Need Advice On Cement Screed

[astragtc123 0]

Hi,

Need some advice here..

I signed up with the ID to do Cement screed on my resale HDB. Now just before start work, the ID told me need extra charges for special effect...

Firstly cement screed is cement screed... what special effect... is tehre ?

Obviously, they trying to throw a stun... here...

Anyone can advise ?

[EdensMom 8]

Never heard of this! Maybe it is to do with drain pipes or other objects which need more upturn around them? Did they say special "effort"? Doesn't sound like a good way to start though if the price is already changing.

[bettarism 0]

If I'm not wrong, they can add coloring to the cement screed so you can select the colour tone (light grey to dark gray). Since they have already quoted for it, why didn't they mention/explain to you in the first place.

There are also another type of cement screed where it is more sticky and tend not to crack easily according to some IDs. Or they can paint a layer of lacquer over the screeding which add on to the cost.

It really depends on individual, if you can accept the raw natural look with the cracked lines then just go for the usual screeding will do. : )

[agnesb 0]

I came across a cement screed specialist who do seamless cement screeding. The effect is super nice as there no joint lines but is super expensive too Are you doing sthing like tat ? If not should not have extra cost.

[ganglong 0]

Hi,

Need some advice here..

I signed up with the ID to do Cement screed on my resale HDB. Now just before start work, the ID told me need extra charges for special effect...

Firstly cement screed is cement screed... what special effect... is tehre ?

Obviously, they trying to throw a stun... here...

Anyone can advise ?

Hi, sorry to hear that. yes the cement screed need a thin layer of epoxy over it to prevent from cracking and smooth finishing. But my advise is not to do it over the floor. it is for wall.

[sarah833 3]

Hi, sorry to hear that. yes the cement screed need a thin layer of epoxy over it to prevent from cracking and smooth finishing. But my advise is not to do it over the floor. it is for wall.

Can you explain why epoxy is not recommended for floor?

I had cement screed with a layer of epoxy over it on walls and floor at my old place. No issue at all.

[Devilaz 0]

Check with them what is the special effect?

Normally for normal cement screen it is to prevent it from cracking. Nothing much special to it,

Hi,

Need some advice here..

I signed up with the ID to do Cement screed on my resale HDB. Now just before start work, the ID told me need extra charges for special effect...

Firstly cement screed is cement screed... what special effect... is tehre ?

Obviously, they trying to throw a stun... here...

Anyone can advise ?

Hi,

Need some advice here..

I signed up with the ID to do Cement screed on my resale HDB. Now just before start work, the ID told me need extra charges for special effect...

Firstly cement screed is cement screed... what special effect... is tehre ?

Obviously, they trying to throw a stun... here...

Anyone can advise ?

[ultimax 2]

As I understand it, there are two kinds of cement screed. The first is a "self-leveling" type which is what HDB uses in its corridors because it's easier to apply. It "flattens" out itself so you can apply it quickly The colour tends to be uniform. The second type is an more traditional mix that requires more skill to apply well. That was the type my ID used, and the effect was quite nice.

I personally think the skill of the workman also matters. I went to someone's house and the cement screed floor was awfully done. Maybe it just wasn't to my taste but it looked really messy and uneven. It didn't help that the ID tried to do a "cloud effect" by sprinkling coloured cement powder on top of the screed. That requires artistic talent and sadly, I don't think it really worked out.

As for epoxy, it will make the floor more durable, but it will also make it glossy. I personally don't like that look. Lacquer is an alternative, and the finish will be matt, but the amount of protection will be a lot less.

Some don't even bother with a layer of coating because they want to achieve a worn in, smooth and naturally glossy look that will develop after months of mopping and walking around. Apparently kampung houses used to have this look.

Ultimately, it depends what kind of effect you're going for. I think cement screed makes your house different, but it's not the easiest surface to maintain. You must be prepared for stains and cracks. Some say this adds character, but others cannot stand it.

Cement screed should also be cheaper than tiles. At least that's my experience. But I heard it may lower your flat's valuation.

Having lived in my place with cement screed for a year, I would say it's something I'd do once in my life, and it fits into my current raw theme, but will probably go with something more conventional in future if I move house /renovate again because a wet cement screed floor can be quite slippery and isn't the most child/elderly friendly surface.

[wondermelon 0]

Check with them what is the special effect?

Normally for normal cement screen it is to prevent it from cracking. Nothing much special to it,

HAHAHAHA u go ask the id what type of special effects they have?????? if for me i already ask that ID go fly kite liao

Edited September 8, 2013 by wondermelon

[bettarism 0]

Just sharing my experience. I've decided to hack the floor after the HDB contractor done a lousy job (not level and can even feel the roughness under my feet) for my house. In the end, I have to spend additional $1K to hack the entire place.

My advice is not to get HDB to do screeding for exposed area. I was told by the HDB contractor that they are paid only $300 for screeding the whole house. Can''t expect much from them since they are rushing to complete the work within a day.

I heard some will ask HDB to screed just the bedrooms since they are covering up with laminates/resilient flooring. And they engaged their own contractor/ID to screed the other exposed area which they want the raw look. Can save some money this way.

Edited October 10, 2013 by bettarism

[LPDChris 0]

Hi,

Do please take note. cement screed finishing on wall or on floor.

Result - Will have crack line. If cant accept the crack line. Please don't do it.......

Any IDs tell you wont have crack line on cement screed finishing he/she will wait to be by you...

Good Lucks.... And stay in a wonderful new home.

HOME SWEETS HOME !

[lynnzlq 11]

I came across a cement screed specialist who do seamless cement screeding. The effect is super nice as there no joint lines but is super expensive too Are you doing sthing like tat ? If not should not have extra cost.

Hi

I came across a cement screed specialist who do seamless cement screeding. The effect is super nice as there no joint lines but is super expensive too Are you doing sthing like tat ? If not should not have extra cost.

Hi Agnesb, pls gimme the cement screed contact.

Thanks, Lynn