Expanded clay concrete floor screed: choice of technology and step-by-step instructions for do-it-yourself installation

A great way to improve the soundproofing and thermal insulation of your floors is with expanded clay concrete floor screed. This technique creates a strong and effective flooring base by combining lightweight expanded clay aggregates with cement and sand. Because of its low density and superior insulating qualities, expanded clay is a great option for both residential and commercial spaces where efficiency and comfort are top concerns.

The performance and longevity of your flooring can be greatly impacted by selecting the appropriate technology and materials for your floor screed. Compared to conventional screed options, expanded clay concrete has a number of benefits. It lowers the overall weight of the structure and enhances sound insulation in addition to increasing a building’s thermal efficiency. Because of this, it is especially useful for projects and renovations where load-bearing considerations are essential.

Installing an expanded clay concrete floor screed can be a satisfying do-it-yourself project for DIY enthusiasts. You can take advantage of increased stability and insulation by transforming your floors with the correct equipment, supplies, and a little perseverance. Whether you intend to install it in a new building or renovate an old floor, obtaining a professional finish requires knowing the exact steps involved in the process.

This post will walk you through the entire process of choosing the right tools and supplies for your job and offer comprehensive instructions for setting up and laying the screed. Everything from setting up the subfloor to blending the proper amounts of sand, cement, and expanded clay is essential to guaranteeing a good result. You can guarantee a seamless and effective installation process and a functional and aesthetically beautiful floor by adhering to these instructions.

If you want to improve your floors with a material that is lightweight, strong, and insulating, expanded clay concrete floor screeds are a great option. This article offers a clear, step-by-step method for installing an expanded clay concrete floor screed on your own, as well as guidance on choosing the appropriate technology. We’ll cover every crucial step to ensure you get a polished finish, from setting up the supplies and equipment to pouring and finishing the screed. Whether you’re an experienced do-it-yourselfer or a novice, our instructions will make the process simple and doable so you can confidently upgrade the flooring in your house.

Advantages and disadvantages

• lightweight and fire-resistant building material;
• has increased heat-insulating and sound-absorbing properties;
• characterized by a long operating period.

Compared to regular concrete mortar, expanded clay mixture is significantly lighter and simpler to work with. However, because of the more brittle nature of this building material, floor screeds are arranged in rooms where the base is subjected to light loads during operation.

It is not advised to pour expanded clay concrete in industrial spaces with installed heavy technical equipment. The material can be used for garage flooring, public building flooring, outbuilding flooring in rural areas, and residential flooring.

The primary drawback of expanded clay concrete is the presence of light granules in its structure that float once the screed has been poured. Consequently, the surface develops bulges that need to be ground later on or additional concrete screed needs to be poured.

Preparation of expanded clay concrete mortar

Components used to make expanded clay concrete:

• fine-grained sand without clay;
• granulated expanded clay M600 (700), fraction – 5-20 mm, specific density – 600 (700) kg / m³;
• cement M400 (500).

Ratio of solution components

Depending on the problems that require its assistance, the working composition’s component ratios may vary:

1. To make a thin layer of screed without shrinkage of the solution, it is necessary to use expanded clay with a fraction of no more than 5 mm.
2. To reduce the weight of the floor screed, it is necessary to abandon expanded clay of a fraction of 5-10 mm, since. k. the mixture will sag after drying. Therefore, it is not recommended to carry out any work on the floor base until the hydration process is completely completed.
3. The strength of the floor screed is achieved by using expanded clay of all fractions – 5-40 mm (granules of different sizes are taken in equal proportions). In this case, the amount of cement is reduced. Expanded clay concrete base in this case is denser, respectively, has a greater mass.

Ratio of the expanded clay mixture in theory:

• 4 parts – expanded clay;
• 1 part – cement;
• 3 parts – sand.

Calculation of materials

The cubic capacity of the necessary floor screed is taken into account when determining how many components are needed to prepare the solution:

V is the solution’s volume;

S is the room’s area;

H stands for screed height.

In the event that the base is uneven, the screed’s height is measured multiple times, and the average is determined.

The volume and density of the final layer of expanded clay concrete are used to determine how many ingredients are needed to prepare the solution.

The volume of the composition multiplied by the mass of the ingredient used yields the amount of each component of the solution needed to pour the floor base. By dividing the resultant value by the package’s (bag’s) weight, the necessary quantity of building material bags is found.

A layer of lightweight expanded clay concrete is poured using M500 cement in a sand-free solution. Materials needed to prepare one m³ of solution:

• Portland cement – 250-375 kg;
• Expanded clay – 720-1080 kg;
• water — 100-225 l.

P1 is a low fluidity class for expanded clay concrete screed. It is challenging to pour the floor because of this. Plasticizers belonging to the SDO category are added to the working mass in order to enhance its mobility. However, liquid soap (50–100 ml per bucket of solution) is an inexpensive alternative.

Technological features

There are a few characteristics to the expanded clay mixture preparation process. Additionally, the final characteristics will be determined by the relative amounts of the constituent parts. It is possible to prepare a liquid, semi-dry, or dry solution by varying the amount of water.

Wet method

One benefit of a liquid solution is that it self-levels. The heat-insulating layer is located in the upper portion of the floor screed in this instance, and all of the expanded clay granules float.

The requirement to create a second concrete screed beneath the base’s final coating is a drawback of the wet pouring technique. This raises the cost of work and calls for more time.

The wet method is limited to insulating outbuildings and attic floors. It is advised to use concrete mortar, which contains expanded clay, with reinforced concrete blocks.

Semi-dry method

It is possible to evenly distribute expanded clay throughout the entire volume of the screed due to the consistency of the working mixture. Any material can be poured as a foundation using this technique.

The drawbacks of semi-dry mortar include:

• pouring requires a lot of physical effort from workers;
• need to use beacons for high-quality work;
• the finished surface must be additionally sanded.

Dry screed

There is no solution mixing required with this technology. The floor base is covered with a thin layer of regular cement mortar after dry expanded clay has been laid directly on top of it.

This method’s speedy construction process results in material savings. Weak strength characteristics are a drawback.

Today, the construction industry offers ready-made dry mixes that are still composed of the required proportions. This makes the process of preparing solutions for scheduling the pouring of floor bases much simpler.

If you’re searching for a strong, portable, and insulating floor screed, expanded clay concrete is an excellent choice. Due to its distinct qualities, it is a well-liked option for builders and homeowners who wish to create a sturdy surface, particularly in areas where weight may be an issue. You can improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency by learning the benefits of expanded clay concrete and applying it correctly.

For many do-it-yourselfers, expanding clay concrete floor screed installation is a confident DIY project to prepare and install. Without hiring a contractor, you can accomplish professional results by closely adhering to the step-by-step instructions. First, assemble all required supplies and equipment, including sand, cement, expanded clay aggregate, a trowel, a mixer, and a level. It is essential to prepare the substrate in order to guarantee good leveling and bonding. A strong base for the screed can be created by clearing the space, caulking any gaps, and installing guide rails.

Achieving the required strength and consistency in expanded clay concrete requires careful mixing. Once you have the proper amounts of sand, cement, and aggregate, add water gradually to make a workable mixture. In order to maintain an even thickness, use guide rails as you pour and spread the mixture evenly across the floor. Leveling and smoothing the surface should be done slowly because it will have a big impact on the outcome. In order to keep the screed from cracking, let it cure properly and keep it moist.

You’ll see the advantages of the expanded clay concrete floor screed in your area once it has dried. The material is perfect for renovation projects because of its light weight, which lessens the strain on the structural components below. Its insulating qualities lower the cost of heating and cooling by assisting in the maintenance of comfortable interior temperatures. Furthermore, expanded clay concrete’s soundproofing qualities improve your home’s acoustic qualities and create a quieter atmosphere.

To sum up, an expanded clay concrete floor screed is a workable and efficient way to get a sturdy, level floor. By selecting this material and carrying out a methodical installation procedure, you can completely change your area and take advantage of a long-lasting and well-insulated surface. Expanded clay concrete provides a dependable and adaptable solution that you can install with confidence on your own, regardless of the size of the project or whether you’re remodeling a single room. If you put in a little work and pay attention to detail, you can complete a successful do-it-yourself project and look professional.

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