Modern concrete screeds in bathrooms

If you plan to use modern screeds in high-stress areas such as bathrooms or kitchens, it is essential to think not only about beautiful design but especially about ensuring that the screeds are functional and practical. The most well-known proven technology for high-stress areas is the Betonepox® screed, which is even suitable for use in swimming pools. Betonepox® is an epoxy-based screed without added cement that does not need to be protected from water with a varnish. Unlike cement screeds, it can also bridge minor cracks in the substrate. Betonepox® is available in hundreds of shades.

The basic rule to follow when selecting suitable screeds for bathrooms:

A large part of the screeds offered in the Czech market is made from materials that contain cement and are protected from water by only a thin layer of varnish, which is a huge mistake. These bathrooms look nice unfortunately only upon completion. The manufacturers of these materials themselves do not recommend using them in areas exposed to water, which takes its toll over time. Although the varnished surface withstands short-term water exposure, the problem usually arises at the junction of the wall and the floor, or if the screed cracks.

No sealant works forever, and the moment the sealant stops adhering, water begins to rise under the varnished layer. This creates damp spots, which in the next phase leads to blisters that eventually peel off. The resulting impression, as well as functionality, is irretrievably lost. Materials containing cement not only absorb water but are also brittle, which is why cracks often form in the surface, allowing water to seep in—leading to disaster.

In wet areas, it is necessary to use screeds based on epoxy or polyurethane. These are materials that do not absorb water, and if their surface is varnished, it is only to improve cleanability, not to protect the screed from water.

In this case, it really pays off to invest in quality and references; if you use an unsuitable cement screed, the subsequent repair of the bathroom will cost you many times more.

The company Němec has been specializing in the implementation of luxurious modern surfaces for over twenty years, both in the Czech Republic and abroad.

The company’s portfolio features the most advanced surface and screed technologies, such as Imitation Concrete®, Betonepox®, Betonepox Fine®, and Betonepox Soft®. Travertine, Granite, Perlata, Pitted, and Smooth.

> www.nemec.eu