Limecrete screeding and foamed glass insulation for eco homes

Finding ways to make construction more sustainable is an essential part of the modern build process. Traditional screeds and concretes offer great durability and long-term benefits, but can sometimes not be enough when reaching your sustainability goals.

That’s where limecrete screeding and foamed glass insulation come in, helping to create breathable, environmentally friendly floor systems ideal for heritage buildings, eco homes, and moisture-prone environments.

At ThermaScreed, we’re experts in all kinds of floor screeds – limecrete included. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of limecrete for humidity and vapour permeability, and the strong thermal insulation offered by foamed glass, showing why they’re ideal for green architects and conservation builders.

What Is limecrete and why use it?

Limecrete is a type of screed made using lime rather than cement, which helps in creating a breathable floor layer. This comes with a number of key benefits, such as:

• Vapour permeability. Moisture can move naturally through limecrete, rather than being trapped by it, reducing the risk of damp and subsequent mould or property damage.
• Underfloor heating. Limecrete is highly compatible with underfloor heating, absorbing and releasing heat efficiently to reduce running costs.
• Environmental friendliness. With a lower carbon footprint than traditional concrete, limecrete supports you in being eco-conscious – which is particularly useful in cutting carbon for large-scale projects.

Limecrete is generally preferred over cement in heritage, eco, and passive house projects, where lowering environmental impact on all angles is a must. For heritage properties in particular, preventing property damage in any way possible – such as via damp resistance – ensures compliance and longevity for the build.

If installed correctly, limecrete is incredibly durable, offering long term performance with the flexibility to accommodate minor building movements without cracking.

How foamed glass insulation works

Foamed glass is a lightweight insulation made from recycled glass. This glass is then foamed and granulated into panels or aggregate, where it can then be used as a cheap and effective building solution. Some of the key benefits of foamed glass include:

• Thermal resistance. The high R-value of foamed glass makes it perfect for insulation, helping to reducing energy usage throughout summer and winter in eco homes.
• Moisture resistance. As foamed glass doesn’t absorb, it is effective in preventing mould and damp issues, leading to a healthier living environment.
• Eco credentials. Foamed glass is made from recycled materials, has a long lifespan, and is inherently inert and non-toxic – all signifiers of an environmentally friendly construction material.

The eco-benefits of breathable floors

As we’ve mentioned, limecrete makes your floors more breathable. This enables the transfer of air and moisture, reducing condensation building and improving indoor air quality. This is also what helps prevent the buildup of damp and mould.

Alongside the benefits of breathable floors themselves, limecrete floors come with a number of other benefits, including:

• Energy efficiency – retaining heat, reducing the need for heating, and lowering carbon footprint.
• Sustainability – limecrete has a lower embodied energy than traditional cement screeds, meaning its better for the environment.
• Health benefits ­– with a reduced risk of mould and improved indoor air quality, hazards and illness can be more easily prevented.

Applications in historic and passive houses

Historic buildings or listed structures have specific maintenance and modification guidelines that ensure their longevity and protection. Not just any solution will do when renovating a historical building, as you need something that will help preserve the existing structure, avoid trapping moisture, and maintain the natural breathability of the building. Limecrete ticks all the boxes.

Meanwhile, passive houses are required to be as airtight and insulated as possible to minimise or mitigate the need for active temperature control. With the combination of limecrete and foamed glass, these houses can more easily maintain a steady level of thermal comfort.

Other scenarios such as basement conversions, wet rooms, underfloor heating systems, or moisture-prone areas are all ideal places to utilise the protective power of limecrete.

Installation & maintenance considerations

Installation:

• Utilise a professional installer to ensure a smooth finish with no air pockets or vulnerabilities.
• Layer over insulation like foamed glass to achieve the best thermal and vapour performance.
• Allow for longer drying times than traditional cement, as limecrete takes longer to cure and set.

Maintenance:

• Limecrete requires minimal maintenance once installed, lowering running costs and hassle.
• To preserve your limecrete finish, avoid high-impact drilling or cutting without professional guidance.
• Limecrete is compatible with tiles, wood, stone, or natural flooring – making it a versatile option to match your ideal look.

To have the best experience with your limecrete installation, ensure correct substrate preparation, moisture checks, and protective measures are carried out. Or, work with an expert like ThermaScreed.

Expert limecrete screeding and foamed glass insulation from ThermaScreed

Limecrete and foamed glass insulation offer a sustainable, breathable, and thermally efficient option for floors – ideal for eco builds, passive homes, and heritage projects.

At ThermaScreed, we’re experts in limecrete flooring, utilising our industry experience and high-quality installation process to ensure a smooth finish. Whether you’re an architect, builder, or homeowner, we can help you meet your sustainability goals while protecting your structure. Simply get in touch to begin!

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