SW Build is carrying out the design, supply and installation of a bonded roof levelling screed for a major housebuilder on a large housing development beside Newbury Racecourse. The first phase covers more than 1,000 m² across a series of roofs, preparing the surfaces for a fully adhered Alumasc roofing system.
With the roofing works following on, the screed specification needed to address both the required levels and the time available for drying. We selected a site-mixed bonded screed incorporating TALVUDO Xtreme quick-drying additive.
Preparing the roofs for the next trade
The brief was to level the roof surfaces ahead of the roofing installation. On a project of this scale, that means considering the screed and the subsequent roof covering together, so that the finished substrate meets the requirements of the next stage.
Our scope brought the screed design, material supply and installation under one team. The bonded screed was specified to work with the underlying substrate and provide the required surface for the planned roofing build-up.
A quick-drying specification to support the programme
For this project, TALVUDO Xtreme was selected to enable a 48-hour turnaround before moisture-sensitive finishes, subject to the specified mix, installation conditions and confirmation that the substrate meets the roofing system’s moisture requirements.
That distinction matters: the point at which a screed can be walked on is not necessarily the point at which a moisture-sensitive covering can be installed. The aim of the quick-drying specification was to reduce the drying period between trades while retaining the necessary checks before the fully adhered Alumasc system is applied.
Dealing with a delivery setback
Not every project runs without a challenge. At the start of these works, the local supplier delivered the wrong sand, delaying the screeding team’s start.
With a site-mixed screed, the sand forms part of the specification. We held off rather than use material that was not what had been specified. To help recover the lost time, we increased the size of the team on the second day.
It was a frustrating start, but the response was straightforward: address the material issue and put additional people on the job to make up ground. Maintaining the specification and responding quickly to problems are both part of delivering the work properly.
Photos from the Newbury roof screeding project
The roof areas before screeding, substrate preparation and screed placement in progress.
Introducing TALVUDO Construction Chemicals
This project also marks the introduction of TALVUDO Construction Chemicals ahead of the forthcoming brand launch. TALVUDO Xtreme forms part of the range, and we welcome enquiries about the full suite of TALVUDO Construction Chemicals and their suitability for upcoming projects.
The new website is coming soon at talvudo.com. While it is being prepared for launch, please contact SW Build directly for product information and project enquiries.
Discuss your screeding project
If you need levelling screed for roofs, floors or a larger construction programme, find out more about SW Build’s screeding services. We can discuss the substrate, required finish and programme to help establish an appropriate specification.
Contact SW Build to discuss your project or the TALVUDO Construction Chemicals range, call 07447 926982 or email info@swbuild.co.uk.