Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for homes and commercial spaces, offering durability, style, and easy maintenance. However, to ensure a smooth and long-lasting vinyl installation, the floor underneath must be perfectly level and prepared. This is where floor screeding comes in.
In this post, we’ll explore what screeding is, why it’s important for vinyl flooring, and how you can ensure the best results.
What is Floor Screeding?
Before we start, let’s clarify what floor screed is. Floor screed is a mixture of cement, sand, and water, creating a smooth, hard surface. It’s often used as a base for other types of flooring or left as the final layer in industrial settings. Painting screed can protect it and give it a polished finish.
The Floor Screeding Process for Vinyl Flooring
- Preparation: Before applying screed, the existing subfloor must be clean and free of dust, grease, and any loose materials. It’s important to check the moisture levels of the subfloor, as too much moisture can lead to problems with screed or vinyl adhesion.
- Mixing the Screed: Whether you’re using a traditional mix or self-levelling compound, the screed must be mixed correctly according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. The mixture should have the right consistency to spread evenly across the floor.
- Applying the Screed: The screed is spread evenly over the subfloor using a straightedge or trowel. If you’re using self-levelling screed, it will flow naturally into place, while traditional screeds may need to be carefully levelled.
- Allow Time to Dry: Once applied, screed must be left to dry fully before the vinyl flooring can be laid. This can take anywhere from a few days for fast-drying screeds to several weeks for traditional cement screeds. It’s crucial to wait until the screed is fully cured to avoid issues with your vinyl flooring.
- Laying the Vinyl: After the screed has dried and the surface is perfectly smooth, the vinyl can be installed. Proper screeding ensures the vinyl sits flat and provides a flawless finish.
Tips for a Successful Screed
- Ensure Correct Thickness: For most domestic purposes, the screed layer should be around 40-50mm thick, though this can vary depending on the subfloor condition.
- Moisture Control: High moisture levels in the screed can damage vinyl over time. Consider using a moisture barrier if there’s any concern about dampness.
- Hire Professionals: While some DIY enthusiasts may choose to tackle floor screeding themselves, it’s worth considering hiring a professional to ensure a perfect finish, especially in large or complicated spaces.
Summary
Screeding is an essential step in achieving a long-lasting and visually pleasing vinyl floor. By ensuring your subfloor is level, smooth, and dry, you’ll provide the ideal base for your vinyl flooring to shine. Whether you’re laying vinyl in a domestic or commercial setting, investing time in proper screeding will pay off with a beautiful, hard-wearing result.
