Self Levelling Screed Drying Time – How Quickly Can I Lay My Floor Coverings?

I’m Andy Parkin Managing Director of the Multi Award Winning Speed Screed. I’m here today to talk about “Self Levelling Screed Drying Time”.

Firstly I have to say that whilst the term “self levelling” is used extensively in the industry, I don’t believe that there is such a product.  Yes self smoothing, but not self levelling.  These products generally have excellent placement qualities, but pour the screed into one area and expect it to run and self level, then you will have problems.

We can split self levelling products into two general categories for ease:

• Smoothing compounds (normally laid from 1-10mm)
• Flowing screeds (calcium sulphate and cementitious 15-80mm)

When we ask how long is self levelling screed drying time, we are refereeing to the time in between laying the screed and when the floor coverings can be laid. Not the period when the screed can be first trafficked

The generally accepted measurement of a screed readiness to accept floor coverings is 75% relative humidity.

You should always check with the adhesive and floor covering manufacturer to confirm what level of moisture is acceptable.

Depending on the screed type the main methods of testing are as follows:

• Hair Hygrometer
• Carbide Bomb Test
• Protimeter

The only way to be certain if a screed is dry enough lay floor coverings on is to test it. Manufactures guidelines are just that, and can’t take into account any moisture present when laying, or introduced after laying.

The temperature and humidity will affect drying times (manufactures normally base the drying times on 60% relative humidity, and 20 degrees, anything different to this will change the screed drying time).

So always test.

Manufactures Guidelines –  “Self Levelling Screed Drying Time”.

Liquid Screed (Calcium Sulphate)

• 1-40mm 1mm per day
• 40mm plus 1mm per 2 days

40mm screed drying time would be 40 days

Liquid Screed Fast Drying Gypsol Rapide (Calcium Sulphate)

• 14 days
• Depth impacts drying time less with this product than traditional calcium sulphate products.

40mm screed drying time would be 21 days

Liquid Screed (Fast Drying Cementitious Belitex)

• 14-21 days

40mm screed drying time would be 21 days

Smoothing Compounds

• 3mm 4 hours

It should be noted that drying times will be effected by site conditions.

I hope this helps with your “Self Levelling Screed Drying Time”  if you have any questions please get in touch. We love to help!