Preparation Guide & Drying Times
Below are some of the Best Guidelines and practices for preparing the Floor ready for our Underfloor Heating and Floor Screeding Solutions.
What Does The Perimeter Edge Detail Need To Be?
It’s essential that there’s an 8mm to 10mm extruded Polyethylene compressed strip with a Polythene skirt positioned around both external and internal walls. This also includes partitions, piping and anything else protruding through the surface. This should then be fitted to the full depth of material.
How To Control The Movement With Screed?
We recommend the installation of expansion joints in all door thresholds enabling control of aspect ratios between rooms. These joints are important to separate Underfloor Heating sections across the building, aiding movement control within the Screed due to contractions. Without this, control joints cracking may occur.
When Are Conduits Needed?
Conduits are used within the Screed in things such as Underfloor Heating pipes. These must be secured to Insulation boards whilst using correct fixing processes for the individual system. We recommend using the minimal amount of Screed possible when covering conduits.
How To Control The Levels Of The Floor?
Our Floor Screeding Contractors control the levels of all Flooring by using techniques such as adjustable tripods across the areas to be screeded in the building. These will then be set by using a laser level, staff and a single datum which the customer has provided.
What Should We Do After The Screed Installation?
After installation all Screeds should be given protection from Rapid Drying or draughts for 24/48 hours. The room should be kept warm and ventilated to encourage the drying process. Do not cover the Screed, rest anything on top, expose to water, humidity or the cold.
What Are The Typical Screed Drying Times?
Drying times vary depending on the drying conditions on site and the type of Screed used on the project. Drying times can be reduced with adequate ventilation, dehumidifiers and Underfloor Heating Systems. For example, Liquid Screed typically dries at a rate of 1mm per day with a thickness up to 40mm.
Can We Use Assisted Drying Techniques?
Dehumidifiers can be used after 72 hours of installing the screed. This can help decrease the drying times but it’s important a closed system is used to make sure any moisture is removed from the environment during the drying procedure. Any collected water with the dehumidifier should be removed as often as possible.
Can We Force The Drying Process?
You can force drying after 7 days following installation. Using set Underfloor Heating temperatures of 20-25°C can help force the drying procedure. We can then slowly increase the temperature over 14 days. The system should be turned off 48 hours before testing the Screed moisture.
Confused & Need Help? Contact Thermascreed
If you are confused about the drying and preparation procedures or any of the information above, then please get in touch with us to arrange a free Quote and on site Consultation Today via our contact page. Alternatively Call our Bristol Office direct 01275 791158.
