18 Sep Thinset Epoxy Terrazzo or Cement Terrazzo: The Differences
Thinset Epoxy Terrazzo or Cement Terrazzo: The Differences
The terrazzo industry has evolved since its origins in 15th-century Italy, where Venetian marble workers reused scraps from their construction projects to build terraces in their living quarters. Today there are many different terrazzo systems to choose from. The primary types of terrazzo used are thinset epoxy terrazzo and cement terrazzo.
At Concord Terrazzo Company, one of the common questions frequently asked from clients is: Which terrazzo system is right for my project? Is it thinset epoxy terrazzo or cement terrazzo? While epoxy terrazzo has grown significantly over the years, the answer can be based on factors like site conditions or aesthetics. We’ll educate you on both systems to help you make the best decision for your project.
Introduction to Thinset Epoxy Terrazzo
Epoxy terrazzo was formed during the 1970s as industries were introduced to epoxies, acrylics, and polymers. Since then the epoxy terrazzo market has grown significantly and accounts for the majority of installed indoor terrazzo systems.
Epoxy terrazzo is a thin-set terrazzo system that offers the lowest maintenance costs and quickest pour-to-grind duration. Under the right conditions, terrazzo can cure overnight and ready to grind and polish the following day. Compared to cement terrazzo, epoxy terrazzo is stronger and durable and is less susceptible to surface cracks.
After epoxy terrazzo was introduced in the 1970s, the design flexibility of terrazzo widened. Modern-day terrazzo can create almost anything you can think of. The epoxy resin matrix can match any pigments resulting in an unlimited choice of colors. This is great when considering installing multicolor designs or patterns. In addition to color selection, epoxy terrazzo incorporates a wider range of aggregates that includes recycled glass, Mother of Pearl, and synthetic chips.
Thinset Epoxy Terrazzo Characteristics
Advantages:
- Recommended for High-Traffic Indoor Spaces: Ideal for commercial buildings, schools, hospitals and airports
- Durable, Stronger, and Less Susceptible to Cracking: High strengths enhance the longevity of the floor
- Unlimited Design Potential: Can unlimited color palette, and accommodate detailed patterns and logos
- High-Level Gloss Finish: Provides a seamless polished floor
- Nonporous Finish: Resistant to stains, bacteria, and moisture
- Best Thin-set Terrazzo System Available
- Zero VOCs: Support improved indoor air quality
- Sustainable Materials: Can incorporate glass, mirror, and synthetic materials
- Low Maintenance and Lifecycle costs: Easy to clean and maintain providing long-term savings
- Thin & Lightweight: At 3/8 or 1/4″ thickness, it’s ideal for multi-story buildings
- Quick Install: Epoxy cures overnight, accelerating project completion
Disadvantages:
- Not Recommended for Outdoor Use: UV exposure can cause discoloration over time
- Moisture Sensitivity: May require a moisture mitigation system for proper installation
- Recommended Professional Installation
- High Initial Costs: Though cost-effective over the years, epoxy terrazzo has higher front expenses.
Introduction to Cement Terrazzo
Cement terrazzo is the traditional terrazzo system that dates back to the 15th century and is often seen in 1920s Art Deco buildings. Multiple terrazzo systems fall under the cement terrazzo category:
- Sand Cushion
- Bonded
- Monolithic
- Rustic
- Polyacrylate.
Cement terrazzo systems are thicker and heavier than thinset epoxy terrazzo. They offer a wide color palette, but their colors are not as vibrant as an epoxy terrazzo system. Among the cement terrazzo systems, sand cushion terrazzo is regarded as the best system
Another advantage of a cement terrazzo system is its use for both indoor and outdoor applications. Epoxy terrazzo systems do not fare well in outdoor applications due to UV ray exposure. For those interested in using terrazzo for exterior use, it is recommended to install a rustic terrazzo system.
Cement Terrazzo Characteristics
Advantages:
- Outdoor Compatibility: In addition to indoors, can be applied outdoors
- Classic & Timeless Designs: Offers soft, muted tones
- Zero VOCs/Use of Recycled Materials: Supports sustainable building practices
- Less Dependent on Site Conditions: Performs well below grade and in humid environments
- Durable flooring system: High strengths that deliver long-lasting results
Disadvantages:
- Slower Installation: Longer duration to fully cure, extending project timelines
- Porous: More susceptible to stains and surface cracks than epoxy terrazzo
- Design Limitations: Cannot achieve the same level of vibrancy, color consistency, and design intricacy as epoxy terrazzo
- Thicker and Heavier: Requires a depressed slab, not recommended for most renovations
- Skilled Contractors: More labor intensive, and fewer contractors skilled to install cement terrazzo today.
Comparing Epoxy and Cement Terrazzo
| Property | Epoxy Terrazzo | Cement Terrazzo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Expectancy | 40+ Years | 40+ Years | Both systems can last 40+ years; with proper care, terrazzo can last the building's lifetime. |
| Thickness | 3/8" or 1/4" | Sand Cushion: 2.5" to 3"; Bonded: 1.75" to 2.25"; Monolithic: 1/2"; Polyacrylate: 3/8" |
Cement requires a thicker installation; Cement terrazzo's topping is 1/2" installed over a cement bedding. |
| Weight | 3-4 lbs. PSF. | Sand Cushion: 25-30 lbs. PSF. Bonded: 18-22 lbs. PSF.; Monolithic: 5-7 lbs. PSF.; Polyacrylate: 4.5 lbs." |
Epoxy terrazzo's lighter weight is advantageous for multi-story buildings and elevators. |
| Depressed Slab | No | Yes | Cement terrazzo requires a depressed slab due to its thickness and weight. |
| Slab Flatness | Requires flat concrete substrate | Achieves flatter finish with underbeds | Flatness within 1/4" over 10 feet may require grinding or filling before terrazzo installation. |
| Volume Change | No volume change (100% solids) | Shrinkage due to water evaporation | Cement systems are water hydrated where shrinkage occurs from evaporation. As a 100% solid, epoxy terrazzo is more crack resistant. |
| Strip Spacing and Geometry | Unlimited shapes; larger spacing (15–20' | Limited to squares/rectangles; smaller spacing (4') | Epoxy terrazzo offers greater design flexibility |
| Color Range | Bright, vibrant, limitless colors | Classic, earthly tones. Limited range of colors | Epoxy provides greater design flexibility with consistent, customizable colors; cement terrazzo is limited to field-added pigments. |
| Aggregate Options | Bonds well with specialty aggregates (glass, metal, shells) | Specialty aggregates less suitable | Epoxy bonds better with diverse aggregates; cement terrazzo may shrink and lose bond. |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance, easy to clean | Higher maintenance needs | Epoxy is non-porous and more resistant to stains and bacteria compared to cement terrazzo, which is porous. |
Comparing the Two: What Sets Them Apart?
We’ll take a deeper look at the main differentiations between epoxy and cement terrazzo, to enrich your understanding of which system to use.
Terrazzo System Durability
Both terrazzo systems offer long-term durability; however, epoxy terrazzo outperforms cement terrazzo in performance. This makes epoxy terrazzo particularly advantageous for high-traffic commercial spaces like hospitals, schools and airports.
| Physical Property | TERRAZZCO Epoxy Terrazzo | Cement Terrazzo |
|---|---|---|
| Compressive Strength | 13,260 psi | 4,000 psi approx. |
| Tensile Strength | 9,580 psi | 400-600 psi approx. |
| Flexural Strength | 4,100 psi | 400-600 psi approx. |
At Concord Terrazzo Company, we supply TERRAZZCO Brand Products to produce a thin-set epoxy terrazzo system. When we compared the strengths of our thin-set epoxy terrazzo flooring system to cement terrazzo systems, you will notice a significant difference in compressive, tensile and flexural strength. But what does that mean?
Detailed Insights:
- Compressive Strength: Compressive strength refers to a material’s ability to withstand pressure before it fractures. Epoxy terrazzo has more than three times the compressive strength of cement terrazzo, making it ideal for high-traffic environments like hospitals and airports.
- Tensile Strength: Tensile strength measures how well a material resists pulling forces. Epoxy terrazzo is substantially stronger, reducing the risk of cracks due to stretching forces.
- Flexural Strength: This property indicates the material’s ability to resist bending under stress. Epoxy terrazzo’s superior flexural strength ensures long-lasting performance without warping or cracking.
Design Considerations
Aggregates
Epoxy terrazzo bonds well with any type or size of aggregates For cement terrazzo, designers have to be careful when specifying certain aggregates for this system. For cement terrazzo systems, smaller size aggregates and specialty aggregates should limited or avoided. The dense surface and shrinkage of cement terrazzo can dislodge the aggregate from its binder.
Pictured: Epoxy terrazzo sample featuring glass chips (left); cement terrazzo sample featuring marble chips (right)
Color Consistency
Epoxy terrazzo can be highly customized to match any color or pattern as well. The resin matrix can be pigmented to achieve vibrant consistent colors that do not fade over time. The color of cement terrazzo may vary slightly due to differences in water-cement ratios, temperatures and curing conditions during installation, making it less ideal for designs requiring precision and consistency.
Where to Install?
Epoxy Terrazzo (Interior Applications)
For indoor environments, thinset epoxy terrazzo is highly recommended as it offers exceptional flexibility and durability in a climate-controlled environment. Is acceptable for both new construction and renovation projects.
For example:
- Lobbies of a commercial building
- Hallways, elevators, and meeting areas
- Upper level floors of buildings
- Stairways and reception desks, made with precast epoxy terrazzo
Cement Terrazzo (Interior and Exterior Applications)
Cement terrazzo can be suited for both interior and exterior use. Its thickness is more ideal for new construction projects rather than renovation projects.
For example:
- Rustic Terrazzo for Exterior Plazas and Walkways
- Lobbies and hallways of commercial buildings
- Stairways and other precast applications
Moisture Conditions
Cement terrazzo is a porous surface allowing moisture to breathe through the system. Epoxy terrazzo is non-porous. As a result, high moisture content adds a dilemma for epoxy terrazzo projects. A moisture mitigation system is recommended for relative humidity readings higher than 75% to avoid adhesion issues.
If moisture is a concern, cement terrazzo suits better in high-moisture settings.
Installation and Lifecycle Costs
While terrazzo have high initial costs, they are considered the most cost-effective flooring system for commercial buildings. The cost to install epoxy terrazzo is comparable to cement terrazzo systems. However, higher labor costs and additional material costs are factored into cement terrazzo systems.
But if you were to compare the lifecycle cost between cement and epoxy terrazzo, epoxy terrazzo benefits building owners. Not only is epoxy terrazzo more durable than cement terrazzo, but is easier to clean and maintain. Its nonporous surface reduces the need for frequent sealing, and repairs, unlike cement terrazzo, which may require more maintenance over time.
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