Hesitant to screed floor of Victoria house prior to flooring being laid

[WashableWool]

We want to lay some flooring in our lounge, it’s Victorian but the floor seems pretty level. Currently there is LVT in there laid by the previous owners but we’re thinking about engineered wood, possibly in a herringbone pattern.

We’ve been told that the floor will need to be screeded. I’m a little hesitant about putting a layer of concrete all over the floor given the house needs to breathe.

Are my worries unfounded?

No nailing though the underlay isn't a concern

Great, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, it is so appreciated. I have had three floorers simply not turn up this week, even though they confirmed on the mornings that they would. I can only imagine how busy you are!

A screed for a complex fit click engineered floor won't be concrete. We have a flexible screed under our ground floor click engineered parquet across most of the ground floor between concrete and boarded floors.
It's a self levelling rubber- textured base layer which has given us a lovely smooth finish to the floor design. If you are looking for a herringbone design a completely smooth floor with a little flexibility will be essential.