If you’re looking for an efficient, labor-saving tool that can also improve the quality of concrete construction, then you definitely shouldn’t miss the concrete roller screed! Whether it’s leveling flat surfaces, constructing ramps, or laying pervious concrete, this versatile piece of equipment can handle it all with ease. Compared to traditional vibrating screeds, it not only simplifies operation but also reduces labor intensity, helping to protect the health of construction workers.
In this article, we will provide a detailed introduction to:
- What is a concrete roller screed (VS. vibrating screed, which one is better)
- Why use it (include 5 advantages)
- How to use it
Through our introduction, you can have a comprehensive understanding of this equipment. Keep reading to discover its impressive capabilities!
What Is Concrete Roller Screed
Roller screed is a multi-purpose concrete screed equipment for concrete slabs, slopes, and pervious concrete. It cuts off the high concrete spots and fills the low spot through a spinning screed pipe, resulting in a flat surface. This machine doesn’t cause excessive vibration problems, just as a hand screed repeatedly scrapes the concrete. It brings lower water ratio concrete paste to the surface, creating a stronger and more durable concrete surface.
Roller Screed VS. Vibrating Screed: Which One Is Better
Like roller screeds, vibrating screeds are also widely used concrete screeding equipment. So, which of these two machines is better?
We have previously discussed the differences between roller screeds and vibrating screeds. Here, I have created a table to provide a more intuitive comparison of these two common screed machines.
| Feature | Roller Screed | Vibrating Screed |
|---|---|---|
| Working Width | 1-10m | 1-3m (not recommended to exceed 3m due to insufficient vibration force on wider plates) |
| Screed Type | Steel or Aluminum Screed Roller Tube | Double/Single Layer Aviation Aluminum Screed Plate |
| Portability | Very Portable | Portable |
| Vibration Force | No Vibration Force (can use a separate concrete vibrator for better results) | Has Vibration Force |
| Operation Mode | Stand Up | Bend Down |
| Number of Operators | 2 workers | 1 worker |
| Formwork | Need | Need |
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Why Use It (5 Advantages)
Not Only Ordinary Concrete Pours But Also Pervious Concrete
The roller screed is the best equipment for the pervious concrete pouring. Because excessive vibration can damage the pervious concrete, this pervious concrete roller doesn’t create any vibration. Its rotating screed tube just downward pressures and flattens pervious concrete. The permeable spaces in concrete will not be cemented. This feature makes it the best pervious concrete leveling equipment.
Avoid Injury
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, many construction workers are injured annually. Compared with other types of screed machines, roller screed can reduce labor intensity and avoid back strain. When using this machine, the operator does not need to bend down, only to pull the lever upright. This simple operation can reduce labor intensity and avoid back strain for operators.
In addition, this type of machine is straightforward to operate, and you need minimal training. Even if you have never used it, you can quickly get started.
Easy Work On Slope
Roller screed is the best equipment for concrete slope pours. It rolls across the concrete slope surface, a walking ladder on both sides of the leveling range. Workers operate it on both sides of the device. And it does not vibrate, and the concrete does not slide down the slope due to vibration. These features make it ideal for a variety of concrete slopes.
Modular Screed Roller Tubes
The machine can be equipped with a connectable roller tube system, which allows different lengths to meet your concrete leveling widths. The roller tube can be disassembled when not used, and the modular design is also convenient for transport.
Barn (Circular Pours) Drainage Ditch And More Incredible Construction Applications
The machine could equip a center joint or various drum shapes for round concrete slab pouring and various gutters / concrete curbs . This provides an efficient way to create these specialized concrete surfaces.
How To Use
The roller screed consists of a spin roller tube attached to a power module operated by a switch. The operator pulls the roller tube opposite to the screed’s rolling direction. During construction, the height of the concrete paving should be controlled according to the position of the roller tube. They can be used for both commercial and DIY projects. Some models have variable speed controls, which make them even easier to use.
Before Starting
Before starting the machine, there are a few items that need to be checked:
- Ensure both ends are securely fastened to the end of the pipe.
- Check all threaded connections to make sure that they are not loose.
- Check handles to ensure they will not loosen or detach during the operation.
Operation
Concrete with different slumps should adopt different operation methods. We have summarized two different ways to operate wet concrete and low-slump concrete.
Concrete Slump Guidelines
The roller screed will handle stiff concrete having only a 3-inch slump. When you first start using it, pour with a slump level that is consistent with your past practices. As with any new tool, certain operation techniques must be learned.
Wet Concrete Operating Method
* Slump levels of 5 or more, maintain 1 to 2 inch surcharge.
When working with wet concrete, start the machine, squeeze the throttle lever, and slowly pull it over the concrete while muckers maintain about a 2-inch surcharge of concrete in front of the screed. After advancing 6 to 8 feet, allow the spinning screed to move slowly backward over the freshly screeded concrete. This slow backwards pass pushes aggregate left on the surface down while bringing paste to the surface.
After backing over the poured section, slow down the spinning screed and pull the screed back to the area where more concrete has been placed. Begin screeding again. With concrete wetter than a 5-inch slump, pulling over the concrete surface a second time with the motor running will produce a flatter surface with sufficient paste for floating. Examine the surfaces prepared by the machine and adjust your technique to produce the desired surface for floating.
Low Slump Concrete Operating Method
* Slump levels of 3 to 4 inches, maintain 2.5 to 3.5 inch surcharge.
With stiff concrete, pulling the screed over the concrete produces a rough surface that is difficult to float. To get the best results, use the “Bump and run” Technique.
Start by squeezing the throttle lever to start the machine and gently bumping a 2-3-inch surcharge with the spinning roller, causing it to advance a few inches, then allowing it to retreat 4 to 6 inches. Advance the rotating screed again. Continue the “Bump and run” Technique until you have advanced 6 to 8 feet, then allow the spinning screed to move backward slowly over the freshly screeded concrete with the screed still running. This slow backwards pass pushes aggregate left on the surface down while bringing paste to the surface.
After backing over the poured section, turn off the machine and pull the screed back to the area where more concrete has been placed. Begin screeding again. The screeded section is ready for floating and should be done immediately. When screeding stiffer concrete, pulling the machine forward a second time tends to remove the layer of paste that has been worked to the surface and makes the surface more difficult to float and finish.
Conclusion
Discover the benefits of using a concrete roller screed for your projects. This versatile equipment ensures a flat surface without excessive vibration, making it ideal for various concrete applications, including pervious concrete and slopes. You’ll find it easy to operate and less strenuous on your body. Have you considered how a roller screed could enhance your work? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word by sharing this article!
