Along with affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal, sustainability is a crucial consideration. Because it meets the majority of the requirements often needed for flooring, whether indoors or out, eco-friendly terrazzo is a top suggestion in construction projects. It is also the more environmentally responsible option.
These days, the importance and urgency of taking better care of the environment should be at the forefront of every major and minor building and manufacturing decision. The less carbon footprints we leave, the better it is for our climate and ultimately, our environment. This is true even in choosing building materials, especially in flooring as it covers the widest expanse of the infrastructure build. This is where terrazzo makes a great impact.
How environmentally friendly is terrazzo? While the majority of historical accounts credit the Venetian craftsmen who reused leftover marble fragments from previously completed constructions with creating terrazzo, there is evidence of terrazzo-like materials in some Turkish infrastructure from 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. This demonstrates not only how long-lasting and sustainable terrazzo is, but also how builders and craftsmen from that era had the concept of recycling and reusing materials even back then to decrease their negative environmental effects and to promote sustainability.
How exactly is terrazzo the environmentally sound and sustainable option? Terrazzo is a long-lasting, simple-to-maintain, aesthetically pleasing hybrid that may be utilized in a variety of ways. It is formed by combining fragments of various building materials, such as quartz, marble, and granite, with cement or epoxy. Therefore, eco-friendly terrazzo has a lower carbon footprint than materials that require a lot more construction processes because it is largely constructed of recycled resources.
Eco-friendly terrazzo floors require regular dust-mopping maintenance, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic and frequent use. Weekly deep cleaning with a mild neutral cleaner and warm water is also advised to get rid of any minor stains and moderately difficult scuff marks. Terrazzo can be cleaned without using harsh cleaners or chemicals, especially if it has been properly sealed and is being maintained on a daily basis.
When cleaning your eco-friendly terrazzo floors, keep the following in mind:
- Wax of any kind should not be applied on terrazzo flooring. Terrazzo already has a naturally smooth surface with a little polished and buffed appearance specifically when it is properly installed and sealed with the appropriate finish. The use of wax can compromise terrazzo’s structural integrity because of its porous nature.
- Under no circumstances should you use general-purpose cleaning agents or powders on your terrazzo floors. Additionally, do not let the appropriate PH-neutral solutions to sit and dry on the surface, during clean up and maintenance. Just long enough to let the dirt and embedded debris loosen, then wash it off right away with warm water.
- If at all feasible, have the quality and durability of your eco-friendly terrazzo flooring maintained by having them professionally cleaned every few months to keep them looking brand-new.
You can visit Terrazzo Australian Marble’s website and browse through the sizable number of articles posted on their site’s blog to learn more about environmentally friendly terrazzo flooring.