Cement vs. Gypsol Liquid Screed: The Smarter Choice for Liverpool Projects
Liquid screed has transformed how floors are finished across Liverpool and the North West. Whether it’s a new build with underfloor heating or a commercial refurb, contractors now rely on screed that installs quickly, dries fast, and delivers a flawless base. But not all liquid screeds are the same.
The two most common types are cementitious liquid screed and calcium sulphate (Gypsol or anhydrite) screed. If you’re weighing up your options, this guide explains the differences, highlights the hidden pitfalls of Gypsol, and shows why Spotmix’s cement-based solution is the smarter choice for your project.
WHAT IS LIQUID SCREED?
Liquid screed is a free-flowing alternative to traditional sand and cement screed. It levels large areas quickly, reduces labour time, and is ideal for projects using underfloor heating. Instead of hauling and hand-spreading dry mixes, liquid screed is pumped into position to deliver consistent coverage and a smooth, level finish.
But the binder material—cement or calcium sulphate—changes everything when it comes to performance, cost, and risk.
CEMENTITIOUS LIQUID SCREED EXPLAINED
Cement-based liquid screeds, such as Spotmix’s Longfloor solution, use a cement binder. This simple shift in formulation brings powerful advantages:
No laitance, no sanding required – Cementitious screeds don’t form the weak surface layer that Gypsol does. That means no extra sanding step, no extra labour, and no risk of adhesive failure.
Universal compatibility – Works with all adhesives and flooring finishes, including tiles, vinyl, timber, and carpets. Also safe in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Rapid drying – Walkable in 24–48 hours, keeping projects moving.
Durability and shrinkage control – Cement provides excellent long-term strength with minimal cracking risk.
On-site precision with Spotmix – Freshly mixed to your requirements, with you only paying for what you use.
For contractors managing deadlines in Liverpool, these benefits translate directly into smoother schedules and lower costs.
GYPSOL/ANHYDRITE LIQUID SCREED EXPLAINED
Calcium sulphate screeds (commonly branded as Gypsol or anhydrite) are another option. They’re also free-flowing and work well with underfloor heating. However, there are significant drawbacks:
Laitance build-up – As the screed cures, a weak, powdery surface layer forms. This must be sanded within 7–14 days. If not, tiles and adhesives will fail, or drying can be delayed.
Extra labour and cost – Sanding adds time, expense, and risk of error.
Limited compatibility – Certain adhesives don’t bond well to gypsum-based screeds, and they’re not suitable in wet environments.
Moisture sensitivity – More prone to problems if exposed to damp conditions.
Low durability - not as suitable for high traffic areas as cementitious screeds.
While suppliers promote Gypsol for flow and shrinkage control, the unavoidable laitance problem makes it less efficient and more costly in practice.
CEMENT VS. GYPSOL: HEAD-TO-HEAD
Here’s how the two options stack up:
| Feature | Cementitious Screed (Spotmix) | Gypsol/Anhydrite Screed |
|---|---|---|
| Laitance | None — no sanding required | Weak surface layer forms, must be sanded |
| Compatibility | Universal with adhesives, tiles, timber, vinyl, wet areas | Restricted compatibility, unsuitable for wet areas |
| Labour & Cost | Faster, fewer steps, pay only for what you use | Extra sanding adds time and cost |
| Durability | Excellent strength, ideal for high traffic areas, resistant to moisture | Good strength, prep errors can cause failure, not moisture resistant |
| Drying | Walkable in 24–48 hours | Fast drying but laitance removal adds time and costs |
FAQS ABOUT LIQUID SCREED DELIVERY IN LIVERPOOL
-
No. Cementitious liquid screeds, like Spotmix’s Longfloor, don’t produce laitance. Calcium sulphate (Gypsol) screeds do, which means sanding is mandatory before laying floors in order for surfaces to bond.
-
Both types of liquid screed can flow around heating pipes. However, cementitious screeds deliver strong thermal performance without the delays of sanding or the risk of adhesive problems.
-
Not when you factor in the true cost. Gypsol requires sanding and extensive prep, which adds labour and delays. Spotmix’s cementitious screed eliminates these steps, plus you only pay for the screed you actually use.
-
Yes. Cementitious screeds are moisture-resistant, hard wearing and compatible with all common flooring systems. Gypsol screeds are not recommended in wet environments.
WHY LIVERPOOL CONTRACTORS CHOOSE SPOTMIX CEMENTITIOUS SCREED
Liverpool’s construction market moves fast. Delays, waste, and callbacks all eat into profit. That’s why more local contractors are switching to cementitious liquid screed.
With Spotmix you get:
Same-day or next-day liquid screed delivery in Liverpool and across the North West.
On-site mixing with zero waste and no hidden charges.
Consistency backed by Longfloor technology and over 40 years of expertise.
It’s a solution built for real-world jobs: underfloor heating, large open-plan floors, fast-turnaround refurbs, and high-spec residential projects.
CEMENT SCREED DELIVERS MORE FOR LESS
When comparing cementitious and Gypsol liquid screeds, the choice is clear. Cement eliminates laitance, saves you time and money associated with sanding post delivery, and provides full flooring compatibility. For contractors and clients in Liverpool, that means less risk, less waste, and more reliable project delivery.
Looking for fast, precise, and cost-effective liquid screed delivery in Liverpool? Call Spotmix today on 0151 933 6085 or email james@spotmix.co.uk for a free, no-obligation quote.