Key Learning outcomes
- Introducing the basic terms regarding flooring.
- Identifying different types of floors in relation to layers arrangement.
- Understanding the difference between the floors in view of connection with the substrate.
- Recognising the main properties of screeds.
- Identifying differences between cement and anhydrite based screeds.
- Comprehending the criteria for selecting the floor finishes and screeds.
Introduction
Let's begin by defining the essential terms which will appear in this article:
• The floor is a horizontal element of a building, which forms the upper part of a ceiling, a foundation or the ground. It consists of several layers which fulfill various functions within the system. Floors provide resistance related to the transfer of operational loads, assure thermal, acoustic and damp-proof insulation and ensure decorative and functional properties.
• The floor finish is one of the layers of the floor on which one can walk, drive vehicles etc. It is an outer, functional and decorative layer. The floor finish can be represented by any floor coverings: ceramic tiles, wooden materials (floor panels, wooden boards or parquet), carpets, PVC, epoxy materials, etc. The floor finish can also be made of the layer of concrete or cement mortar applied directly onto the ground.
• The floor finish is applied on the screed (subfloor) - a layer which is placed between the substrate (ceiling or foundation) and the floor finish. The main objective of a screed is to elevate the floor level in a room and to provide an appropriate surface profile (slope or horizontal) and evenness enabling the application of a floor finish