When laying floor coverings such as carpet, vinyl, or tiles you want to make sure your final surface is smooth and free from any imperfections. latex screed thickness compounds help smooth over areas of the floor that are not completely flat. This may be because the base layer subfloor has dips or because of changes in moisture levels. It is usually applied before laying a new floor covering or to help prepare the existing floor for renovation.

The minimum thickness of a latex screed is often much less than a traditional sand/cement floor screed. Often the minimum is 25mm whereas a traditional floor screed may be 40-50mm depending on the size of the room and the installation requirements. This reduction in thickness makes them very quick to install as they can be walked on the day after mixing, but it does increase the risk of curling or lifting over time.

Understanding Latex Screed Thickness: Importance and Considerations

To mitigate this risk it is recommended that a mesh reinforcement be used with the mix. This helps to keep the screed anchored to the subfloor and also controls the drying shrinkage that causes curling. This can be in the form of a fine metal mesh or fibres which are normally polypropylene.

Liquid floor screeds such as Cemfloor Therm are designed for use with underfloor heating. They can be used for bonded, unbonded or floating floor applications and offer reduced shrinkage, faster curing times, and improved thermal performance.