Terrazzo flooring, with its complex designs and durable finish, has been a favored flooring choice for decades, particularly in commercial buildings. Made from chips of marble, glass, or other aggregates embedded in cement or epoxy, terrazzo is praised for its longevity and aesthetic appeal. Despite its durability, terrazzo requires specific care to maintain its luster and prevent wear. Professional cleaning and sealing are essential parts of maintaining a terrazzo floor’s beauty and functionality. Silver State Floor Restoration would like to share the basic principles of professional terrazzo floor cleaning and sealing, helping you understand why these services are essential.
Understanding Terrazzo Flooring
Terrazzo floors are created by mixing chips of materials like marble or glass with a binder, which is then ground and polished to a smooth finish. This composition results in a highly durable and resistant surface that can last a lifetime if properly maintained. However, like all flooring, terrazzo can still suffer from dirt accumulation, staining, and slight wear over time, especially in high-traffic areas.
Why Hire Professional Cleaning Services
Deep Cleaning: Professional cleaning services use specialized equipment and solutions designed to clean terrazzo floors deeply without damaging them. This process removes dirt and grime that regular mopping can miss, especially from the small pores and divots in the surface.
Specialized Cleaning Techniques: Professionals employ techniques such as diamond pad grinding, which is necessary to remove deeper scratches and stains. This method also prepares the floor for polishing and sealing by smoothing the surface.
Stain Removal: Terrazzo floors can absorb stains if not properly sealed, especially from spills like coffee, oil, and ink. Professionals can effectively target and eliminate these stains, restoring the floor’s original appearance.
Importance of Sealing Terrazzo Floors
Sealing is essential in maintaining a terrazzo floor, especially because the binder materials are porous and susceptible to staining.
Protects Against Stains: A high-quality sealant will fill the pores in the terrazzo, preventing spills from penetrating the surface and causing stains. This makes the floor easier to clean and maintain.
Enhances Durability: Sealing a terrazzo floor also protects it from wear and tear, preserving its integrity and appearance over time. This is particularly important in high-traffic areas.
Maintains Aesthetics: Sealing brings out the vibrant colors of the chips in the terrazzo, enhancing the overall look of the floor. The right type of sealant can give terrazzo a glossy sheen that enhances its intricate patterns.
How Often Should Terrazzo Floors Be Cleaned & Sealed
Professional Cleaning: It’s recommended to have terrazzo floors professionally cleaned once or twice a year, depending on the level of foot traffic and general use. Areas with higher traffic may require more frequent cleaning.
Sealing: Terrazzo floors should be sealed every 3 to 5 years, again depending on traffic and wear. In commercial settings or areas with heavy use, you might consider sealing more frequently to ensure the floor remains protected and vibrant.
Signs It’s Time for Professional Terrazzo Care
• The floor looks dull and is no longer as shiny as it once was.
• There are visible stains that you cannot remove with regular cleaning.
• The sealant appears to be wearing off, as indicated by water or other liquids soaking into instead of beading on the surface.
Natural Stone & Tile & Grout Cleaning, Sealing, Polishing & More in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
Terrazzo flooring combines durability with beauty, making it a valuable investment for any property. To protect this investment, professional cleaning and sealing are essential. For professional Terrazzo flooring cleaning and sealing, contact Silver State Floor Restoration today.
