Terrazzo and Why it is the Ultimate Choice in Building Environmentally Sound Structures
Over the last few years, the attention and focus on using building materials that are more environmentally friendly have increased. More and more the building industry has come to realize the significance of utilising “greener elements” in the construction of various indoor and outdoor structures and surfaces. Terrazzo as a building material dates back to the 16th century when Venetian workers saw the opportunity to reuse or recycle discarded marble chips and slabs left over post construction. It is quite possibly the first environmentally sound building material as it is a composition of naturally occurring aggregates such as post-consumer glass, plastic or chips of natural or man-made stones such as marble, granite and more.
Durability and Longevity
Terrazzo is widely known for its durability and longevity which come as a result of the combination of materials used. Additionally, because terrazzo as compared to the other flooring materials is significantly low maintenance and does not require the use of cleaning solutions that are environmentally unsafe, its green index is higher than most. Typically, when terrazzo is installed, it is expected to last as long as the structure it is built in. The need for repeated repairs and restoration is also greatly minimized.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Because terrazzo’s composition is made up of mostly recycled aggregates and has zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) materials, indoor quality is considerably better, environmentally sound and conducive to healthy living. Terrazzo is also a non-porous and easily-cleanable material and does not support any form of microbial growth which is why it is perfect to use in living areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. There’s no wonder why a renewed clamour for terrazzo has come about. Building experts and designers have rediscovered that along with longevity and beauty, terrazzo is also an ideal building material in this age of rekindled vigour for environmentally safe products and materials.
The Ultimate Choice
Today, the demand for terrazzo as a building material has more than doubled. As the focus on saving the environment widens and increases, more people will realize the value and benefit of utilising terrazzo as a building material for their homes and work spaces. Terrazzo has proven since the time it was discovered that durability, longevity and beauty can all exist as equal driving qualities of a building material.