The terrazzo floor is a timeless trend that goes with different decorative items and gives the space a modern outlook. The flooring is known for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and the ability to create custom patterns with different colors. But terrazzo floor restoration is a must-have thing to maintain its natural shine and durability. The restoration process is simple but requires professionals to avoid serious damage.
Whether you’re a commercial property owner looking to restore your terrazzo flooring or considering new installations in Florida, before making a decision, go through the guide below, which explores the benefits of terrazzo floor restoration, step-by-step processes, and maintenance hacks. So, what are you waiting for?
Let’s dive in!
What is the Terrazzo Floor Restoration?
Terrazzo floor restoration addresses issues, including color loss and the need for sealing or burnishing on a terrazzo floor. The main goal of restoration is to restore the terrazzo floor’s attractiveness and fix damages. Though terrazzo floors last over 100 years, but require proper maintenance.
Some key restoration processes are:
Grinding (remove a thin layer from the surface, smooth out, and repair damage)
Honing (refine the surface and achieve a desired level of smoothness)
Polishing (bringing out the natural beauty of the terrazzo floor), and
Sealing (a new sealer is installed to protect the restored terrazzo floor).
What is terrazzo floor repair?
Terrazzo floor repair refers to fixing or patching any areas of the terrazzo surface with matching damaged or dislodged materials. The main goal of terrazzo repair is to remove existing finishes and fill imperfections with color-matched resin or epoxy. Common repairs are fixing cracks, patching holes, addressing uneven surfaces, removing stains, etc.
What are the Benefits of Terrazzo Floor Restoration?
There are different benefits of terrazzo flooring restoration, such as -
Durability: The restoration process removes imperfections by sealing the floor and making it more resistant to damage.
Aesthetics: The restoration process brings back the terrazzo floor's high-gloss finish, making it more inviting.
Health and safety: The terrazzo floor restoration is easy to clean and maintain without dirt, dust, or bacteria.
Property value: Terrazzo is a trendy flooring option, and restoration enhances its beauty and increases the value of residential or commercial property.
Low maintenance: Terrazzo floors require minimal maintenance.
Affordability: Restoration processes like polishing are more affordable than regular waxing and save money over time.
How to Restore Terrazzo Floors?
The terrazzo restoration floor process starts with cleaning the surface, repairing any cracks or holes, and then grinding the surface. Here’s a step-by-step restoration process:
Tools and Equipment
There are different types of tools and equipment for the restoration process, such as -
Protective gear (Safety goggles, gloves, and a dust mask)
Wet polisher
Electric floor-grinding machine with steel weights
Garden hose with nozzle
Angle grinder with diamond pad
Electric chipping hammer
Sponge or microfiber cloths
Planetary polishing machine
Plastic sheeting
Masking tape, and many others.
Identify the Terrazzo Flooring Damage
It’s essential to address potential damages that happen on terrazzo floors. Take note of the following points:
Look for damage signs like deep cracks or loose tiles beyond the surface. This type of damage indicates structural issues that require immediate repairs.
Do you notice any discolored areas? If yes, it might happen due to spills or exposure to certain chemicals. Are the terrazzo flooring areas overcrowded?
Due to constant usage, the floor loses its shine and requires additional attention during restoration.
Is the floor restored earlier? If yes, ensure the terrazzo flooring treatment details that are performed earlier.
Removing Existing Coatings, Sealers, or Waxes
Before starting the restoration process, professional contractors remove all furniture and obstacles from the floor. Clean debris and dust from the floor properly, and then cover the lower 24 inches of the room’s walls with plastic sheets to protect them from water and debris. After that, contractors remove any existing coatings, sealers, or waxes using specialized stripping agents.
Repair Cracks and Damage
Terrazzo professionals use color-matched epoxy or resin fillers to repair cracks and damage in this phase. However, the larger chips or severe damage may require the replacement of stone chips or aggregates for a perfect match.
Grind the Terrazzo Surface
This step involves using a heavy-duty grinding machine with diamond-impregnated disks, which remove a thin layer from the surface and eliminate stains, minor defects, and other residual coating. However, the grinding process is performed multiple times to meet the desired level.
Apply New Sealer and Repair
Now that the surface has been ground perfectly, the final step is to apply a new sealer that acts as a protective layer and safeguards the floor against spills, tears, and other damages. The new sealer enhances the floor’s shine and gives vibrant colors and patterns like the earlier version. After sealing, a finish (matte to high gloss) is applied.
Drying and Curing
After applying the sealer perfectly, give it a few hours to 24 hours to dry and cure fully. The time depends on the sealer type. Avoid walking on the floor or placing any furniture back in the room during this drying phase. Also, ensure the room is well-ventilated, allowing the sealer to dry perfectly.
How to Maintain the Restored Terrazzo Floors?
There are different methods you can follow to maintain the restored terrazzo floors, including:
Clean Regularly
Remove dust and dirt by sweeping or vacuuming floors daily. It prevents scratches caused by debris.
Use a damp mop with a neutral pH cleaner designed for the terrazzo floor.
Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner for spot cleaning.
Protect the Surface
Try to use furniture pads under the furniture legs to prevent scratches.
To keep the floor clean, you can use mats or rugs.
Be conscious about dropping heavy objects on the floor.
Periodic Polishing
You can use a polishing compound and a buffing machine every 3-6 months to keep the floor shining.
Pay attention to the high-traffic areas.
Address Minor Issues Earlier
Notice any small cracks or damages.
Buff out minor scratches with a polishing pad or compound.
Precautions:
Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach, vinegar, or ammonia.
Avoid scrubbing the terrazzo floor with abrasive pads or steel wool.
Don’t over-wet the floor when mopping.
It’s ideal to schedule professional cleaning or polishing once a year for high-traffic floors. Also, whenever you notice any small cracks, contact professional service providers.
How Much Does it Cost to Restore Terrazzo Floors in Florida?
In Florida, terrazzo floor restoration costs between $5 and $10 per square foot, depending on the floor condition, the extent of damage, and the restoration method. Here is a breakdown of different factors that can affect costs:
Tile or Slab Replacement
If one or more of your tiles are damaged or cracked, instead of restoration, you need to replace them with new terrazzo tiles. The installation costs of the new tiles can range from $14 to $85 per square foot or more, depending on the materials, design complexity, and labor costs.
Restoration Services
If simple cleaning and polishing are required, it might cost less compared to patching, resealing, and repairs. On the other hand, grinding and diamond polishing are the most expensive compared to other services.
Lippage
This restoration method is applied to a joint where two tiles meet (when one tile is significantly higher than the other). In this phase, the restoration contractor levels the higher tile to match the lower tile’s height. The process can cost around $3 per square foot.
Wear Level
Is the terrazzo floor installed in a high-traffic area? If yes, the floors might be introduced to daily wear and tear. Polishing is required to maintain its durability and aesthetics.
Grime Level
Do your terrazzo floors have heavy grime build-up? If yes, a new terrazzo floor will cost a lot to restore its natural look.
Is It Worth Restoring Terrazzo Floors with a Professional?
Yes, it is worth restoring terrazzo floors with a professional company like Heavely Floor Restoration. With us, you’ll get high-quality Terrazzo Restoration and Terrazzo Repair Services.
Here’s why you rely on us:
Expertise & Experience
Our skilled team has years of experience in different terrazzo floor restoration services, like grinding, vitrification, stain removal, coating removal, sealing, burnishing, etc.
Advanced Tools & Technologies
No matter how complex the condition of the terrazzo floor, we use premium quality materials, advanced equipment, and proven techniques to ensure floor longevity and beauty.
High-quality Restoration
As trusted local experts in terrazzo floor restoration, we pay attention to unique needs and are committed to delivering exceptional results that fulfill clients' expectations.
Long-lasting Results
Our personalized approach and attention to detail make terrazzo floors durable and long-lasting, enhancing property value.
Eco-friendly Practices
We use eco-friendly materials and processes to save your property and the environment, too. With us, you also get customized solutions.
Conclusion
At Heavenly Floor Restoration, we go beyond to preserve the artistry and magnificence of your terrazzo flooring. From terrazzo floor installation to terrazzo floor restoration in Florida, we always deliver high-quality services. We professionally restore terrazzo floors and maintain properly that impress your visitors for decades to come.
Contact us now or request a quote to discuss your preferences!
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