Drying time anhydrite screed

Hello everyone,

we have already done a bit of research on the internet, but have not yet found any really helpful information.
At the end of April/beginning of May, the screed will be laid with us ([Anhydrite screed thickness 65mm]). What drying time should be expected? When can spackling/wallpapering/painting begin, and when can the flooring be installed?
Thanks in advance.
Best regards, milkie

You should definitely plan for 4 weeks. It should dry out for 2 weeks, and then 2 weeks of curing heating are required. Walls can be done at any time. Provided you want to work in a sauna when it is heated up.

At the end of April/beginning of May, the screed will be laid at our place (anhydrite screed thickness 65mm). What drying time should one expect?

You should ask your screed installer; it is hardly possible to answer that in general, as it depends on the additives and the outside temperature.

When can plastering/wallpapering/painting be started and when can the flooring be laid?

The screed is usually "walkable" after 3-5 days. The more interesting question is: do you want to work in mist and fog (heating to achieve readiness for covering) and risk wallpaper falling off or increased cracking?

I fully understand that builders are eager toward the end of the construction period. BUT drying times are necessary and should be adhered to. Hopefully you will enjoy your new home for a long time; a difference of 4-6 weeks should not matter ... or don’t you think so?

Best regards from the Rhineland

No, of course not. But it would be important to know approximately when we will continue for vacation planning, material procurement, etc. We don’t want to continue too early, but a rough estimate would be good. Then we will ask the screed layer tomorrow when he installs the insulation.

For us, it was 5 weeks. The moisture can also be measured regularly (there should be small flags on the floor). We said better to start one week later than one week too early. The tiler also had a say, because he also gives a guarantee on the flooring and can only provide it if the basic requirements (i.e., installation readiness) are met.

Alex