Note: All recommended
procedures are applicable to precast terrazzo. |
What is the difference in cement and epoxy terrazzo?
Cement: This system was the only system available
for years and is used both in thin and thick projects.
Normal wear can be expected to affect the aggregate
more than the cement.
Epoxy: This system has superior adhesion qualities
and color range not available with cements. With
its high abrasive resistance, resists wear and
also decreases the wear of the aggregate yielding
somewhat better durability. Both systems can be
expected to last the life of the building, even
with heavy use. |
Are samples available upon request?
Standard samples are not available as each job
is a custom order to your specifications. Slight
color variations in chips occur depending on geographical
areas in which they were obtained. It is recommended
that a sample, per your specific project, be requested
for final color approval. |
What caused the discoloration at the metal divider
strips?
This question arises frequently with poured in
place floors and is also a consideration with precast
terrazzo base, treads or any item with accent strips.
Metal divider strips in various gauges have been
used extensively in terrazzo floors for many years.
Initially the strips may tarnish or discolor temporarily.
This temporary discoloration is beyond the control
of the terrazzo contractor as it is created by
the water and cement combination that is used in
the installation of the terrazzo. Do not be alarmed;
this condition has developed from the trapped moisture
that remains in the system. The moisture used in
the flooring system must dissipate during the curing
period. Thus, with the sealer on the surface, the
moisture moves laterally to the nearest divider
strip to escape and that moisture can temporarily
lead to discoloring.
Note: The normal cure time of a terrazzo floor
varies and due to the sealing process, the cure
time is extended. |
How should I clean my terrazzo floor?
Use a scrubbing machine with a 16” to 20” diameter
brush. Place a soft-type pad on the brush to aid
in holding a 3M-type screen mesh pad. It should
be emphasized that these mesh pads should only
be used two or three times annually. The grit of
the screen mesh pad can be one of the following:
#60, #80 or #100. (The lower the number the coarser
the grit.) Using a neutral cleaner and water as
lubrication, scrub the floor surface. After several
passes in different directions, you should recognize
the removal of all foreign matter from the surface.
The cleaning cycle program should be regulated
by the amount of foot traffic. As the terrazzo
floor ages the maintenance requirements are lessened.
Note: Remove the build-up of wax or sealer with
a stripper material before passing the screen mesh
over the surface. |
What sealers are recommended for terrazzo floors?
All sealers should be UL listed for “Slip
Resistance” and required to produce a static
coefficient of friction (SCOF) of 0.5 minimum.
Note: Some jurisdictions now require a SCOF of
0.6 minimum to comply with ADA regulations. In
this case, the sealer used must be specified to
produce a SCOF of 0.6 minimum. Several sealers
are capable of meeting this standard.
New
cement terrazzo systems: should be
sealed with water-based sealers during the
initial
year
following completion. In the second year, the
system can be sealed with the solvent-based sealer,
if so desired.
Epoxy terrazzo systems: can
be sealed with a solvent or water-based sealer
immediately
following
the polishing process after overnight drying.
|
How should I care for my terrazzo floor?
The use of a pure surface coating (as most floor
waxes are) is unnecessary and ordinarily NOT recommended.
Applying a surface coating or wax may decrease
the non-slip co-efficient of friction below the
standard rating of 0.5. The marble chips and aggregates,
which make up 70% of the terrazzo floor, have very
low porosity and do not absorb most staining substances.
The portion of the terrazzo that needs protection
is the binder, especially portland cement, which
is porous and will absorb stains. Terrazzo does
not need protection from wear, it needs protection
from absorption and this is achieved through the
use of a penetrating sealer which seals off the
pores in the binder. |
