When it comes to concrete floors, screeding plays an important role in providing a smooth and flat surface that is ready to take tiles, timber, carpet or polished finishes. Nevertheless, in the event of failure it may become a serious problem like uneven floors, cracking and expensive remedies.
Call 0414 060 534 for a free phone consultation with our licensed & Professional Floor Screeding team.
Mastering the errors of screeding and how to prevent screed issues may help save time, money and headaches particularly when it comes to working with the Melbourne climate and building requirements.
Now, happens to be the 7 most frequent screed issues and how to avoid them.
Poor Surface Preparation
What occurs: The substrate (base surface) is not cleaned, levelled, and primed properly prior to the application of screed.
The reason why it is important is that dirt, dust, debris or uneven substrates do not allow the screed to bond and this may result in weak areas and floor screed failures in Melbourne.
How to avoid:
- Clean up all the loose matter and vacuum the surface
- Apply the proper primers or bonding agents
- Make sure that the substrate is flat and sound structurally prior to screeding
Incorrect Screed Thickness
What can go astray They can use screed too thinly or too thickly
Issues caused:
- Too thin screed can crack under load
- Excessive layers in this case may cause shrinkage and increased curing period
Tips: It is always better to use the recommended thickness guidelines of the manufacturer of the screed mix you are using.
Mistake in screed thickness is the least considered screed installation error that can significantly impact performance.
Reason behind this occurrence: Over-wet and poorly mixed screed mixes
Usual screed issues caused by this:
- Reduced strength
- Slump and sag
- Poor drying
How to avoid:
- Do not exceed the recommended ratio of water
- Stir thoroughly and regularly
Adding extra water on site to make it appear less challenging to work with will not help.
Always keep in mind-it is the texture and consistency that is as important as levelness.
Inadequate Curing
The controlled process of screed drying slowly in a uniform manner is called curing. One of the causes of screed cracking is too little curing time.
Issues brought about by inadequate curing:
- Rapid moisture loss
- Surface cracks
- Less strength and less durability
Best approach:
- Use the screed damp throughout the suggested time
- Apply curing resins or wet drapes
- Foot traffic or covering should be avoided until fully cured
Effective curing has a significant impact in curing failures of floors on the homes of Melbourne.
Ignoring Weather Impacts
The weather at Melbourne is unpredictable and in a span of time it may be hot, cold, dry or wet. This is very influential on screed performance.
Error: Screed being built in extreme weather of temperature or moisture.
Effect:
- Rapid drying
- Expansion and contraction
- Increased risk of cracking
Solution:
- Install schedule screed on a calm stable weather
- Cover new screed to keep off rain or overabundant sun
Well, the weather in Melbourne may interfere with the quality of screed installation simply because you were not ready.
Lack of Expansion Joints
Screed swells and contracts according to temperature and humidity.
Screeding error: Failure to install expansion joints in areas with need.
What happens:
- There is pressure in fixed areas
- Surface cracks appear
Prevention:
Install expansion joints at floor boundary, floor grade changes or material interface.
Leaving out Professional Advice
Others are homeowners who are self-educated in the DIY way, unaware of the technical aspects.
Risks:
- Costly mistakes
- Poor surface performance
- Re-work and repairs
Advice:
Seek the services of an experienced flooring contractor who has knowledge on local conditions and the best practice of screed.
This prevents screeding errors to be avoided and provides a higher quality and longer lasting finish.
FAQs:
Why does screed crack once it is installed?
The cracks are typically a result of fast drying, poor curing, improper mix ratios, and reinforcement. Cracking can also be brought about by changes in temperature and movement. This is minimised by ensuring that there is good curing and consistency in mix.
Where would I know whether my screed is installed improperly or not?
Symptoms are convex surfaces, observable cracks or chips, irregular thickness, and softer areas of foot feel. It is also possible that you can notice moisture problems or inadequate binding of tiles or top floor coverings.
Are small cracks on screed normal?
Hairline cracks are also very tiny cracks that can develop on the surface in the process of screed drying. Nevertheless, any cracks that are major or increasing should not be considered normal, and it is likely to be a fault in the installation or curing.
Is it possible that improper screed thickness will be an issue?
absolutely. Too thin and the screed is not going to be strong enough; too thick and it is going to either shrink or require much more time to dry off and be sound. It is essential that the thickness is consistent as recommended.
What then in case of crumbling or dusty screed?
It is an indicator of bad mix, inappropriate curing, or contamination. Contact a professional in flooring who should examine the integrity and provide an option, which may involve repair or removal of the affected area.
What is the significance of screed at the proper time?
Proper curing is essential. It will permit the screen to attain the strength needed and minimize chances of cracking or failure. The results can be compromised by premature loading or traffic.
Is the weather of Melbourne a factor in the quality of screed installation?
Yes. Drying and curing can be affected by extreme weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold, rain, and sudden weather change. It is important to plan the time of installation when the weather is not extreme and apply protective measures.
Wrapping Up
Preparation, understanding of frequent screeding installation errors, and environmental awareness such as the climate conditions in Melbourne are some of the elements to avoid screeding errors.
Be it a homeowner who wants to remodel the house or a builder who wants to make a new floor, the knowledge of what screed problems can do is invaluable in the process of ensuring that the surface will be sturdy, flat, and dependable in the future.
Call 0414 060 534 for a free phone consultation with our licensed & Professional Floor Screeding team.
