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Terrazzo tile floors have a classic elegance that can last for decades when properly maintained. However, over years of heavy foot traffic and improper cleaning methods, these durable floors can become dull and grimy, obscuring their once vibrant beauty. That's what happened at this commercial property in Claremont built in the 1930's - the terrazzo tile floors had accumulated nearly 15 years of built-up grime and sticky residue from past cleaning attempts that used the wrong sealers.
The property manager reached out for professional help to restore these floors to their original luster. As a highly experienced tile and grout cleaning contractor, we knew this would be a challenging but rewarding job. In this blog post, we provide some background on terrazzo tile and describe the multi-step process we used to breathe new life into these floors.
What is Terrazzo Tile?
Terrazzo is a composite flooring material that has been used for centuries, prized for its beauty, durability and low maintenance requirements.
It consists of marble, granite, quartz or glass chips set in a cement or epoxy binder and polished to a smooth, impervious surface.
Terrazzo tile floors can be poured and finished in place or precast into tiles for easier installation. Both methods produce a highly durable flooring material suited for very high traffic interior and exterior applications. The unique patterns and colors created by the chips give terrazzo an unmatched richness and visual depth.
Despite its toughness, terrazzo requires proper cleaning and sealing to maintain its appearance and prevent the surface from becoming rough and absorbing soil and spills over time. This job was the perfect example - the floors had taken on a grimy, sticky buildup from years of improper maintenance.
The Terrazzo Tile Cleaning and Sealing Process
The first step was using a special heavy-duty cleaner to remove the years of ground-in dirt and acrylic sealer residue, especially in the grout lines between tiles.
This required multiple applications of cleaner and extensive agitation with a rotary floor machine.
Once the floors were clean, we used an acidic rinse to remove any remaining alkaline cleaner residues and then neutralized the floors with a separate alkaline rinse. These rinses are critical to ensure proper sealer adhesion and performance.
Next came the most important step - sealing with the proper impregnating, penetrating sealer designed specifically for terrazzo tile floors. We selected a premium water-based sealer that is able to soak into the porous terrazzo surface rather than just coating the top.
This impregnating sealer forms a clear, protective layer below the surface that repels water, dirt and stains while allowing vapor transmission. It won't yellow or peel off like old-fashioned acrylic "topical" sealers. When maintained with regular cleaning, this type of impregnator can provide 3-5 years of protection before reapplication is needed.
The Results
After this multi-step tile cleaning process was complete, the floors looked amazing - almost like new.
The rich colors and unique patterning were vibrant, and the floors had regained their original smooth, impervious finish.
The property manager was thrilled to have these timeless floors properly restored. By investing in the right professional cleaning and sealing process, she ensured these terrazzo tile floors will maintain their luxurious appearance for years to come with just routine cleaning.
Whether for a historic property or newer construction, terrazzo flooring offers classic beauty and incredible durability when sealed and maintained correctly. With the right impregnating sealer, these floors can truly last a lifetime.
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