Selection and installation of beacons for various types of floor screeds

Greetings and welcome to "All about Concrete," your one-stop shop for anything concrete flooring and construction related. This article explores the important subject of choosing and setting up beacons for different kinds of floor screeds. Knowing how beacons work is crucial for getting a level and long-lasting floor, regardless of your experience level as a contractor or as a do-it-yourself enthusiast.

Beacons, sometimes referred to as formwork or screed rails, are essential tools for leveling and pouring floor screeds. They offer a structure that guarantees the screed is spread uniformly throughout the surface, producing a level and sturdy floor. Selecting the appropriate kind of beacon is contingent upon various elements, such as the kind of screed being employed and the particular demands of the undertaking.

Wooden beacons are frequently used for conventional sand and cement screeds because of their adaptability and simplicity of installation. Usually positioned along the boundaries of the area to be screeded, these beacons are raised or lowered with the use of wedges or shims to the appropriate height. They act as benchmarks for leveling the screed mixture to get the right thickness and slope.

In contrast, metal or plastic beacons are frequently favored for self-leveling screeds or liquid floor screeds. These materials can endure the chemical reactions that take place during the curing process and provide increased resistance to the flow of the liquid screed. Because they can be reused and are long-lasting, metal beacons are an economical choice for larger projects requiring several pours.

Beacons must be installed with extreme caution, making sure they are securely fastened to the substrate and spaced out per the floor’s layout and design guidelines. In order to achieve a level surface that satisfies industry standards for smoothness and flatness, precision is crucial.

It is advised to use a spirit level or laser level to confirm the beacons’ alignment and height once more before adding the screed material. This step aids in preventing disparities that might cause uneven flooring, which could impact project timelines and costs and necessitate additional remedial work.

You can make sure that your floor gets the finish and durability you want by knowing how beacons work in the screeding process and choosing the right kind for your project. For additional information and advice on maximizing your concrete construction projects, keep an eye on "All about Concrete."

Classification of beacons

The roles of beacons are typically filled by metal profiles, but other materials, like pipes or wooden blocks, can also be employed. The kind of beacon and how it is installed are chosen based on the kind of screed.

Metal profiles

These serve as "rails" or guides that the rule is moved along to level the mortar layer and create an ideal surface. Ordinary plastering profiles can be used if a thin screed is assumed. However, keep in mind that the mortar can deform these products, and there is a narrow margin of safety. For plasterboard work, it is preferable to use the more robust U-shaped profiles.

Counseling! By joining two U-shaped profiles, we can strengthen the beacon in the event that we use a heavy concrete mortar.

Wooden beacons

These are wooden bars (30 x 30 mm) that are checked for evenness both before and after the "water procedure." They are first soaked in water to prevent them from later absorbing liquid from the mixture. Bars are installed level-wise by inserting wedges or pieces of wood, and then self-tapping screws are used to fasten them to the base.

Crucial! As moisture encourages the rotting of wood, it is advised to take out the wooden beacons and use concrete mixture to fill in the spaces left by them after the screed has slightly hardened.

Concrete composition landmarks

The process of placing beacons on a floor with only cement-sand mortar is labor-intensive, but it pays off because the beacons become a part of the screed and do not need to be removed after it is poured. This is how the process algorithm appears:

• screw screws into the floor along the entire length of the beacon, adjusting their height above the floor using a level;
• stretch steel wire between the screws (the number of rows of wire depends on the thickness of the screed), which serves as a reinforcing element;
• cover the entire line of screws and wire with mortar;
• use a rule to give the structure the required height, focusing on the heads of the screws;
• we form a narrow concrete path, which will act as a beacon.

Crucial! To give such beacons the necessary strength, they must be allowed enough time to dry completely, which takes two to three days.

Benchmarks

A tripod with an adjustable central rod that lets you adjust the screed’s level is called a benchmark. With a step of one meter, benchmarks have to be arranged in a checkerboard pattern on the ground. It is easy to remove these reference points once the filling starts to set.

Preparatory stage

Prior to placing beacons beneath the screed, the following tasks need to be completed:

• remove the skirting boards;
• remove the old coating;
• clean up the debris and vacuum;
• level any protruding bumps by knocking them down with a hammer and chisel;
• seal the holes with a repair mixture;
• prime the surface;
• lay a layer of waterproofing;
• determine the zero level;
• install beacons and start pouring the screed.

Zero level

When determining the height of the fill, the zero level—a horizontal line that runs the length of the room—is crucial. Any screed’s success depends on a properly set zero level. The works are listed in the following order:

• step back from the floor, say, by 1 meter and set the starting point;
• using a level (laser or water), draw the initial level from this point along all the walls of the room;
• using a rail and a marker, take measurements and determine the largest distance from the initial level to the base surface and the smallest;
• calculate the difference between these two values ​​​​and, based on this, determine the type of screed (whether it will be made with self-leveling mixtures, or with the use of concrete mix, with or without reinforcement, and so on);
• the point with the smallest distance from the initial level to the base surface is the starting point for the zero level, which is drawn along the entire perimeter;
• having determined the type of screed, we select the thickness of the fill; we put this value upward from the zero level and draw another line along which the landmarks will be set (that is, the upper part of the beacons should be at the same height as the markings on the wall).

Beacons for self-leveling mixtures

The level control procedure is deemed unnecessary by certain individuals. They are certain that using a screed without beacons saves a significant amount of time, particularly when self-leveling mixtures are being used (e.g., self-leveling floors). However, this view is not totally accurate because, to start, the benchmark, or beacon, that is being used in this instance is designed simply, and it is also relatively easy to assemble and disassemble. For this kind of screed, setting beacons is simple, but you can control the fill’s thickness with them. We behave as follows:

• prime the surface;
• let it dry for 4-5 hours;
• set benchmarks (step – 1 meter);
• rotating the adjusting rod located in the center, we set the height of the beacon, which corresponds to the previously made markings;
• pour the mixture;
• level it;
• dismantle the benchmarks.

Beacons for arranging sand-cement screed

The materials used to make the beacons in a screed made of sand and cement mixture have no bearing on how they are arranged. Initially, we placed beacons at a distance of 20 to 30 centimeters from the wall along the room’s long sides. Next, we positioned successive intermediate beacons parallel to them; the spacing between them should be between 100 and 200 mm shorter than the rule’s length.

Covering the screws with a U-shaped metal profile installation:

• in the base along the entire length of the beacon, we drill holes (with a step of 50-60 cm), insert dowels and screw in the screws;
• set the height of each screw according to the level of the screed;
• lay the profile over the screws;
• prepare a very thick concrete solution and lay it under the profile and around each screw;
• using the rule and level, we check the correctness of the horizontal installation (if necessary, make adjustments) of the guides;
• after the solution dries, we carry out work on the screed (to reduce the drying period of the mixture, we add gypsum to it).

There is an alternative method for installing screed beacons:

• screw the screws into the base along the line only at the beginning and at the end of the future landmark;
• stretch a cord between them at the level of the screed;
• make “buns” of thick mortar along it, slightly higher than the stretched cord (in increments of 50-60 cm);
• lay the profile on them (in the case of heavy screeds and in large rooms, steel pipes are sometimes used instead of the profile) and slightly sink it into the mortar;
• check the correctness of the horizontal along the entire length of each beacon and relative to each other;
• to avoid deflection of the profile, we additionally strengthen the beacon by adding mortar under the profile along the entire length;
• after the mortar has dried, the floor is screeded along the beacons.

The picture shows exactly how to install profiles on mortar "buns" correctly:

You can create a combined method by combining the two aforementioned techniques. It might be the easiest and most useful to some people. How to carry it out:

• slides of very thick mortar are laid out between screws screwed in at the same level;
• profiles are placed on slides and tapped until they touch the screws along the entire length;
• check the correctness of the horizontal installation;
• remove excess mortar from the upper surface of the profile with a trowel;
• let the mortar dry and proceed to the main work.

When it comes to floor screeds, selecting and positioning beacons is essential to getting a level surface. Certain beacon selection and installation techniques are necessary for various screed types, such as conventional sand and cement or contemporary self-leveling compounds, in order to guarantee precision and effectiveness. This article examines the significance of beacons in the screeding procedure and explains how to select the appropriate kind depending on the thickness and material of the screed. It also includes helpful advice on how to install beacons correctly for the best possible outcome in flooring projects for homes and businesses. Whether you’re an experienced contractor or a do-it-yourself enthusiast, knowing these basics will enable you to consistently install floors that are flawless and smooth.

Beacons for dry screed

The most common way to apply dry screed is with a bulk material like expanded clay. The beacon function with this kind of screed is carried out by metal profiles (different shaped products can be used).

Note: Since there is no provision for dismantling the profiles after the screed is laid, the height of the landmarks should be chosen based on the thickness of the backfill.

The profiles used as benchmarks need to be sturdy enough to support the weight of the screed without bending; otherwise, the evenness of the surface may be compromised. Refusing to use thin-walled profiles is preferable. A U-shaped profile is the best option (the walls are higher than 27 mm). It’s not very hard to install beacons for a dry floor screed:

• install the profiles on the base surface, with the sharp edges facing up, keeping to a step that should be less than the length of the rule (usually 1 meter);
• fill everything with loose material;
• we draw a rule along the profiles, aligning the screed and removing excess.

Type of Floor Screed	Beacon Selection and Installation
Self-Leveling Screeds	Use adjustable beacons to ensure a level surface. Place them at regular intervals and adjust their height according to the desired floor level.
Traditional Cement-Based Screeds	Metal or plastic beacons are suitable. Install them at a fixed height to guide the screed. Ensure they are well-fixed and spaced evenly to prevent movement.
Thin Layer Screeds	Use low-profile beacons to avoid interference with the thin layer. They should be placed at precise intervals to maintain consistency across the floor.
Heated Floor Screeds	Opt for beacons that can handle the added heat. Ensure they are positioned to accommodate the heating elements without disrupting the screed flow.

In concrete construction, selecting and installing beacons for various floor screed types is essential to guaranteeing a level and smooth surface. The quality and effectiveness of your screeding process can be greatly impacted by the choice of beacons, regardless of whether you’re working on a big commercial project or a residential one.

Timber beacons are a popular choice for traditional sand and cement screeds because they are affordable and simple to install. These beacons, which are usually fastened to the substrate, serve as a leveling guide for the screed mixture as it is applied to the floor. To achieve an even finish, it is crucial to place them securely and make sure they are straight and level.

However, adjustable metal or plastic beacons offer more flexibility when working with more contemporary materials, such as flowing or self-leveling screeds. Because these screeds are fluid, these beacons are easily movable to different heights and positions, enabling accurate leveling during installation.

It is essential to properly prepare the area before installing the beacon, regardless of the kind of screed being used. This include giving the substrate a thorough cleaning, inspecting it for irregularities, and making sure the beacons are spaced and aligned appropriately in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for the screed.

To sum up, although the procedure of choosing and setting up beacons for floor screeds might appear simple, it is crucial to pay close attention to details. To create a level and long-lasting floor surface, each type of screed requires careful consideration of beacon material, placement, and alignment. By adhering to recommended procedures and comprehending the particular specifications of your screeding material, you can guarantee an installation that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound.

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