Are you considering a flooring upgrade and wondering what screed flooring is all about? Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of screed flooring, shedding light on what it is, its different varieties, and how it compares to other flooring options. Whether you’re planning a residential renovation or a commercial project in South Africa, understanding screed flooring can help you make informed decisions about your space’s foundation. So, let’s dig in and explore the fascinating world of screed flooring.
What is screed flooring?
Floor screed is a substance that is produced by blending cement and sand to create a foundation that is then applied on top of a concrete floor in order to provide additional support. Screed is also used to make the surface smoother and more stable in preparation for the addition of a final layer.
There are three varieties of screed flooring, each of which is optimized for a certain use.
Self-leveling screed
This particular screed is an essential component used to form a level surface upon which you can apply tiles, Wood vinyl, Vinyl sheeting, natural stone and different types of wood flooring. It is often used as a finishing product on top of a hard concrete base. The use of levelling screed will not contribute in any way to the maintenance of the structural integrity of your floor.
Tinted/Coloured screed
We use a colour hardener that is a granolithic concrete material that floated into fresh screed or concrete which colours, strengthens and creates durable surfaces for the concrete floors. Adding pastel and earth-toned dyes that can be mixed together on the spot gives you even more colourful possibilities! It can be used for interior and exterior floors and is suitable for domestic or commercial projects. Our product is developed to be more flexible than standard screeded floors to prevent fine hairline cracking.
Epoxy screed
Epoxy floor finishes require a high-strength engineered screed as substrate. Sand cement screeds are not sufficient. Epoxy coatings adhere firmly to concrete, making them resistant to moisture, grease, scuffing and chemicals. Their durability makes them ideal for garages and basements, where dropped tools or other heavy objects may damage the surface finish.
Is screed flooring cheaper than tiles?
On average, screed flooring costs fluctuate between R175 and R550 or more per square meter in South Africa. This range encompasses both material and labour costs. The cost of tiles varies from R180 to R750 per square meter, depending on a number of criteria including location, tile type, tile size and complexity. Materials-only installations range from R90 to R500 per square meter, while labour-only installations cost between R150 and R250.
When it comes to residential ceramic and porcelain tile installations, there’s more to consider than just the material cost of the tile. Subfloors may require levelling with a particular type of concrete before tile installation. Because material and labour costs for tile are high, polished concrete is often significantly less expensive than tile in new residential construction and renovation.
Will screed stick to concrete?
Technically no as screed is not directly applied to concrete. Screed is applied over a mechanically prepared substrate (if using bonded screed) or a membrane (if using unbonded screed) which is placed over the top of the concrete.
It is generally laid over a concrete subfloor to create a much smoother texture here other materials can be laid on top or it is also ideal to cover underfloor heating pipes.
To make screed stick to concrete you need to roughen the surface of the concrete to maximise adhesive potential. This can be done by using a chipping hammer or a pick. The aim is to expose the aggregate in the concrete, as this is what will bond them with the screed.
Conclusion
Now that you have a better understanding of screed flooring and its various applications, it’s time to take the next step towards transforming your space. At Ballator Trading, we specialise in providing top-notch flooring solutions, including screed flooring, tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for self-levelling screed, tinted/coloured screed, or epoxy screed, our team of experts is here to guide you through the process and deliver high-quality results.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance the beauty and functionality of your floors. Contact us today to discuss your project, get a personalized quote, and take the first step towards achieving the flooring of your dreams. Your ideal flooring solution is just a call or click away with Ballator Trading. Let’s make your space extraordinary!
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