How To Specify Precast Terrazzo

How to Specify Precast Terrazzo

How to Specify Precast Terrazzo

 

Terrazzo is a popular building material today for its durability and appealing aesthetics, well-recorded since its creation in the 15th century. Today terrazzo is used in commercial, industrial, and industrial buildings because of its long life-cycle. For those wanting to learn more about terrazzo, the material comes in either poured-in-place or precast form. Concord Terrazzo Company specializes in precast terrazzo and we’ll address how to specify precast terrazzo.

Manufacturing Precast Terrazzo

Precast terrazzo shares the same properties as traditional terrazzo. The main difference between a poured-in-place installation versus a precast installation is that the precast product is developed at a manufacturing site and later transported to the project’s location.

 

Like traditional terrazzo, the precast form is made from marble, glass, or other decorative aggregates and mixed into either an epoxy or cementitious binder.  Concord Terrazzo Company can cut custom pieces using our advanced machinery, which the precast team will later grind and polish for a state-of-the-art finished product.

Precast Shop
Precast Terrazzo

All products are managed in a controlled environment. This is beneficial when it’s time to install the precast because the products are made readily available making it quicker to install. Because each product is managed in such conditions, a precast team can create a high-performance product.

 

When it comes to design, precast terrazzo can be pigmented to match any color. Combine any color with any combination of marble, glass, or shell chips and you can achieve any design imaginably. Design flexibility is one of the key reasons why architects are experimenting with the use of terrazzo today.

Room for Precast Terrazzo Customization

A manufacturer can create custom fabrications for any project. Custom fabrications may include specifying a specific length or thickness or even forming unique shapes or curved surfaces. Concord Terrazzo Company can virtually create different custom products at reasonable costs.

 

Applications may include:

  • Stair Treads
  • Floor base
  • Wall panels
  • Countertops
  • Tabletops
  • Shower stalls; and
  • Fountains
Precast Terrazzo Stairs
Polished Terrazzo Staircase

Stair treads can come in various forms such as self-supporting, flat tread, and tread and riser combinations, all creating beautiful staircases for any commercial or institutional building. Abrasive channels are inserted for anti-slip purposes. Precast stair landings can be custom made at various sizes as well, providing a resting point between a set of treads.

Precast Terrazzo Installation

As mentioned before, precast terrazzo is manufactured offsite and transported to the construction site. Installing precast terrazzo is quite simple. Prior to the installation, the floor must be clear of any dirt and debris. Afterward, installers can prepare an adhesive material and start placing the precast onto the adhesive. Because the precast products were ground and polished at the manufacturing site, the installation time is greatly decreased. Overall installing precast is often faster, convenient, safer, and of better quality than having to fabricate the precast onsite.

Precast Terrazzo Installation

Sustainability of Precast Terrazzo

Terrazzo is seeing a reemergence as of late due to the increase in green construction projects. Terrazzo is considered one of the most sustainable materials available today.

 

Precast today is made with environmentally-friendly materials such as VOC-free epoxy resins and recycled materials. Concord Terrazzo Company’s precast terrazzo creates each precast unit using TERRAZZCO EZPour Epoxy 158, which is a 100% solid two-part epoxy resin system that contains zero VOCs.

 

Recycled materials like glass, porcelain, or concrete can be added to a terrazzo’s design. Some of today’s terrazzo aggregates come from post-consumer and post-industrial sources. Recycled glass is known for adding a much more vibrant display not seen with marble chips. Mirror glass, in particular, is commonly used to add a bit of depth or flashiness to a terrazzo product. Mother of Pearl is also an aggregate that gives terrazzo a unique appearance as well.

 

Concord Terrazzo Company processes aggregates found locally near our facility. Aggregates used within 500 miles of the project’s site helps reward architects with LEED credits as well. This provides a sustainable solution that minimizes the carbon footprint.

Conclusion

With more people seeking terrazzo, they should be made aware of the many different options available to them including precast terrazzo. Hospitals, schools, and retail stores can all benefit from using the beauty, durability, and low maintenance that a precast terrazzo product brings. To learn more on how to specify precast terrazzo, please contact Concord Terrazzo Company at info@terrazzco.com or refer to informational guides provided by the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association.