Floor screed mistakes? At Hills Quarry Products, we’ve heard them all.
Floor screed mistakes are among the most expensive and disruptive problems in construction projects. What starts as a cost-saving decision or oversight during specification can quickly escalate into major remedial work, project delays, and damaged client relationships.
At Hills Quarry Products, we’ve supplied floor screed across the South West for decades, working with contractors on everything from residential extensions to major commercial developments. Through this experience, we’ve identified five critical floor screed mistakes that consistently cause problems for contractors and their clients.
Understanding these common pitfalls can save you significant time, money, and stress on your next project.
Top five floor screed mistakes…
Mistake #1: Choosing floor screed based on price alone
The problem: Focusing solely on the cheapest screed option without considering long-term performance requirements.
Why it’s costly: Poor quality screed can lead to cracking, dusting, and premature failure of the floor system. Remedial work typically costs 3-5 times more than investing in quality screed initially, not to mention the impact on project timelines and client relationships.
The impact:
- Expensive remedial work and floor system replacement
- Project delays and associated costs
- Potential legal liability for failed installations
- Damaged reputation affecting future work opportunities
The solution: Our sand cement screed uses specially selected washed sand and premium cement, formulated for superior performance. While the initial cost may be higher than basic alternatives, the reliability and durability provide better value over the project lifecycle. Polypropylene fibres can be added for enhanced strength and crack resistance in demanding applications.
Mistake #2: Ignoring working time requirements
The problem: Underestimating the time needed to properly lay and finish floor screed, especially on large or complex areas.
Why it’s costly: Standard screed has a limited working time before it begins to set. Insufficient working time leads to visible joints, uneven surfaces, and poor finishes that require costly grinding or complete replacement.
The impact:
- Surface irregularities requiring expensive remedial work
- Visible joints and patches in the finished floor
- Additional labour costs for surface preparation
- Delayed project completion
The solution: Our sand cement screed includes retarder additives that extend setting time, providing the flexibility needed for proper installation even on large areas. For projects requiring maximum speed, liquid screed can be installed at rates up to 1,000m² per day with self-levelling properties that eliminate many timing pressures.
Mistake #3: Wrong screed choice for underfloor heating
The problem: Using standard screed over underfloor heating systems without considering thermal conductivity requirements.
Why it’s costly: Poor thermal conductivity means heating systems work harder to achieve desired temperatures, leading to higher energy costs and potential system overheating. In extreme cases, inadequate heat transfer can cause system failure.
The impact:
- Inefficient heating performance and higher energy costs
- Client dissatisfaction with system performance
- Potential damage to heating components from overheating
- Loss of reputation in the growing underfloor heating market
The solution: Liquid screed offers exceptional thermal conductivity (up to 2.9W/mºK), making it the ideal choice for underfloor heating installations. The superior heat transfer efficiency means better system performance and lower running costs for your clients.
Mistake #4: Inadequate planning for large areas
The problem: Treating large screed installations as scaled-up small jobs without proper planning for continuity and consistency.
Why it’s costly: Large areas require careful coordination to maintain consistency across the entire floor. Poor planning leads to visible variations, multiple pour lines, and inconsistent finish quality that can be expensive to rectify.
The impact:
- Visible inconsistencies across large floor areas
- Multiple installation phases creating potential weak points
- Extended project timelines
- Client disputes over finish quality
The solution: Liquid screed can cover areas up to 150m² without expansion joints, creating seamless surfaces ideal for large installations. Our delivery scheduling ensures consistent material supply for large projects, maintaining uniformity across the entire installation.
Mistake #5: Insufficient drying time planning
The problem: Installing floor coverings before floor screed has properly dried to avoid project delays.
Why it’s costly: Trapped moisture can cause floor covering failure, from debonding tiles to warping wooden floors. The pressure to meet deadlines often leads to rushing this critical phase, with expensive consequences.
The impact:
- Complete floor covering failure requiring replacement
- Business interruption during remedial work
- Insurance claims and potential legal issues
- Significant cost overruns and project delays
The solution: Proper drying time planning is essential for any screed installation. Liquid screed typically offers faster drying times than traditional alternatives, allowing earlier installation of floor coverings without compromising the integrity of the system.
The true cost of floor screed failures
Floor screed problems extend far beyond the immediate remedial costs
Technical specifications that matter
- Thickness: Typically 50-75mm depending on application
- Compressive Strength: Suitable for most residential and commercial applications
- Working Time: Extended with retarder additives
- Curing: Traditional 28-day cure for full strength
- Installation Speed: Up to 1,000m² per day
- Coverage: Up to 150m² without joints
- Thermal Conductivity: Up to 2.9W/mºK
- Applications: Ideal for underfloor heating and large areas
Reach out for our floor screed expertise…
Contact our technical team for expert advice on your next project to avoid floor screed mistakes.
