Latex screed is a type of liquid floor screed used to create a clean and level base surface in properties. Like other liquid screed types, latex screed is notable for providing a smooth and even surface that can be polished and used as is or covered with carpet, tiling, or wooden flooring.
One of the main benefits of using any liquid floor screed is that it is easy to install and works well with underfloor heating due to the high thermal conductivity of the screed material. It is also quicker to install than more traditional screed and dries faster to create a surface that looks good and is often usable within 48 hours.
If you’re looking for latex screed in Oxford, then you need to contact J & H Lynch. We have years of experience installing all types of liquid floor screed solutions and our team of experts can install un-bonded, bonded, or floated floors in any type of property.
Give us a call today and see what we can do for you.
What is Latex Screed?
Latex floor screed is a type of self-levelling liquid flooring that consists of a powder component mixed with liquid latex. It is poured onto floors to the required thickness to create a smooth, clean, and even surface.
The main difference between latex screed and other liquid screeds is that the latex gives the floor a small amount of give and the protein-free nature of the mixture makes it a great choice for areas where hygiene is important, like kitchens, dental surgeries, hospitals, etc.
What do you mean by bonded, un-bonded, and floated liquid screed solutions?
There are three main ways to install latex screed in a property.
Bonded Screed
Bonded is where the screed is connected directly to the substrate of the floor. The substrate can consist of a variety of materials such as brick, concrete, and wood but must be prepared correctly for bonding to take place.
Bonding agents and primers are used to ensure that adhesion takes place before the two surfaces are in effect stuck together. As bonded screed is “glued” to the underlying floor it can be applied in a thinner coat (generally up to 10mm).
Unbonded Screed
Unbonded screed is where the latex screed is not attached to the underlying substrate and is instead poured directly on top of the underlying floor surface (often with a membrane in between).
Unbonded Screed layers tend to be thicker to prevent unwanted movement between the layers.
Floated Screed
The final type of screed installation is a floating construction. Floated screed is where screed is poured on top of insulation material. A membrane may be used above or below the insulation material but there will be no bond between the screed and the underlying substrate.
Again, floated screed solutions tend to be thicker to counter the lack of bonding with the underlying floor.
For details of how a latex screed flooring is created, check out this page on wikiHow.com.
Benefits of Using Latex Screed
There are many benefits to using latex screed for your flooring, including:
- Can be laid in variable depths – Due to its more flexible nature, latex screed can be laid in a variety of depths, including incredibly shallow ones. This makes it great for minor levelling issues or to create a hygiene topcoat to a floor. Depths can be anywhere between 3mm when bonded up to a more substantial depth of upwards of 40mm when unbonded.
- Latex screed is quick-drying – Like all liquid floor screed solutions, latex screed can dry within a few hours. Depth will be a factor in drying times, but generally speaking, most latex screed floors can be walked on within 6 to 48 hours, which is much quicker than other traditional solutions like concrete.
- Latex screed is incredibly cost-effective – As with all liquid floor screed solutions, latex screed is an incredibly cost-effective way to create a smooth, level floor. With less preparation, easy mixing and laying, and less manpower required during drying, latex screed offers incredible value for money.
- Easy to fit in with other work – The rapid drying of latex screed makes it easy to fit in with other building work. No more holding up workmen as you wait days for concrete to set in cold weather.
- Latex screed gives a smooth and flat finish – Latex screed is a self-levelling compound meaning it will create a nice smooth, flat finish with little effort. Unlike concrete, which is thicker, liquid latex will “flow” into all the little nooks and crannies before levelling out into a pool of perfectly even screed.
- Latex screed is more flexible – While latex screed won’t bend like rubber, the addition of liquid latex gives it a degree of flexibility. This can help with cracking or curling and will compensate for some movement in the underlying substrate.
- Latex screed is hygienic – the addition of liquid latex gives floors an almost rubberised feel that is moisture and dirt-resistant. It is also easy to clean making it ideal for places where hygiene is important like hospitals and doctors surgeries.
- Works well with underfloor heating – Underfloor heating pipework can be covered by latex screed and because it is a great thermal conductor less heat is lost.
Can Latex Screed be Applied to Wooden Floors?
Yes, latex screed can be applied over wooden floors so long as they have been prepared correctly. Our experts will ensure that all surfaces undergo the required preparation before applying any screed solution. For a full guide on how different types of flooring will need to be prepared before liquid screed is applied, head over to diydoctor.org.uk.
Surface Preparation for Latex Screed
Latex screed needs very little floor preparation before being laid but one of our experts will undertake a full survey and take any necessary preparatory steps to ensure your floor looks great and lasts for many years to come.
Bonded floors generally require the most preparatory work as bonding agents require surfaces to be sound, clean, and free from dust, oil, and grease.
Why Choose J & H Lynch for Your Latex Screed in Oxford
At J & H Lynch we have years of experience with latex screed and our experts always ensure that the floors we install achieve a flat, level and smooth finish at whatever depth suits your needs. If you’re looking for a fast, affordable latex screed solution in the Oxford area, then give us a call or leave us a message in our contact us section.
