FAQ TERRAZZO

 

Frequently-asked questions about Concord Terrazzo Company and terrazzo flooring.

What is Terrazzo?

Terrazzo is a flooring material consisting of a mixture of marble, glass or other decorative aggregates combined in either a cement or epoxy matrix, which is then ground and polished for a smooth floor finish.

Where can epoxy terrazzo be installed?

Epoxy terrazzo can be installed in virtually any indoor space. You’ll likely to find epoxy terrazzo today in places where high foot traffic is common such as airports, schools, hospitals, and hotels. Some other places include malls, workplaces, recreation centers, markets, and restaurants. Epoxy terrazzo can also be installed in residential homes.

 

Concord Terrazzo Company supplies terrazzo contractors with the materials needed to install a seamless epoxy terrazzo floor. We also provide precast terrazzo finishes such as stairs, countertops, and wall base, all suitable for indoor settings. An epoxy terrazzo system should not be used in outdoor areas.

Is terrazzo only for floors?

Terrazzo is most known for use as a flooring material yet there are tons of applications for terrazzo. Terrazzo can be made into stair treads, stair risers, base, countertops, tabletops, benches, and more. Epoxy terrazzo can be poured in place or created via a precast method, which is manufactured on an offsite location and later transported to the project site for installation.

 

Ask our team members how you can incorporate terrazzo for your building project.

What is precast terrazzo?

Terrazzo can be created in precast form, which is a block or slab that can custom cut to form products such as stairs, walls, countertops, cove base, and flat base. Precast terrazzo is manufactured in a controlled environment and then shipped to a construction site for easy installation.

 

Concord Terrazzo Company designs and develops its precast from epoxy terrazzo using TERRAZZCO Brand aggregates and Groutless EZPour Epoxy 158.

What are the benefits of terrazzo?

When grind and polished, epoxy terrazzo offers a seamless finish that is suitable for many buildings. With no grout lines, this eliminates the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew. Epoxy terrazzo also offers a wide color pallet and aggregate selection to create a remarkable design. Also overtime terrazzo is quite easy to clean and easy to maintain. Terrazzo is also durable and requires little to no replacement during its entire lifecycle.

What is the typical thickness of a terrazzo floor?

Epoxy terrazzo is considered the best thin-set system available at a thickness of 3/8” or ¼”. Cement terrazzo is thicker than epoxy terrazzo. Sand Cushion terrazzo systems require a minimum depth of 2 ½” with a setting bed. Bonded and monolithic terrazzo systems are 1/2″ thick. Those terrazzo toppings can be 1/2″ thick.

Is terrazzo an outdated floor finish?

While terrazzo origins date back to the 15th century, terrazzo has seen a resurgence today. It’s durability, low maintenance and flexible design make it perfect for schools, airports, hospitals and other commercial settings. In fact, epoxy terrazzo gives architects and homeowners the ability to design a floor as they like and is cost-effective compared to other flooring systems on the market. Studies predict that terrazzo is a rapidly growing building material due to today’s focus on sustainability in construction projects, with more projects selecting epoxy terrazzo as a flooring system over the next decade.

Does epoxy terrazzo contain VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)?

Epoxy terrazzo contains zero amounts of VOCs. Our epoxy resins were tested and proven by third-party organizations to have zero chemical emissions making our products environmentally friendly for use in today’s construction projects. Architects may review Health Product Declarations for TERRAZZCO Brand Products under the Resources section of the website.

How much does terrazzo cost?

Terrazzo is a valuable flooring system. Although epoxy terrazzo may come with higher initial installation costs, when maintenance and replacements costs are factored in, terrazzo has the lowest lifecycle cost per year than any flooring system. With proper care, terrazzo floors can last over 75 years on average. Terrazzo floors are built to last.

 

Terrazzo pricing also varies depending on the region you live in. To get an accurate quote, please refer to a local contractor.

What is the lifespan of a terrazzo floor?

Terrazzo will typically last the lifetime of any building structure, evident in buildings built over 100 years ago. A poured-in-place epoxy terrazzo system will last between 40 to 100 years, even longer with proper care.

Is Concord Terrazzo Company an NTMA member?

Yes. Concord Terrazzo Company is an associate member of the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association and meets standards for thin-set epoxy resin, aggregates and precast terrazzo.

Does Concord Terrazzo install terrazzo?

No. Concord Terrazzo Company is a terrazzo materials supplier. We supply epoxy resin, aggregates, precast terrazzo (countertops, wall base, stair treads, etc.), and offer sample creation and waterjet cutting services to terrazzo contractors, architects, and other construction professionals.

Does Concord Terrazzo Company provide terrazzo samples?

Yes. Concord Terrazzo Company provides terrazzo samples using TERRAZZCO Brand aggregates in any epoxy resin color. We have several collections for anyone to browse through. Architects and designers also have the option to design their own custom terrazzo sample, which they can reach out to our design team for assistance if needed. All our samples are free to any architectural and design community within the United States. These samples are made at the time of a request, and typically take two weeks or less to be delivered to the client.

 

Order Terrazzo Samples with TERRAZZCO

Does Concord Terrazzo Company supply tiles?

Concord Terrazzo Company specializes in poured-in-place terrazzo. Our precast terrazzo division manufactures tile products as an accessory to the poured-in-place terrazzo system for use in elevator cabs, stair landings, or small commercial areas.

 

When considering the durability, design, and maintenance of a high-traffic spot of a commercial building, we suggest clients select a poured-in-place epoxy terrazzo system. Concord Terrazzo Company is available to discuss solutions for your projects and will explain the differences in cost, lead times, and design options between our poured-in-place epoxy terrazzo system vs terrazzo tiles.

Does Concord Terrazzo provide aggregates in bulk supply?

Yes. All TERRAZZCO Brand aggregates start off packaged in 50-pound bags. Aggregates are crushed daily and we can provide contractors with bulk supply options.

 

Options include pallet-size (about 50 bags per pallet), supersacks, and multiple ton orders.

 

Our aggregates are not limited just to terrazzo applications. We do supply any color and size of aggregates for landscaping, roofing, asphalt, architectural concrete, and other construction applications.

 

For special orders, please contact Concord Terrazzo Company for availability and lead time for each material requested.

What are the standard lead times for materials?

Concord Terrazzo Company is a one-stop shop where you can find the materials needed to complete an epoxy terrazzo installation. Materials such as TERRAZZCO epoxy resins and aggregates typically have short lead times (about 2-4 weeks or less to deliver materials).

 

Precast terrazzo products are custom-made-to-order. Contact Concord Terrazzo Company to inquire about the current lead times for the production of terrazzo stairs, wall base, and countertops.

Should I hire a contractor to install terrazzo?

Concord Terrazzo Company recommends that you work with a terrazzo contractor when installing terrazzo. The National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association has a list of contractors that are well-qualified to complete an installation for you. If you need help finding a recommended installer in your area, Concord Terrazzo Company can assist you.

Can terrazzo be installed outdoors?

The National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association does not recommend epoxy terrazzo for outdoor installation. This is due to epoxy being sensitive to ultraviolet rays and heat. For those interested in applying terrazzo outside, a cement-based rustic terrazzo system is the best system to use. However, epoxy terrazzo Is recommended for indoor applications.

How long does it take to install terrazzo?

Epoxy terrazzo is quicker to install than traditional cement terrazzo systems. At 3/8” thickness, terrazzo floors cure overnight, speeding up project duration.

How is a terrazzo floor installed?

Basic steps to installing a terrazzo floor include surface preparation, mixing components for a terrazzo floor, troweling, grinding and polishing, and sealing a terrazzo floor.

 

Surface preparation is necessary as this allows installers to create a strong bond between substrate and terrazzo. Installers will perform crack detailing and floor leveling as well. Concord Terrazzo Company provides TERRAZZCO Brand epoxy products that aide in the surface preparation process such as TERRAZZCO Moisture Mitigation System MMS 950, Flexible Membrane 528 and Leveling Fill.

 

Once the surface is prepared, installers can begin forming the layout of the terrazzo design by cutting and placing divider strips across the surface.

 

For epoxy terrazzo, part A epoxy resin is combined with a part B epoxy hardener. Approximately 200 pounds of aggregates and marble dust is added and allowed to mixed thoroughly. The batch is then carried to a designated spot and poured in place. Using a hand trowel, installers spread the terrazzo evenly at the desired thickness.

 

Installers will next grind the floor to create a more smooth and more refined appearance. Any pinholes left after the grinding process are covered with epoxy grout of the same color. This ensures a uniformed and non-porous surface is established.

 

Polishing brings out the vividness of the epoxy colors and aggregates, adding a good shine to the surface. Sealer is applied for protection of the terrazzo floor, which concludes the installation.

What can i do to prevent cracks in my terrazzo floor?

One way to prevent cracks from occurring is to have a terrazzo installer apply a crack suppression membrane. At Concord Terrazzo Company, we supply TERRAZZCO® Floor Aid Flexible Membrane 528 to provide a crack resistant, resilient and durable floor for any epoxy terrazzo floor.

Should I install terrazzo if I have an uneven surface?

In order to keep epoxy terrazzo at its desired thickness, a substrate must be flat. If part of a building has a floor out of tolerance, terrazzo installers can install materials to correct the issue. At Concord Terrazzo Company, we supply TERRAZZCO EZPour Leveling Fill Epoxy 162, which when combined with aggregates can be applied at a desired thickness.

What kind of designs can I create with terrazzo?

Design flexibility is a key attribute of epoxy terrazzo. In fact, it’s possible to create any design you can imagine. You can have a seamless terrazzo floor with only one color of epoxy. You can create a terrazzo floor layout using simple geometric shapes like squares, rectangles, and circles. Or you can create very intricate designs that may require several colors or curves to complete the design. Terrazzo allows the freedom for designers to create a custom floor design.

 

Concord Terrazzo Company offers both design consultations and a waterjet cutting service, which accurately cuts out detailed logos and floor layouts prior to installation. For assistance in developing a floor design, contact Concord Terrazzo Company at info@terrazzco.com.

Besides marble, what other aggregates can be used in a terrazzo design?

Traditionally terrazzo incorporates marble aggregates; however, today designers have plenty of aggregate options. Other terrazzo aggregate options include pre and post-consumer recycled glass, Mother of Pearl and other shells, porcelain, concrete, metal shavings, and plastic chips. To all of TERRAZZCO’s aggregates, view aggregates here.

Can Concord Terrazzo help me design an artistic terrazzo floor?

Yes. If you are seeking to create an artistic component to your terrazzo floors, Concord Terrazzo can assist you. We partner with local artists who can assist you in planning your next terrazzo design. Schedule a design consultation through TERRAZZCO.

 

The TERRAZZCO team will provide complimentary samples to go with your custom design, and uses waterjet technology to form the layout of your custom terrazzo floor design.

Is terrazzo hard to maintain?

Terrazzo is actually easy to care for on a daily and weekly basis. All terrazzo requires is a regular damp mopping with clean water and occasional resealing. No special products are needed. It is recommended to avoiding waxes and certain polishes as they can diminish the finish of a terrazzo floor. Terrazzo has high resistance to chemicals, fire, water, stains and bacteria.

How do I clean a terrazzo floor?

For buildings with installed terrazzo floors, it is essential to have a regular cleaning routine. For daily cleaning, it is recommended to use a dust mop over the surface to removed any dirt and debris left during the day. Stains can be removed by hand work using a neutral cleaner diluted in warm water.  On a weekly basis, is it recommended to use a damp mop to lightly go over the surface. Use clean water and a neutral cleaner. To remove any stains, you can scrub the flooring using mechanical buffing machines and a neutral cleaner.

Are terrazzo floors slippery?

Sealers and coatings determine whether or not a terrazzo floor is slippery. Terrazzo in its natural state is not slippery. For those with concerns over how to prevent slips and falls on a terrazzo floor, please refer to a manufacturer’s instructions on all sealer and coating products. Ask your local terrazzo contractor for recommended products. Avoid using wax products.

Can terrazzo be restored?

Yes. Terrazzo floors that have experienced damaged over the years or display a dull appearance can be restored to their original state to look brand new once again. Terrazzo floors can be polished and resealed. Terrazzo floors with chips or cracks can be patched with a matching floor color and aggregates.

Can terrazzo be added to older buildings?

While terrazzo is reemerging as a popular building material in new construction projects today, epoxy terrazzo can add new life to older buildings as well. Terrazzo can be poured over any concrete slab or over an older terrazzo surface.