A crucial stage in building a sturdy, level flooring foundation is concrete floor screeding. Knowing how to mix and pour your own screed can save you money and time when remodeling an existing house or building one from the ground up. Even novices can produce results that are professional with the correct guidance, despite the process’ intimidating appearance.
It’s critical to comprehend the basic supplies and equipment you’ll need before you start. Concrete is the primary ingredient; it is a mixture of cement, sand, and water. Basic tools like a level, trowel, and screed board will also be necessary. Getting these things together and knowing how to use them will put you in a successful position.
Next, it’s important to prepare the space. Make sure the floor is clean, dry, and free of debris. The application of a damp-proof membrane can shield your screed from moisture damage. Ensuring the longevity and durability of your finished floor requires careful preparation of your workspace.
Correct concrete mixing is essential after your area has been prepped. To create a blend that is both strong and feasible, pay attention to the appropriate ratios. It takes time and accuracy to pour and level the screed, but if you have steady hands and an excellent eye, you can create an even, smooth surface.
The last step is to give the drying time enough time. Rushing this could cause the floor to weaken and develop cracks. You will be better equipped to handle your concrete floor screed project with assurance and competence if you comprehend every step of the procedure.
- Floor screed: what is it?
- Types of concrete screeds
- Screed on a bonded base
- Screed on a separating base
- Screed on an insulating base
- Screed on a reinforced base
- Selection of materials and preparation of the solution for the screed
- Preparing the base before pouring the screed
- Surface preparation
- Laying thermal insulation and waterproofing
- Determining the zero level and placing beacons
Floor screed: what is it?
Cement layer: a base placed directly on the ground, on top of a multi-level structure, or on an interfloor concrete floor slab. It is manufactured using a ready-made leveling mixture or porous concrete that is based on binders.
Prior to applying the screed, you must decide on the room’s use and gather the required supplies and equipment. A composition made in a professional concrete mixer can be used. The range of acceptable layer thickness is 3.5-8 cm. If required, the value can be raised to 12 cm or higher, but in this case, you must consider the screed’s weight and the floor slabs’ capacity to support it.
Types of concrete screeds
The type of structure and performance characteristics determine the different pouring technologies.
Screed on a bonded base
First, a unique primer mixture is applied to the area that will receive the solution. It strengthens the layer’s adherence to the base. The screed can withstand heavy mechanical loads at the same time. Installed on a dry floor slab.
Screed on a separating base
Here, waterproofing must be installed beforehand. Polyethylene film sheets, coatings, and painting supplies are all options. The screed’s thickness shouldn’t be any less than 3 cm. The final layer is less wear resistant but still has good water resistance. This kind of screed works well for laying flooring in high-humidity utility buildings. It is acceptable to use such screeds on the ground.
Screed on an insulating base
Thermal insulation and a leveling layer are needed to create a heated floor. It is between 4.8 and 5.5 cm thick. The concrete floor needs to be further reinforced in this situation. Use of it is permitted in residential buildings, utility buildings, and basement-configured homes.
Screed on a reinforced base
It is essential to use reinforcing materials to keep this layer resistant to destruction and to stop cracks from forming on it.
Such options for reinforcement exist:
Fibers made of synthetic polymers are utilized as reinforcement. The layer of concrete hardens and becomes resilient to damage. To prevent the solution from becoming spoiled, the amount of microfiber needs to be precisely calculated.
Prior to the mixture being directly poured, the leveling layer is reinforced.
Making a concrete floor screed is a simple procedure that can greatly improve the levelness and longevity of your floors. From preparing the surface and selecting the appropriate materials to mixing the concrete and applying the screed, this article will walk you through each crucial step. You will learn how to achieve a smooth, even finish that will provide a strong base for any flooring you choose, along with clear instructions and helpful tips. Whether you’re a novice renovator or a DIY enthusiast, this guide will help you tackle the project and come out on top.
Selection of materials and preparation of the solution for the screed
Selecting the proper supplies is essential if you want to level the floor by hand. These include sand, an appropriate brand of cement, and other elements. A ready-made dry mixture that has been diluted with water in accordance with the directions is also available for purchase. By using the right brand of concrete, you can guarantee the layer’s high technical qualities. It is sufficient to use a composition of grade M 150 or M 200 to arrange a screed in any room. Take one part M 300 cement and three parts sand to make the second kind of mixture.
You must follow the following measurements when making the solution yourself: one part cement, three parts sand, and water, at your own discretion. Expanded clay can be used to lighten the weight of a thicker base. Here, M 400 or M 300 cement is utilized.
The quality of the materials determines how much water is used. The mixture’s technical properties will deteriorate with too much or too little liquid; wear resistance is decreased.
This is how you should prepare the solution:
- Sand and cement are mixed with a trowel in specified proportions.
- Water is poured into the container at the rate of 1 liter of liquid per 5 kg of mixture.
- Dry components are slowly poured into water and mixed using a construction mixer or drill with a special attachment.
The final mixture should be the consistency of thick sour cream and have a gray color. The concrete is improperly prepared if it spreads or crumbles.
Preparing the base before pouring the screed
The rough surface must be ready before applying a concrete screed.
Surface preparation
You must select a leveling layer that is 50 cm deep if it will be positioned on the ground. In order to enhance the layer’s quality, set up a cushion made of gravel and sand (10 cm each). These components are firmly packed. Using a pillow will lessen the amount of materials used while also smoothing out the rough base’s unevenness.
The solution needs to be removed from the old screed and floor covering before it can be poured onto an existing concrete floor. Additionally, dirt, dust, and debris are removed. Following that, a deep penetration primer mixture is applied to the base. Work is continued after five to six hours. Potholes and cracks must be fixed. Pipes and communications are now installed and arranged.
Laying thermal insulation and waterproofing
The base needs to be waterproofed to stop moisture seeping through the floor slabs and from leaking liquid into the lower stories. Paper that has been impregnated with bitumen, roofing felt, polymer membranes, and polyethylene film (100–300 microns) are utilized for this. Materials used for coatings have good protective qualities. Sheet goods are installed overlapping the walls by 10 to 15 centimeters. The material’s edges should protrude two to three centimeters above the leveling layer.
Expanded polystyrene boards and expanded clay can be used to insulate the base. Rigidity is the primary requirement for using these materials.
Determining the zero level and placing beacons
You have to set the zero level before you can have an even coating. This is accomplished by making marks on the corners and walls, which are then joined with coated thread. Subsequently, you must ascertain the line’s maximum and minimum distance to the rough base. The future screed’s thickness is determined by the variation in the values obtained. You can connect the self-tapping screws with thread and screw them all the way around the perimeter for ease of use.
Once the level has been established, beacons must be installed. Cement mortar and metal profiles are needed for this. Initially, a mixture is applied to the base where the guides are inserted. After this, filling the screed is completed in a single day. Self-tapping screws can be used to screw in the profiles, but you will need to keep an eye on their level in this situation. The rule’s length, one meter, should be the maximum distance between the guides. It is still possible to adjust the guides’ levels if they are not the same, but you should act fast because the concrete will harden in one to two hours.
Damper joints are made either prior to the main stage or following the concrete’s laying. They will keep the layer from being destroyed by making up for the internal stress that develops during the drying process. Seams are sewn around ornamental elements and the room’s perimeter.
| Step | Description |
| 1. Prepare the Surface | Clean the floor and remove any debris. Ensure it"s level. |
| 2. Install Insulation | Place insulation boards or a layer of sand if needed for thermal or sound insulation. |
| 3. Lay a Vapor Barrier | Put down a plastic sheet to prevent moisture from coming through the concrete. |
| 4. Set Up Guides | Install level guides to ensure an even thickness of the screed. |
| 5. Mix the Concrete | Mix cement, sand, and water to the right consistency. |
| 6. Pour the Concrete | Pour the concrete mixture onto the floor starting from one corner. |
| 7. Level the Surface | Use a straightedge or screed board to level the concrete. |
| 8. Smooth the Surface | Trowel the surface to achieve a smooth finish. |
| 9. Allow to Cure | Let the concrete set and cure for the recommended time. |
| 10. Finish Up | Remove the guides and fill in any gaps with more concrete. |
Making your own concrete floor screed is a satisfying project that can significantly improve the strength and appeal of your floors. Without hiring pricey contractors, you can accomplish professional results by using the right methods and procedures.
The three most important steps are to ensure even application, mix the appropriate materials, and prepare your surface. The area should be cleaned and leveled as part of proper preparation to give your screed a sturdy foundation. Achieving the ideal consistency is essential when mixing because too dry or too wet can cause issues later on.
Paying close attention to detail pays off when pouring and leveling the screed. For a smooth and even surface, use a screed board or a straightedge. A strong finish and the avoidance of cracks also depend on giving the drying process enough time. This phase of patience will pay off in a more resilient and aesthetically pleasing floor.
Your space can be transformed with a DIY concrete floor screed if it is planned and executed carefully. It’s an affordable method of achieving a sturdy, long-lasting base for your floors that can accommodate different kinds of finishing touches. You’ll be rewarded with a job well done if you take your time and follow the instructions.
