It was about time we described a job in images as opposed to words, brochures, pamphlets, case studies and what have you. Here is a great job for our good client Wates Construction that had to go like clockwork. Our most experienced man in charge, the MD, decided to orchestrate operations and pass on his considerable experience to one of our screeding teams. The reason being that on a Saturday there are not many options for getting out of jail if things go wrong coupled with the fact that the site was going to close early.
No room for error, everything had to go with military precision – and it did. Our client got what they wanted, one screed team had their skills boosted and the MD got an opportunity to check things out on the front line.
Levels are set out at convenient locations, when the pour starts, there is no time to lose
The screed pump has to be carefully located to receive the screed from large trucks
Slowly does it, almost in line with the screed pump.
Before the screed is poured, we need to carry out a standard test to ensure the screed will “spread”. Essentially this will tell us if there is too much or too little water in the screed.
The screed is delivered directly into the screed pump for immediate pumping to the pour location
Two men needed, one to pour, the other to check levels. The screed will not wait for anyone.
After the pour, the screed is dappled to make sure the screed is even with no air bubbles.
Almost done, we have worked our way back to the source of the screed pipe
All done, time to wash out the screed pump
Some of the almost completed buildings on the project.
Free flowing screeds can deliver great results as long as all of the links in the chain of operation are solid. Pouring the screed is fast, but so much more care is needed at the preparation stage in terms of tanking. If the trucks are delayed the materials could go off or indeed if the site is not ready the trucks could turn up and have nowhere to put the screed with the danger of tons of screed going off. For those that do not have the experience, the necessary site conditions or the planning in place then the risks for having to dispose of screed can be quite high. Typically at CSC Screeding we prefer mixing on site as this leaves us in full control of the screeding process, any delays, changes or problems can be mitigated. With free flowing screed from the factory your options are very limited, the trucks are going to be on time or they are not and there is not much you can do about it. However, sometimes the benefits of free flowing screed can be quite compelling and the trick therefore is to understand all of the elements at hand to determine the best course of action for a particular project. Pick your experts with care and follow our advice, which is to prepare well.