How long does a screed last, and what guarantees apply in Belgium?
A properly executed screed lasts the lifetime of the building. In Belgium, ten-year liability covers serious defects for ten years from handover.
A properly executed screed lasts the lifetime of the building. In Belgium, ten-year liability covers serious defects for ten years from handover.
A screed is not a consumable. Protected by its floor covering and never exposed to the elements or UV rays, it lasts for the entire lifespan of the building without damage. Screeds in post-war Belgian homes are still in place and fully functional today.
When a screed fails prematurely, the cause is almost always external to the mortar itself:
In other words, the longevity of a screed is determined more by the day it is installed than by the passage of time.
Two systems coexist for construction and renovation work.
TheTen-year liability, provided for by articles 1792 and 2270 of the former Civil Code, covers serious defects affecting the structural integrity or stability of the work, or rendering it unfit for its intended purpose, for a period of ten years. The period begins upon the formal acceptance of the work.
TheMinor hidden defects, those that do not compromise structural integrity, fall under a different regime: they must be reported within a reasonable time after discovery, and legal action must be initiated promptly. Waiting weakens the property owner's position.
This information is provided for general purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
The written acceptance is the key document: it is what triggers the deadlines. Photographing the screed before laying the flooring, with joints and thicknesses visible, provides valuable evidence should a disagreement arise later. Finally, a check of flatness and a moisture measurement recorded in writing prevent most subsequent disputes.
To understand what distinguishes the different types of screed and their service life, see our traditional screed or tell us about your project.
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