Floor levelling is a crucial but often overlooked phase in construction and renovation projects. Whether you're preparing for tile, vinyl, timber, or carpet flooring, a level base is essential to ensure a durable, aesthetically pleasing finish. Inaccuracies in floor height can lead to uneven surfaces, cracks in the flooring, poor adhesion of floor coverings, and even damage to underlying systems such as underfloor heating. Fortunately, advancements in screed technology have revolutionized the way floors are levelled, offering faster, more cost-effective, and high-performance solutions.
Traditionally, floor levelling involved the use of bagged screed mixes or cement compounds, which required extensive manual mixing, application, and smoothing. This process was labour-intensive, time-consuming, and susceptible to inconsistencies. Today, ready mixed, pump-applied liquid screeds and self-levelling cement overlays provide a modern alternative that significantly improves efficiency and results.
Liquid Screed Technology: A Game-Changer
Liquid screed is a fibre-reinforced cementitious mixture designed for levelling uneven concrete slabs and refurbishing old or damaged floors. One of the main advantages of liquid screed is its ability to be applied in bulk—up to 150mm in a single application—making it ideal for large-scale levelling or where substantial height adjustments are needed. The material flows smoothly and settles evenly, creating a level surface that's ready for subsequent flooring layers.
The development of liquid screed in Europe more than two decades ago marked a major shift in the way contractors approach floor preparation. Since then, it has become the preferred method globally due to its speed of installation, cost-effectiveness, and ability to meet modern building performance standards. Its compatibility with acoustic flooring systems and hydronic underfloor heating also makes it a smart choice in both residential and commercial applications.
Polymer Modified Self-Levelling Cement
Another advanced solution for floor levelling is polymer-modified self-levelling cement. Unlike traditional levelling compounds, this material is engineered with polymers that enhance strength, flexibility, and adhesion. It cures rapidly and resists shrinkage, which reduces the risk of cracks and unevenness after application.
This type of cement is incredibly versatile and can be used on a variety of substrates, including concrete, timber, terrazzo, ceramic, and quarry tiles—once properly prepared. It's suitable for thin overlay applications (as little as 1mm) up to 30mm in a single pour, making it ideal for smoothing out minor surface imperfections before installing finish flooring.
Precision Application with Pump Technology
A key aspect of modern floor levelling service is the use of specialized pumping systems. These pumps ensure even distribution of material across large areas quickly and with minimal waste. This mechanized approach not only speeds up the process but also delivers a more consistent result compared to manual application.
By batching materials in a concrete plant and transporting them in trucks to the project site, the need for on-site mixing is eliminated. This not only reduces the margin for error but also keeps the worksite cleaner and more organized.
Applications Beyond Levelling
While primarily used to create a level surface, these advanced screed and cement technologies also serve structural and thermal functions. They are often used in conjunction with underfloor heating systems—both electric and hydronic—as they provide excellent thermal conductivity and encapsulate the heating elements securely. Additionally, their smooth, flat finish enhances the acoustic performance of floors and provides a reliable base for a wide range of flooring types.
In summary, floor levelling is more than just a preparatory step—it's a foundational part of any high-quality flooring project. With innovative solutions like liquid screed and self-levelling cement, today's contractors are equipped to deliver faster, more precise, and cost-effective results than ever before.
