Under ideal drying conditions (a well ventilated room).

Liquid Screed dries at a rate of 1mm/day up to a thickness of 40mm, and then at a rate of 0.5mm/day for thicknesses above this.

For example:

50mm Agilia Screed A drying time: (40mm x 1mm per day) + (10mm x 0.5mm per day) = 60 Days (2 months)

NB: Drying of screeds can be greatly influenced by individual site conditions. (Guidance only).

Drying times can be reduced by provision of good ventilation by opening windows and doors, the use of dehumidifiers and commissioning of underfloor heating systems to manufacturers’ guidelines and recommendations.

DEHUMIDIFIERS 

Dehumidifiers can be used as early as 72 hours after the placing of liquid screed to assist with drying. It is important that a closed system is employed to ensure that any moisture extracted from the environment during operation is removed. Any water collected should be removed regularly. We suggest the use of industrial closed-circuit systems.

Force drying of liquid screed can begin as early as seven days following installation of the screed by various methods.

Commissioning (heating and cooling procedure) of underfloor heating systems. Set flow temperature to 20-25°C, maintain for a minimum of three days and then gradually increase the temperature in 5°C increments to maximum operating temperature. This should be maintained for a further 14 days (water temperature should not exceed 55°C for screeds), prior to returning to ambient temperature again in 5* C increments. Then the system should be turned off for 48 hours prior to moisture testing of the screed

Space heaters and dehumidifiers in combination. Fossil fuel fired heaters (e.g. gas heaters) must be avoided as they will raise humidity.

After drying the screed, the residual moisture content must be determined using one of the approved test methods:

Hair hygrometer, carbide bomb or oven dry tests to demonstrate suitability for acceptance of floor finishes.

NB: Drying of screeds can be greatly influenced by individual.