Liquid Screed Drying Times — What to Expect

What conditions are needed for liquid screed to dry properly?

For the first 48–72 hours after pour, protect the screed from rapid drying and draughts. After that, the building should be warm and well-ventilated with low relative humidity to allow moisture to release. Poor conditions can prolong drying times significantly and delay the construction programme. Drying performance also depends on substrate preparation — see our preparation guide.

In common with other screeds it is very important that good drying conditions are provided as soon as appropriate after installation.

For Gyvlon screeds, adequate protection from rapid drying or draughts should be provided for the first 48–72 hours. Thereafter the relative humidity of the building should be low to allow moisture release. Failure to provide the desired conditions can prolong drying times considerably.

How long does liquid flow screed take to dry?

Under ideal drying conditions Gyvlon screed dries at approximately 1 mm per day up to a thickness of 40 mm, then 0.5 mm per day above that. Example: a 50 mm screed dries in roughly 60 days (40 days for the first 40 mm + 20 days for the next 10 mm).

Under ideal conditions Gyvlon Screed dries at a rate of 1mm per day up to 40mm thickness, and then at a rate of ½mm per day for thicknesses above this.

Example: 50mm Gyvlon Screed: (40mm × 1 day) + (10mm × 2 days) = 60 days (approx. 2 months).

Can I speed up the drying time?

Yes — assisted drying methods include dehumidifiers (from 72 hours after pour), force-drying via underfloor heating commissioning (from 7 days after pour, starting at 20–25°C and stepping up by 5°C), and specialist methods like vacuum dewatering. Never use fossil-fuel space heaters — they raise humidity and extend drying.

Dehumidifiers

Can be used from 72 hours after placing. A closed system is required — any moisture extracted must be removed regularly.

Force Drying via UFH

Force drying can begin 7 days following installation. Set flow temperature to 20–25°C for a minimum of 3 days, then increase in 5°C increments to maximum operating temperature. Maintain for a further 7 days. Water temperature should not exceed 55°C.

Important

After drying, residual moisture content must be determined using approved test methods to demonstrate suitability for acceptance of floor finishes. Individual site conditions can greatly influence drying times.