Terrazzo is a composite material poured in place or precast and is mainly used for floor and wall applications. It consists of marble, quartz, granite, glass or other suitable chips and is poured with a binder that is cementitious, chemical or a combination of both. Terrazzo is cured, ground and polished to a smooth surface or otherwise finished to produce a uniformly textured surface.
Production
Terrazzo is used to create walkways, floors, patios, and panels by exposing marble chips and other aggregates on the surface of finished concrete or epoxy-resin. Marble-chip, cementitious terrazzo requires three layers of materials. First a level concrete foundation that is 3 to 4 inches deep. Once the forms are removed from the foundation, a 1-inch layer of sandy concrete goes down. Before this layer sets, metal divider strips are partially embedded in the concrete wherever there is to be a joint or change of colour in the terrazzo. For the final layer a fine marble chip mixture that may be colour-pigmented. While the mixture is still wet, workers toss additional marble chips of various colours into each panel and roll a lightweight roller over the entire surface.
In the 1970s, polymer-based terrazzo was introduced and was called thin-set terrazzo. In the early day’s polyester and vinyl ester resins were used as the binder resin. Today most of the terrazzo installed is epoxy terrazzo. The advantages of this material over cementitious terrazzo include a wider selection of colours, 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch installation thickness, lighter weight, faster installation, impermeable finish, higher strength, and less susceptibility to cracking. In addition to marble aggregate blends, other aggregates can be used such as mother of pearl or abalone shell. Recycled aggregates such as glass, porcelain, concrete and metal can also be used. Shapes and patterns can be fabricated on site by bending divider strips or off site by water-jet cutting.
When the terrazzo is thoroughly dry (or cured in the case of thin-set terrazzo) it can then be ground with specialist machines sometimes weighing several hundred kilograms. It can then be cleaned, polished, and sealed to produce a lustrous finish.
Speciality Cleaning
Regardless of your terrazzo surface at some point a deep clean will be required. In fact all terrazzo needs to be deep cleaned on a regular basis.
Natural elements, harsh weather, wear and tear, improper cleaning, and numerous other hazards will deteriorate the appearance and structure of terrazzo. Over a period of time all terrazzo will sustain some form of damage. Stone Technique understands that architects, homeowners and business owners alike want to preserve as much of the original design and material as possible when restoring fine commercial and residential properties. Stone Technique's terrazzo restoration can accomplish that.
At Stone Technique we have a large array of procedures to remove dirt and grime from terrazzo to make it look like new. We understand that every project is different and needs to be assessed and treated accordingly. We can visit your business or home to give advice of how to get your surfaces to the standard you require.