Your Terrazzo
Terrazzo and its Origins
In 1931, the Terrazzo and Mosaic Association set the standards for the Terrazzo we find in our homes today. Combining two parts marble chips and one part Portland cement, Terrazzo is poured over the foundation before the interior walls are in place. After pouring and pressing with rollers, Terrazzo is ground to an 80 grit finish. The final product is a continuous marble floor that is 5/8″ thick and at least 70% marble.
Unlike most floors, Terrazzo can be refinished to a higher gloss than it had originally 60 years ago. Applications of acrylic finishes have been the standard means of sealing and finishing Terrazzo. Recently, honing and polishing with diamond abrasives have established new levels of gloss that reveal the natural beauty of the stone, creating a polished marble floor.
Terrazzo Maintenance
The Terrazzo we find in our homes built in the 1950’s and 60’ is calcium based marble and cement and should be treated with care.
Acid cleaners and foods: Toilet bowl cleaner, lime away and muriatic acid will etch the floor. Mild acids like wine, citrus juice and vinegar can remove the gloss surface and require spot grinding. Immediately wipe up excess, and rinse several times with water.
Oils: Cooking oils, spray on sunscreen, body lotions, plug in air freshener will stain the floors. Soak up spills with baking soda and clean with dish soap and water. Do not wipe or scrub as you may spread the oil or scratch the floor.
Sand and abrasives: Use good sand catching door mats out side and shake them out often. Stick felt pads under furniture and dining room chairs to prevent scratches. Chairs with rollers need a pad to keep them from grinding into the floor.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Mop the floor with a minimal amount of liquid dish soap and water and rinse. Do not apply wax or other coatings on restored Terrazzo.
Coffee, food and animal stains: Clean the area with soap and water and apply a peroxide poultice. Take three layers of paper towels soaking with hydrogen peroxide and place on the stain until dry.
We seal and finish your floor with a process called recrystallization. Buffing with a chemical that reacts with the calcium in the marble and cement creating a durable sealed finish. The recrystallized terrazzo is easily maintained and will last for many years with a little care and periodic buffing. Before traffic pattern wear starts to show, we can rebuff through the house without having to remove all the furniture. Professional buffing is quick and inexpensive. With a minimum of $150.00 and $.50-$.70 per square foot.
The new robot sweepers, steam cleaners and vacuums do a great job of removing the grit and cleaning the floor prolonging the time between professional buffing.
Finish Line Floors Inc
Servicing Tampa Bay since 1989
Location
6800 Gulfport Blvd South
South Pasadena, FL 33707
Working Hours
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday - Sunday
