What is Terrazzo flooring

 

Many individuals are wondering what terrazzo is. To address that question, terrazzo can be used to create a variety of different finishes. In one statement, terrazzo is defined as a composite material that is poured in place or prefabricated for precast terrazzo. Terrazzo is made up of marble, granite, quartz, glass, shell, and other suitable materials chipped together. The binder is either cement or an epoxy matrix.

In Mumbai 20 years back builders used to give the residential flat terrazzo flooring but now it is replaced with ceramic tiles because of the high cost. But then too if not refurbished you will see the terrazzo flooring in your friend’s house or older buildings.

It has a rich look and feels that instantly transforms the appearance of a place. It has been increasingly popular in recent years as a more appealing alternative to marble and granite in-house design. So will see where this material came came from.

History of Terrazzo

Terrazzo was invented in Venice in the 15^th century. Terrazzo has a fascinating history and may be found all over the world. Marble has been used as a primary building material in Italy for over 500 years. For their private residences and terraces, Venetian laborers would use leftover marble pieces saved from previous expensive projects, laying them next to each other on a clay mortar basis. It was old-shaped pieces of waste marble placed in mortar.

Workers would toss enormous marble chips into the wet cement, which would then be crushed and polished. These ideas combine to make the typical form of terrazzo, which consists of stone bits linked to a cement bed.

While the Venetians are widely credited with inventing terrazzo, researchers have discovered evidence of such floors in ruins in Turkey reaching back 10,000 years. Fast forward to now, and epoxy is used in the majority of installations.

Terrazzo was brought to the US in 1890 and gained popularity in 1920. Epoxy terrazzo, which was first introduced in the 1970s, quickly established benefits over cement terrazzo systems, including faster installation times, better design flexibility, and longer lifecycles.

How is terrazzo made?

The resin is blended with colored marble, granite chips, or other acceptable aggregates such as glass to create a durable, hard-wearing, and extremely decorative flooring option. The mix is ground and polished during production to display the aggregate pattern, which contrasts with the colored epoxy.

Terrazzo comes in a variety of thicknesses, ranging from 8 to 12 mm, depending on the application. The benefits of such a product are well-known; terrazzo dates back to ancient Egypt, with the more modern variety we are familiar with extending back hundreds of years to Italy. Terrazzo is mostly used in Flooring and consists of decorative fillers and cementitious or polymeric binders. When flooring is created with terrazzo, metal strips are used to divide sections or colors, or patterns. 

Many people use this approach to create kitchen countertops, tabletops, benches, and shelving, as well as bathroom countertops. The material is very adaptable, so you may try out different forms and designs. The color possibilities are numerous and, to be honest, can be overwhelming at times. Do you know Goat milk was used on terrazzo to bring out the color?

Types of Terrazzo Flooring

Epoxy terrazzo

One of the most popular varieties of terrazzo is epoxy. To make it, a thick resin matrix veneer must be applied to a level concrete slab. It has a small profile and is exceedingly adaptable. It is chemically resistant and can be used for both flooring and counters Epoxy cleared is mixed with Color pigment and chips of quartz, marble, granite, glass, mirror, and mother of pearl. While adding quartz cost depends on the type and quantity of filler used. Marble and colored chips being used the cheapest and Mother of pearl is the costliest. Multiple colors, designs, and patterns also affect the cost.   

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Rustic Terrazzo 

With its slip-resistant rough coating, it's usually used outside. The finish is obtained by softly washing away some of the cement before curing, exposing the marble, granite, or quartz aggregate, rather than grinding and polishing.

Sand Cushion Terrazzo

The terrazzo is poured over a wire-reinforced mud bed of sand and cement mixture that the builders also installed. Standard straight metal divider strips are partially implanted in the mud bed wherever there will be a joint or a color change while the mud bed is still soft.

Advantages of Terrazzo

·         Epoxy terrazzo provides a seamless finish that is suited for a variety of materials when grinded and polished. Bacteria, mold, and dampness cannot grow because there are no grout lines. Epoxy terrazzo also comes in a variety of colors and aggregates to help you create a unique pattern. Terrazzo is also quite easy to clean and preserve over time. Terrazzo is also long-lasting and requires little to no replacement throughout its lifespan.

·         There are many different colors, designs, and patterns to choose from. You can create customized floorings based on your needs. It has a fresh and modern appearance.

·         Designed for large-scale commercial venues with a high volume of foot traffic. Example: Schools, hospitals, airports, and offices.

 

Advantages for the environment

•          The majority of the materials used to produce terrazzo flooring are 60 percent recycled aggregates.
•          Terrazzo has a low maintenance demand and saves energy.
•          When creating terrazzo flooring, aluminium strips are used for joints.
•          To restore original brightness, old terrazzo floors can be scrubbed and resealed with acrylic sealers.         

What kind of design we can from terrazzo?

Epoxy terrazzo is known for its design flexibility. You can build any design you can think of. With only one color of epoxy, you can create a smooth terrazzo floor. Simple geometric designs such as squares, rectangles, and circles can be used to create a terrazzo floor arrangement. Alternatively, you can make more detailed drawings that may require numerous colors or curves to finish. Terrazzo gives designers the ability to create a unique floor design.

What is precast terrazzo?

Terrazzo can be made in the precast form, which is a block or slab that can be custom carved to build stairwells, walls, counters, cove base, and flat bases. Precast terrazzo is made in a controlled environment before being brought to a construction site for quick installation.

What is lifespan terrazzo flooring?

Terrazzo will often outlast any building construction, as evidenced by structures built over 100 years. A poured-in-place epoxy terrazzo system can endure anywhere from 40 to 100 years, and with proper maintenance, it can last even longer.

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