Why do you need a floor screed - the main advantages
The base material in this case is a concrete mixture, which includes cement, sand, water and some additional components. Concrete is poured on a rough layer over insulating materials. When preparing the mixture, the specified proportions must be strictly observed - otherwise, there is no point in talking about the reliability and strength of the structure even under minimal loads. A properly made screed allows you to solve several important problems:
- correction of defects in the base of floors;
- optimal distribution of mechanical loads;
- creation of the correct base for linoleum, laminate, parquet, etc., preparation for tiles;
- during repair work to improve the strength characteristics of the floor with respect to dynamic and static loads.
Concrete screed is available in several varieties. The choice of the desired format is determined by the features of the building or room. The functionality and further needs of the facility are also taken into account.
Types of concrete screed
In total, there are two types of subfloors:
Concrete or cement screed
It usually contains fiber or plasticizer. At the same time, the need for water is sharply reduced. This type provides an easier pouring process, is highly durable and lightweight.
Self-leveling screed
It involves the use of special mixtures. With its help, it is possible to obtain the creation of a clear horizontal surface. The advantage of this format, according to experts, is the ability to independently level the floor and evenly distribute the composition, minimal shrinkage of concrete. Such material is easy to work with, is recommended in a wide variety of choice, provides the potential for installing heated floors.
How to make a concrete floor screed – key points
Before starting the pouring, certain preparatory work should be carried out. The tools you will need are a "level", a spatula, knives, trowels, a measuring device, fasteners, a tape measure, a hammer drill or a drill, and a container for mixing the solution - if you do not plan to buy a ready-made one. The main stages of the work include the following actions:
- Surface preparation. It is necessary to remove dirt from the object being processed, sweep up dust and sand.
- Marking the base. It is important to first mark the zero mark, for which it is advisable to use a laser level. It is placed in the middle of the room to form beams at the desired points. The marking is installed on their basis.
- Insulation installation. It is needed to prevent moisture in the room, as well as to create sound insulation. Before carrying out installation work, the surface should be treated with a primer with full penetration and wait until it dries.
- Priming. In this situation, compounds with adhesive properties are used.
- Preparing the mixture for pouring. For this, a large container and a construction mixer are used. Initially, dry components are poured into the container in the required proportion and mixed thoroughly. Then water is added gradually and in small portions. The finished composition should have a creamy consistency.
- Pouring concrete screed. It is carried out along the installed guides, adjusted with a metal rule. After 3-4 days, the surface must be moistened with water and covered with sawdust. This ensures protection from cracks. The total drying time of concrete screed is about 3 weeks at a temperature of 10 to 20 degrees. After this, the surface is processed with a grinding machine.
When pouring the material, it is extremely important to designate the thickness of the concrete layer and its weight. This indicator depends on the base for forming the screed. With reinforcing mesh or fiber, the screed should be within 4 cm in height. For floors with unevenness from 5.5 cm, the pouring height parameter is 15 cm.
As for the weight of the structure, the standard value can vary from 3 to 4 tons per square meter.
