Liquid Screed vs. Standard Concrete Screed: Which is Better?

Liquid floor screeding has fast gained ground as a screed solution, especially when it comes to properties or homes with underfloor heating. Properties with underfloor heating systems can greatly benefit from liquid screeding simply because liquid screeding is more flexible, and it can complement an underfloor heating system and make it work more efficiently. In other words, the heating can spread more evenly throughout a room or area when you make use of liquid floor screeding rather than traditional screeding. But what else should you know about liquid screeding, which makes it the best choice whether or not you have underfloor heating? Let’s take some time to compare liquid screed versus standard concrete screed: which is better?

The importance of screed

Whether you are planning to put down a new flooring surface or are thinking of refurbishing or replacing your old one, regardless of whatever type of floor you have, you will need to cover it with screed. Screed serves to make uneven surfaces even, and without it, you could well end up with a floor that’s bumpy and perhaps even dangerous to those who are walking on it.

But there are basically two kinds of screeding from which you can choose: liquid screeding or traditional or standard concrete screeding. The screed you opt for will make a vast difference to your floor’s final finish, and many experts believe that liquid screeding is better if you have underfloor heating as it makes the system even more efficient.

A comparison between liquid screed and standard concrete screed

If you are undecided between liquid screeding and standard concrete screeding, however, here’s what you should know:

• Quicker installation. If you lay out or install liquid screed, it will take a lot less effort compared to concrete screed. The installation of liquid screeding is less intensive in regard to labour because the screed is in liquid form, and it can flow very easily between different spaces. Those who are in the business of constructing floating floors prefer liquid screed to standard concrete screed.
• A low level of shrinkage. Compared to standard or traditional concrete screeding, liquid screeding does not curl or shrink. You don’t have to worry about the risk or likelihood of shrinkage with liquid screed, and the risk of cracking on your floor cover is all but eliminated. As a result, you will have more gorgeous floors as well.
• A faster time for drying. Another key benefit of liquid screeding over standard concrete screeding is that liquid screed will take a lot less time to dry. If you have a time constraint with your flooring project, you can rest assured that liquid screed will dry much faster than standard screed. As a matter of fact, you can already walk on the floor in as little as 24 to 48 hours after you have it applied.

Whilst liquid screed has become the preferred choice of many, it’s still best to have your liquid screed applied by professionals who know exactly what they are doing and how to do it right. There are many floor screeding contractors who are highly skilled in the installation of liquid screed, and you should have perfect floors – and perfect heating – in no time.