Liquid screed

Shefwedfan

Hi, looking for some advice. I have bought a house and the floors are poor in the older section of it. There is damp etc also in house because the DPM was just threw on top of soil and not run up the wall. I have done a bit of investigation.

My plan is to remove the current floor, mini digger in and get the stuff out. There is also a subfloor so going to take that out. Go down to the soil level which is compact etc

I was going to run new DPM and then a layer of insulation and then new floors.

My plan was to use liquid screed just because it will be easier to get in the windows etc. Also most of the companies supply and put in so easier for me to take a rest that day. I am looking at about 110 sq metre to cover.

Got a price off one guy yesterday and no issues. Said about 50MM should do.

Next company I rang said they couldn't use liquid screed. As it wasnt underfloor heating he wouldn't recommend. I would need a solid floor so I would be better just doing 100MM of sand and cement. If I was doing liquid screed I would need to lay a subfloor and then put the liquid screed ontop?

Any idea's? Is this correct or what might my options be?

Thanks

Shefwedfan

Ok, had a chat with Kilsaren. I would need sub-floor. Need a structural floor first. Putting it up in case anyone else was wondering

Dudda

Ya you need something strong to help distribute the load over the floor. A liquid screed or sand and cement screed are only for finishing and getting nice levels and finishes but they’d crack and move as if not supported. What you could do is have a structural finished floor. Dig out the floor as planed and put down the radon/dpm and insulation. Pour a 100mm reinforced concrete floor on top of the insulation which will also act as the finished floor. Check with an engineer as depending on the ground condition you may require 150mm concrete.
Take the opportunity to put in a Radon Sump and any other underground services you plan.