ᐅ Is a fast-setting screed necessary for a walk-in shower?

Created on: 2 Nov 2017 05:37
L
lars-steina
Hello everyone,

My two floor-level showers, which will be tiled, are going to be prepared by the tiler, who wants to use standard concrete screed for the substrate. My contractor had told me that fast-drying screed should be used. So now I’m caught in the middle again. The concrete screed is of course much cheaper. But I also know that concrete screed needs to dry before tiles can be installed. Or can the tiles be laid immediately? Underfloor heating has also been installed in the shower area. What would you recommend? Thanks and have a nice day.
KlaRa2 Nov 2017 20:58
(Quote: With regular screed mortar, he can neither perform the waterproofing work properly nor lay the tiles promptly.")
Anyone proficient in German can only interpret this statement as misleading!
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@ Lars: You can definitely use this screed additive when making the screed. The important thing is to follow the mixing ratio.
Good additives do indeed promote early strength, just like with rapid-setting cements.
But again: this has nothing to do with the drying behavior!
The screed structure must reach the readiness for installation (dryness).
Also ask your building materials supplier about the maximum CM value allowed. Depending on the manufacturer, it can range between 2.5 and 3%.
Good luck: KlaRa
Yilmaz2 Nov 2017 21:12
You’re right, I might not be as proficient in German as you, but I won’t accept you accusing me of writing nonsense here with my limited knowledge. Sorry!

Please clear up misunderstandings before making assumptions about someone! I don’t know you, so I won’t speak disrespectfully about you—that wouldn’t be fair...

But when it comes to technical knowledge, I can easily surpass some who write a lot and without spelling mistakes... I do that every day, both outside and online.
L
lars-steina
3 Nov 2017 16:12
KlaRa, I need to ask again. Should I rather use the fast-setting screed Ardex Type 38 Mix (1.30 EUR/kg) or could I also use the fast-setting screed from quickmix (0.40 EUR/kg)?
KlaRa3 Nov 2017 16:42
The "SZE Rapid Cement Screed," if that is what you mean, is cement-based, suitable for residential construction, and achieves a final strength of 25 N/mm² (3626 psi).
That is always sufficient!
In my opinion, this cement can also be used without concerns in shower areas. The advantage of the ARDEX product is its early readiness for covering. Under appropriate climatic conditions, tile installation can reportedly take place as early as 4 hours after application.
This is related to the ingredients, which is also why the price is comparatively higher than that of the standard SZE rapid screed.
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Regards, KlaRa
L
lars-steina
3 Nov 2017 17:50
That is the only reason why it is so much more expensive, hmm. Ok, so that means if I want to save money, the tiler will have to wait a day before they can start tiling? That wouldn’t bother me either, since the tiles are not available for delivery yet.
R
Reini1234
17 Sep 2019 08:58
I would like to revisit this thread:

I now need to complete the shower area with screed to create the proper slope. The rest of the bathroom has an anhydrite screed installed. Can I use any standard concrete screed for this? Even the inexpensive one from a home improvement store?