Terrazzo Floors
Terrazzo is the combination of a binder material, such as cement or an epoxy, with an aggregate, such as marble, granite, plastic or glass. The floor can have a rich, low-luster finish or a high-gloss shine, depending on the customer’s preference.Terrazzo floors are easy to maintain, according to the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association. In a list of recommended cleaning procedures, the NTMA suggests minimum care standards should include daily sweeping and weekly damp mopping with a neutral cleaner. Use clean rinse water, mops and pails.
The best way to prevent stains is to treat the surface with a protective sealer. Terrazzo should be treated as marble in a maintenance program. Etched by acids. Terrazzo does not need protection from wear – it needs protection from absorption and stains. A water based impregnator should be applied soon after honing and/or polishing. The impregnator is absorbed into the cement matrix, sealing its pores. It is important that the terrazzo is cleaned before the sealer is applied. Terrazzo floors should be cleaned only with a neutral pH cleaner. Detailed information on terrazzo is available at the NTMA (National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association) site.