Cutting the screed is an important step in complete renovations or creating slots. We'll show you all the methods and compare them by cost and difficulty.
When renovations are pending or the floor is damaged, it is often necessary to remove and replace a screed floor. This guide provides you with tips on how to cut and remove floor screed safely and effectively.
Applications where the screed has to be cut or removed
- Remove screed in old bathroom
- Cutting screed for electrical installations
- Complete screed removal throughout the building
1. Planning of screed removal
1.1 Please carry out these steps before cutting the screed:
- Determine the screed type and thickness. Anhydrite and cement-sand screeds have different properties.
- Check whether there are underfloor heating pipes in the screed that must not be cut
- Make sure you have the right safety gear, like goggles, gloves, hearing protection, and respirators.
- Make sure you have the right tools on hand - diamond blades, chisels, crowbars, hammers and more.
1.2 Manual cutting and lifting of the screed
For small rooms, screed can be removed manually:
- Use a diamond cutting disc or diamond saw blade to cut the screed into smaller, easy-to-remove sections.
- Chisel out small sections along the cutting lines - Use a chisel and hammer to do this
- Place pry bars under the chiseled pieces to carefully lift and remove them.
- Regularly clear away pieces of screed to ensure a clean work area.
1.3 Power tools for screed removal
For large rooms, power tools offer the necessary penetrating power:
- Separators enable deep, precise cuts through the screed.
- A hammer drill with a chisel attachment hammers and breaks up the screed.
- Angle grinders with diamond discs mill and cut small slits in the surface.
- Compare the characteristics of power tools to choose the best option.
Other helpful guides for screed processing
- cutting concrete
- cutting stones
- Grinding the screed with the angle grinder
- Remove screed
- milling screed
- Rent a screed grinding machine
1.4 Protection of the base layer
Care must be taken when removing the screed so as not to damage underlying layers:
- Prevent puncture or indentation of plastic moisture barriers.
- Use a layer of plywood to protect against hammer blows and tools.
- Adjust the technique depending on the stability of the basal layer.
Our tip: Be careful not to damage any other elements when cutting the screed. This can lead to high additional costs and must be avoided at all costs.
1.5 Subfloor Disposal and Preparation
The final steps include:
- Smooth and clean the sub-surface before installing the new floor covering.
- Dispose of screed debris carefully and in an environmentally friendly manner.
- Screed Sand away stubborn residue with the diamond cup wheel and fill in low areas to level the surface.
2. When should a professional be commissioned to cut the screed?
It is advisable to hire a specialist to remove the screed in the following cases:
- If the area is large or the screed contains asbestos.
- When special equipment such as a concrete saw is required.
- If you want to avoid the physical labor associated with distance.
- Inquire about the company's experience, services offered, and schedule.
3. Comparison of different screed cutting and removing methods
| method | working hours | difficulty | finish quality | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manually | longest | Middle | Good | Low |
| power tools | Middle | High | Very good | moderate |
| professional | fastest | Low | Excellent | Highest |
4. Conclusion - Cutting and removing the screed is not difficult but physically demanding work - especially for large areas.
Proper removal of old screed paves the way for a new floor finish. Follow these best practices to make the project run smoothly.
4.1 FAQ - The most frequently asked questions about cutting screed
1. How do I know that my screed floor needs to be removed?
Look for cracks, bumps, moisture or deterioration of the surface of the screed. If such problems arise, it is advisable to remove the screed and replace it with a new floor covering.
2. Is special protection required when removing asbestos screed?
Yes, special protection is required for asbestos in the screed. Screed containing asbestos can be dangerous if it breaks and releases asbestos fibers. Removal should be performed by professionals with appropriate equipment and knowledge to minimize health risks.
3. Can I pour new screed over an old layer?
Yes, it is possible to pour new screed over an old layer as long as the old layer is in good condition and has no serious defects. However, before applying the new screed, the old layer must be properly prepared to ensure good adhesion. Professionals should be consulted to ensure a proper process.
