Screeds in Modern Construction

Modern construction programmes impose significant requirements on products and today’s floor screed systems are no exception. They need to be fast, strong, safe – and able to withstand the rigorous techniques and methods undertaken throughout the UK. Screeds are hidden away and less visible than many other building products, but nevertheless have a vital role to play within the construction sector, in both new-build and refurbishment developments.

For many years Tremco CPG UK brands, Flowcrete and Tremco have been favoured by architects and contractors and their screeds chosen on some of the world’s largest and most prestigious projects.

Tremco’s heritage in creating innovative flooring solutions – from its position as the founders of damp proof membranes, through to present day initiatives such as the introduction of advanced technology screeds – puts innovation at the core of its product range and services. Providing UK contractors and the distribution market with fully compatible systems, Tremco prides itself on remaining innovative and ecological.

Offering a range of water mixed and two two-part latex underlayments, the Tremco brand can provide the right product for every application when it comes to screeds.

The range is designed to save flooring contractors valuable time and money, with competitive walk-on and drying times. Two-part latex underlayments, in general purpose, high performance, and damp tolerant grades, are all available, as well as water mixed underlayments, which can be hand or pump applied for heavy duty applications.

Repair compounds, comprising of a selection of patch repair and feather edge compounds for specialist applicators, are also available, as well as specialist floor screeds, which offer a fibre filled pumpable formulation for flexing subfloor or difficult substrates. Geared-up for a wide-range of requirements, they have all been created to meet the modern demands placed on refurbishment and new build projects.

These exceptional products come with the reassurance of best-in-class technical ability, coupled with dedicated on-site support provision, all of which are the hallmarks of the brand.

On the other hand, Flowcrete’s Isocrete Floor Screeds range have been a market leader in the UK since 1969 are a prime example of a proven heritage and on-going innovation offering quality and performance. Isocrete Floor Screeds are also engineered to be installed with subfloor systems, including underfloor heating and acoustic installations. Key to this success is their high strength, rapid installation and excellent moisture control, making them a time-proven and trusted choice that can be relied on.

Products in the range ensure a fit for purpose solution for all types of projects, with semi-dry cementitious, self-levelling and accelerated (fast drying) screeds available, as well as pumped and hand applied methods.

These screeds have been used extensively across a broad range of developments, including airports, hotels, hospitals, residential sites, offices, shopping centres, schools, colleges and universities. The variety of systems and the different combinations, effects and outcomes that can be created means that this simple specification solution can be utilised to create high-quality floor areas tailored to the precise functional, aesthetic, budgetary and construction requirements of each site.

Introducing Flowcrete’s Isocrete Ultimate K- Screed

Flowcrete this year announced a new addition to their expanding screed range, Isocrete Ultimate K-Screed. Used in conjunction with approved sand and cement for semi dry cementitious screeds, Isocrete Ultimate K-Screed is a liquid additive suitable for most commercial applications.

Offering compelling speed of application benefits, less waste and exceptional strength, Isocrete Ultimate K-Screed is applied through Flowcrete’s licensed contractor network.

Isocrete Ultimate K-Screed, which can be pumped and subsequently dosed, delivers a screed that can be trafficked or overlaid quickly due to the reduced water content within the mix. This gives the benefit of early drying and rapid strength gain enabling less down time than traditional methods as well as assisting with the work schedule. It can also be incorporated in underfloor heating with a thickness as low as 50mm and has a compressive strength meaning it can withstand load and traffic. 

Stuart Smith, Tremco CPG UK & Ireland’s sales manager for flooring said: “Isocrete Ultimate K-Screed dosages can be amended to suit specific applications depending on floor finish and strength requirements. A sand testing and

compressive strength service is offered to ensure that the required criteria is achieved.

“This unique formulation allows the system to be trafficked in as little as 24 hours, has a 3-day drying time, and a compressive strength of >40N/mm in comparison to the rest of our range.

“Our latest addition is a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement and it is evident at every stage of the process, from specification, individual project assessments, and expert guidance on the best subfloor solutions. This unwavering dedication extends seamlessly to the installation phase, facilitated by our experienced network of skilled contractors whose expertise, combined with our built-in total quality control measures, guarantees exceptional results.”

High Performance Building Materials

Flowcrete and Tremco are both part of Tremco CPG UK’s portfolio of leading construction product brands, which also includes illbruck, Vandex, Nudura and Dryvit and Nullifire.

This leading group of brands brings high-performance building materials – including flooring, waterproofing solutions, as well as sealing, bonding, insulation and fire protection systems – all together under a single source for specifiers and contractors.

And it’s not just about products. Flowcrete, Tremco and ultimately all Tremco CPG UK customers, now have access to enhanced resources with an international perspective, including greater technical support from industry experts, new product development opportunities and access to pioneering technologies.

This includes a more streamlined service, logistics improvements and a greater environmental and sustainability focus – as well as testing methods that are second to none.

Full service and support

Rejoice Mudehwe, brand and communications manager for flooring said: “With a unique mix of brands, services, and industry knowledge, our Flowcrete and Tremco brands help architects, specifiers and contractors with every element of their floor projects by offering the best support with specification in the industry, no matter what the scale of the project is.

“Architects and specifiers can also benefit from a more simplified and efficient supply chain for any new build or refurbishment project by sourcing every element of the floor directly from manufacturer, with one point of contact and one contractor – all completed under one manufacturer’s warranty. “Full training, including RIBA Approved CPDs currently delivered virtually, application training (both practical and theory) and on-site support such as surveys, complete the service package.”