Smooth Cement Screed Flooring For Homes.
Discover the ultimate guide to cement screed flooring. Learn about its composition, types, pros and cons, and installation cost. Ideal for homeowners seeking a durable and stylish flooring option.
“workmanship is really solid and one flooring contractor you can trust!- Mr Joshua”
Welcome to the ultimate guide on cement screed flooring! If you’re a homeowner exploring flooring options whether you need to lay tiles, carpet or vinyl flooring, you’ve likely heard the term ‘cement screed’. But what is it, and why is it suddenly stealing the limelight in Singapore’s interior design scene?
We will explore the details on cement screed flooring, its benefits and drawbacks, and much more. Get ready to discover why cement screed might just be the perfect choice for your home’s flooring needs.
What is Cement Screed Flooring?
If you’re new to the realm of flooring options, the term ‘cement screed’ may sound a bit intimidating. Don’t worry; it’s simpler than it sounds! Cement screed is a mix of cement, sand, and sometimes additional aggregates, carefully blended to create a smooth, leveled surface layer over a concrete subfloor. Unlike traditional concrete, which often serves as a foundation or wall material, cement screed specializes in providing a finished layer that’s much smoother and easier to customize in terms of color and design.
In recent years, cement screed flooring has caught the attention of Singaporean homeowners and designers alike, but why? The answer lies in its aesthetic versatility and functional benefits. Cement screed offers a minimalist, industrial-chic look that pairs well with modern interior styles. Plus, it serves as a smooth and level canvas, perfect for installing additional flooring types like hardwood or tile.
From shopping malls to modern apartments, cement screed flooring’s rise in popularity is anything but accidental. It’s not just a flooring material; it’s an interior design statement. Whether you’re yearning for a seamless floor-to-wall transition or need a durable surface for your high-traffic living room, cement screed provides a solution that’s as practical as it is eye-catching.
Composition of Screed Flooring
When we talk about the composition of cement screed flooring, what we’re really discussing is a harmonious blend of materials designed to achieve both durability and aesthetic appeal. In its most basic form, cement screed consists of cement and sharp sand, typically mixed in a 1:3 ratio. However, the actual composition can vary depending on the specific needs of a project.
For residential areas where aesthetic appeal is key, additional binders like anhydrite or latex-based products are often included. When durability is a primary concern, especially in commercial settings, coarse aggregates may be added to the mix. The aim is to create a well-balanced material that combines longevity, performance, and beauty.
The reason why cement screed is so versatile lies in its ingredients. It serves as an ideal sub-layer for various types of flooring, from carpet to natural stone. The smooth surface of screed means you’ll have a much easier time installing subsequent layers, ensuring a flawless finish regardless of the flooring type you choose.
Pros and Cons
While cement screed flooring is gaining popularity, especially in Singapore, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks to make an informed decision.
Advantages
- Cost-Effective: One of the primary draws is the cost, averaging $14-$28 SGD per square foot, which is considerably lower than other flooring options.
- Durability: If installed and maintained correctly, cement screed flooring can last up to 20 years, offering great value for money.
- Aesthetically Versatile: Screed can be colored and textured, making it a blank canvas for creative homeowners.
- Low Maintenance: A sweep and occasional mop are all it takes to keep it looking new.
- Leveling Qualities: It’s an ideal solution for leveling uneven floors, adding another layer of functionality.
Disadvantages
- Slippery When Wet: The smooth surface can become a slip hazard in wet conditions, making it less ideal for areas like bathrooms or kitchens without proper sealing.
- Not Waterproof: While it may be robust, it isn’t naturally water-resistant and will require regular resealing in high-moisture environments.
- Potential for Cracking: If not installed correctly, you might face issues like cracks and fractures over time.
- Difficult Repairs: Repairing screed isn’t as straightforward as other flooring types, often requiring professional intervention.
Installation Cost
Cement screed flooring requires years of experience to achieve the perfect level and smoothness.
Preparation
The first step is to prepare the existing floor. Remove any debris, and make sure the surface is level and clean.
Mixing the Screed
The quality of your floor depends largely on the screed mixture. A common ratio is 1:3 of cement to sharp sand. Additives or binders are added for extra strength or specific finishes.
Sectioning
To ensure an even layer, your floor are divided into sections. These serve as guides to get a uniform thickness across the floor.
Applying the Screed
Scree mixture is poured from one corner working across the room. A straight-edged tool is used to level the material.
Levelling
The surface is manually level the surface. This will get rid of any dips or peaks to get a flat finish.
Curing and Drying
Allow the screed to cure for at least a week before installing any additional flooring on top.
Final Touches
Once the screed has fully cured and dried, we can proceed with the finishing touches, which may include sealing, painting, or applying a topcoat.
Other Applications of Screed
While flooring is the most common application, the use of cement screed doesn’t have to stop there. Its versatility extends to walls, stairs, countertops, and even furniture, contributing to a cohesive, industrial-chic look.
Walls
The smooth, textured finish of screed walls can serve as an excellent backdrop for artwork or create a minimalist aesthetic.
Stairs
Cement screed can be used to create sleek, modern staircases, particularly effective in open-concept homes.
Countertops
Its durability and heat-resistant qualities make screed a good choice for kitchen countertops, although sealing is crucial to prevent staining.
By going beyond floors, you embrace a design trend that’s both contemporary and functional, creating a cohesive living environment.
Cement Screed Materials in Singapore
Given the rising trend of cement screed applications in Singapore, it’s important to understand the materials available in the market. By selecting the right type of screed material, homeowners can ensure longevity, aesthetic appeal, and functionality.
Cementitious Screed
This is the most common type of screed used, usually a mixture of cement and sharp sand. It’s known for its durability and versatility, suitable for both residential and commercial applications.
Anhydrite Screed
Also known as calcium sulfate screed, this is less common but offers smoother finishes. It’s ideal for homeowners looking for a clean, minimalist look but requires proper sealing to protect against moisture.
Quick-Drying Screed
For those in a hurry, quick-drying options are available. These screeds contain additives that accelerate the curing and drying process, but they are generally more expensive.
Polymer-Modified Screed
This is a type of screed mixed with polymers to enhance its strength and durability. It’s ideal for areas with heavy traffic or for external applications.
Self-Leveling Screed
These are usually latex-based and offer a smooth finish without the need for manual leveling, perfect for DIY enthusiasts.
Eco-Friendly Options
Given the increasing awareness around sustainability, eco-friendly screed options made of recycled materials are also entering the market.
Top Brands
- Sika: Known for its high-quality building materials, Sika offers a range of screed solutions tailored for different needs.
- Mapei: This brand provides eco-friendly screed options, combining sustainability with performance.
- Ardex: Specializing in quick-drying screeds, Ardex is the go-to brand for those on a tight schedule.
Conclusion
In summary, cement screed flooring is a versatile and increasingly popular choice for homeowners in Singapore. Not only does it offer a wide range of aesthetic possibilities, but its thermal properties and durability make it a long-lasting option worth considering. From understanding what screed is made of to exploring its applications, pros, cons, and the types of screed materials available, this guide aims to be a comprehensive resource for anyone considering this type of flooring. Whether you’re looking for an industrial-chic look, a smooth surface for further customization, or a cost-effective yet attractive solution, cement screed flooring offers something for everyone. Choosing the right type of screed and understanding how to install and maintain it will go a long way in ensuring you enjoy your new floors for years to come.
Resources
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Testimonials
Hear from our happy customers
“We needed to raise the flooring of our new BTO flat. After consulting tiling,sg, we proceed with them to do out cement screeding and vinyl flooring as they are transparent and price was reasonable. I highly commend on the workmanship and ease of working with them. Thank you!”
Miss Pauline
4 Room BTO HDB Flat
“As my theme was industrial, I engaged them for a cement screed floor. They gave upfront and honest advice regarding maintenance of cement floors instead of pushing for sales like other ID companies. Despite the slightly cost, the work done by Mr Kwang was really superb.”
Mr Ridzwan
5 Room HDB Resale Flat
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Can cement screed be used for wall?
While cement screed is traditionally associated with flooring, its application doesn’t stop there. Cement screed wall finishes are increasingly becoming a go-to choice for designers and homeowners seeking a unique and contemporary look. Let’s explore why this option is gaining traction.
Cement screed wall finishes can transform your walls into stylish design elements. Its raw, slightly uneven texture adds a touch of industrial chic to any space. Just as with flooring, the cement screed for walls can be left in its natural grey, painted, or even tinted with colour pigments to match any interior design palette.
But it’s not all about the aesthetics. Cement screed walls also bring a wealth of practical benefits. They’re highly durable, able to withstand impacts, scratches, and the general wear and tear of daily life. This makes them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas or homes with children or pets. Cement screed walls are also low maintenance. A simple wipe down is often all that’s needed to keep them looking their best.
However, applying cement screed on walls is a meticulous process that requires skill and expertise. It’s crucial to achieve the right consistency of the screed mix and to apply it correctly to avoid issues such as cracking or uneven texture. Additionally, the walls must be correctly prepared, and the screed must be applied in the correct environmental conditions.
Opting for a professional service ensures the job is done right, from the initial wall preparation to the final application. As experienced flooring contractors, we’re also skilled in applying cement screed wall finishes. We understand the specific requirements and potential challenges involved and work meticulously to deliver excellent results every time.
Is concrete screed same as cement screed?
Concrete flooring has been a staple in the construction industry for decades, thanks to its strength, durability, and versatility. More recently, however, it’s been making its way into residential and commercial interiors as a fashionable and practical flooring solution.
Concrete floors are created using a mix of cement, water, and aggregates like sand and gravel. Once poured, the mix is spread, leveled, and then polished to achieve a smooth and shiny surface. With the addition of color pigments and the use of techniques such as stamping or scoring, concrete floors can be made to look like natural stone, tile, brick, and even wood, offering a plethora of design possibilities.
The main advantage of concrete flooring is its resilience. Concrete floors are exceptionally hard and robust, making them resistant to impacts and scratches. They’re also very easy to clean and maintain, requiring just occasional dust mopping and periodic sealing or waxing to keep them looking their best.
However, concrete floors are not without their drawbacks. They can be cold and hard underfoot, and they can produce an echo in the room, which might not be ideal for all settings. Also, while concrete is an incredibly durable material, it’s not invincible. It can develop cracks over time, and it can be damaged by harsh chemicals or heavy impacts.
So, how does concrete flooring compare to cement screed flooring? While both are robust and durable, cement screed offers a smoother finish and more flexibility in terms of application. It can be used to level out a subfloor, to prepare the floor for another type of finish, or as the final flooring itself. Concrete, on the other hand, is typically used when a more substantial, structural floor is required.
In terms of aesthetics, both can be left in their natural state or finished with a variety of techniques to achieve different looks. The decision between concrete and cement screed ultimately comes down to the specific needs and desires of your project.
Do I need to apply for HDB cement screed?
As long the floor thickness does not exceed 50mm, there is no need to get an approval. However, if you choose to replace or hack your current flooring, we need to get an approval. For more information, you may visit HDB site on regulations.