Latest News & Projects
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How Liquid Screed Is Transforming Large-Scale Construction Projects
The way floors are prepared and finished on large construction projects has changed significantly over the past two decades.
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Liquid screed, once considered a specialist product used only in specific circumstances, has become the go-to flooring solution for developers, main contractors and construction companies working on projects of scale.
Here is a look at why liquid screed has become so widely adopted and what sets it apart from traditional methods on large sites.
What Is Liquid Screed?
Liquid screed, also known as flow screed or self-levelling screed, is a screed material with a fluid consistency that is pumped into place and self-levels across the floor area.
Unlike traditional sand cement screed, which must be mixed, transported and spread by hand, liquid screed is produced in large volumes and delivered to site via a pump and hose system, flowing across the floor and finding its own level with minimal amounts of manual intervention.
The two most common types of liqui... -
Liquid Anhydrite Screed With Underfloor Heating In Derbyshire
Location: Draycott, Derbyshire
At Mitchell Plastering & Dry Lining Ltd, we take pride in delivering comprehensive floor screeding solutions that combine efficiency with exceptional quality.
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Recently, we completed a flooring project in Draycott for one of our regular builder clients, demonstrating our expertise in liquid anhydrite screed and underfloor heating systems.
Initial Preparation
This particular project involved transforming a 70m2 property with a complete floor screeding system that would provide both thermal efficiency and a perfectly level surface for the final flooring.
Our team began by conducting a site assessment to determine the specific requirements and challenges we would face during the installation process.
The builder had specifically requested our services due to our proven track record in delivering high-quality results within tight timeframes. We understood that the property needed to be ready for occupancy quickly, which meant our screed installation had to be completed efficiently whil... -
Fast Drying Screed: For When Speed Matters…
Meeting Tight Deadlines Without Compromising Quality
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Construction schedules often leave little room for delays. When flooring needs to be ready quickly for subsequent trades or tight project deadlines loom, standard screed drying times can become a significant bottleneck.
Fast drying screed technology has transformed how builders and contractors approach floor finishing, dramatically reducing waiting periods without sacrificing performance.
At Mitchell Plastering & Dry Lining Ltd, we understand the pressure of keeping projects on schedule.
Our floor screeding contractors provide fast drying screed solutions across the UK, helping commercial and industrial clients meet demanding timelines.
With over 20 years of experience in floor screeding, we know exactly when rapid drying products deliver the best results and how to install them for optimal performance.
Understanding Fast Drying Screeds
Fast drying screeds use specially formulated materials that release moisture much qui... -
Underfloor Heating & Anhydrite Screed Installation In Ilkeston
Location: Ilkeston, Derbyshire
A property owner in Ilkeston required a complete underfloor heating and floor screeding solution for their 157m² property. Mitchell Plastering & Dry Lining Ltd was tasked with installing a full wet underfloor heating system with liquid anhydrite screed, providing an energy-efficient heating solution with a smooth, level floor finish.
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The project required careful coordination and expert installation to complete all work within a single visit, allowing the customer to return to the property the following day.
The Underfloor Heating Installation Process…
Polythene DPM Installation
The first stage involved laying a polythene damp proof membrane (DPM) across the entire floor area. This membrane provides essential protection against moisture rising through the floor structure, preventing damp problems that could damage the screed and compromise the underfloor heating system.
Polythene DPM comes in sheets that must be laid with overlaps at the joints. Our team positioned the membran... -
The Benefits Of Pump-Applied Screed
When undertaking substantial construction projects, the method used to apply floor screed can significantly impact efficiency, quality, and project timelines. Pump-applied screed has revolutionised how contractors approach large-scale flooring installations, offering advantages that traditional hand-laying methods cannot match.
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What Is Pump-Applied Screed?
Pump-applied screed involves using specialist pumping equipment to deliver liquid screed materials directly to the installation area. The screed is mixed off-site or in a dedicated mixer, then pumped through hoses to precisely where it's needed. This method works particularly well with flowing screed materials like anhydrite or self-levelling compounds.
The process differs fundamentally from traditional methods where workers manually mix, transport, and spread screed using wheelbarrows and hand tools. Pump application allows for continuous flow of material, creating a seamless installation process.
Speed & Efficiency
The most st... -
How Underfloor Heating Works With Different Floor Coverings
Underfloor heating is one of the most efficient and comfortable ways to heat a property. Unlike traditional radiators that heat the air in a room from a single point, underfloor heating distributes warmth evenly across the entire floor surface, creating a consistent and pleasant temperature from the ground up.
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However, not all floor coverings work equally well with underfloor heating systems. The material you choose for your finished floor can have a significant impact on how effectively heat transfers into the room, how quickly the system responds and what your overall running costs will be. Understanding how different floor coverings behave with underfloor heating will help you make the right choice for your project.
How Heat Transfers Through Floor Coverings
The key principle to understand is thermal conductivity. Materials that conduct heat well allow warmth to pass through quickly and efficiently, meaning the room reaches the desired temperature faster and the system uses less... -
What Is A Damp Proof Membrane And Why Is It Important Under Screed?
When it comes to floor screeding, much of the focus tends to fall on the screed itself, the mix, the depth, the drying time and the finish. However, one of the most important elements of a well-executed floor build-up is something that sits entirely out of sight once the job is done: the damp proof membrane.
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Getting this right is fundamental to the long-term performance of the floor, and skipping or cutting corners on it can lead to serious and costly problems further down the line.
What Is A Damp Proof Membrane?
A damp proof membrane, commonly referred to as a DPM, is a sheet of heavy-duty polythene that is laid across the floor structure before insulation and screed are installed. Its primary function is to act as a physical barrier between the subfloor or ground below and the layers above, preventing moisture from rising up through the floor construction.
DPMs are typically manufactured from 1200-gauge or 500-gauge polythene, with the appropriate specification depending on the... -
What Is Anhydrite Screed & When Should You Use It?
Anhydrite screed has become one of the most widely used flooring solutions in modern construction, and for good reason.
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Its flow characteristics, speed of installation and compatibility with underfloor heating systems make it a practical and increasingly popular alternative to traditional sand cement screed for a wide range of project types.
Here is what you need to know about anhydrite screed and when it is the right choice for your project.
What Is Anhydrite Screed?
Anhydrite screed, also known as calcium sulphate screed or liquid flow screed, is a flowing screed made from calcium sulphate binder mixed with sand and water.
Unlike traditional sand cement screed, which must be mixed on site and spread by hand, anhydrite screed is produced in liquid form and pumped directly into position, where it flows and self-levels across the floor area.
The result is a consistently flat, smooth surface that requires far less labour to install than a hand-applied screed and is considerab... -
Commercial Offices - Fast Drying Screed
Location: Brassington, Matlock
Contract Duration: 1 Day
Working for a local client to convert this building into a commercial office.
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We installed a taped & lapped 1200 gauge membrane, 5mm perimeter isolation strip with fast drying screed supplied by Rightmix to cover 205m2. -
Enrok Construction - New Medical Centre
Location: Nuneaton
Contract Duration: 2 weeks
Our final update on Hartshill Medical Centre in Nuneaton for Enrok construction, we have now completed the installation of insulation, underfloor heating and liquid flow screed to both the ground floor and 1st floor.
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The ground floor consisted of 36m3 of Tarmac’s liquid flow screed (screed A) laid on 500gg polythene separating membrane on 120mm Celotex & 25mm EPS70 polystyrene along with a 25mm Celotex upstand to all exterior walls and a 5mm foam expansion strip to all walls.
On the first floor 32m3 of Tarmac’s liquid flow screed (screed A) laid on 500gg polythene separating membrane on 50mm Celotex & 15mm EPS70 polystyrene with a 5mm foam expansion strip to all walls.
Part of package included the installation of the underfloor heating which consisted of 6 manifolds (2 on the 1st floor and 4 on the ground floor). 16mm pipes, tracker clips, 42 thermostats and 52 thermal actuators.
The new medical centre will be a huge asset to the local community once it’s completed, we are pl... -
How To Avoid Common Floor Screeding Problems
Floor screeding forms a critical part of any construction project, providing the smooth, level surface needed for final floor coverings. However, numerous issues can arise during installation or curing if proper procedures aren't followed. Understanding these common problems and implementing preventative measures will save time, money and frustration whilst achieving professional results that last for decades.
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Most Common Floor Screeding Issues
Cracking & Shrinkage
Cracking represents one of the most frequent problems encountered with floor screed. Fine surface cracks often appear during the drying process, whilst deeper structural cracks indicate more serious issues. Several factors contribute to cracking, including inadequate curing, incorrect mix ratios, missing expansion joints and excessive drying speed.
Prevention starts with proper mix design. Traditional sand cement screed requires precise ratios, typically 1:3 or 1:4 cement to sand. Too much water weakens the screed and in... -
Liquid Screed Vs Traditional Sand Cement Screed: Which Is Better?
Choosing The Right Screed For Your Project
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When undertaking construction projects requiring level floor finishes, selecting appropriate screed material becomes crucial. The choice between liquid screed and traditional sand cement screed significantly impacts project timeline, costs and performance.
Both methods create smooth surfaces ready for floor coverings or underfloor heating. However, their application methods and performance characteristics vary considerably. At Mitchell Plastering & Dry Lining Ltd, our floor screeding contractors have experience with both materials, providing insights into when each performs best.
What Is Traditional Sand Cement Screed?
Traditional sand cement screed combines Portland cement with sharp sand in ratios typically 1:3 to 1:4.5 parts, mixed with water to create workable consistency. Skilled tradespeople spread and level the screed by hand using traditional tools. The material must be tamped and floated to remove air pockets, then finished with s... -
Private Development - Underfloor Heating & Liquid Flow Screed
Location: Risley - Derbyshire
Contract Duration: 2 days
Another local project in which the team at Stuart Mitchell's supplied a complete flooring solution with all preparation work, underfloor heating and liquid flow screed.
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The first day we prepared the house with 100mm insulation and membrane before installing the 8 port manifold and pipework.
The next day we returned to site and completed the work by laying 5.2m3 of Breedon Gypscreed. -
What Thickness Should Floor Screed Be For Underfloor Heating?
Getting The Right Screed Depth For Optimal Heating Performance
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Determining the correct floor screed thickness for underfloor heating installations is crucial for achieving optimal thermal performance, energy efficiency and long-term reliability. The screed depth directly affects heat distribution, response times and running costs of your underfloor heating solution.
Getting this measurement wrong can result in poor heating performance, increased energy bills and potential structural issues. Whether you're planning a new build or retrofit installation, the correct floor screeding specification forms the foundation of an effective underfloor heating system.
Standard Screed Thickness Requirements
Water-Based Underfloor Heating Solutions
For water-based (wet) underfloor heating arrangements, the recommended screed thickness above the pipes typically ranges from 65mm to 75mm. This depth provides sufficient thermal mass to distribute heat evenly whilst maintaining structural integrity.... -
3 New Build Bungalows - Underfloor Heating & Liquid Flow Screed
Location: Ripley
Contract Duration: 1 week
A new client requested us to install underfloor heating and screed for three new bungalows.
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The under floor heating systems that are fixed to manifold comprise of 7 Port (Type A) of 6 Port (Type B) Manifold with inserts and pipe bends, 2 x Thermomix – pump and mixing set to suit boiler, 2 x Master Wiring Centre, 13 x Thermal Actuators for individual control, 13 x Digital Room Thermostats, 2 x Probes and 16mm Pipe, Staples & Conduit.
A 50mm liquid flow screed was supplied and the insulation comprised of 150mm celotex, 25mm EPS70 polystyrene with damp proof membranes, upstands and expansion strips to all walls -
House Refurbishment - Levelling Compound
Location: Loughborough
Contract Duration: 3 hours
Another small floor refurbishment for an existing client in Loughborough. The client required the kitchen & hall floor to be level to receive new floor coverings at a future date.
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To achieve this we had to sand and vacuum the floor, prime it and finally applied 18 bags of Mapei renovation to create an even surface for the floor coverings.
