Floor screed solution: types and proportions

A floor’s readiness for any kind of finish greatly depends on the quality of the screed. Regardless of the flooring material you select—tiles, hardwood, or laminate—the screed forms the base. A level and resilient surface that can tolerate regular wear and tear is ensured by a well-prepared screed.

Screed solutions come in a variety of forms, each with unique qualities and applications. A smooth, sturdy, and long-lasting floor is achieved by knowing the proper type and proportions. In the long run, knowing how to mix and apply screed correctly will save you time and money, regardless of the size of your renovation or DIY project.

The primary floor screed solution types will be discussed in this article along with the proportions required for each. The goal of this guide is to assist you in making well-informed decisions and achieving the greatest outcomes for your flooring project.

Main types of solutions

There is a rather widespread (and false) belief that the incoming substances are added "by eye" when mixing the working composition. Numerous fractures and deformations are the result of this primary error. The resulting issues are then ascribed to the state of technology. It is important to remember that the kind of material used to fill the base directly affects the proportions of the screed solution.

It is advisable to give careful consideration to composition preparation in order to prevent problems. There are now ready-to-use mixtures available in the construction industry; all they need to do is dilute them with the appropriate amount of water. The price of these products is the only real downside, as they are substantially more expensive than more conventional options.

There are two primary categories for the floor pouring solution:

  1. Concrete compositions. Used to create a rough coating with a layer thickness of over 70–80 mm. The main components are cement, crushed stone, sand and water. Characterized by high resistance to cracking, but does not tolerate excess moisture.
  2. Cement-sand screed. Confusion often arises with concrete material, because the solution contains the same components, but the CPS differs from the previous version in the ratio of cement and sand. Such a composition is used for independent leveling of rooms, taking into account the created thickness from 50 to 80 mm. If it is necessary to exceed these indicators, then concrete or a semi-dry method of creating a screed is used.

Although gypsum, a third type that is often distinguished, is typically categorized as ready-made dry mixes.

For a durable, level surface, the proper mixture of materials must be used when preparing a floor screed. The kind of screed solution and the amount needed vary based on whether the floor is for a living room, garage, or bathroom. Knowing the differences between different mixes, such as self-leveling compounds or cement-sand, will help you select the best one for your project, resulting in a smooth, long-lasting finish that satisfies your requirements.

Preparation of cement-sand screed

Traditional options for floor screeds are cement mortars. Making the working mixture yourself is still very popular, even though the construction market currently offers a wide selection of ready-made compositions.

The following collection of elements will be needed for the process:

  • Cement. The best option is considered to be Portland cement grades M400 and M500. The latter variety is more expensive, but has a significantly lower consumption of the composition. Much attention is paid to its storage time, long periods lead to the loss of the necessary properties.
  • Sand. It is pre-treated thoroughly by removing foreign inclusions and sifting. It must be taken into account that the material should not contain impurities.
  • Plasticizers. The amount of the component directly depends on what properties need to be obtained or improved.

Be aware that ready-made mixtures use a lot more additives, which greatly improves their qualities.

  • Fiber. It is a substance that is used for reinforcement, it replaces the laying of reinforcement or a special mesh.
  • Water. Component for obtaining the desired consistency and final giving the composition of the necessary parameters.
  • Since cement, sand, and water are the main ingredients of cement-sand mortar, not all of the components can be used for work. Liquid soap can be used in lieu of plasticizer that has been purchased.

    Proportions

    You should set up instruments that are easy to measure with because the outcome is greatly affected by the proper blending of the ingredients.

    For floor screed, the ratios of cement to sand and the quantity of other materials are as follows:

    1. Work begins with the preparation of dry components. For one part of M400 cement, you need to prepare 4 parts of sifted sand of the desired fraction. If converted into kilograms, then 1 kg of cement + 4 kg of sand, a total of 5 kg.
    2. For M500 grade, 5 parts are required, a higher figure reduces the consumption of the main substance.
    3. Fiber calculation: 1 gram of fiber is added to 1 kg of cement.
    4. For plasticizers, there is also an optimal indicator, which is 3.8 g per 1 kg of the main component.
    5. The amount of water is equal to half of the cement used.

    But in order to properly make the floor screed solution, you must first ascertain the overall volume before beginning to prepare the composition.

    It’s very easy to calculate. The formula A * B is used to calculate the room’s area. B is the width and A is the length. The number of cubic meters is obtained by multiplying the result by the screed’s chosen thickness in meters. This parameter should be multiplied by a coefficient of 1.2 because the screed is prone to shrinkage. Remember that a cubic meter of sand weighs 1625 kg and a cubic meter of cement weighs about 1300 kg.

    The floor covering’s composition is computed using the data that was collected.

    The room is 20 square meters in size. based on the dimensions of 5 m for length and 4 m for width. The screed’s estimated thickness is 50 mm, or 0.05 m. This leads to the following: One m3 is 20 * 0.05. Considering the coefficient, we get 1*1.2 = 1.2 m3.

    Sand and cement have a 1: 4 ratio, and there are five in total.

    1.2/5 is equivalent to 0.24 m3. The volume of one part of cement is the resultant number.

    Sand volume: 0.24 * 4 = 0.96 m^3.

    We calculate 1300 * 0.24 = 312 kg of cement based on approximations. Sand weighing 1560 kg (1625*0.96).

    Water requires about half the volume of cement, or 120–150 l.

    It will take 312 g of fiber and roughly 1100 g of plasticizer.

    Naturally, these computations are approximations; the precise proportions are determined using the actual circumstances and the ratio that was used. You can use online calculators to get the best outcome.

    Recognize that shrinkage affects the final result. Therefore, 0.6–0.8 kg of liquid solution will be needed to coat 1 m3.

    Type of Screed Proportions
    Cement-Sand Screed 1 part cement, 3-4 parts sand, water as needed
    Concrete Screed 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 4 parts gravel, water as needed
    Self-Leveling Screed Pre-mixed bag, water as per instructions

    For any flooring, a solid and level base must be achieved by selecting the appropriate floor screed solution. Whether you use a self-leveling compound, a dry screed, or a cement-sand mix, the ratios of the components have a big impact on how everything turns out. Selecting the appropriate screed type and making sure it is mixed properly will be made easier if you are aware of the particular requirements of your project.

    Every kind of screed has advantages and disadvantages of its own. Self-leveling compounds are perfect for quickly and easily creating a smooth, flat surface, while cement-sand screeds are strong and long-lasting, suitable for most applications. Dry screeds have the benefit of being easy to install and not requiring a long drying period, which can be very helpful for some projects.

    It’s crucial to mix your chosen screed according to the suggested proportions if you want the best results. Any ingredient used in excess or insufficiently can weaken the screed and eventually cause it to crack. You can build a strong foundation that will support your flooring for many years to come by paying close attention to these details.

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    Veronica Gerasimova

    Interior designer, author of books on the design of residential premises. I will help you make your home not only functional, but also beautiful.

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