Instructions: how to make a floor screed with expanded clay and cement with your own hands, its pros and cons

Using cement and expanded clay to make a floor screed is a useful and satisfying do-it-yourself project. This kind of screed is a popular option for both residential and commercial spaces because it provides good strength, soundproofing, and thermal insulation. Expanded clay and cement work together to create a surface that is strong and lightweight enough to accommodate different kinds of flooring.

It is important to gather all necessary tools and materials before beginning this project. Expanded clay, cement, water, and sand are required, along with a few other tools like a spirit level, trowel, mixing container, and screeding board. Ascertain that the surface you’ll be working on is dust- and debris-free. A seamless and durable finish are guaranteed by careful preparation.

To make a workable mixture, the expanded clay is combined with cement and water. Using a trowel and screeding board, level this mixture over the prepared surface. To achieve a smooth, even surface, patience and accuracy are essential. To guarantee that the screed sets properly, give yourself enough time to dry completely before applying any final flooring material.

Using a floor screed made of expanded clay and cement has many benefits. Expanded clay’s low weight lessens the overall strain on the building structure. Moreover, this kind of screed has superior insulating qualities, which can boost energy efficiency. Additionally, it’s more affordable than other kinds of screeds.

There are a few drawbacks to take into account, though. Larger areas may require more time and labor during the installation process. Having some experience and skill may be necessary to ensure a perfectly level surface. Furthermore, even though expanded clay is strong, if it isn’t sealed properly, it might not be appropriate for areas that get a lot of moisture.

For do-it-yourselfers, creating a floor screed out of expanded clay and cement is generally doable. By utilizing appropriate materials, tools, and techniques, you can produce a high-quality outcome that improves your space’s comfort and functionality. Carefully follow these guidelines to reap the rewards of a well-written screed.

Steps Pros and Cons
1. Prepare the floor: Clean and level the surface. Pros: Creates a strong base. Cons: Time-consuming.
2. Install a waterproof membrane: Lay down a waterproof layer. Pros: Prevents moisture issues. Cons: Extra material cost.
3. Lay the expanded clay: Spread an even layer of expanded clay. Pros: Good insulation. Cons: Requires precise leveling.
4. Mix cement with water: Prepare a cement mixture. Pros: Strong binding. Cons: Can be messy.
5. Pour and spread cement: Pour cement over the expanded clay and smooth it out. Pros: Creates a solid floor. Cons: Needs to be done quickly.
6. Let it cure: Allow the floor to set and dry. Pros: Durable finish. Cons: Takes time to fully cure.

Basic properties of expanded clay

After clay is fired, a lightweight porous substance called expanded clay is produced. It comes in various forms, but not all of them are suitable for use as a barrier.

Grain size of the fractions is the primary determinant of this material’s set of properties, among other factors.

  • sand – granule size ranges from 20 to 40 mm;
  • crushed stone – from 10 to 20 mm;
  • gravel — from 20 to 40 mm.

You will only get a premium waterproofing layer if you use crushed stone or gravel made of expanded clay. These two types both have the required qualities and consistently shield the floor from cold and moisture.

  • if it is necessary to reduce the load on the base;
  • when the floor will be regularly subjected to large weight loads (for example, in a garage);
  • during the installation of a "warm" floor;
  • if you need to save sand and cement.

Using expanded clay and cement to create a floor screed is a useful do-it-yourself project that has advantages for soundproofing and thermal insulation. This tutorial will take you step-by-step through the entire process, from gathering supplies to completing the screed. You will discover the benefits of using expanded clay, like its insulating qualities and lightweight nature, as well as any possible disadvantages, like the requirement for cautious mixing and leveling. By the end, you will have the tools necessary to improve your floors with a long-lasting, effective screed that will raise the comfort and energy efficiency of your house.

Advantages and disadvantages

For many years, expanded clay has been the primary material used in a floor screeding technique.

Although more contemporary insulation materials are gradually replacing this option, it is still one of the most widely used materials.

  • good thermal insulation properties;
  • high tensile strength;
  • ability to resist moisture for a long time;
  • good fire safety indicators;
  • no toxic components in the composition;
  • is not a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms;
  • high level of noise insulation;
  • ability to retain properties over a long period;
  • not subject to destruction as a result of sudden temperature changes;
  • easy to process;
  • available in any hardware store;
  • low price.

Expanded clay offers many benefits, but it also has some drawbacks. To avoid running into different problems after the work is done, you need to be aware of them.

  • low efficiency with a screed thickness of less than 10 cm;
  • water ingress will lead to the formation of mold.

Preparatory work

The implementation of required preparatory measures will be the first phase of the screed installation process. They are appropriate for fixing floors in both private homes and apartments since they are the same in every situation.

  1. Remove the old floor covering.
  2. Seal any cracks and voids with putty.
  3. Mark the floor using a building level.
  4. Cover the base with waterproofing materials (for example, thick polyethylene) or a special mastic.
  5. Glue a damper tape around the perimeter of the floor, which will help to avoid destruction in the event of sudden temperature changes.
  6. Glue a wide masking tape on top.
  7. Use a felt-tip pen or marker to mark the level of the future screed.
  8. Calculate the required amount of expanded clay and mortar.

Traditional expanded clay concrete screed

Use a conventional solution consisting of sand, cement, and water to construct it. Add enough water to the first two ingredients in a 3:1 ratio to create a thick mixture.

You can use a pre-made expanded clay concrete mixture that you can buy at any hardware store if you don’t want to measure out the necessary amount of materials.

  1. Expanded clay gravel or crushed stone is added to the finished solution.
  2. The components are mixed until the granules are completely covered with the cement-sand mass.
  3. The finished mixture is evenly distributed over the surface of the base. It is laid until the previously marked level is reached.
  4. The screed is left to harden for 2 weeks. If necessary, the coating is moistened with water so that it does not dry out.

A useful and satisfying DIY project is creating a floor screed out of expanded clay and cement. The procedure yields a robust and insulated surface and entails preparing the floor, combining the ingredients, and applying the screed. Most do-it-yourselfers can complete this task if they have the necessary supplies and patience.

The superior insulating qualities of expanded clay make it a great choice for your floor screed. This promotes energy efficiency in addition to helping to keep the temperature in your house constant. Furthermore, expanded clay’s low weight lowers the screed’s overall weight, making it simpler to handle and apply.

There are a few drawbacks to take into account, though. Cement work is often messy and time-consuming, requiring meticulous setup and cleanup. Furthermore, especially for novices, getting a perfectly level surface can be difficult. To prevent issues later on, it’s imperative that you take your time and make sure every step is completed accurately.

The advantages of a well-done expanded clay and cement floor screed outweigh any possible drawbacks. In the end, your home will have a sturdy, well-insulated floor that improves both comfort and energy efficiency. A durable floor screed can be made by carefully following the instructions and paying close attention to details.

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Anna Vasilieva

Journalist with a technical education, specializing in construction topics. I can explain complex technical topics in simple and accessible language.

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