A smooth, level floor is the foundation of any outstanding space, whether it’s a busy warehouse, a modern office, or a comfortable home. Uneven or damaged floors can lead to cracked tiles, unstable machinery, or an unprofessional appearance. That’s where high-quality screeding solutions come in, providing a reliable, cost-effective way to create a flawless base for your flooring. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the advantages of screeds, their applications, and why Polycote’s range is the preferred choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. For top-tier products, explore Polycote’s Floor Screed.

Understanding Floor Screed and Self Levelling Screed

Floor screed is a cement-based mixture applied over a concrete subfloor to produce a smooth, level surface, acting as a subfloor for final coverings like tiles, vinyl, or carpets. Its specialized variant flows and settles evenly under gravity, requiring minimal manual leveling for a precise finish. These screeds are essential for creating a robust foundation in various settings, from industrial facilities to domestic renovations.

For a versatile, easy-to-apply option, check out Polycote’s Self Levelling Screed, designed for precision and durability.

Why Choose Floor Screed for Your Project?

Floor screed and its self levelling variant offer numerous benefits that make them indispensable for flooring projects. Here’s why they’re a smart choice:

Flawless Leveling for Any Surface

Uneven floors can create safety hazards, damage floor coverings, or disrupt equipment. Polycote’s Easi-Screed Standard flows effortlessly to fill dips and imperfections, delivering a smooth, dust-free surface. This ensures a stable base for any covering, enhancing both safety and aesthetics. For large-scale projects, Easi-Screed Industrial can cover up to 2000m² daily, providing a seamless, laser-level finish ideal for warehouses or showrooms.

To achieve a professional-grade foundation, discover Polycote’s Floor Screed range.

Durability for Demanding Environments

Floor screeds are built to withstand heavy use. Polycote’s Easi-Screed Industrial boasts a compressive strength of over 40N/mm², making it perfect for factories, warehouses, or workshops with constant foot or vehicular traffic. Its fast-curing formula allows heavy traffic in just 24 hours, minimizing downtime. For lighter applications, Easi-Screed Flexible offers a robust 34N/mm², ideal for domestic or light industrial floors.

Ideal for Underfloor Heating Systems

Underfloor heating requires a screed that can handle thermal expansion without cracking. Polycote’s Easi-Screed Flexible, with its fibre-reinforced, protein-free formula, is designed for such applications. It can be applied from 2mm to 50mm thick, offering flexibility and strength for homes or offices with heating systems.

Time and Cost Efficiency

Replacing a concrete slab is costly and disruptive. Floor screed offers an affordable alternative, smoothing uneven or worn surfaces without major reconstruction. Polycote’s screeds are user-friendly, requiring no specialized labor. Their rapid curing—accepting foot traffic in 2-3 hours—makes them perfect for tight schedules, saving both time and money.

Versatility for Indoor and Outdoor Applications

Polycote’s screeds cater to both internal and external needs. Easi-Screed External is a weather-resistant screed that endures freeze-thaw cycles, making it ideal for driveways, patios, or outdoor walkways. Its ability to handle expansion and contraction ensures durability in challenging conditions.

Polycote’s Range of Floor Screeds

Polycote offers a variety of screeds tailored to specific project requirements. Here’s a look at their key products:

Easi-Screed Industrial

Built for heavy-duty industrial settings, Easi-Screed Industrial is a cementitious screed with a minimum 6mm thickness. It’s perfect for smoothing worn or ridged concrete in warehouses or factories, offering a 40N/mm² compressive strength and 24-hour curing for vehicular traffic.

Easi-Screed Flexible

Ideal for floors with movement or underfloor heating, this fibre-reinforced screed can be applied from 2mm to 50mm thick, curing to 34N/mm². It’s easy to mix, accepts light foot traffic in 2-3 hours, and is suitable for heavy domestic or light industrial use. For industrial settings, pair it with an epoxy coating like Flortex SG.

Easi-Screed Standard

Designed for commercial, light industrial, or heavy domestic applications, Easi-Screed Standard can be laid from 2mm to 20mm thick. It cures quickly, accepting foot traffic in 3-4 hours and floor coverings in 12-24 hours, with non-toxic properties for safe use in homes or offices.

Easi-Screed External

This weather-resistant screed is formulated for outdoor use, withstanding hot, cold, wet, or dry conditions. Covering 1.85m² per 20kg unit at 6mm thickness, it’s ideal for external concrete surfaces needing a durable, slip-resistant finish.

Polyurethane and Epoxy Screeds

For environments requiring chemical resistance, such as food processing or pharmaceutical facilities, Polycote offers polyurethane screeds (6-9mm) and epoxy screeds like Flortex Freeflow (2-3mm). These provide seamless, hygienic, and hard-wearing surfaces for demanding applications.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Floor Screed

Proper application ensures a durable, level floor. Follow these steps for a professional finish with Polycote’s screeds:

Step 1: Surface Preparation

Clean the floor thoroughly to remove dust, grease, or loose particles. Use shot-blasting or scrabbling to remove laitance and ensure a sound sub-base. The surface must be cured, firm, and meet BS8203 1987 dryness standards (relative humidity <75%). For underfloor heating, turn it off 48 hours prior. Apply the correct primer, such as Easi-Screed Primer for concrete or WD Primer for non-absorbent surfaces.

Step 2: Mixing the Screed

Measure the recommended water amount (e.g., 4.5L for Easi-Screed Industrial, 5.5-6.25L for Easi-Screed Flexible) into a bucket. Gradually add the screed powder while mixing with a heavy-duty slow-speed drill and paddle for at least one minute, achieving a lump-free, creamy consistency. Let it stand for 2 minutes, then stir again. Avoid excess water to maintain strength.

Step 3: Application

Pour the screed from the furthest corner, spreading it evenly to the desired thickness using depth-adjustable floats or a pinned leveller. Use a spiked roller immediately to remove air bubbles, ensuring a smooth finish. Work quickly, laying each batch within 20 minutes of the previous one for seamless blending. For pump applications, ensure a 135mm ± 10mm flow diameter.

Step 4: Curing and Maintenance

Allow curing based on product specifications (e.g., 2-3 hours for Easi-Screed Flexible foot traffic). Protect from water or heavy traffic during curing. For underfloor heating, wait 48 hours before gradually increasing the temperature by 5°C daily. Regular cleaning and inspections maintain the screed’s longevity.

How to Choose the Right Floor Screed

Selecting the best screed depends on your project’s needs. Consider these factors:

  • Environment: Choose Easi-Screed Industrial for heavy-duty indoor floors or Easi-Screed External for outdoor surfaces.
  • Thickness: Use Easi-Screed Flexible for 2-50mm applications or Easi-Screed Standard for 2-20mm layers.
  • Traffic Load: Opt for Easi-Screed Industrial for vehicular traffic or Easi-Screed Standard for foot traffic.
  • Special Requirements: Select Easi-Screed Flexible for underfloor heating or polyurethane screeds for chemical resistance.
  • Budget: Polycote’s screeds are cost-effective and easy to apply, fitting various budgets.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure a successful screed application, avoid these errors:

  • Poor Preparation: Inadequate cleaning or priming can cause adhesion issues or unbonded screed.
  • Overwatering: Excess water weakens the screed’s strength and durability.
  • Delayed Spike Rolling: Not using a spiked roller promptly can leave air bubbles or visible marks.
  • Ignoring Joints: Failing to account for expansion joints can lead to cracking. Use Polycote Jointex for flexibility.
  • Applying in Damp Conditions: Single-part screeds require dry conditions and proper priming to avoid failure.

Why Polycote’s Floor Screeds Are the Best Choice

With over 25 years of expertise, Polycote delivers high-quality screeds trusted globally for their performance and versatility. Their products, from Easi-Screed Industrial to Easi-Screed External, are designed for rapid installation, minimal downtime, and lasting durability. Polycote also provides professional tools like serrated squeegees and spiked rollers, ensuring a flawless finish. Their technical support team offers guidance at every stage, making your project seamless.

The Enduring Value of Floor Screed

Investing in high-quality screeding solutions ensures a smooth, durable foundation for your floors, enhancing their longevity and appearance. Polycote’s versatile range caters to industrial, commercial, and domestic needs, delivering tailored solutions for every project. Whether you’re leveling a factory floor or preparing a home for tiles, these screeds provide the strength and precision you need.

Ready to create a flawless floor? Discover Polycote’s range of screeding products today and find the perfect solution for your project. With proper preparation and application, your floors will remain level, strong, and stunning for years to come.