Exposed screed
Exposed screed - The trendy screed floor for your home
Exposed screed is the trend in modern architecture and construction. This material combines aesthetics and functionality and has developed from a simple floor layer into a sought-after design element that is impressive in industrial, commercial and private spaces.
With its robust, durable and easy-care surface, exposed screed lends any room an elegant, minimalist atmosphere - whether in lofts, offices or cafés.
In this guide, you will find out what makes exposed screed so special, how it is produced and what advantages it offers. Be inspired by the wide range of possible applications and discover why exposed screed is the ideal choice for your next project.
Process for the production of exposed screed
Exposed scre ed is a special floor covering that impresses with its exceptionally smooth and aesthetically pleasing surface. As an exposed screed floor, it offers both a functional and decorative solution for various construction projects. Here is the process for producing exposed screed explained in simple terms:
Preparation and mixing
Choice of material:
- Cement, sand and water of the highest quality are crucial.
- Additives are added to achieve specific properties.
Mixing:
- The materials are carefully mixed to form a homogeneous screed.
- Laying and compaction
Relocation:
- The freshly mixed screed floor is spread evenly over the prepared substrate.
Compaction:
- The screed floor must be carefully compacted to create a stable and even base. Good compaction ensures the necessary strength and durability of the exposed screed.
Hard grain bedding
- Immediately after laying and compacting, hard aggregate is sprinkled onto the still damp screed surface.
Smoothing process
- The surface of the exposed screed is smoothed several times to achieve a perfect, pore-free structure.
- Edges and corners must be carefully smoothed, either by hand or by machine, to ensure a clean and uniform surface.
- This process can take between 6 and 10 hours and requires a lot of patience and precision. The more carefully this step is carried out, the higher quality the surface of the exposed screed floor will be.
Curing
- The exposed screed floor must have sufficient time to harden, which can take between 7 to 30 days or even longer. The exact duration depends on the materials used and the environmental conditions.
- Proper curing is crucial for the final strength and durability of the exposed screed.
These careful steps result in an exposed screed floor that is not only functional, but also aesthetically pleasing. The result is a smooth, robust and durable floor surface that can be used in many different applications.
Costs for exposed screed
The cost of exposed screed varies depending on the specific requirements and circumstances of the project. In general, the price for an exposed screed floor is between 100 and 160 euros net per square meter. However, the costs can be even higher for particularly special environments or additional requirements.
Factors that influence costs:
- Material quality: High-quality materials and additives can increase the price, but also ensure better durability and aesthetics of the screed floor.
- Project size: Larger projects can be cheaper per square meter due to volume discounts.
- Special requirements: Special design requirements, additional reinforcements or special color pigments can increase costs.
- Workload: The workload, especially the intensive smoothing process, can have a significant impact on costs (small rooms).
- Environmental conditions: Difficult or special conditions on site, such as uneven surfaces or areas that are difficult to access, can increase the effort and therefore the costs.
However, an exposed screed floor offers a combination of outstanding functionality and modern aesthetics that makes it a worthwhile investment for many building projects.
Exposed screed Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Aesthetics: Offers a modern, minimalist look. | Costs: Production and installation are cost-intensive. |
| Robustness: Particularly resistant and durable thanks to special additives. | Complex production: The process, especially the smoothing process, is time-consuming. |
| Easy to clean: Smooth, non-porous surface is easy to clean. | Sensitivity to cracks: Susceptible in case of improper processing or unfavorable conditions. |
| Versatility: Suitable for living areas and offices. | Sensation of cold: Can feel colder than carpet or wood. |
| Uniqueness: Individual structure and coloring. | Noise development: Reflects sound more strongly, which can lead to higher noise development. |
| Cost savings: Elimination of costs for additional floor coverings. | Maintenance required in the event of damage: Repair is more complex than with many other floor coverings. |
Suitability and recommendations for exposed screed
This table and notes will help you to identify suitable areas of application for exposed screed and provide recommendations for alternative floor coverings in less suitable environments.
| Field of application | Suitable for exposed screed? | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Living room | Yes | Offers a modern, stylish look and is easy to clean. |
| Kitchen | Yes | Resistant to heavy use and easy to maintain. |
| Bathroom | Yes | Smooth, waterproof surface, but can be cold to the touch. |
| Bedroom | Yes | Provides a unique aesthetic, but additional rugs may be needed for comfort. |
| Corridors and entrance areas | Yes | Very robust and resistant to heavy foot traffic. |
| Offices | Yes | Offers a professional, modern atmosphere and is easy to clean. |
| Commercial premises | No | Scratches and wear and tear can quickly affect the surface. |
| Industrial halls | No | Not ideal, as the surface can be damaged under extreme loads. |
| Warehouses | No | Not suitable due to high mechanical stress and potential cracking. |
| Garages | No | Not ideal, as heavy vehicles can damage the surface. |
| Cellar | Yes | Durable and resistant to moisture. |
