Most specifiers would agree that terrazzo is an outstanding flooring selection for government buildings, office building lobbies, schools and universities, museums, shopping centers, airports, courthouses and arenas. However, terrazzo is also an excellent industrial flooring option. Most applications of thin-set epoxy terrazzo take advantage of the unlimited design flexibility, the rainbow of color options and the ability to incorporate marble, glass, Mother-of-Pearl, and other exotic aggregates to create brilliant floors. Thin-set epoxy terrazzo can also be designed as a cost effective high performance, long lasting work surface.

Thin-set epoxy terrazzo has a 40-50 year expected life cycle, making it one of the most affordable long-term flooring options for areas open to foot traffic the majority of the day, seven days each week. Maintenance is easy and relatively inexpensive compared with VCT (Vinyl Composition Tile) or carpet in high traffic areas. The products comprising the thin-set epoxy terrazzo system make it environmentally friendly and can help to qualify the project for LEED points. What many people may not know is thin-set epoxy terrazzo can also be designed to withstand high abrasion and chemical exposure conditions.

Pharmaceutical manufacturing, wastewater treatment plants, food processing facilities, hospitals and detention centers all have the common obligation of maintaining operations with little or no interruption of service. Thin-set epoxy terrazzo utilizing granite aggregate and chemical resistant polyurethane sealer with or without slip resistant additives will serve these facilities, in most cases for the life of the building. This “industrial-grade” terrazzo can be placed with a minimum strip pattern and a monotone color to decrease installation time and overall cost. The true cost saving is appreciated with minimum daily maintenance and little or no interruption of service for repairs or replacement.

After decades of use, depending upon the degree of wear, the thin-set terrazzo can be refurbished to a “new” appearance by simply regrinding/polishing the surface as is frequently done with hardwood flooring. Thin-set terrazzo allows the owner to reconfigure the operations for addition or removal of doors and walls. The floor can be patched or expanded while maintaining the seamless nature of the surface. Integral cove base, allows terrazzo to create a seamless transition to block walls and wall coatings, required in clean rooms and wash-down areas.

The next time you are considering floor finishes for your project, remember that terrazzo is a work-horse system, even though its reputation has been built on aesthetics. Ask these questions when selecting your flooring finish:

Will the area have a high volume of traffic?
Is it important to easily maintain the cleanliness of the area?
Will there be the possibility of water or other liquid exposures?
Will it be inconvenient to the owner to have this area “down” for flooring renovation?
Does the owner appreciate the value and environmental benefit of sustainable construction?

If the answer to any of these questions is, “Yes”, Sherwin-Williams’ General Polymers Thin-set Epoxy Terrazzo may be your best selection. Visit our web site for a guideline specification or email us to have a representative assist you.