7 Crucial Facts About Drying Time for Screed in Malta

If you’re planning a flooring project in Malta, understanding the drying time for screed in Malta is absolutely essential. Whether you’re a homeowner eager to install stylish tiles or a builder working on a tight schedule, getting the timing wrong can cost you more than just money—it can delay your entire project.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about drying time for screed in Malta, from how long it actually takes, what factors influence it, and how to avoid costly mistakes. Plus, we’ll show you where you can get expert screeding services or materials tailored for Malta’s unique climate.

Let’s dive right in.

1. What Is Screed and Why Does Its Drying Time Matter? | Drying Time For Screed In Malta

Screed is a thin layer of cementitious material applied over a concrete base. It’s used to create a smooth, level surface before installing a final floor finish such as tile, wood, vinyl, or carpet. In Malta, screed is a popular choice for both residential and commercial flooring projects thanks to its durability and clean finish.

But here’s the catch: the drying time for screed in Malta isn’t just a matter of letting it sit. Drying too fast or too slow can lead to cracks, warping, or adhesive failure. Worse, installing flooring too early—before the screed is fully dry—can trap moisture underneath, leading to mold growth or floor delamination.

Knowing the correct drying time for screed in Malta ensures:

• Your floors remain stable and long-lasting

• Adhesives bond properly

• No warping or cracking occurs

• Your timeline stays on track

And in a turnkey construction project, delays in screed drying can affect every subsequent task, from tiling to cabinetry installation. (Learn more about turnkey construction).

2. Standard Drying Time for Screed in Malta: A Local Perspective | Drying Time For Screed In Malta

So what is the standard drying time for screed in Malta?

Generally, the rule of thumb is 1mm of screed thickness takes about 1 day to dry under ideal conditions. This means:

• 50mm thick screed: ~50 days drying time

• 65mm thick screed (commonly used for underfloor heating): ~65 days drying time

However, Malta’s climate plays a big role. With its hot, humid summers and relatively mild winters, drying conditions vary greatly:

Humidity levels and poor ventilation (especially in basements or enclosed spaces) can slow things down considerably.

If you’re working on a tight schedule, consider using fast-drying screeds like calcium sulphate or modified polymer screeds. These can reduce drying time to just 7–21 days, though they come at a slightly higher cost, ranging between €20–€28 per square metre.

3. Factors That Affect Screed Drying Time in Malta | Drying Time For Screed In Malta

While it’s tempting to rely on estimates, several factors can significantly alter the drying time for screed in Malta. Here’s what you need to watch out for:

🌡️ Temperature

Malta’s summer temperatures can exceed 30°C, which sounds like a screed-drying dream. But beware: too much heat can cause the screed to dry too fast, leading to shrinkage cracks.

Ideal temperature for drying: 15°C–25°C.

💧 Humidity

Humidity is often overlooked, but it matters—a lot. Malta’s coastal regions tend to have higher humidity, which slows evaporation and increases drying time. Always ensure good airflow to offset moisture.

🌀 Ventilation

Good ventilation promotes steady moisture release. In poorly ventilated spaces (like basements), moisture gets trapped, leading to longer drying times. Always use dehumidifiers or fans where necessary.

🔥 Underfloor Heating

If your screed is being laid over an underfloor heating system, this can actually help reduce drying time—but only if done correctly. You must follow the heating protocol: start at low temps after 7 days and gradually increase.

🏗️ Type of Screed

There are different types of screed used in Malta:

• Traditional sand and cement: €15–€22/m², dries slowly (1mm/day)

• Anhydrite (calcium sulphate): €20–€26/m², faster drying

• Polymer-modified screed: €25–€30/m², very quick drying

4. How to Test If Screed Is Dry: Don’t Just Guess | Drying Time For Screed In Malta

A big mistake we see all too often in Malta is assuming screed is dry just because it looks dry. Even if the surface is hard and clean, internal moisture could still be present.

Here’s how to test if your screed is actually dry:

🌬️ Plastic Sheet Test (DIY Method)

• Tape a sheet of plastic (approx. 1m²) onto the screed surface.

• Leave for 24 hours.

• If condensation forms underneath = NOT DRY.

📏 Moisture Meter (Pro Method)

Use a Tramex CMEX5 or similar moisture meter. It gives instant readings of moisture content (% MC). For most floor finishes, the screed should be below 2% MC.

🧪 Calcium Carbide Test (CM Test)

This is the most accurate and widely accepted method for commercial and turnkey construction jobs in Malta. It involves extracting a sample and reacting it with calcium carbide to determine moisture content.

5. Consequences of Not Respecting Drying Time | Drying Time For Screed In Malta

Cutting corners on drying time for screed in Malta can lead to serious issues:

• Tile lifting or bubbling

• Cracked screed surface

• Mold and mildew under vinyl or laminate

• Adhesive failure

• Uneven final flooring

And let’s be honest—replacing a floor because of premature installation is not only stressful but expensive. It could add €30–€50 per square metre in repair costs.

When in doubt, wait it out—or better yet, get expert advice.

6. Should You Use Additives to Speed Up Drying? | Drying Time For Screed In Malta

There are accelerating additives available in Malta that can significantly reduce drying time, especially helpful for projects with tight deadlines. Brands like Sika, Mapei, and Weber offer formulations that:

• Reduce drying time by 30–50%

• Improve early strength

• Cost about €3–€6 per m² extra

Be cautious, though—additives must be carefully mixed to prevent uneven curing. For best results, hire experienced contractors who understand the chemical behavior of screeds in Malta’s climate.

7. When to Install Flooring After Screed? | Drying Time For Screed In Malta

One of the most common questions Maltese homeowners ask is: “When can I lay the final floor?”

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Trying to install floors earlier than this is risky—even if you’re tempted to “speed things up.” Always test moisture content before proceeding.

Need Expert Help with Screed? | Drying Time For Screed In Malta

If you’re planning a new build, renovation, or turnkey construction project in Malta, working with pros can make all the difference. At Kibitec, we offer tailored screeding services—from site inspection and screed pouring to moisture testing and finish prep.

Whether you’re laying 40m² or 400m², we’ve got the tools, teams, and technical know-how to deliver precision and peace of mind. And if you’re a DIYer or builder looking to buy high-quality screed material, we can supply that too.

📞 Ready to get started? Contact us here for a quote or consultation.

Real-World Drying Timelines from Maltese Projects | Drying Time For Screed In Malta

Let’s bring theory into reality.

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some examples of actual drying time for screed in Malta based on different environments and scenarios.

🏡 Residential Apartment in Sliema – 50mm Traditional Screed

• Environment: 3rd-floor flat with partial ventilation

• Screed Type: Sand & cement

• Season: Summer (July–August)

• Drying Outcome: 60 days before reaching 2.5% MC

• Issues: Slight cracking due to overexposure to sunlight through large windows

🏗️ New Villa in Rabat – 65mm Screed with Underfloor Heating

• Environment: Ground floor with active heating protocol

• Screed Type: Modified polymer screed

• Season: Autumn (October)

• Drying Outcome: 40 days to hit 2% MC

• Success Tip: Controlled heating cycles significantly helped reduce drying time

🏢 Commercial Unit in Birkirkara – Fast-Drying Screed

• Environment: Enclosed showroom with industrial dehumidifiers

• Screed Type: Calcium sulphate

• Season: Spring (April)

• Drying Outcome: 21 days flat

• Lessons Learned: Proper planning and professional equipment helped achieve optimal drying under pressure

These case studies show that the drying time for screed in Malta can vary wildly depending on screed type, preparation, ventilation, and time of year. Want similar results? Reach out to our experts here and we’ll guide you through it.

Fast-Drying Screed vs. Traditional: Is It Worth It? | Drying Time For Screed In Malta

When time is money—as it often is in Malta’s fast-paced building sector—fast-drying screeds might seem like the obvious choice. But are they always the better option?

Let’s compare:

If you’re working on a large-scale turnkey construction project or commercial space in Malta, the higher upfront cost of fast-drying screed may actually save you €1000s in delays.

Cost Breakdown: Screed Pricing in Malta | Drying Time For Screed In Malta

Let’s talk numbers. Whether you’re screeding a 30m² flat or a 300m² villa, budgeting correctly is key.

💰 Screed Material & Labour (Estimates in Malta)

💡 Tip: Always factor in moisture testing (approx. €150–€250) into your total cost.

Need help calculating your project cost? We’d be happy to help. Contact our team to request a custom quote with no obligation.

Common Myths About Screed Drying in Malta — Debunked | Drying Time For Screed In Malta

Let’s clear the air. Here are some common misunderstandings about drying time for screed in Malta, and the facts that should guide your decisions:

❌ “It’s hot in Malta, so my screed will dry faster.”

Reality: Hot weather doesn’t always equal faster drying. Too much heat without proper curing can cause shrinkage cracks. It’s about controlled drying, not just sun exposure.

❌ “If it looks dry, it’s ready for tiles.”

Reality: Surface appearance is misleading. Moisture can remain deep within the screed. Always test using a moisture meter or calcium carbide test.

❌ “I can just turn on the underfloor heating to speed things up.”

Reality: Underfloor heating must follow a strict commissioning schedule. Sudden heat will cause internal stress, leading to cracking or hollow spots.

❌ “Fast-drying screeds are low quality.”

Reality: High-quality polymer or calcium sulphate screeds are engineered for performance and durability, as long as they’re applied correctly.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Successful Screed Drying in Malta | Drying Time For Screed In Malta

Want a stress-free, crack-free floor? Follow this proven checklist:

✅ Before Laying Screed

• Ensure substrate is clean and sealed

• Choose the right screed type for your project

• Confirm drying timeline based on thickness and season

✅ During Screeding

• Maintain proper thickness (min. 40mm)

• Use expansion joints where needed

• Allow for airflow and avoid direct sun

✅ After Laying Screed

• Wait 48 hours before walking on it

• Avoid covering the surface

• Use dehumidifiers in humid areas

• Begin underfloor heating cycle after 7 days (if applicable)

✅ Before Installing Flooring

• Perform moisture test (must be below 2–2.5% MC)

• Confirm compatibility with flooring adhesive

• Get professional clearance from your contractor

Need help managing the whole screed-to-flooring timeline? We can handle every step. Talk to us here.

Check Out Our Screed Services in Malta | Drying Time For Screed In Malta

Looking for reliable screed installation or supply in Malta? You’re in the right place. At Kibitec, we provide:

✅ Traditional & fast-drying screeds
✅ Professional moisture testing
✅ Underfloor heating screed prep
✅ Turnkey flooring solutions
✅ Experienced local crews

Whether you’re building new or renovating, we offer screed solutions that work with Malta’s environment—not against it.

👉 Check out our full screed services here

Final Thoughts: Take Drying Time Seriously | Drying Time For Screed In Malta

When it comes to drying time for screed in Malta, the biggest mistake you can make is assuming. Each project is unique, and each climate condition—from a Sliema sea breeze to a Rabat inland humidity pocket—affects your outcome.

If you want to protect your investment, avoid rework, and stay on schedule, your best move is to:

🔹 Understand your screed type
🔹 Monitor moisture professionally
🔹 Work with experts familiar with local conditions

Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or developer managing a turnkey construction project, your floor’s success starts with drying time done right.

Ready to Screed It Right? | Drying Time For Screed In Malta

At Kibitec, we make it easy for you to get expert advice, quality materials, and professional screed installation—all backed by experience and results in Malta’s unique climate.

📩 Contact us now for a consultation or quote

🛠️ Or browse our full screed service offerings here