Many older historic homes feature terrazzo as their original flooring.
In such cases, indeed, collaborating with Marble Doctors can empower you to rejuvenate terrazzo floors, restoring them to a brand-new appearance, even if multiple layers of other flooring have been added on top of the original terrazzo.
In certain scenarios, your terrazzo may simply require repair or a polishing treatment.
As one of the earliest forms of eco-friendly flooring, terrazzo is typically a composite material poured in precast form or created on-site.
It typically consists of aggregates or marble chips mixed within a binder material.
Today, terrazzo, renowned for its sustainability, flexibility, and durability, comes in a wide array of colors, making it adaptable even for the most intricate floor design needs.
Spanning from tranquil bathhouses to regal palaces, and making a statement in international airports, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, terrazzo presents a multitude of possibilities as a flooring option.
History of Terrazzo Flooring
The history of Terrazzo is quite fascinating. The term itself, derived from the Italian word for ‘terrace,’ has been associated with mosaic flooring for centuries.
Terrazzo, renowned for practicality, strength, and elegance, originated in the 15th century.
Venetian construction workers utilized marble chips to create cost-effective, aesthetically stunning flooring for their homes.
The concept of terrazzo made its way to the United States during the late 18th century.
Notably, Mount Vernon, the residence of George Washington, was one of the pioneering buildings in the U.S. to feature this type of flooring.
As time passed, materials for terrazzo became readily available for various construction projects across America.
In the modern era, terrazzo has evolved to incorporate a diverse range of durable building materials, including quartz, granite, marble, and recycled glass aggregates.
By mixing these materials with epoxy or cement, we meticulously polish them to produce a smooth, sustainable, and consistently textured surface.
Whether in precast or poured form, terrazzo grants architects and designers significant flexibility, enabling the creation of stunning and unique designs.
Sustainable Flooring Design
Terrazzo stands out as a remarkably durable flooring option, making it an excellent choice for fulfilling various sustainability requirements.
Its outstanding performance and economic value play a significant role in achieving LEED Certification for commercial buildings.
A terrazzo flooring system installed with epoxy two decades ago can retain its beauty just as effectively as one recently installed.
This enduring quality is why terrazzo remains an integral component in many iconic structures today.
Terrazzo’s roots extend over 1500 years in Italy, where the benefits of combining marble scraps for exquisite flooring designs were first discovered.
The practice of reusing materials remains relevant today, aligning with the growing emphasis on sustainable architecture and environmental efforts.
Terrazzo’s characteristics, along with the utilization of recycled materials, make it a smart choice for projects seeking LEED certification.
Modern terrazzo artisans innovate, replacing cement with epoxy resins and diverse materials for breathtaking artistic floor designs.
Terrazzo enables you to craft a custom and stunning design for your space, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
Additionally, one of its most notable attributes is its exceptional durability, requiring significantly less maintenance compared to tile or carpeting.
The longevity of terrazzo floors is further evident in installations that have endured for generations. Some have reached up to 80 years old and still appear as though they were created recently.
Terrazo flooring services we provide:
- New Surfaces
If your terrazzo is looking somewhat worn, we can use 120 grit metal honing disks to grind the floor on counter spinning heads.
This takes the top layer off a dull terrazzo floor and gives new life to the material.
- Hand Grinding
After the initial floor grinding, we meticulously hand-grind the corners and edges to ensure the creation of a consistent surface.
- Cracks and Chips
Although, If your terrazzo has cracks or chips, Marble Doctors can drill out the holes and refill them with matching marble chips so that the patch matches the rest of the floor.
- Stain Removal
For severely stained terrazzo floors, we offer an optional peroxide treatment during restoration, available for an additional charge.
Moreover, you can learn more about it during your free terrazzo consultation.
Polishing process for Terrazzo floor
After exposing the original surface, repairing any damage, we polish the terrazzo floor with progressively finer diamond resin honing disks.
This meticulous process polishes the floor down to its fundamental level, eliminating any room for dirt to accumulate on the surface.
With regular damp mopping, you can maintain this polished finish for years.
It’s vital to understand that patching or cleaning terrazzo is a skill that takes years to master.
Do not entrust this task to subcontractors from generic flooring companies, as no two terrazzo installations are alike.
Terrazzo involves a variety of binding agents and stones to create a unique composition.
Attempting to patch terrazzo with an inferior binding agent or a different type of stone may result in a mismatch with your existing floor.
At Marble Doctors, our experts who polish your terrazzo floor will carefully evaluate and examine the specific stones used in your original floor to ensure a seamless match.
Certainly, a poorly executed patch job can lead to significant issues with your terrazzo floor.
The six essential steps of the polishing process include:
- Grind the entire floor surface with 50 grit honing disks of diamond resins;
- Proceed to grind the entire floor surface with 120 grit honing disks;
- Use 220 grit honing disks;
- Utilize 400 grit honing disks;
- Use 800 grit honing disks;
- Apply a compound polish to achieve a high gloss.
Seal and Protect the Terrazzo Flooring
In the next phase, we may apply an impregnator sealer for enhanced stain protection on your terrazzo floor.
Furthermore, our dedicated team takes meticulous care in removing any protective plastic and ensures a thorough cleanup of the entire project.
Also, this process may exceed your terrazzo floor’s brilliance, eliciting a radiant smile from homeowners impressed by the stunning results.
We guarantee no shortcuts or harmful chemicals in our terrazzo care—ensuring the longevity and beauty of your floor.
The final outcome will be a slip-resistant, smooth, shiny, and exceptionally beautiful terrazzo floor.
