Sub-floor Preparation

A smooth, dry, and solid subfloor is the underpinning of your beautiful new floor. Smoothing compound, commonly known as screed, is a cement based product used to create a smooth and solid subfloor. For a concrete subfloor I will test the moisture content of your existing floor. If there is an issue, you may require a damp proof membrane to prevent moisture rising. This is normally a 2 part epoxy resin DMP to create a mechanical barrier. If a new concrete slab has recently been poured, a moisture surpressant will be required which slows the release of moisture but still allows the concrete to fully cure. A primer is then applied, and then the screed is poured and spread to a thickness of 3.5mm and then finished with a spiked roller to ensure a smooth surface complient with SR1 specifications.

For timber floorboards, I will board using 6mm flooring grade ply. This is nailed down using 19mm ring shank nails spaced at a distance of 100mm around the perimiter, and 150mm in the infield according to British standards. Alternatively, if the sub-floor 18mm chipboard, I’ll use screws to secure the ply. A primer is applied, before pouring the screed to a thickness of 3.5mm and then finished with a spiked roller to ensure a smooth surface complient with SR1 specifications.

I use either a 2 part latex based smoothing compound, or a water based smoothing compound depending on requirements