Proper Terrazzo Cleaning and Maintenance Guideline
Terrazzo flooring is renowned for its durability, lasting for decades with minimal need for repairs or replacements. This longevity can be maintained by following proper cleaning and maintenance procedures.
The advantage of terrazzo is its ease of maintenance, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic buildings like airports, schools, and hospitals.
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To ensure that your terrazzo floors reach their maximum potential lifespan, it's important to follow these maintenance and restoration guidelines.
This is the Best Way To Clean Terrazzo Floors
This guide will provide essential information on the equipment required for leave your terrazzo looking like the photo, as well as proper maintenance procedures. It will also offer valuable tips on what to do and what to avoid when cleaning a terrazzo floor.
For further guidance, feel free to reach out to Heavenly Terrazzo Floors Restoration.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your terrazzo floor remains in excellent condition for years to come.
How Do You Clean Terrazzo Floors
Before getting started make sure to have this with you:
Clean dust mop
Clean cotton string mop
Mop Bucket
Clean Water
Auto Scrubber
Water-based sealer
Maintaining a terrazzo floor is simple and straightforward. Daily cleaning with a mop and water is all that's required, with occasional reapplication of a water-based sealer to enhance surface protection. Avoid using harsh acid-based cleaners, alkaline strippers, aggressive scrubbing pads, or wax products, which can damage the surface. When mopping, use materials with a neutral pH level.
Be sure to select a sealer with a slip resistance coefficient of friction that meets code requirements. When using specific products, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results.
By following these basic steps, you can keep your terrazzo floor looking like this while protecting its surface and longevity.
Cleaning Procedures For Terrazzo
For buildings with terrazzo flooring, it is recommended to perform daily dust mopping to remove dust particles and grit from the surface.
Heavenly Floor Restoration offers a comprehensive care guide for routine cleaning on a daily and weekly basis. Following these guidelines will help ensure that your terrazzo floors remain in excellent condition for years to come.
For Daily Terrazzo Cleaning
According to the NTMA, it is recommended for building owners to perform daily dust mopping on terrazzo surfaces. This helps remove any dirt and debris accumulated throughout the day. In case of stains, you can manually remove them by using a neutral cleaner diluted in warm water.
For Weekly Terrazzo Cleaning
According to the NTMA, it is recommended to damp mop terrazzo floors on a weekly basis. Simply use a mop soaked in clean water and neutral cleaner to lightly clean the surface. For stains, you can scrub the terrazzo using a mechanical buffing machine and a neutral cleaner.
After mopping, make sure to remove any residue with clean water before waiting a couple of minutes for the floor to dry. Once dry, use a dry brush to buff the floor.
Note: When using neutral cleaners on terrazzo surfaces, allow them to react with the surface to loosen any foreign matter. Wait a few minutes for the cleaner to settle, but do not let it dry.
Occasionally, apply a new sealer by stripping all previous coats and sealer from the floor and resealing over a clean surface. Always ensure that you use clean materials, such as mops and water. Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and consult a terrazzo contractor if needed.
What To DO When Cleaning Terrazzo
DO ask the installing terrazzo contractor to recommend the proper neutral cleaners and sealers to be used on your floor. We recommend calling to know what is the best cleaner for terrazzo floors up to date.
DO dust mop your floors daily, this not only picks up the dust, but also the grit tracked into your building. The grit acts as an abrasive on your hard surface floor.
DO scrub the floors for the first two to three months after installing a new terrazzo floor, at least once or twice a week. This will help remove any construction dust that may still be in the air and prevent it from settling on your floor. After this initial period, maintain the appearance of your floor by cleaning it once a week, adjusting as needed based on foot traffic. Remember to rinse your floors thoroughly to prevent any build-up of cleaner residue.
DO always:
Use a water-based sealer as directed by the manufacturer.
Apply two or more coats to achieve a good sheen.
This initial application will maintain the sheen for 45 to 60 days before requiring additional coats.
DO use specifically maintenance products designed for terrazzo.
DO allow the neutral cleaner, once applied to the terrazzo surface, time to react as designed to loosen foreign matter. Several minutes should be adequate, but DO NOT allow the solution to dry on the surface.
What NOT To DO When Cleaning Terrazzo
DO NOT use surface waxes or all-purpose cleaners.
DO NOT use all-purpose cleaners containing water-soluble inorganic or crystallizing salts, harmful alkali, or acids.
Terrazzo Floor Polishing Cost: Factors to Consider and Possible Perspectives
Terrazzo floors are known for their elegance, durability, and timeless appeal. However, over time, these floors may lose their luster and require polishing to restore their beauty.
Factors Influencing Terrazzo Floor Polishing Cost:
Size of the Floor Area: The size of the floor area plays a significant role in determining the cost of terrazzo floor polishing. Generally, larger areas require more materials, equipment, and time, leading to higher costs. Smaller areas, on the other hand, may be less expensive to polish.
Condition of the Floor: The current condition of the terrazzo floor will also impact the cost of polishing. Floors that are heavily damaged, stained, or have extensive wear and tear may require additional preparation work before polishing, adding to the overall cost.
Level of Restoration Required: Some terrazzo floors may only need a light polishing to remove surface scratches and dullness, while others may require more extensive restoration to address deep stains, cracks, or unevenness. The level of restoration needed will influence the cost, as more labor and materials may be required for complex restoration projects.
Geographical Location: The cost of terrazzo floor polishing can vary depending on the geographical location. Factors such as labor rates, local market conditions, and transportation costs may all contribute to regional price differences. It is important to consider these factors when budgeting for terrazzo floor polishing.
Professional Expertise and Reputation: The experience, expertise, and reputation of the flooring professional or company you choose can affect the cost of terrazzo floor polishing. Highly skilled professionals with a proven track record may charge higher rates due to their specialized knowledge and ability to deliver high-quality results.
Possible Perspectives on Terrazzo Floor Restoration Cost:
Cost-Effectiveness: Some may argue that the cost of terrazzo floor polishing is a worthwhile investment. Polishing can breathe new life into worn-out floors, increasing their longevity and maintaining their aesthetic appeal. By restoring the floor's beauty, homeowners and businesses can potentially increase the value of their property in the long run.
Affordability and Accessibility: Conversely, others may express concerns about the affordability and accessibility of terrazzo floor polishing. For some individuals or businesses on a tight budget, the cost of professional polishing services may be prohibitive. In such cases, alternative solutions like DIY polishing kits or opting for less expensive floor treatments may be considered.
How Much Does it Cost to Restore Terrazzo Floors: Breakdown
Terrazzo floors are known for their affordability, both during installation and restoration. Restoring terrazzo floors can be a cost-effective option, with an average price range of $2 to $5 per square foot when hiring a professional. However, if you decide to undertake the restoration yourself, the cost could be lower.
It's important to consider the condition of your terrazzo floors before deciding on the restoration approach. Some floors may have inconsistencies and require the replacement of glass or marble pieces. If your flooring is significantly damaged, it is advisable to hire a professional for the restoration job.
Tools Required to Restore Terrazzo Floors
To restore your terrazzo flooring, you will need the following tools:
Power grinder or polisher
Polishing wheel
Sealant
Polishing powder or compound
If you decide to undertake the restoration yourself, you can purchase restoration kits for around $90, which include the necessary materials but not the power tools. However, if you need to buy a power polisher, it can cost up to $200.
Factors That Can Affect Costs
The cost of restoring terrazzo floors depends on several factors, including:
Tile or Slab Replacement
If your terrazzo tiles are severely chipped or cracked, restoration may not be enough, and replacement with new tiles may be necessary. This can increase the overall cost of restoration. A contractor will evaluate the project's extent and let you know if tile replacement or additional materials will be needed, incurring additional charges.
Level of Grime
The extent of grime accumulation can greatly impact the cost of restoring your terrazzo floors. If your floors have a heavy build-up of grime, you should anticipate higher cleaning expenses.
For instance, if your terrazzo floors have not undergone restoration in decades, it will naturally be more expensive to restore them compared to a relatively new terrazzo floor.
Lippage
Lippage refers to an uneven joint between two tiles, where one tile is slightly or significantly higher than the other. If a restoration contractor needs to address lippage, they will need to grind down the higher tile to match the height of the lower tile. This extra step can add around $3 per square foot to the overall restoration costs.
Level of Wear
This is a crucial consideration, especially for terrazzo floors in high-traffic areas. With increased foot traffic, the floors will experience more daily wear and tear, necessitating additional polishing and resulting in higher restoration costs.
In conclusion, terrazzo floor repair and polishing cost is influenced by various factors, including the size of the floor area, condition of the floor, level of restoration required, geographical location, and the expertise of flooring professionals. It is important to evaluate these factors when considering whether to invest in terrazzo floor polishing or DIY by following our instructions. While hiring a professional it may involve a financial commitment, the results can be a restored floor that adds value and beauty to your space.
Terrazzo Restoration FAQs
How Much Does It Cost To Restore Terrazzo Floors
Terrazzo floors are known for their affordability, both in terms of installation and restoration. Hiring a professional for restoration typically ranges from $2 to $5 per square foot, making it a cost-effective option. If you choose to undertake the restoration yourself, the cost could be even lower.
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