One of the most popular types of flooring in commercial buildings for over a century has been the distinct, unique and beautifully chaotic look of terrazzo.
Originating in Venice, terrazzo is a composite material where fragments and chips of marble and mixed into a cement base, with the result after polishing and sealing looking distinctly new but inspired by classical architecture.
Since its boom during the Art Deco revolution of the 1920s, terrazzo is found in a lot of different places, from the Hollywood Walk of Fame to shopping centres and office lobbies, but given the high levels of traffic all of these locations get, it begs the question of how hard the material is to fix.
With the help of floor restoration services, the answer is not too difficult at all, but because it is such a unique composite material, and because it is quite difficult to find like-for-like replacement pieces without replacing the entire floor, restoration, repair and maintenance are extremely essential.
The key to successful maintenance is to ensure that it has been effectively installed and sealed and that this seal is regularly inspected and reapplied regularly. Ensure that the sealant use is water-based and allows for a non-slip finish
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners wherever possible, as this can cause etches in the surface of the material. Instead, use gentle cleaners or stain-removing poultices.
As for restoration, professionals will typically use a matching compound to fill in a tiny chip or buff out scratches before resealing the terrazzo to ensure a finish that is indistinguishable from its original condition.
When in doubt, it is always best to ask a professional about the best way to maintain terrazzo, and if you are worried about damage to the surface, get in touch with them as soon as possible to see what work needs to be done to save your floor and save money.