Using Liquid Floor Screed Over an Underfloor Heating Installation: A Smart Choice

Author: Co-Dunkall Ltd || Date: 21st March 2025

When installing an underfloor heating (UFH) system, selecting the right screed is crucial to ensure efficient heat transfer and a durable finish. Liquid floor screed, also known as flow screed or self-levelling screed, has become the go-to option for many builders and homeowners. Here’s why it’s an excellent choice for your underfloor heating installation.

Why Choose Liquid Floor Screed?

1. Superior Heat Transfer

One of the primary benefits of using liquid floor screed over an underfloor heating system is its excellent thermal conductivity. Unlike traditional sand-cement screeds, liquid screed flows around the heating pipes, ensuring there are no air gaps. This seamless coverage improves heat transfer, making your heating system more efficient and responsive.

2. Even Coverage and Smooth Finish

Liquid screed is self-levelling, meaning it naturally creates a smooth and level surface. This is particularly important when you’re planning to install flooring, as it ensures that the finish will be even and free of imperfections. Moreover, liquid screeds can be applied in thinner layers than traditional screeds, reducing the overall height and making it ideal for renovations where floor height is a concern.

3. Quick Installation and Drying Time

Time is often of the essence in construction projects. Liquid screed can be pumped into place quickly, covering large areas efficiently. Additionally, it has a faster drying time compared to traditional screeds, which means you can proceed with flooring installation sooner. This can be a significant advantage in tight project schedules.

For more insights into quick-drying screeds, click here

4. Reduced Risk of Cracks

Cracking and shrinking can be issues with traditional screeds as they dry. However, liquid screeds are less prone to these problems, thanks to their more stable composition. This is particularly beneficial when covering an underfloor heating system, where cracks could lead to uneven heating or damage to the pipes.

Installation Tips for Liquid Floor Screed

While liquid floor screed offers many benefits, proper installation is key to maximizing its effectiveness. Here are some tips:

– Pressure Test the UFH System: Before applying the screed, ensure your underfloor heating system is thoroughly pressure-tested to avoid leaks or other issues once the screed is in place.

– Gradual Heating: After the screed has been laid, allow it to dry and cure adequately. When you first turn on the heating system, do so gradually to avoid thermal shock, which could cause cracking.

Conclusion

Using liquid floor screed over an underfloor heating installation is a smart choice for both new builds and renovations. It enhances heat transfer, ensures even coverage, and provides a smooth, durable surface for your flooring. By choosing liquid screed, you’re setting your underfloor heating system up for long-term success.

If you’re ready to learn more about the benefits of liquid screed and how it can improve your underfloor heating system, don’t hesitate to Contact us today!

Read what our customers had to say

    
 
 
         
   S Pearson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service, professional and reliable each time we use them.
  
 
        
   A Thompson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The team did a professional and courteous job for over 100m2 with insulation. Helpful advice, efficient measures, laying out was done with attention to detail. Pouring was prompt and careful. The skip liner was much appreciated. The levels were perfect for our doors. Helpful advice and ensured we’re satisfied with the results. Thank you and well done. 👍🏻
  
 
        
   M Boby 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Co-Dunkall ltd recently laid a floor screed for a new gymnasium floor.Very pleased with the service they provided throughout the process.Hard working team that kept me informed of deliveries to site and left the site spotless .Client super impressed with the floor finish .
  
 
        
   O V 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did screed with them twice, we had our house done in 2 phases and in the 1st phase they supplied us with specific stats, on the 2nd phase they supplied us with different stats model and a control box which allows to connect to them remotely but, then I had an issue with the phase 1 stats won't connect to the system as they don't support that functionality. I rang their customer support and explained the issue, they offered to swap the phase 1 stats with new ones so, all stats will be from the same model and all will connect to the control box.
One more word about their expertise, the 2 phases were done a part so the 1st phase screed was higher than the existing old bit, when they came to do the old bit on the 2nd phase, I asked if they can do the screed so that both bits will be same height, they did it perfectly, both phases met up level and the wood floor on top is at the same height, I must say I was sceptic but, these guys are awesome, they are experts in what they do. that made me so happy!
That is a company who cares about their business and about their customers.
I will definitely recommend and will definitely do business with them again.
Thanks you Co-Dunkell
  
 
        
   P W 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had our screed pumped in and laid by the team at Co-Dunkall today at our self-build, the three man team onsite and those in the office were all professional and friendly at all stages from quotation, survey and the final delivery and instation. Everyone has done what they said they would do and within the timescale given. If you need pumped floor screed I can recomend this company 100%
  
 
        
   H Campbell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good service. Nicky and Adrian super helpful to see the job through! 5 star. Screed is silky smooth
  
 
        
   M Brooks 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Complete bungalow floor screeded by these guys.
Bob who surveyed the project and supervised the screed being laid is a credit to the company. No more than 1mm difference in levels throughout !
  
 
        
   S smith 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had Co-dunkall provide a cemfloor screed for an outbuilding which needed the floor raising. Thoroughly professional service 3 survey calls and inspections prior to the job. Nikki and the office team all highly knowledgable on so many aspects and on the day they even provided a 6 wheel mini mix to accommodate the property complexities. Good follow up and so pleased for a  very clean and tidy washout considering how messy the job can be. You would not know they had been on site. End result is exactly what we needed
  
 
        
   L Bailey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent job and Excellent service.
Had 100% confidence in them.
Can't fault them.
They are very professional and they have a lovely approach to customer service.

We have used Co Dunkall on any occasions and will do so in the future.

Would highly recommend.

Thank you very much from the Bailey's.
  
 
  
 
  
 
   Google rating score: 4.8 of 5, based on 53 reviews

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