ᐅ Drying Time of Anhydrite Screed

Hello everyone,

we have done some research online but have not yet found any truly helpful information.
At the end of April/beginning of May, the screed will be installed here (anhydrite screed, thickness 65mm (2.6 inches)). What drying time should be expected? When can filling, wallpapering, and painting begin, and when is it possible to start installing the floor coverings?
Thanks in advance.
Good luck milkie

You should plan for about 4 weeks. The structure needs around 2 weeks to dry out properly, followed by 2 weeks of heating to reach the required surface readiness. Walls can be installed at any time, provided you don’t mind working in a sauna-like environment while the heating is on.

milkie schrieb:

At the end of April/beginning of May, the screed will be installed here (anhydrite screed, thickness 65mm (2.6 inches)). What drying time should be expected?

You should ask your screed installer; it is difficult to give a general answer as it depends on additives used and the outside temperature.

milkie schrieb:

When can filling/taping/painting begin, and when can the floor coverings be installed?

The screed is usually walkable after 3-5 days. The important question is: do you want to work in humidity and damp conditions (dry heating to reach readiness for covering) and risk wallpaper peeling or increased cracking?

I understand very well that homeowners are eager as the construction phase nears its end. HOWEVER, drying times are necessary and should be respected. Hopefully, you will enjoy your new home for many years, so an extra 4-6 weeks more or less should not matter... don’t you agree?

Regards, Bauexperte

No, of course not. But it would be important to have an approximate idea of when work will continue for our vacation planning, material procurement, etc. We don’t want to proceed too early, but having a rough estimate would be helpful. We will ask the screed layer tomorrow when he installs the insulation.

For us, it took 5 weeks. The moisture level can also be measured regularly (there should be small flags on the floor).

We decided it was better to start a week later than to start too early. The tile installer also had a say, as they provide a warranty on the floor covering and can only offer it if the basic conditions (i.e., the substrate being ready for covering) are met.

Alex