Is asphalt floor screed a blast from the past?

I’m Andy Parkin, Managing Director of the Multi-Award Winning Speed Screed. I’m here to talk about Asphalt Floor Screed.

Asphalt floor screed is also known as mastic asphalt has a multitude of applications.  It works well in areas that need levelling and if there is a problem with insulation or damp and is a great option.

Asphalt floor screed is made by combining specific bitumens and aggregates with limestone filler.  It provides a good, smooth, hard-wearing floor surface, making it popular in construction.

The addition of other polymers means that it can be flexible and resistant to crack formation.  Not only can it outlast most other types of domestic, commercial and industrial floor screeds, but it is also very easy to lay and it cools rapidly, meaning it can be in-situ and foot traffic ready in just a few hours.

Key uses include:

• Drainage falls
• Levelling surfaces
• Creating stable bases for other constructions like decking
• Walkways
• Balconies
• Car parks/service areas

It can be applied directly to an existing concrete base so it is useful for open walkways,  balconies, etc., and it is versatile enough to use beneath cold roofs and terraces.

Advantages

• Damp proofing – asphalt floor screed is made using bitumen so it helps provide an additional damp-proof layer on floors.
• Hard-wearing – asphalt roads are well known for their strength and durability so by using asphalt floor screed in a factory or car park a solid, long-lasting and stable surface is provided.
• Dust-free – asphalt floor screed stops the dust creation associated with concrete flooring because its construction means the dust adheres to the floor. There is no need to sweep every day to keep the dust levels down either, reducing the need (and cost) for constant housekeeping activities.
• Flexible – using asphalt floor screed takes away any worries about uneven settling and crack formation damaging the floor or the covering placed upon it. The flooring can accommodate the stresses put upon it by adjusting accordingly.
• Chemical resistant – chemical laboratories, factories, or any industry that uses acids can be confident when they lay asphalt floor screed. An industrial mix of acid-proof bitumen, special aggregates and limestone make it perfect for use in these environments.
• It looks good – an asphalt walkway, balcony or terrace looks good and stays looking good in the long term making it useful in commercial and domestic settings.
• Non-slip – provides a rough finish which makes avoids it becoming slippery.
• Noise-reducing – the elasticity of the asphalt floor screed helps it to absorb noise, making it a quieter option than traditional concrete. Useful in factory environments and within the home.

Key applications of asphalt floor screed:

Industrial – Any area with a high level of motor vehicle traffic benefits from the dust-free, high-quality surface.  In industries where acid resistance or spark resistance is necessary, there are special grades of asphalt floor screed produced specifically for these challenging environments.

Domestic – traditionally the screed has not been used in homes but this is now changing as builders recognise that it is perfect as a base layer for carpet, vinyl and other forms of flooring.  Its rapid cooling reduces the time it takes to provide a firm, durable floor surface which has increased its popularity in domestic construction.

If you would like more information just drop us a line at Speed Screed, we will be happy to help.