Question 1

How long does a floor screed take to dry before flooring can go down?

Accepted Answer

Traditional sand and cement screed typically needs around a week per 25mm of thickness to dry, so a standard screed can take several weeks before flooring is safe to lay. Louis will confirm expected drying time for your specific job.

Question 2

Can screed be laid over underfloor heating?

Accepted Answer

Yes, screeding over underfloor heating pipes is a common job on new extensions, laid to the correct depth to protect the heating system while still transferring heat efficiently.

Question 3

What thickness of screed do I need?

Accepted Answer

Thickness depends on the application, whether it is a bonded, unbonded or floating screed, and whether underfloor heating is involved. Louis will specify the right depth once he has seen the sub-floor.

Question 4

Can you screed a floor to falls for a wet room or shower area?

Accepted Answer

Yes, screed can be laid to a gradient to direct water towards a drain, which is standard practice for wet rooms and level-access shower areas.

Question 5

Do you repair cracked or hollow-sounding screed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, damaged sections of screed can be cut out and repaired, or a full new screed laid if the existing floor is beyond a localised repair.

Question 6

Is screeding needed before laying tiles?

Accepted Answer

A level, sound screed base is important for a good tiling result, particularly over larger areas, so screeding is often specified ahead of tiling on new floors or uneven existing ones.

Question 7

Can screed be laid in cold weather?

Accepted Answer

Screed can be laid in cooler conditions but drying times slow down significantly in cold weather, so this is factored into scheduling and aftercare advice.

Question 8

Do you screed floors in extensions and new builds?

Accepted Answer

Yes, floor screeding is a standard part of extension and new build finishing, laid once the sub-base and any underfloor heating or insulation is in place.

Question 9

How do I know if my screed has failed and needs replacing?

Accepted Answer

Signs include hollow sounds when tapped, visible cracking, or movement underfoot. Louis can assess an existing screed and advise whether a repair or full replacement is the right call.

Question 10

Is screeding available for commercial floor areas?

Accepted Answer

Yes, screeding is carried out in commercial units and communal areas as well as domestic properties, scheduled to fit around your operating needs.

Screeding in Havant and across Hampshire

Screeding work typically includes:

A sample of finished plastering and building jobs

Other services we offer

Frequently asked questions about screeding

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