Fast-Drying Screed: When Time & Quality Is Critical

28 January 2026 6 min read

fast-drying screed

On most construction projects, time is not just money; it’s pressure. Delays stack up fast, trades get pushed back, and suddenly a simple floor becomes the bottleneck for the entire job.

That’s where fast-drying screed changes everything.

Whether you’re working on a commercial build, a residential renovation, or a tight refurbishment schedule, fast-drying screed lets you move forward sooner without compromising on strength or finish.

At Flowmix, we supply and deliver fast-drying screed across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, the West Midlands, and surrounding areas, helping projects stay on track when deadlines matter.

Order liquid screed today
Free, fast quote within 24 hours
Call, message or complete our simple online form

Flowmix Tewkesbury: 01684 217888 Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731

What Is Fast Drying Screed?

Fast-drying screed is a specialist floor screed designed to dry and cure significantly faster than traditional sand-and-cement screeds. You may also know it as liquid or free-flowing screed.

While traditional screed can take up to one day per millimetre to dry, fast-drying screed can be ready for foot traffic in as little as 24 hours, and prepared for floor coverings in a fraction of the usual time, depending on the product and conditions.

That makes fast-drying screeds ideal for projects where waiting weeks isn’t an option.

When Should You Use Fast Drying Screed?

Fast drying screed is particularly suited to:

  • Retail and office refurbishments
  • Projects with underfloor heating systems
  • Commercial projects with strict handover dates
  • Any site where follow-on trades, such as tiling, are time sensitive
  • Domestic renovations where rooms need to be back in use quickly

If your schedule is tight, or delays would be costly, fast-drying screed is often the most practical solution.

Fast Drying Screed vs Traditional Screed

Choosing the right screed is about more than speed alone.

Traditional screed is still suitable for some projects, but it comes with longer drying times and less flexibility.

Fast drying screed offers:

  • Reduced project delays
  • Faster access for foot traffic
  • High strength and durability
  • Earlier installation of floor finishes
  • Compatibility with underfloor heating

For many modern builds, like commercial or high-pressure projects, the time saved easily outweighs the initial cost difference.

Fast Drying Screed And Underfloor Heating

Fast drying screed works particularly well with underfloor heating systems.

Its formulation allows efficient heat transfer while reducing the time required to commission the system. That means you can move from screed installation to heating and final finishes far sooner than with traditional methods.

For homeowners and developers alike, this can shave weeks off a build programme.

Ready to Order Fast-Drying Screed?

If you are ready to order liquid screed, speak to the team at Flowmix Tewkesbury or Walsall. We will arrange for prompt delivery to your site when you are ready to start your project.

Order liquid screed today
Free, fast quote within 24 hours
Call, message or complete our simple online form

Flowmix Tewkesbury: 01684 217888 Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731

Why Choose Flowmix For Fast Drying Screed?

At Flowmix, we understand that screed is not just a material; it’s a critical stage of your project.

We offer:

  • High-quality fast-drying screed (liquid screed)
  • Reliable supply across Gloucestershire and the West Midlands
  • Knowledgeable support to help you choose the right screed
  • Two-hour delivery slots to keep your site running smoothly
  • Competitive pricing

Whether you need fast-drying screed for a small domestic job or a large commercial project, our team can advise on the best option and ensure timely delivery to your site.

There are different types of screed, and Flowmix provides the following:

  • Gyvlon Liquid Screed: Gyvlon is suitable for floating, unbonded, or bonded construction and is perfect for underfloor heating applications.
    Learn about Gyvlon Liquid Screed.
  • Cemfloor Liquid Screed: This fast-drying and self-levelling screed is ideal for underfloor heating. It is compatible with all floor covering products and adhesives.
    Learn about Cemfloor Liquid Screed.
  • Traditional screed: A dry mix of sand and cement at a typical ratio of one part cement to four parts sand.
    Learn about Traditional Screed.

How Long Does Fast-Drying Screed Take To Dry?

Drying times vary depending on the product, thickness and site conditions, but as a general guide:

• Light foot traffic, often within 24 hours
• Floor coverings, typically within 3 to 7 days
• Full cure, much faster than traditional screed

We always recommend discussing your specific project requirements with our team so expectations are clear from day one.

How Flowmix Can Help With Your Project

Flowmix has two plants, Gloucester and Walsall. We provide the following services (with time slots):

Ready-mix concrete, mix on-site (volumetric concrete)
Traditional and liquid screed.
200′ Concrete line pump Hire to reduce manual labour and associated costs, increase efficiency, reduce wastage and clean up.
Interlocking concrete blocks for temporary or permanent barriers.
Mini-Mix loads up to 4 cubic metres.

Flowmix has the BSA-approved Ready Mix Concrete Kitemark KM683844, a certification that “confirms a product or service’s claim has been independently and repeatedly tested by experts” (source BSI).

Flowmix Tewkesbury: 01684 217888 Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731

Flowmix Delivery Areas

Tewkesbury AreaWalsall Area
Bourton-on-the-WaterAldridge
BrockworthBarton-Under-Needwood
ChalfordBirmingham
CheltenhamBrownhills
Chipping CampdenBurntwood
CirencesterBurton Upon Trent
Droitwich SpaCannock
EveshamColeshill
GloucesterDudley
Great MalvernGreat Haywood
LedburyLichfield
NewentNorton Canes
NorthleachPenkridge
PershoreRugeley
Ross-on-WyeStafford
Stow-on-the-WoldTamworth
StroudWalsall
TewkesburyWest Bromwich
WorcesterWolverhampton

 FAQs

What Is Fast Drying Screed?

Fast-drying screed is a specialist floor screed designed to dry and cure much more quickly than traditional sand-and-cement screed. It allows foot traffic and floor finishes to be installed far sooner, helping projects stay on schedule.

How Long Does Fast Drying Screed Take To Dry?

Drying times depend on the product used, screed thickness and site conditions. In many cases, fast drying screed can be walked on within 24 hours and be ready for floor coverings within a few days rather than weeks.

Is Fast-Drying Screed Suitable for Underfloor Heating?

Yes, it is highly suitable for underfloor heating systems. It provides efficient heat transfer, allowing the heating system to be commissioned sooner than with traditional screed.

Can Fast Drying Screed Be Used In Domestic And Commercial Projects?

Fast-drying screed is suitable for both domestic and commercial applications. It is commonly used in homes, offices, retail spaces and refurbishment projects where time is critical.

Is Fast Drying Screed As Strong As Traditional Screed?

When installed correctly, fast-drying screed offers excellent strength and durability. It meets the demands of modern construction projects without compromising performance.

When Should Fast Drying Screed Be Chosen Over Standard Screed?

Fast-drying screed is ideal when project timelines are tight, follow-on trades need quick access, or delays would be costly. Traditional screed may still be suitable where time is not a limiting factor.

Does Fast Drying Screed Cost More Than Traditional Screed?

Fast-drying screed can have a higher initial cost, but it often saves money overall by reducing delays, labour costs, and programme overruns.

Can Flowmix Supply Fast-Drying Screed to My Site?

Flowmix supplies fast-drying screed across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands. Our team can advise on the right screed for your project and arrange reliable delivery.

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