When working with floor screed it’s vital to understand how cold weather can affect screed. The title of this article: Does the cold affect screed? — underscores the very question many builders and flooring contractors ask when laying a new screed floor during cooler months.
The chemical reactions in screed (cementitious or liquid types) depend on temperature to develop properly. If the temperature drops too low, the setting and curing process slows significantly. For example, one industry guidance states that the floor temperature and air should not fall below about 5 °C for successful setting of most screeds.
Another source observes that when air or substrate temperatures approach freezing. There is a real risk of the screed freezing before it has set, which can cause serious structural and durability issues.
Therefore, when delivering or laying screed in the UK climate, attention to temperature is crucial. Furthermore, the more so if you are in environments like those served by Doncaster Quickmix Ltd. Their floor-screed services emphasise correct conditions in South Yorkshire.
Here are several ways in which cold affects screed, and why the question Does the cold affect screed? needs a firm yes and careful mitigation:
In cold environments hydration and curing reactions proceed much more slowly. As one blog puts it: “Cold weather… will always increase the drying and curing times for screed”.
If the screed is laid and then kept at low temperature, the subsequent drying and strength gain may be delayed — delaying everything from tiling to installing floor coverings.
If water in the screed mix freezes before the material has set, expansion from the freezing water can cause micro-cracks. Or even major damage to the screed. The “freeze-thaw cycle” is cited as a major concern in winter work.
> One guideline states the air temperature should not drop below 3 °C and the floor below 5 °C during application and for several days after.
It’s not just the air temperature. The temperature of the base slab/substrate and the materials themselves count. For reliable results installers are advised to maintain the specified temperatures for at least the first 72 hours.
If screed cures too slowly or unevenly due to cold, the bond between aggregate, cement and water may be weakened. The screed may become friable, dusty or less durable than expected.
Given all this, when considering “Does the cold affect screed?”, the answer is definitely yes — but with the right controls it can still be installed successfully.
To be prepared when ambient or substrate temperatures are low, here are best practice tips:
If you’re carrying out screed work in the South Yorkshire area (for example for a client around the town of Mexborough) you will want a screed supplier in Mexborough who understands the regional climate and can deliver reliably even during cooler months. The Doncaster Quickmix team operate in the Doncaster / Rotherham / Mexborough corridor and supply dry, flowing and self-leveling screeds.
> When placing your order, reference that you’re installing during a period of cooler weather and check that delivery conditions (substrate temperature, protected access, planned curing) are included in your contract.
Does the cold affect screed? — Yes, it does, sometimes significantly. Cold ambient and substrate temperatures slow down curing, increase the risk of freeze damage. This in turn may compromise the long-term performance of the screed if not managed. The key is to prepare carefully, monitor temperatures, protect the work, and allow for longer curing times. With the right planning and a reliable supplier such as Doncaster Quickmix for screed in the South Yorkshire region, you can mitigate the risks and still achieve a high-quality finish.
If you’d like advice on choosing the right screed mix, or want to arrange a quote for a delivery from Doncaster Quickmix, please get in touch with our team. We’ll be happy to discuss your project details and ensure your screed installation goes smoothly, even in cooler conditions.
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