Terrazzo stone flooring has become popular in homes and commercial buildings in recent years due to its unique beauty, durability and environmental protection. However, for many consumers and owners, there are still many doubts about whether terrazzo stone flooring needs to be sealed.
This article will explore the sealing needs of terrazzo flooring in depth, including the necessity of sealing, the types of sealants, the advantages and disadvantages of sealing, and the specific operations in practical applications, to help readers fully understand and correctly use terrazzo stone flooring.
Basic characteristics of terrazzo stone flooring
Material composition and process
Terrazzo flooring is a composite material made of natural stone fragments such as marble, granite, quartz, etc. mixed with cement or resin. Its manufacturing process includes mixing, pouring, grinding and polishing, and finally forming a smooth, hard and decorative floor. The porous structure and high hardness of terrazzo stone flooring make it excellent in durability and beauty, but also make it require additional protective measures in some cases.
Advantages of terrazzo stone flooring
1. Beautiful and diverse: various colors and textures can be designed as needed to meet the needs of different decoration styles.
2. Wear-resistant and durable: high hardness and wear resistance make it suitable for public places with high traffic.
3. Easy to maintain: the surface is smooth, not easy to accumulate dust, and relatively easy to clean.
Potential problems of terrazzo flooring
Despite the many advantages of terrazzo flooring, its porous structure makes it have certain weaknesses in water absorption and stain resistance. If not properly sealed, the floor may absorb liquids and stains, causing surface discoloration and damage. In addition, long-term use and frequent cleaning may also cause the floor surface to lose its gloss and smoothness.
What is the importance of sealing terrazzo stone flooring?
1. Prevent penetration and stains
The sealant can effectively fill the tiny pores of terrazzo stone flooring, forming a protective film to prevent liquids and stains from penetrating into the interior of the floor. Sealing is particularly important in areas such as kitchens and bathrooms that are easily exposed to water and oil.
2. Increase wear resistance and durability
The sealant not only prevents penetration, but also enhances the surface hardness of the floor, increasing its wear resistance and durability. For commercial and public places with high traffic, such as shopping malls, airports and schools, sealing can extend the life of the floor and reduce maintenance costs.
3. Maintain beauty
The sealing treatment can maintain the gloss and beauty of terrazzo stone flooring. The sealant can make the floor surface smoother, effectively prevent surface roughness and loss of gloss, and keep the floor as new for a long time.
What is the best sealant for terrazzo?
1. Penetration sealant
The penetration sealant can penetrate into the pores of terrazzo stone flooring, react chemically with the floor material, and form a durable protective layer. This type of sealant has a good anti-penetration effect, but will not change the appearance and gloss of the floor, and is suitable for places where the original beauty of the floor needs to be maintained.
2. Surface sealant
Surface sealant forms a protective film on the surface of the floor, which can provide stronger anti-penetration and wear resistance. This type of sealant can increase the glossiness of the floor, but may slightly change the color and texture of the floor. It is suitable for places where the decorative effect of the floor needs to be enhanced.
3. Hybrid sealant
Hybrid sealants combine the advantages of penetrating and surface sealants. They can penetrate into the floor and form a protective film on the surface. This type of sealant is suitable for places that require comprehensive protection and can provide comprehensive protection.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of sealed terrazzo flooring?
● Advantages of sealed terrazzo:
1. Effective anti-seepage: The sealant can effectively prevent the penetration of water, oil and stains, keeping the floor clean and beautiful.
2. Enhanced durability: The sealing treatment can increase the hardness and wear resistance of the floor and extend its service life.
3. Maintain gloss: The sealant can maintain the smoothness and gloss of the floor surface and improve the decorative effect.
● Disadvantages of sealed terrazzo:
1. Regular maintenance is required: The protective effect of the sealant will gradually weaken over time, and it needs to be reapplied regularly, increasing maintenance costs.
2. Complex construction: The sealing treatment requires professional construction technology and equipment, and improper operation may affect the floor effect.
3. Increased costs: Sealing and regular maintenance will increase the overall cost of using the floor.
How to seal terrazzo stone flooring?
1. Preparation
Before sealing, the terrazzo stone flooring needs to be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Remove dust, stains and old sealant residues from the surface of the floor to ensure that the sealant can penetrate and adhere evenly.
2. Choose the right sealant
Choose the right type of sealant according to the use environment and needs of the floor. You can consult professionals or suppliers to understand the characteristics and application range of different sealants to ensure that the best product is selected.
3. Construction steps
● Clean the floor: Use a neutral detergent and warm water to clean the floor, ensuring that the surface is clean and free of stains.
● Dry the floor: Dry the floor thoroughly to avoid moisture residue that affects the effect of the sealant.
● Apply sealant: Use special tools, such as a roller or sprayer, to apply the sealant evenly. Apply one to two layers of sealant as recommended in the instructions to ensure even coverage.
● Wait for drying: According to the instructions of the sealant, wait enough time for the sealant to dry completely. It usually takes more than 24 hours to dry.
● Check the effect: After drying, check the sealing effect of the floor surface to ensure that there is no missing or uneven coating. If necessary, re-coat.
Regular maintenance
The sealed terrazzo flooring needs regular inspection and maintenance. Depending on the usage and environment, re-apply the sealant every one to two years to ensure that the protective effect of the floor continues to be effective.
Conclusion
Terrazzo stone flooring is highly favored in modern architectural decoration due to its beauty and durability, but its porous structure requires sealing in certain environments. By properly selecting and using sealants, it can effectively prevent penetration and stains, and enhance the durability and beauty of the floor. However, sealing also requires professional construction technology and regular maintenance, which increases the cost of use.