sand, and cement (M300 or M200 brand).
The ratio is 1: 3: 0.5, meaning that 1 kg of cement is mixed with 3 kg of sand and 0.5 l of water. It’s critical to keep in mind that the quantity of cement alone determines the water volume. Walls can also be leveled using a sand and cement solution, but the material ratio and consumption per square meter will differ.
On the construction market, there are several ready-made mixtures with different additives in addition to the standard composition that shorten the solution’s hardening time, lessen the chance of cracks, and improve the material’s resistance to frost.
The carefully regulated component proportion is the primary benefit of premade mixtures. The consumption of cement-sand mixture per square meter is specified by each manufacturer, which facilitates the computation of the total cost of materials.
The following considerations are taken into account when calculating the component consumption when independently preparing a cement-sand mixture for floor screed:
- type of screed;
- layer thickness;
- type of bond.
In order to prevent brittleness and the formation of cracks in the masonry, the cement-sand screed must have a minimum thickness of 3 cm. The maximum thickness that can be used is 7 cm because the house’s foundation might not be able to support a heavy weight.
The masonry’s thickness directly affects the kind of bond. The screed is inextricably linked to other structures if its thickness is closer to the minimum value. To achieve this, you must pre-prime the rough base in order to eliminate any unevenness, cracks, and crevices.
The masonry is not attached to the walls and the main base when the thickness varies by 5 to 7 centimeters. This kind of screed frequently has layers laid in the base that act as heat and hydro-insulators, as well as a reinforcing mesh. Unbound screeds also have fiber added to them to strengthen the solution and keep cracks from forming.
Builders use the following rule as a starting point to accurately calculate the amount of cement-sand mortar needed per square meter of screed: one meter² of masonry, 1 centimeter thick, weighs 22 kg. The weight that results is then multiplied by the room’s square footage and the interlayer’s thickness.
Types of screed
Four distinct cement mixtures for floor screeds are identified based on the relative proportions of the constituents:
- Dry.
- Semi-dry.
- Sand concrete.
- Self-leveling.
Semi-dry
Make a semi-dry floor screed solution by mixing cement, sand, and fiber. Take 40 grams of fiberglass, 15 kg of cement, and 40–45 kg of sand for a mixture volume per square meter and a thickness of 5 cm. Because the composition is only slightly diluted with water, it is referred to as semi-dry.
Because semi-dry masonry is so durable, it should only be used in large rooms with screeds that are at least 5 cm thick. It is advised to lay the floor with specialist machinery.
Self-leveling
Cement, sand, and water are the ingredients of self-leveling or self-leveling floor pouring. The application of a substantial amount of water—the mixture serves as a finishing layer—distinguishes this type of screed from the prior one. Even with so much liquid, the composition is robust and long-lasting.
To expedite the hardening process, fine sand is taken and hardeners and plasticizers are added. It is advised to blend the solution’s ingredients using a construction mixer to avoid lumps, sand bubbles, and voids.
The self-leveling floor has a thickness of roughly 3 cm. And roughly 45 kg of the final mixture will be used as cement-sand mortar for the screed per square meter.
Sand concrete
When regular cement mixtures are unable to complete the task, sand concrete mixture is utilized. The best quality cement, water, fine and coarse sand, and granite chips make up the screed’s composition.
High strength and durability are characteristics of this type of laying; however, the laying process is labor-intensive. The mixture takes over a month to solidify. The following computation is used to determine the amount of material needed: For 1 m² of 1 cm-thick screed, 18 kg of the final mixture is required.
Dry
If a screed is devoid of water, it is referred to as dry. It is most frequently utilized to level a wooden floor. Masonry like this isn’t very sturdy. Portland cement, sand, and expanded clay are used to prepare the solution.
Marking of the mixture
Pre-made cement-sand mixtures have markings ranging from M150 to M600, which indicate the relative amounts of the constituent materials. For instance, CPS bearing the M150 marking indicates that the ratio of M600 cement to sand is 1:3.
The maximum load that the structure is capable of supporting is indicated by the marking when selecting cement. For instance, a load of up to 200 kg per m³ can be supported by cement of grade M200. Particular attention needs to be paid to the marking in the event that the solution is created on your own.
Additional markings on cement may also indicate the presence of additives:
- SS – sulfate-resistant cement, which is used at high temperature differences;
- ShPC – slag Portland cement is not pure cement, contains many impurities;
- PL – cement, which contains plasticizers and hardeners;
- VRC – waterproof cement, which hardens even at high humidity;
- hydrophobic cement – resistant to frost and excess moisture.
Understanding the proper cement-sand mixture and how much of it to use when planning a floor screed is essential to producing a level and long-lasting surface. The fundamentals of mixing cement and sand will be covered in this article, along with the precise ratios required to lay a strong foundation. Additionally, you’ll learn how to figure out how much mixture is needed per square meter, which will help to make your project efficient and economical. Getting these details exactly right will help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve a professional finish, whether you’re renovating or starting from scratch.
How to calculate the required consumption
Once the brand of the mixture has been selected, the quantity must be accurately calculated. Ready-made compositions won’t cause any issues because manufacturers specify the approximate amount of material used per square meter and a thickness of one centimeter. The weight varies from 15 to 22 kg based on the mixture’s makeup.
Now this figure needs to be multiplied by the future thickness of the screed, and then the area of the room to be filled. For convenience, the resulting figure can be divided by 50 or 25, which will give information about the number of bags of the corresponding weight.
It is simpler to calculate in cubic meters and begin with the component proportions when making the solution by hand. For instance, you must fill a 100 square meter room with material that is 5 mm thick. Sand and cement are combined in a ratio of 1 to 4. The area multiplied by the thickness yields 5 cubic meters, which is the volume.
Water will make up half of the composition; thus, 2.5 m³ will be left. When the shares of the ratio 4: 1 are totaled, the result is 5. 0.5 cubic meters is the result of dividing 2.5 by 5 to determine the amount of cement. To calculate the required amount of sand, deduct 0.5 cubic meters of cement from the total 2.5 cubic meters.
Consequently, you will need to use 0.5 m³ of cement (or roughly 650 kg) and 2 m³ of sand (or roughly 3200 kg) for a room measuring 100 sq. m.
Understanding how much cement-sand mixture is used when planning a floor screed project is crucial for guaranteeing a high-quality finish and sticking to a budget. The surface area to be covered and the thickness of the screed layer determine how much material is required. One part cement to three or four parts sand is a standard mix ratio that is frequently used in floor screeds and offers a sturdy and long-lasting surface for a variety of flooring types.
The consumption rate for a standard floor screed can be computed to guarantee an adequate supply of materials without causing undue waste. Typically, 18 to 20 kg of the mixture are needed for every square meter to create a layer that is 1 centimeter thick. Depending on the particular needs of the floor, adjustments may be required, such as adding thickness for soundproofing or leveling uneven surfaces.
You can create a high-quality screed that offers a sturdy foundation for your flooring by carefully estimating the material requirements and adhering to best practices in mixing and application. These guidelines assist in ensuring a successful project that satisfies your functional and aesthetic needs, whether you’re working on a modest home renovation or a bigger commercial project.