THE construction industry continues to see an increase in the demand for sustainable materials and practices. With a typical market size of up to 10m sq m of screed per annum and an ever-growing market, the demand for sustainable materials is only going to increase.
LKAB Minerals says Gypsol Anhydrite Screed has many advantages over traditional cementitious screeds, including environmental, sustainability and health and safety benefits.
Says the company: ‘Gypsol screeds are utilised in all applications and construction types, from large-scale projects to small extensions, newbuilds and renovations. The range of 11 Gypsol screeds can be used in all build types including traditional construction as well as timber frame, modular, lightweight steel and concrete frame whether in a small basement or in a high-rise scheme.’
Gypsol and sustainability
Gypsol is produced from a by-product and requires very little energy to process with no elevated temperature, says the company.
‘As a result, Gypsol binder’s carbon footprint is just 26.26kg per tonne of material, compared with a typical 900kg per tonne for cement, a 94% reduction in CO2 emissions. This is a considerable reduction in the carbon footprint of the screed and thus any building project.
‘Alongside the carbon footprint, Gypsol is a fully recyclable screed and at the end-of-life can be reused in several applications including soil modification as well as in new screed material. One benefit of using recycled Gypsol as a screed is that it can also enhance the strength achieved and result in a reduction in binder content of the fresh screed.
‘In some circumstances, Gypsol screeds can be used with no requirement for a concrete substrate. This provides additional cost and time savings and allows for even greater reductions in environmental impact.’
Ease of manufacture
The company continues: ‘Gypsol screeds are easy to manufacture and subject to housekeeping, can be produced with the same equipment as traditional concretes. The range of screeds available can be wet-batched, dry- batched, slurrified or manufactured onsite and with only three ingredients (sand, water, and binder), providing the screeder with a convenient product for any project.
‘LKAB Minerals has recently launched Gypsol Complete, a new high-performance composite anhydrite screed binder system, reducing site storage requirements and waste while improving the overall quality and consistency of the screed. Gypsol Complete binder is available in all 11 screed formats including the independently tested Gypsol Rapide fast-drying option, adding extra flexibility to the Gypsol screed portfolio.’
Ergonomic installation
Owing to the materials and placement methods of Gypsol compared with those for traditional screeds, installers reportedly benefit from less strenuous application resulting in reduced wear-and-tear on muscles and joints, no issues with cement induced skin conditions and significantly reduced manual handling.
‘As Gypsol screeds are self-compacting, no manual compaction is required thus negating the need for vibration tools,’ adds the company. ‘Lack of compaction is a major cause of failure in cementitious screeds and this risk is removed when using Gypsol liquid screeds.
‘Owing to their pumpable installation, Gypsol screeds can be installed much more quickly than cementitious screeds and at reduced depths, in some cases being just 15mm thick (Gypsol TS15). There are no requirements for curing agents or reinforcement and preparation is reduced owing to the need for fewer joints, saving time and cost.
‘As with all products on the market, Gypsol screeds may require some mechanical abrasion ahead of floorcoverings to remove any laitance, construction dust and contaminants to prevent future flooring failure.’
Sanding to remove laitance is of no benefit to Gypsol screeds when using Gypsol Complete binder but light mechanical abrasion is recommended to remove contaminants prior to placing floorcoverings, the company continues, adding Gypsol can also be installed as an aesthetically rustic finished flooring solution (Gypsol Rustique), providing a hardwearing but visually appealing floor.
Fast drying
Drying times for screeds has long been hotly debated, the ideal being a screed which can be laid very quickly, designed to thin depths and is rapid drying. LKAB Minerals says it provides a range of Gypsol products with standard drying times for 28 days.
‘Where a fast drying screed is required, Gypsol Rapide, a unique, highly innovative faster drying screed, offering drying times as short as 14 days, a fraction of the time for other screeds.’
Testing and support
Gypsol screeds have reportedly been independently tested and verified ensuring consistency and quality. ‘With in-house technical expertise and a dedicated laboratory, LKAB Minerals can provide ongoing assistance and on-site practical support at all stages of a project. Gypsol screeds are available in 11 grades and are available nationally from more than 90 locations through a network of distributors and approved installers.’
www.lkabminerals.com
