Screeds
At Mark Bates & Sons Ltd, we supply high quality floor screeds to construction projects across Greater Manchester and East Lancashire. Whether you’re working on a new build, a renovation, or a commercial development, our screeds are mixed to exacting standards at our own plants — so you get a consistent, reliable product every time.
We supply both traditional sand and cement screeds and liquid anhydrite (calcium sulphate) screeds, giving you the flexibility to specify the right product for every job. Our experienced team can advise on mix design, depth requirements, and suitability for underfloor heating systems, so you can be confident the screed will perform as intended from day one.
Screed Products
Our screeds are suitable for a wide range of applications, from domestic ground floors to large commercial and industrial slabs. All products are batched at our plants in Middleton and Waterfoot using the same controlled process we apply to our ready mix concrete — so quality is never left to chance.
Traditional Sand & Cement Screed
A tried and tested solution for bonded, unbonded and floating floor constructions. Our sand and cement screed provides a strong, durable base suitable for tiles, timber, vinyl and most floor coverings. Typically laid at depths between 50mm and 75mm depending on the application.
Liquid Anhydrite Screed (Flowing Screed)
Our liquid anhydrite screed is a free-flowing, self-compacting floor screed that’s particularly well suited to projects incorporating underfloor heating. It flows around pipework without the need for compaction, ensuring full contact and excellent thermal conductivity. It can be laid at shallower depths than traditional screed — typically 35–45mm over underfloor heating — making it ideal where floor build-up needs to be kept to a minimum.
Key benefits of liquid anhydrite screed include:
- Faster installation over large areas compared to traditional screed
- Self-levelling for an even, flat finish
- Can be trafficked within 24–48 hours of installation
- Compatible with all major underfloor heating systems
- Reduced risk of cracking compared to sand and cement alternatives
Post-Installation Care
After installation, liquid anhydrite screed should be protected from water ingress and temperature extremes for the first 48 hours. From 48 hours onwards, ventilation should be increased to begin the drying process — windows and doors can be opened during the working day, and dehumidifiers can be introduced from 72 hours. Any loose surface laitance can be lightly sanded off between 72 hours and 7 days.
From 7 days, the screed can be fully loaded and underfloor heating can be commissioned. Unlike cement-based screeds, liquid anhydrite screed can be force-dried using the underfloor heating system or electric/air-movement heaters — just ensure good ventilation to remove moisture from the air above the screed. Note that gas or fossil fuel heaters should not be used for force drying, as they reintroduce moisture into the air.
Before any floor covering is installed, the screed surface should be clean, sound, and suitably dry. Moisture testing using a hygrometer or carbide bomb test is recommended. Any primers or smoothing compounds used should be selected for compatibility with calcium sulphate screeds — your flooring manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed to maintain warranties.
Safety on site
All our of professional drivers are trained in site safety. All hold MPQC (mineral product qualifications council) and all hold Driver CPC and are equipped with appropriate PPE.
Our vehicles are equipped with flashing beacons and strobe lights, reversing warning sounds, and reversing cameras. All our drivers are trained through our in-house driving school to safely and professionally operate concrete mixers.
Services
Wash off trays
At Mark Bates & Sons Ltd we try to go the extra mile. All our new trucks have been built with the “away wash” system to provide our drivers with a no hassle wash off facility. So no matter where we deliver, we can minimise our need to wash off on site. Not only that, but all the waste, including water, is recycled and used back at the concrete plant.
Quick decision making
Our internal team of professionals, can advise you of your requirements. With over 100 years experience between us, we are sure to have the answer.
Vehicle tracking
To keep you updated with your order we utilise modern vehicle tracking. This allows us to keep up-to-date with all our vehicle locations, and also be as efficient as we can with our fleet.
Independent with a back-up plant
We are an independently run concrete supplier with over 25 years of industry experience, which helps us to understand our customers needs. We have recently added a new plant to the business, which doubles as a back-up plant to the Middleton plant. We have a new on site workshop to minimise the down time of our trucks.
Modern IT system
Both plants operate through a bespoke ordering system. This allows both plants to operate as smooth as possible.
Sustainability
We only source our materials from suppliers with good or excellent sustainability ratings.
On-site workshop
At Mark Bates & Sons Limited we also have our own fully-equipped workshop to maintain our fleet.
This enables us to keep our trucks in top condition, regularly serviced, and clean. Most of all, we can also minimise any unnecessary downtime to ensure our fleet is available at all times.