Hard Floor Care – Terrazzo Floors

Hard Floor Care – Terrazzo Floors Terrazzo floors have been in existence for a very long time and several in the Mediterranean area are more than 3,000 years old. One terrazzo floor was found in excellent condition at Pompeii, where it had lain covered in lava and volcanic ash for many centuries. Good terrazzo has a smooth surface which is 70 percent or more marble and almost 30 percent neat Portland cement matrix. The marble aggregate is normally angular, rather than elongated and flaky, and is carefully graded by size, depending on the different colors, which contribute to the attractive, decorative effect. The cement may be white or colored. Terrazzo is generally laid on a concrete base over which a screed is applied. The screed is a grid arrangement of strips, usually metal, that divides the terrazzo into sections and supports the necessary grinding or honing to bring about a level, smooth surface. After the terrazzo has been laid for about four days, it is ground with a coarse abrasive stone and a plentiful supply of water to produce a smooth, even surface. Final polishing is generally carried out by machine, using carborundum as the abrasive. Although attractive, terrazzo floors tend to be hard, noisy and cold, but have extremely good wearing properties and will withstand heavy floor traffic. They are resistant to water and can stand up to normal amounts used for cleaning. Terrazzo floors are not resistant to acids. These attack both the marble aggregate and cement grouting, causing them to become pitted. Even mild acids have a detrimental effect and must be avoided. Some harsh alkaline cleaning solutions will also do considerable damage to terrazzo. When a floor is mopped with such a solution, it penetrates the small open cells of the terrazzo. As the water evaporates, the residual powder recrystallizes and expands, exerting much pressure on the surrounding material. The result is that the surface texture disintegrates into a fine dust. Continual treatment of this sort will cause the floor to become pitted and retain dirt. Proper selection of janitorial equipment and cleaning solutions will reduce this problem. If the surface has been damaged by either acid or harsh alkaline powder materials, the surface can be restored to its original smoothness by grinding. Terrazzo floors usually have good resistance to slip, particularly when polished to a fine finish. If, however, the floor is too highly polished by the use of very fine carborundum stones or other special polishing aids, a slippery surface may result. Be sure to select the correct janitorial supplies for maintaining terrazzo floors.   Search For Cleaning Supplies And Cleaning Products On Our Online Store

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