Unlimited Architectural and Design Options
An unlimited color palette, and state of the art water jet cutting techniques create a visually stunning hospitality environment. Logos can easily be incorporated within the terrazzo floor. Color transitions and design can immediately impact guests by reinforcing a variety of themes or by offering navigational clues throughout the building. Terrazzo is anti-microbial, non-porous and easily cleanable with a damp mop and neutral cleaners leaving no harsh odors to irritate guests.
Impact Design
Terrazzo can be used to create lasting first impressions while providing a long lasting durable and economical flooring surface. If your project needs color to make an impact, or requires a logo set into flooring, a terrazzo floor can make this possible without the need for grout joints. This can be vitally important in some facilities as it allows for smooth, quite handling of rolling carts, wheelchairs, gurneys, and luggage, while still providing design impact and creative energy.
Durability
Sustainable construction is at the core of green construction. Terrazzo is arguably the most durable and lowest life-cycle-cost flooring available today, making it perfect for high traffic public access buildings such as airports, hospitals, government buildings, and schools. Terrazzo floors have an outstanding record of durability and performance dating back over a thousand years, and these floors will typically last the life of the structure. In older buildings, terrazzo floors can be restored to their original luster at a fraction of the cost of replacing the finish. They are even flood proof as we learned during our experience with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Read More About Flood Proof Flooring ⇒
Low Maintenance and Low Cost
Terrazzo is arguably the most durable and lowest life-cycle-cost flooring available today, perfect for high-traffic public access buildings such as airports where surfaces are exposed to excessive wear. Both cement and thin set epoxy terrazzo floors have extremely low maintenance costs, and annual stripping and resealing can utilize environmentally friendly water-based products. Routine maintenance includes dry and damp mopping, with an occasional spray buffing. Damaged or worn terrazzo can usually be matched, repaired, and refurbished at a fraction of the cost of replacing the flooring.
Composition and Embodied Energy
Terrazzo is composed of naturally occurring aggregates, recycled glass or plastic and processed cement or epoxy binders. The binders constitute approximately 25 to 30 percent of the volume of the terrazzo floors; the remainder of the floor is composed of aggregates, pigments, and fillers. Initial life-cycle assessments of embodied energy appear extremely favorable due to the longevity and low energy usage for maintenance.
Cleanliness + Maintenance
Both cement and epoxy terrazzo are ideal solutions for maintaining a healthy building. Unlike tile grout or carpet, terrazzo does not support microbial growth, nor does it allow moisture to accumulate – which greatly contributes to a mold-free environment. Additionally, terrazzo is comprised of zero VOC materials, and exhibits little to no off-gassing over the life of the cured floor. Terrazzo flooring needs only to be cleaned with an environmentally friendly, neutral ph cleanser, which will not irritate sensitive eyes, lungs or noses.
Patients entering a healthcare facility are often in pain. Tiles, bricks, and other floors create bumpy joints that can make wheelchair or gurney transportation excruciating. These joints can also be difficult to navigate with a walker or crutches. Terrazzo’s seamless finish provides a smooth, quiet ride or walk for patients.