Dry and semi-dry mortar screed: Different utilities

Any building requires the floor to be as flat and even as possible to avoid potholes or unevenness, so it is essential to pay attention to the different solutions to guarantee the best possible result according to the requirements and needs of the future flooring (domestic use, vehicle traffic, etc.).

Learn what a mortar screed is, the different types there are and their uses. We also show you how to do it, with exclusive Molins TIPS.

What is a mortar screed?

Mortar screed consists of a layer of material with a high filling and levelling capacity, which is applied on a fully cured concrete floor. It can be applied in large thicknesses and its aesthetic finish is not definitive. In the construction sector, it is used to regularise or level a floor.

This mortar layer is applied when you want to achieve this regularisation and can be used for both homes and industry. At Molins, we have a wide variety of solutions and we accompany you with our advice from the beginning to the end of your project.

These mortars are included in the Standard UNE EN 13813:2004 Mortars for screeds and floor finishes.

They are initially classified according to their composition:

CT Mortars for screeds and floor finishes with cement base.
CA Mortars for screeds and floor finishes based on calcium sulphate.
MA Magnesite based Screed and Floor Finishing Mortars.
AS Floor Screeding and Finishing Mortars based on asphalt mastic.
SR Floor Screeding and Finishing Mortars based on synthetic resins.

You may be interested in: Our different fibre-reinforced repair mortars

Uses of screed mortar: Dry and semi-dry

These are some of its different utilities:

• Production of both floating and bonded mortar screeds.
• Making of structural screeds and compression layers in floor slabs.
• Formation of slopes in sills.
• Execution of screeds where fast drying is required for immediate commissioning.
• Regularisation, repair and renovation of flooring prior to the laying of coverings such as ceramic tiles, carpeting, floating parquet, PVC, natural stone.

How to make a mortar screed? TIPS from Molins

It is very important to take into account the mixing water used for these mortars, so at Molins we recommend a careful reading of the technical data sheet of the product we are going to use before using it.

In addition, it is very important to know in advance the thickness of the material to be applied. If it is less than 35 mm, it is necessary that the screed is adhered by applying a primer beforehand.

In the case of thicknesses greater than 35 mm, it is recommended that the screed be laid floating on a vapour barrier in polyethylene sheet or membrane.

The possible concrete and expansion joints of the base must be respected, as well as perimeter and partition joints.

Never apply on soils with permanent moisture or susceptible to capillary rising.

For applications where the weight of the applied material may be an issue, use a lightweight screed.

Structural screeds must be designed by a qualified technician.

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Mortar screed: Our products Molins

At Molins, we offer you a wide range of products that stand out for their versatility, their quick and easy application and their quality and maximum performance; guarantees that respond to the company’s almost one hundred years of innovation and experience in the construction materials manufacturing sector.

Want to know more? We review our products:

PROPAM® LIGHTWEIGHT SCREED AR

It is a lightweight micro-concrete for the execution of structural screeds in thicknesses from 30 to 100 mm. It complies with the requirements of EN 13813.

Among its utilities:

• Structural rehabilitation of old slabs, by means of the execution of compression layers and light and insulating screeds, of simple and easy preparation in situ and quick commissioning.
• Creation of structural screeds and compression layers in slabs with structural weight problems.
• Formation of slopes in structural sills.
• Execution of light structural slabs on collaborating sheet metal and light floating floor slabs on thermal and acoustic insulation sheets.
• Concrete screeds and backfill.
• Concrete screeds for finishing with materials from the NIVELANTE or BETOLEVEL® range.

PROPAM® REGROWTH SOON

It is a normal-setting mortar for the execution of quick-drying screeds. Single-component cementitious, formulated with special cements, selected aggregates and organic additives, with normal setting and compensated shrinkage for the execution of quick-drying screeds in thicknesses of 10 to 80 mm. It complies with the requirements of the EN 13813 standard.

Recommended for:

• Production of both floating and bonded mortar screeds.
• Repair and renovation of flooring prior to the laying of coverings such as ceramic tiles, carpet, floating parquet, PVC, natural stone.
• Preparation of screeds with underfloor heating.

PROPAM® REGROWTH PRONTO PLUS

It is a quick-setting mortar for the execution of very quick-drying screeds. Monocomponent cementitious, formulated with special cements, selected aggregates and organic additives, fast setting and controlled shrinkage, for the execution of screeds of very fast setting, in thicknesses from 10 to 80 mm. It complies with the requirements of standard EN 13813.

Uses:

• Production of mortar screeds, both floating and bonded, for immediate commissioning.
• Repair and renovation of flooring prior to the laying of coverings such as ceramic tiles, carpet, floating parquet, PVC, natural stone.
• Execution of screeds where fast drying is required for immediate commissioning.

FERRODUR 600 E

This is a very high-strength mortar, composed of special cements, selected siliceous aggregate, additives and steel needles, especially suitable for the execution of industrial pavements and road surfaces with thicknesses between 10 and 30 mm. It complies with the requirements of the EN 13813 standard.

FERRODUR 600 R

It is a mortar composed of special cements, selected siliceous aggregate, additives and steel needles, of very high resistance, without shrinkage and fast hardening, especially indicated for the execution of industrial pavements and roadways with thicknesses between 10 and 30 mm. It complies with the requirements of EN 13813.

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