When it comes to choosing the right liquid screed, there’s a lot riding on the outcome. Not only can it affect the quality and durability of your floor, but also your project timeline, running costs, and overall thermal efficiency across home renovation, floor upgrade, or wider building requirements. Two of the most popular liquid screeds in the UK market are Gyvlon ECO and Gyvlon THERMIO MAX. Both are part of the Gyvlon range and are BBA-approved calcium sulphate-based products designed to perform against slightly different performance criteria and project needs.
All About Gyvlon ECO
Gyvlon ECO is a fantastic self-compacting liquid screed that’s made to BS EN 13813 standards. This flowing screed is designed to give you a smooth, level floor surface that’s ready to be covered with just about any kind of floor covering – from tiles and carpets to vinyl. And because it’s formulated just right, it suits different installation types and is suitable for use as a bonded, unbonded, or floating screed over a range of sub-base and substrate conditions, making it super versatile for both residential and commercial applications.
The Good Stuff About Gyvlon ECO
One of the real advantages of Gyvlon ECO is its dimensional stability. You’re not going to see a lot of shrinkage compared with traditional cement based screeds, which means much less risk of cracking and expansion joints. And because it can achieve structural strength without needing steel mesh, it’s a great choice for projects where a high-quality, durable finish is a priority. But what really sets Gyvlon ECO apart is its eco-friendly credentials. Made from 98% recycled content, and 100% recyclable itself, it’s a product that’s got sustainability in its DNA.
Where Gyvlon ECO Falls Short
While Gyvlon ECO is really versatile and durable, it’s not the best option for underfloor heating systems where thermal efficiency is key. Its thermal conductivity is fine, but it’s not quite as good as what you’d get from a specialised screed like THERMIO MAX.
Gyvlon THERMIO MAX: The Specialist Screed for Underfloor Heating Systems
Gyvlon THERMIO MAX is a screed specifically formulated for high-performance underfloor heating systems. It features a bit of magic tech called COOL-TEC, which boosts thermal conductivity to 2.5 W/mK – that’s 40% better than your average cement screed for stronger thermal performance, helping the system reach operating temperature faster. This helps underfloor heating systems deliver faster heat-up and improved efficiency while using less energy in the process.
Why Choose Gyvlon THERMIO MAX for Superior Thermal Performance?
Not only will you see faster heating response times, but as a result of its higher thermal conductivity, you might even save up to 20% on heating bills. It’s also got some other cool features, like FD E2C tech, meaning faster drying and early to cover so you can get your floor coverings in place even sooner. And, as an added bonus, it’s up to 60% lighter than traditional screeds, making it a lot easier to handle and apply.
When Gyvlon THERMIO MAX Isn’t the Right Choice
While Gyvlon THERMIO MAX is a fantastic product, it is a bit more expensive than your standard screed. And because it’s designed specifically for systems that rely on efficient floor heating, it might not be the best option if you’re not planning to go down that route.
How Gyvlon ECO and THERMIO MAX Compare
Both screeds have got a lot going for them – they’re super fluid, self-leveling, and easy to work with. They both require no reinforcement or curing membranes, and they both give you a smooth SR2 surface finish that’s perfect for most floor coverings. The main difference is in thickness – Gyvlon ECO has a minimum application thickness of 25-35mm depending on the build-up, while THERMIO MAX is a bit thinner.
Where Gyvlon ECO Comes In
Gyvlon ECO is a great choice for projects where you want a balance of performance and economy. It’s perfect for any project that doesn’t have underfloor heating, and its compatibility with most thermal and acoustic insulations makes it a great choice for big commercial and residential floor finishes.
Where Gyvlon THERMIO MAX Comes In
Gyvlon THERMIO MAX is the top choice for projects where thermal efficiency, fast drying, and early commissioning, once commissioned, of underfloor heating is the top priority. It’s perfect for new building projects, renovations, and heat-pump-led work, making it a strong fit for different building types where energy savings and comfort are a must.
Ready2Pour is a trusted supplier and installer of Gyvlon ECO and THERMIO MAX screeds across a big chunk of the UK, including Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Greater London, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. When you get in touch with them, you’ll be put in touch with an experienced team of installers who can advise on which product will suit your project best, based on the specifics of the floors you’ve got, your underfloor heating system and what you need to get out of the job. On top of that, they’ve also got pump hire and delivery on offer – this means you can get your screed laid efficiently even in those tricky spots that are a bit hard to reach, with accurate measuring to keep waste down.
Wrapping Up: Choosing the Right Screed for Your Project
The bottom line is, Gyvlon ECO is a great choice if you need something that’s cost-effective, but still durable and versatile. It’s a good all-rounder, suitable for all sorts of floors and coverings. On the other hand, Gyvlon THERMIO MAX is perfect if you’re looking for, faster drying times, early commissioning of underfloor heating systems, and long term energy savings, are all on the cards with this one, and it’s going to give you a nice level of comfort too. When you’re choosing between these two, it really does depend on what your project needs, that’s things like which type of floor covering you’re using, how much heating you need, how long you want the screed to take to dry, and of course what your budget is.
If you’re still unsure about which screed to go for, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Ready2Pour. They’re your local Gyvlon screed supplier and installer, with years of experience and a team of experts who will make sure your floor turns out just right, and is up to standard so it lasts for years to come.