In construction, hundreds of different equipment, machines, materials, and tools perform various functions. Laying down the foundation or floor is a fundamental part of construction and involves a screeding process.
The word screed has two meanings. Firstly, it is the material that is poured directly on the base of the floor. Secondly, it is also the name of the tool that is necessary to flatten the surface. The main purpose of the screed is to ensure a final finish that is smooth and does not include any unevenness. The three types of screed are
- Unbonded (not fixed to any base). The thickness of the screed is 50mm
- Attached to the base. The thickness of cement and sand screed is 25mm to 40mm
- Floating, where the thickness is 65mm for light floors and 75mm for heavy floors
If the walkway or driveway is broken in your house, then the first step is to level the surface before doing the repair or replacement. The process of flattening sand, gravel, or concrete mixture is ‘screeding.’ For an uneven floor, you need a leveling compound, but screed is essential to smooth the compound and prevent unevenness.
The Difference between Concrete and Screed
For people not working in the construction industry, it can be difficult to tell the difference between floor screeds and concrete.
Both the screeds and concrete come from the same ingredients that are cement, water, and aggregates. The water and cement form a mixture, and there is a coat of sand or aggregate to harden the mixture. The cement further gets the strength by a process called ‘hydration.’
The size of aggregate for both screed and concrete is different, and the cement grade also varies. The mixture that is formed has a different consistency and finish, and the intended use also varies.
Concrete is much coarser due to the presence of hard aggregates rather than screed. The hard and coarse aggregates provide the strength and durability that concrete is so famous for. The sturdiness and long-lasting property make concrete the best material in the construction of floors and walls.
According to studies, concrete is the most used construction material in the world. Concrete is widely used for structural purposes for residential, commercial, and industrial construction.
The screed, on the other hand, consists of finer and smooth aggregates than that concrete. The screed material is best for providing a finishing layer, and it is applied on top of a concrete slab. The main purpose of screed is to level and smooth the floor before the final finish of linoleum, tiles, natural stones, or carpets.
The screeds add versatility and more color to the floor rather than the conventional bare concrete floor. For commercial and industrial purposes, a more robust screed is usually essential than that used for residential purposes.
The majority of screeds are ideal for internal applications such as thermal insulation and heating systems. The modern and innovative polymer-infused screeds are water-resistant and sturdy, making them ideal for external locations.
The Need to Use Aluminum Concrete Screed
The traditional way of making and applying screed is on the construction site using cement and sand mixtures. However, sometimes the difference in ratios of ingredients can result in weak flooring that can crack and peel away. The best solution is proprietary screeds and kits that improve the strength, and the application process is also faster.
A best aluminum concrete screed board is essential when forming a slab and leveling the floor. The screed comes in an H-style design that consists of a center brace that provides the necessary strength. The presence of end caps prevents the concrete mixture from getting inside the screed and leads to an uneven surface. The aluminum concrete screed comes in varying sizes depending on the purpose and work requirements. The three factors that one should consider when deciding to use a screed are
Length: 6ft, 8ft, 10ft, 12ft, 14ft, 16ft, 18ft, 20ft
Height: 3 and 1/2 inches, 4 inches, and 5 inches
Width: 1 and 1/2 inches, and 2 inches
The best advantage is that the aluminum screed is lightweight, making it ideal for working with when leveling the floor surface. The size options make it easy to select the screed that will help complete the task efficiently. The aluminum concrete screed is ideal for driveways, walks, and slabs.
The dual design makes it easy to level the mixture on the floor. The sharp edge is for cutting, while the round edge is for floating the concrete mixture. Other accessories such as the adjustable handle and brackets help you level the freshly poured concrete.
The Method and Purpose of Using a Screed
A worker usually uses the screed in a sweeping motion from left to right, which not only levels the surface but moves the excess mixture forward. The process of using a screed is not new and quite traditional. For a bigger floor surface, there are 2 to 3 workers who work simultaneously.
The screeding process starts immediately once the concrete mixture is poured on the surface. The wood screeds are not ideal as they can leave undesirable ruts on the concrete surface. The aluminum concrete screed is better because it is easier to clean, and the mixture does not stick to the screed board.
To construct sidewalks, patio, or driveway, you need a screed that provides both strength and accuracy. The contractor usually looks for a cost-effective, efficient screed. The advancement of technology has given way to screeds with a motor that can work on large surfaces. The features include variable speed control, changeable blades, and an adjustable handle.
If there is a large area to cover, then a long handle must sweep the surface in one motion. Due to different types of floors, the delivery of screed also varies. Mostly, contractors arrange for a mixer vehicle that mixes the ingredients in the right ratio then places them in the wheelbarrow.
Conclusion
The aluminum concrete screed board provides the necessary precision and effectiveness to flatten a surface. The screed is long so that the ends easily rest on the surface and move easily across a wet surface. The sweeping motion levels the surface and moves the excess concrete in the gaps. Aluminum screeds are best for driveways, garage floors, and walkways.
