What Is Terrazzo?
What Is Terrazzo?
Many people question what is terrazzo? To answer that question, it is a building material capable of forming many unique finishes. If to sum up the building material in one sentence, terrazzo is described as a composite material, poured in place or prefabricated for precast terrazzo which is used for flooring, base, walls, stair treads, countertops, and other custom products. Terrazzo consists of chips of marble, granite, quartz, glass, shell or other suitable materials. It uses either a cement or epoxy matrix as the binder.
Metal strips divide sections, make color transitions, design decorative patterns or logos and allow for movement or crack mitigation. Divider strips are made from aluminum (epoxy terrazzo only), zinc, brass or plastic but never stainless steel.
Terrazzo is also related to the technique seminato (meaning seed). For this technique, workers would toss large marble chips into the wet cement that was later ground and polished. Together, these two methods create the generic form of terrazzo that involve pieces of stone that are bonded to a cement bed.
While credit is traditionally given to the Italians, as it is commonly recognized that terrazzo was invented by the Venetians, archaeologists have found evidence of such floors in ruins in Turkey dating back 10,000 years ago. Fast forward to today, and a majority of installations are epoxy-based. Introduced in the 1970s, epoxy soon offered advantages over cement systems, including quicker speeds to install, greater design flexibility, and longer lifecycles. According to the NTMA, epoxy terrazzo is the best thin-set system available, and remains one of the most durable and cost-effective flooring finishes to specify.
Type Of Terrazzo Systems
Terrazzo installation options include cementitious and thin-set epoxy resin systems. There are several systems including:
Thin-set epoxy
Polyacrylate
Sand cushion
Monolithic
Bonded
Rustic
Popular using on the floor, university, hospital, public area,
Airports And Transporation Centers
Airports are on board with using terrazzo to help guide passengers through the terminal and concourse areas. The use of colors and patterns provide visual cues for passengers. As a result, passengers know which direction to follow, while also reflecting upon a narrative of the city and its culture through the floor design. The largest benefit terrazzo brings to airports is its low-maintenance and longevity. With continuous traffic, the floor finish is designed to last a lifetime helping airports keep repair and maintenance costs down.
Schools And Universities
Good design improves academic performance according to studies focusing on the use of materials like terrazzo and its impact on school design. For elementary schools, vibrant colors can create a lively and engaging atmosphere for younger students. School logos can boost school spirits as well. As with airports, the surface helps keep costs down with its durability and low maintenance. But terrazzo uses low emitting epoxy resins, which also helps improve the indoor air quality of school buildings. This establishes a healthier environment for students.
Hospitals And Healthcare Facilities
Terrazzo provides a cleaner and sanitary flooring option for hospitals. The floor is nonporous and is resistant to the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew. This makes it an exceptional choice for healthcare facilities today. Because epoxy terrazzo has a seamless surface as well, it becomes easier for wheeled transportation like hospital beds and wheelchairs to move from place to place. Studies have indicated that a hospital’s design can help patients heal at faster rates.
Corporate Offices
First impressions are important for businesses. Therefore, many corporate headquarters welcome existing and potential clients with a calming and inviting environment. Terrazzo floors are installed in offices for this effect and it even has a positive impact on an employee’s productivity. Companies can build their brand by installing their corporate logo in the main lobby. Companies can also showcase their brand colors throughout the hallways and office spaces.
Homes And Apartments
Let’s not forget homes. It is one of the biggest investments in a person’s life. Due to the customization of terrazzo, homeowners look for solutions that would benefit their kitchen, bathroom or living quarters. These solutions include floors, countertops, backsplashes, and shower stalls. Because the building material lasts a lifetime, homeowners willing to invest in this type of floor also benefit from the low maintenance. Homeowners can build custom flooring or countertop that meets their design preferences.
Once you notice what terrazzo is, you will see it in many places today. Other places include restaurants, hotels, retail outlets, and theaters.