On Sunday, September 19, 2010 10:07:09 AM UTC+1, David Chapman wrote:
We've recently had a screeded floor (around 50mm thick) laid in a new
conservatory.

We were told by the builder who laid it that it would take 3 weeks to
dry out, and someone else in the trade said that we should leave it for
at least six weeks.

I'd appreciate hearing the views of the experts in this NG about its
likely drying out time (at this time of year in London) and what we
should be doing to speed it along.

Also, when it is finally dry enough, what sealant(s) should we use to
prepare its surface ready for Flotex floor covering?

Many thanks,

- Dave

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David C.Chapman - )
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David,

Screed floor dry out at a rate of 1mm per day in ideal conditions. Suggest you keep all windows and doors closed at all times as in the early stages screed acts like a sponge and draws moisture back in from the atmosphere. You can help speed up the drying out process by getting a de-humidifier and put your underfloor heating on low if you have it.
I have had a screed floor laid and have allowed it 6 weeks to dry out properly.
Be sure to dry it out as floor tiles will only start to lift up if you don't.

On 29/09/2014 18:29, wrote:
On Sunday, September 19, 2010 10:07:09 AM UTC+1, David Chapman wrote:
We've recently had a screeded floor (around 50mm thick) laid in a new
conservatory.

We were told by the builder who laid it that it would take 3 weeks to
dry out, and someone else in the trade said that we should leave it for
at least six weeks.

I'd appreciate hearing the views of the experts in this NG about its
likely drying out time (at this time of year in London) and what we
should be doing to speed it along.

Also, when it is finally dry enough, what sealant(s) should we use to
prepare its surface ready for Flotex floor covering?

Many thanks,

- Dave

--
David C.Chapman - )
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

David,

Screed floor dry out at a rate of 1mm per day in ideal conditions. Suggest you keep all windows and doors closed at all times as in the early stages screed acts like a sponge and draws moisture back in from the atmosphere. You can help speed up the drying out process by getting a de-humidifier and put your underfloor heating on low if you have it.
I have had a screed floor laid and have allowed it 6 weeks to dry out properly.
Be sure to dry it out as floor tiles will only start to lift up if you don't.

Was the screed more than 1.471 metres thick? Or the conditions not
optimal? Otherwise it might be dry.

--
Rod

On 29/09/14 18:29, wrote:

Screed floor dry out at a rate of 1mm per day in ideal conditions.
Suggest you keep all windows and doors closed at all times as in the
early stages screed acts like a sponge and draws moisture back in
from the atmosphere. You can help speed up the drying out process by
getting a de-humidifier and put your underfloor heating on low if you
have it. I have had a screed floor laid and have allowed it 6 weeks
to dry out properly. Be sure to dry it out as floor tiles will only
start to lift up if you don't.



I would not force dry it during the first week - give the cement a
chance to set as it is a water based reaction.

After that a dehumidifier could be used - I did, and it's amazing how
much water it pulls out.

Without forced drying, 6 weeks sounds reasonable this time of year.
With forced drying, could be down to 3 weeks including the first week.

As the original post was 4 years ago I expect it's dry by now!

--

TOJ.

The Other John wrote


As the original post was 4 years ago I expect it's dry by now!


********, beat me to it.

On 29/09/2014 20:12, Jabba wrote:
The Other John wrote


As the original post was 4 years ago I expect it's dry by now!


********, beat me to it.

Beat you both to it!

--
Rod

On 29/09/14 20:37, polygonum wrote:
On 29/09/2014 20:12, Jabba wrote:
The Other John wrote


As the original post was 4 years ago I expect it's dry by now!


********, beat me to it.

Beat you both to it!


Wibble...