Technical Specifications for Floor Screeds

Comprehensive technical specifications for professional floor screed installation, quality control, and performance requirements based on British Standards and 38 years+ of field experience.

Surface Regularity Classifications

Surface regularity is defined as the limitation of deviation of the surface beneath a straightedge laid flat on the surface. It measures the “waviness” of the surface and is critical for floor finish performance and longevity.

±3mm under 2m straight edge

High quality finishes requiring smooth surfaces

Typical Applications:

±5mm under 2m straight edge

Standard commercial and residential applications

 

Typical Applications:

±10mm under 2m straight edge

Utility areas and basic applications

 

Typical Applications:

Thickness Specifications

Minimum: 25mm

Recommended: 40mm nominal (±15mm tolerance)

Standard: BS 8204 Part 1

Applications:

Note:

CIRIA Report 184 recommends 35mm nominal (±10mm tolerance)

Minimum: 20mm

Recommended: 45mm minimum design thickness

Standard: BS 8204 Part 2

Applications:

Note:

Design thickness accounts for substrate deviations

Minimum: 75mm

Recommended: 75-100mm depending on loading

Standard: BS 8204 Part 1

Applications:

Note:

Thickness increases with softer insulation

Minimum: 10mm

Recommended: 150mm Preferred

Standard: BS 8204 Part 2

Applications:

Note:

Thicker sections reduce curling risk

Mix Design Specifications

Mix Ratio: 1:3 to 1:5

1 part Portland Cement to 3-5 parts sand

Standards Compliance:

Typical Strength:

Applications:

General purpose screeding applications

Mix Ratio: As per manufacturer

Factory blended with polymer additives

Standards Compliance:

Typical Strength:

Applications:

Enhanced performance applications

Mix Ratio: Pre-blended systems

High-flow consistency, self-smoothing

Standards Compliance:

Typical Strength:

Applications:

Large areas, complex layouts, thin applications

Flowing Screed Technical Specifications

Flowing screed specifications represent cutting-edge floor construction technology. The technical parameters below will be populated with Spencer Warner’s authentic specifications from 38 years+ of field experience and British Standards Committee expertise.

Technical mix design specifications

 

Ready for Spencer’s specifications:

Cement types, aggregate gradations, admixture dosages, water/cement ratios

Strength and durability specifications

Ready for Spencer’s specifications:

Compressive strength requirements, flexural strength, surface regularity tolerances

Installation and environmental requirements

Ready for Spencer’s specifications:

Temperature ranges, humidity requirements, thickness limitations, curing protocols

Testing and acceptance criteria

 

Ready for Spencer’s specifications:

Testing frequencies, acceptance tolerances, remedial procedures, compliance standards

Construction Tolerances

Tolerance:

±5mm from specified thickness

Measurement: Core drilling verification

Standard: BBS 8204 requirements

Tolerance:

±3mm in 3m from datum

Measurement: Level survey measurements

Standard: Datum level compliance

Tolerance:

±3mm deviation from line

Measurement: String line verification

Standard: Perimeter accuracy requirements

Tolerance:

As per SR classification

Measurement: 2m straight edge testing

Standard: BS 8203/8204/5385 Part 3

Reinforcement Specifications

Standards Compliance:

Placement:

Mixed throughout screed volume

Function:

Shrinkage crack control, impact resistance

Applications:

Bonded, unbonded, floating constructions, UFH systems

Standards Compliance:

Placement:

Mixed throughout screed volume

Function:

Industrial floors, high traffic areas

Applications:

Bonded, unbonded, floating constructions, UFH systems

The Screed Scientist® Standards

These specifications represent field-proven requirements developed through 38 years+ of professional experience, 2,900+ successful projects, and British Standards Committee expertise.

Professional Services

Expert consultation available for specification development, quality control, and technical problem resolution.

Related Technical Resources

British Standards

Comprehensive guide to BS 8204, BS EN 13813, and DIN 18560 standards

Testing Methods

Professional testing protocols and quality verification procedures

Installation Guide

Practical installation techniques and professional methods