Terrazzo

Terrazzo is commonly used as a flooring, stair or wall surface and consists of marble chips or other fine aggregate exposed within a concrete or resin binder.  The concept originated in Venice when workers discovered a new use for the leftover marble scraps.  After curing the rough, uneven mixture workers then hand polished the surface to a smooth, flat finish.  Today, advanced material mixtures and mechanical polishing processes streamline installation, but the concept of terrazzo remains the same.  Here are notes on common types of terrazzo.

Cementitious Terrazzo

• This 2 ½” system is placed over a concrete substrate.
• Before curing, metal divider strips are partially embedded for joints or changes in color.
• Marble chips are placed on the surface.  A lightweight roller then compacts the surface.
• It can be used for both interior and exterior applications.
• The system can be acid washed for slip resistance in exterior applications.
• The system is breathable.  Moisture and transmit through the surface.
• Color selections are not as vibrant in cementitious terrazzo.

Epoxy resin matrix Terrazzo

• Initial polymer terrazzos of the 1970s used polyester and vinyl ester resins as a binder.
• Today, epoxy terrazzo is the most common terrazzo.
• It allows for a wide selection of colors.
• ¼” to 3/8” total thickness is achieved.
• Lightweight
• Installation is fast due the accelerated chemical curing.
• Provides an impermeable surface, however a moisture barrier is required for slab on grade applications.
• High strength, less susceptible to cracking
• It can only be used indoors.
• In addition to marble, other aggregates including recycled glass, plastic, or oyster shell can be used.

Polyacrylate matrix terrazzo

• An acrylic additive gives this cement mixture increased strength when poured very thin.
• ½” total thickness over a wood substrate
• Glass chips can be used within the matrix.
• It can be used for exterior or interior applications.
• The system is breathable.  Moisture can transmit through the surface.
• System can be acid washed for slip resistance in exterior applications.
• Color selections are not as vibrant in a polyacrylate matrix.

Finishing Procedures for Terrazzo

After drying or curing, the terrazzo surface is ground with a polisher.  Areas left slightly depressed by the grinding process are filled with a matching grout material and troweled smooth.  The surface is then cleaned, polished and sealed.

Sustainability

The surface’s durability, potential recycled content and lack of volatile organic compounds (VOC) make it a material appropriate for sustainable design.   Both cement and epoxy matrix floor systems can be comprised of zero VOC’s.  Glass aggregates can commonly be 100% recycled.  Glass filler material that is generally not visible can further contribute to the material’s overall recycled content.  A complete terrazzo assembly that incorporates both recycled glass aggregate and glass filler can result in an overall recycled content of 70%. 

Comments

[Marble Polishing Miami]

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Marble Polishing Miami