The FSA says its doubling down on its mission to raise and uphold industry standards.
Keith McGrath has the story…

THIS month I’ll describe how the Flowing Screeds Association has now become the sector’s most important source of training resources and technical information for companies operating in the sector.

So, in addition to the expanding portfolio of great member benefits which are now available through membership of the FSA, the ability to gain enhanced technical competence is another important reason companies should take out membership of the FSA.

The FSA is the trade association for all screed installers, representing the industry and promoting flowing screeds throughout the construction sector. Membership is open to binder and system manufacturers, screed contractors and applicators.

Raising and upholding standards in our industry is the most important element of the FSA’s mission. We aim to do this firstly by providing and encouraging training in the sector. Establishing practical training courses is a core aim of the FSA.

The reason this is so important for the industry as a whole is that it’s only if correct procedures are followed, that flowing screeds can provide the best surface for the installation of a top layer, whether that’s tiling, resin or any other type of floorcovering. But if best practice isn’t adhered to, things can go wrong, meaning it may not be possible to satisfactorily install a final floorcovering without further remedial work.

High quality training not only benefits clients by ensuring screeders are able to provide a reliable service, but it also enhances the overall perception of the flooring industry as a skilled trade.
By establishing a structured training and registration process, the industry can elevate its reputation, emphasising the importance of expertise and quality craftsmanship.

With this in mind we’ve created a training course for screed contractors, which has been prepared in line with the relevant British Standard, BS 8204.

We view this as an important step forward in our mission to raise industry standards and it’s available exclusively for members in the members’ area of the FSA website.

Our training offer covers a wide range of the topics that most frequently arise in connection with the installation of flowing screeds, and it includes:

• Surface preparation – complete preparation of the concrete substrate is important in all flooring projects, and this is no less true when a flowing screed is being used. A screed cannot be expected to remedy issues in the substrate.
• Screed mix – to ensure correct drying of the screed, it must be supplied and installed according to the manufacturer’s specification
• Screed coverage – the installer should ensure that the screed is applied according to specifications to provide even coverage at the correct depths
• Drying/curing times – the correct post-installation guidelines should be followed to provide adequate drying and curing times
  
  By completing training through membership of the FSA, screed contractors can become more proficient and qualified to complete quality installations, as well as being able to take on a wider variety of contracts. This ultimately enables members to provide more services to their customers, which can be promoted through the member directory on the FSA website, which is an important benefit of membership.
  
  FSA training is available both online and ‘in person’, and full details on how to access the training module are made available to members when they join.
  
  As well as formal training, the FSA also provides technical datasheets and other material, all of which is designed to raise and uphold industry standards, awareness of flowing screeds and also the issues around their installation.
  
  These documents are available through the members area of the Flowing Screeds Association website. This excellent technical resource now comprises some 19 documents covering diverse topics of interest to companies in the screeding sector.
  
  Some of these are authored by the FSA itself, while others are generously provided by major players in the screeding market who are also members themselves. The topics covered range from procedures for sanding and drying through to batching guidelines and datasheets for different product types and applications.
  
  This wealth of information is available to all members of the FSA.
  
  Alongside these resources is the technical query service which has been launched this year and which is available both to members and non-members. We aim to provide appropriate information, within five working days, to anyone who has a query or needs further information about a product or project involving flowing screeds.
  
  To submit a technical query, email membership@flowingscreedsassociation.com
  
  ensuring you provide us with all the necessary information, including your full contact details and photographs where appropriate.
  
  Please also use the same email address for any queries about membership or for more information on training or technical support provided by the FSA.
  
  I’m delighted to say FSA is also increasingly recognised as an authority on industry matters, and this greatly helps us in providing representation for our members and lobbying on their behalf with government and industry organisations.
  
  For example, we’re already represented on the CLC Group project. This was formed after the investigation into the Grenfell disaster and will look in detail at the routes to competency for all trades, activities and processes in construction.
  
  It will identify a consistent approach to training and ensure that the correct skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours are delivered and maintained. FSA is involved in The Screeding Group and this will work closely with other groups as appropriate.
  
  As such we will help to set the competence required and we will work towards making the FSA membership qualification a recognised ‘Route to Competency’.
  
  This level of recognition for the work which the FSA has done in quite a short period of time is very gratifying and demonstrates the value which we are able to achieve for our members – and I thank them once again for their support.
  www.flowingscreedsassociation.com
  Keith McGrath is Flowing Screeds Association chairman