Properly arm yourself to choose your screed
The question of the screed is crucial when working on a new construction or undertaking renovation work. Like the frame, this critical element of a home is one of the most stressed and ensures you at the same time the waterproofness, stability and, further, the longevity of your floors. In this sense, which screed to choose for the realization of a floor worthy of the name, able to withstand all the onslaughts of time?
Preliminary question: what about the differences between a screed and a slab?
While they are often used indifferently for each other, these two terms cover distinct types of structural works that it is important to have in mind to be part of a coherent logic of construction. or renovation.
- The slab: seal the foundations and stabilize the soil
Part of architecture in its own right, the slab is the link with the natural ground and is defined as the base on which will build the structural elements of the house. It is often even armed, that is to say that its reinforcement is consolidated with a formwork and grid of rebars, and serves as a basis for the deployment of electricity, water and heating networks. Composition side, it is a mixture of cement, gravel or gravel, sand and water.
- The screed: equalize a surface and correct imperfections
Unlike the slab, the screed is a finished floor intended to directly receive a coating. Thicker than the slab (only a few centimeters on average), its function is to level and level the soil by smoothing the surface to make it perfectly homogeneous. The screed also makes it possible to optimize the watertightness of the soil by preventing infiltration of water while at the same time reinforcing the thermal and sound insulation.
For each project his technique
Screeds exist in different forms, more or less easy to implement. Insulating, floating, dry, trowelled ... Each has its own characteristics in terms of composition, application and finish. The reasons that will motivate you to prefer one or the other will have to take into account the specificities of the building and the use that you wish to make of your soil.
Within this multiplicity of products, two main techniques coexist at present: the traditional screed, which accounts for two-thirds of the market, and the fluid screed, which is increasingly popular with artisans.
- The traditional screed (or classic)
Versatile, with a high mechanical resistance, it is suitable both outside and inside and can equip all types of premises, from single-family homes to industrial surfaces. Composed of mortar and cement, it is the most frequently cast, although due to strong constraints, the method is less and less solicited. However, it represents the most economical solution.
- Fluid (or liquid) screed
Based on anhydrite or cement, it benefits from easy and fast implementation and offers high performance in terms of durability. However, it remains more expensive to achieve than a traditional screed and has several disadvantages, including those requiring a longer drying time, not being adapted to the creation of sloping floors or to make it more difficult to make up for differences in levels.
Pouring a screed requires real know-how and appropriate techniques:
to claim a design and perfect finishes, do not hesitate to seek the intervention of a professional who will accompany you in all stages of its realization.