Screed Cover for Buried Pipes

25 mm

A minimum of 25mm screed cover is required over pipes and insulating material, and where pipes cross, a duct may be necessary to maintain this cover

A minimum of 25mm screed cover is required over pipes and insulating material, and where pipes cross, a duct may be necessary to maintain this cover. For in-situ suspended concrete floors, the designer must approve the location and depth of pipes.

Basis in regulation

BS 8204-1
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How to check it on site

Confirm that the minimum 25mm screed cover is maintained over all pipes, and verify that the design team has approved pipe locations in suspended concrete floors.

Common failure

Insufficient screed cover can lead to cracking of the screed surface or damage to pipes from impact or traffic.

Last updated 23 August 2026. This is our editorial summary of publicly available regulation, not building control approval or a warranty determination.

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