CASE STUDY
XS Screed
CASE STUDY DETAILS
PROJECT DETAILS
“Standard” construction practice when laying a new
domestic floor usually involves using a concrete base
topped with insulation, underfloor heating and screed.
Ever on the lookout for ways in which we can improve
construction methods we are always looking to innovate
new ways to offer benefit to our customers and end users
whilst maintaining structural integrity and compliance to
building regulations. The usual minimum recommended
concrete for house floors containing no embedded metal
and which will not receive a permanent finish (e.g. only to
be carpeted or tiled) is a Gen 2. This is a designated
concrete mix which achieves a characteristic strength of
C20. Gypsol XS screed achieves a minimum strength of C30
so is well in excess of the concrete mix used for the same
purpose. Gypsol XS screed also enhances the efficiency of
an underfloor heating system helping to reduce operating
energy costs as well as improving the overall
environmental performance of the build.
Domestic Refurbishment
Location: Whaplode, Lincolnshire
Screed Supplier: Aggregate Industries
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Key
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Sand blinded hardcore [1]
Minimum 1200gauge DPM
Minimum EPS100 Polystyrene Insulation
Slip Membrane and Underfloor Heating
Gypsol XS Screed minimum 25mm cover to pipes
In this refurbishment project we agreed with floors
designer, Screed Manager for Flow Screed Floors Ltd, that
Gypsol XS would offer a higher flexural and compressive
strength than the originally specified Gen 2 concrete. The
proposed floor make up was therefore, well compacted
sand blinded hardcore under a minimum 1200guage
DPM, under a layer of suitable insulation and a slip
membrane followed by underfloor heating and a
minimum 50mm of Gypsol XS screed. Having sought and
obtained the approval of the building control officers
looking after the project, Quadrant AI Ltd, the
specification was drawn up and the project confirmed.
The build program was set to allow the general shell to be
erected in order to make the structure weather tight using
the well compacted hardcore as the temporary working
platform. The screed was installed late in the program to
help prevent excessive wetting due to rainwater ingress
and to avoid construction damage occurring to the screed
surface, reducing the need for post build remedial action
such as the application of smoothing compounds. Once
weather tight the polythene membranes, insulation and
underfloor heating were installed followed by the screed at
a minimum depth of 50mm.
[1]
Where land conditions are subject to swell, heave, subsidence or high water
table or other similar geographical features, this specification may not be
suitable and an in-situ concrete sub base should be considered as an
alternative to well compacted sand blinded hardcore. We recommend that you
discuss this with your building contractor and/or your local building control officer
to ensure compliance with building regulations.
The underfloor heating was commissioned and once
prepared the screed surface was tiled using a gypsum
based tile adhesive.
Visit www.gypsol.co.uk for more information | Call 01928 574574 | E-mail [email protected]