Quick dry concrete base.

Hi, i have been to quote on a job. The customer informs me that the new screed base is quick dry. They don't know the name!
It has been down for 10 days and builder has said that it will be dry enough to prep for Karndean in 2 weeks.
I am obviously going to do a damp test.
Has anyone had any experience with these subfloors?
Thanks

 

Hear this all the time.
Just do your moisture tests to.cover yourself

 

Yeah hygrometer test to cover yourself. Dry enough for ceramic tiles. Unless the screed company gives you it in writing that screed will be dry enough to install Karndean on lol

 

I try to leave them a month at least

 

There’s curing agents that can dry pumped sand/cement bases within 7 days without the need of dpm’s etc but needs to in the mix when pumped, find out what’s been used.

 

Even if you get it in writing do your own test. In court you will be the "expert" and the judge would hold you responsible.

 

I don’t think a floor layer should be a expert in the drying times of a manufacturers screed. Hygrometers tests don’t work on all screed types but that’s the British standard.
And a hygrometer test done to the bs standard is pretty much impossible to achieve. It’s laughable really. manufacturers should take responsibility for their products

 

The judge will regard understanding the condition of the sub floor as part of the floor fitters remit and will rule accordingly. Whether it being in the remit counts as being an expert is debatable, but someone in the installation business that is doing a job should understand why & how to measure moisture content in a screed before committing to do the job.
Also, you have to admit there are some fitters out there who are clueless and careless. We regularly see evidence of that here on this site as people seek advice from the professionals who are this forum after they have been let down with a poor installation.

 

Yeah agree on most subfloor, especially old existing or stand new screeds. But these new screeds are being sold on the basis they are rapid curing and will be dry in a exact amount of days. They should really back their claim and prove it. We’ve had tarmac send a rep out who tested one of theirs with a tramex and give us the green light to install. Along with a email backing their product. I personally think more should be like that and take responsibly. We couldn’t get a consistent dry reading on a box or probe. Different areas give different reading and the time scale was tight.