Define screed.

A screed is a flat board or piece of material used to level or smooth concrete, mortar, or other materials during construction or renovation. It is typically used to create a level surface or to remove excess material.

Screed

A screed is a tool or method used in construction to level, shape, and smooth a surface, typically for preparing a base for flooring or other finishing materials.

Types of Screeds:

- Manual Screeds:
- Bull Floats: Long, flat trowels made of metal or wood with a slightly bowed surface for smoothing concrete floors.
- Hand Screeds: Smaller, flat boards with handles used to level and smooth small areas.

- Machine Screeds:
- Screed Screeders: Self-propelled machines that use a vibrating blade to level and smooth concrete floors.
- Laser Screeds: Automated systems that use lasers to guide a screed blade, resulting in highly accurate and level surfaces.

- Other Types:
- Float Screeds: Used to level and smooth plaster or gypsum surfaces.
- Darby Screeds: Wooden boards with a curved edge used to level plaster ceilings.

Purpose of Screeding:

- To create a flat and level surface for subsequent finishing materials.
- To remove high spots and fill low spots, ensuring uniformity of thickness.
- To improve the bond between the base surface and the finish.
- To minimize shrinkage cracks and uneven settlements.
- To reduce tripping hazards and improve accessibility.