In construction, time is money — and few things slow down a project like waiting for screed to dry.
From housing developments and schools to large commercial sites, screed drying delays can put pressure on schedules, budgets, and clients.
At Ideal Heat Solutions, we provide temporary boiler hire to speed up screed drying safely and efficiently — helping construction teams across London, Kent, Essex, and the South East stay on track.
In this guide, we’ll explain how screed drying works, the different types of screed available, common issues, and how the right temporary heating system can prevent costly project delays.
What Happens If Screed Isn’t Dried Properly?
If screed doesn’t dry under the right conditions, the consequences can be serious:
- Cracking, curling, and shrinkage, especially if artificial drying is carried out incorrectly.
- Extended project delays — halting other trades until the floor can be walked on or finished.
- Adhesion issues, where residual moisture stops flooring materials from bonding correctly.
- Damp and mould problems, caused by trapped moisture within the screed layer.
Getting it right first time not only avoids rework but keeps your project compliant with British Standards BS 8204 for floor screeds.
How Much Does Screed Drying Cost?
The cost of drying screed varies depending on your project size, screed type, and heating method.
Temporary boiler hire is typically the most cost-effective and controlled solution, as it allows you to maintain ideal drying conditions without introducing direct heat or moisture.
Factors that affect cost include:
- Boiler size and duration of hire (e.g. 22kW–250kW systems).
- Site conditions and required temperature control.
- The type and thickness of screed being dried.
At Ideal Heat Solutions, all systems are installed and monitored by OFTEC-registered engineers, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and predictable drying times.
What Is Screed and Why Does It Need Drying?
Screed is a layer of material applied to a concrete base to create a smooth, level surface ready for flooring. It’s essential for achieving a strong, even finish — particularly in commercial or high-traffic environments.
Different types of screed include:
- Traditional sand and cement screed – economical and ideal for smaller or domestic spaces.
- Free-flowing screeds (e.g. Gyvlon, Supaflo) – self-levelling and faster to lay, ideal for large areas.
- Fast-set screeds (e.g. Mapei Topcem, K-screed) – designed for projects on tight schedules.
- Granolithic screeds – extremely durable, perfect for industrial floors.
Types of Screed Systems
| Screed Type | Description | Typical Use |
| Bonded Screed | Laid directly onto a concrete slab using an adhesive like PVA or epoxy resin. | Warehouses, loading bays |
| Unbonded Screed | Separated from the base by a membrane (e.g. PVC). | Large commercial areas |
| Floating Screed | Installed over insulation or soundproofing materials. | Residential and offices |
| Heated Screed | Contains underfloor heating pipes connected to a boiler system. | High-end residential and commercial |
Each type has different depth and drying requirements, which makes professional temperature control essential.
Recommended Screed Depths and Drying Times
| Type | Minimum Depth | Typical Drying Time | Typical Strength |
| Fully bonded | 25mm | 1mm/day | 27–30N |
| Unbonded | 30mm | 1mm/day | 27–30N |
| Floating | 35–40mm | 1mm/day | 27–30N |
| Heated | 30mm above pipes | Force dry after 7 days | 27–30N |
Under optimal conditions, screed dries at around 1mm per day — but this can vary with temperature, humidity, and airflow.
Force drying with a temporary boiler can safely accelerate this process, provided it’s managed by an experienced, SafeContractor-accredited company.
Using Temporary Boilers to Dry Screed
At Ideal Heat Solutions, our temporary electric boiler hire is tailored to the precise requirements of each project.
Our engineers assess:
- Floor size and screed thickness
- Site insulation and ventilation
- Ideal temperature ramp-up rates
We typically recommend a 22kW electric boiler for screed drying — powerful enough to maintain steady heat without risk of overheating, but we also offer 15kW and 36kW electric boilers in our range.
Our Trend BMS remote monitoring system ensures accurate temperature control and safe operation, allowing the drying process to be managed efficiently from start to finish.
All installations are handled by OFTEC and Gas Safe engineers, ensuring safety, compliance, and minimal disruption.
Treating and Testing Screed Before Flooring
Before installing flooring, the screed must be completely dry and tested for residual moisture.
- Traditional screeds: Around 7 days per centimetre of thickness in ideal conditions.
- Fast-drying screeds: 1–3 days per centimetre, depending on additives and drying method.
If moisture remains, flooring adhesives may fail. It’s essential to test using a hygrometer or calcium carbide test before proceeding.
For adhesive-based flooring, we recommend lightly sanding and priming the screed to improve bonding.
Common Problems in Screed Drying
Artificial drying can speed up progress, but only when handled correctly. Common mistakes include:
- Overheating the floor, leading to cracking or curling.
- Poor ventilation, which traps moisture.
- Uneven temperature distribution, causing differential drying.
When managed by trained professionals, artificial drying using temporary boilers significantly reduces these risks and keeps your project on schedule.
Top 5 Reasons to Speed Up the Screed Drying Process
- Reduce costly project delays.
- Keep multi-trade workflows moving smoothly.
- Accelerate floor installation and project completion.
- Maintain client satisfaction and contractual deadlines.
- Avoid long-term structural issues linked to retained moisture.
How Temporary Boiler Hire Benefits Construction Sites
Hiring a temporary boiler for screed drying provides:
✓ Controlled, even heat distribution
✓ Faster drying without cracking
✓ Fully managed, safe operation
✓ Lower costs compared to project delays
✓ Seamless installation and removal
Ideal Heat Solutions provides bespoke, OFTEC-approved boiler hire solutions across the UK, supporting contractors, developers, and project managers in delivering on time — and on budget.
UK Regulations and Best Practice
Our screed drying and boiler hire operations adhere to:
- British Standard BS 8204 – Screeds, bases, and in-situ floorings
- Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
- Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) 2000
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
All temporary systems are designed, installed, and maintained in compliance with UK safety and environmental legislation.
Conclusion
Screed drying is one of the most overlooked yet critical steps in construction. Without proper heat control, projects risk costly delays, cracking, and compromised flooring.
With temporary boiler hire from Ideal Heat Solutions, you can accelerate drying safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with UK standards — ensuring your project remains on schedule.
Call our team today or complete our quick online form for a free, no-obligation quote on temporary boiler hire for screed drying.
FAQs
1. How long does screed take to dry naturally?
Traditional screed dries at roughly 1mm per day under ideal conditions, but this varies with depth and temperature.
2. When can I force dry screed?
Typically after 7 days — using a temporary boiler with gradual temperature increases managed by an experienced engineer.
3. What size boiler do I need for screed drying?
A 22kW electric boiler is often sufficient for most medium-sized screed drying projects.
4. Can I walk on the screed while it’s drying?
Light foot traffic is usually possible after 24–48 hours, depending on the screed type.
5. What happens if I rush the drying process?
Incorrect drying can cause cracks, curling, and shrinkage. Always use an OFTEC-approved provider for controlled drying.
6. Where does Ideal Heat Solutions operate?
We supply temporary boiler hire for screed drying across London, Kent, Essex, Surrey, Sussex, and nationwide.
To learn more or book a free site survey, contact Ideal Heat Solutions today.
📞 CALL US: 0808 3014 183
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