Terrazzo Flooring and Its Undeniable Effect on the Environment

More and more people are starting to acknowledge the advantage of living a sustainable, eco-friendly existence to both protect and nurture our global environment.  In recent years, the green movement has catapulted into the forefront of people’s consciousness.  This is one of the reasons why we see a rise in the use of terrazzo flooring in both residential and commercial buildings.

Terrazzo in the Home

Terrazzo flooring is one of the most beautiful and durable materials you can use in your home. It’s an environmentally friendly way to create a floor that’s both beautiful and durable, and it’s also easy to maintain. Terrazzo is made from a mixture of a variety of recycled materials and cement, so it has some environmental benefits over other materials. It won’t block up with dirt or mold, which means you can keep it looking great year after year.

 From the manufacturing process to the installation, terrazzo flooring has been designed to minimize its impact on the environment. Terrazzo floors are made from crushed stone, which has a high recyclability rate and can be easily replaced if it breaks, causing minimal disruption to your daily life. Terrazzo flooring comes in a variety of colors, patterns and designs that allow you to create any look you desire in your home or business. The durability of this product means that you will have years of enjoyment from your investment.

How it all Started

The use of terrazzo flooring is most definitely not a new concept. The Venetian craftsmen who first discovered and used terrazzo in the 16th century were inspired to recycle marble chips that had been left over from mosaic tile work. They successfully used the mixture on patios at their own houses to create gorgeous outdoor living areas. They combined the scraps with clay to create “the first ever recycled flooring material.” These early terrazzo floors were built of natural materials, made effective use of recovered trash, and were long-lasting. Many terrazzo flooring from the 16th century still exist today because they are so resilient.

How it’s Going

Terrazzo flooring has significantly changed from its original marble and clay makeup. Both cement-based and thin-set epoxy terrazzo flooring systems now come in a variety of materials, such as glass, granite, quartz, marble, and more, and both are made of zero VOC materials. Terrazzo flooring emits minimal to no off-gassing of air pollutants or allergens because it lacks volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Since terrazzo is non-porous, it also deflects moisture and inhibits microbial growth, which together help to maintain a mold-free environment and improve indoor air quality.  Additionally, maintaining terrazzo flooring is also beneficial to the environment as it does not require the use of toxic solutions to keep it clean and maintain its luster as if it was just newly installed.

Build using terrazzo for long-lasting, environmentally safe, and low-maintenance flooring to maintain good indoor air quality. Use sustainable terrazzo in your next project to aid in the preservation of the environment!