Installing terrazzo floor is not a simple task, it requires professional skills and precise construction steps. This article will introduce the installation process, time required and relevant precautions of terrazzo floor in detail to help readers fully understand the process.
Installation preparation of terrazzo floor
Before starting to install terrazzo floor, you must do a good job of preparation. This includes the preparation of materials and tools, as well as the assessment and cleaning of the construction site.
Material and tool preparation
The following main materials and tools are required to install terrazzo floor:
●Terrazzo floor tiles: Select terrazzo floor tiles that meet the design requirements to ensure reliable quality.
●Cement and mortar: used for bonding and leveling floor tiles.
●Interface agent: used to enhance the bonding between cement and floor base.
●Spatula and trowel: used to apply cement and mortar.
●Level: used to ensure the flatness of the floor.
●Cutter: used to cut floor tiles to adapt them to the specific installation area.
●Mixer: used to mix cement and mortar.
●Rubber hammer and pad: used to knock and fix floor tiles.
Construction site assessment and cleaning
Before starting the installation, it is very important to assess and clean the construction site. The main steps are as follows:
●Assess the ground condition: Check whether the ground is flat, cracked or uneven. If the ground is uneven, it needs to be leveled.
●Clean the ground: Remove dust, debris and oil stains on the ground to ensure that the ground is clean and dry.
●Measure and mark: According to the design drawings, measure and mark the paving position of the floor tiles to ensure accuracy during the installation process.
How to install terrazzo flooring?
Installation steps of terrazzo flooring:
1. Apply interface agent,
2. Mix mortar,
3. Lay mortar,
4. Install floor tiles,
5. Curing and curing,
6. Grinding and polishing,
7. Sealing and protection.
Apply interface agent
In order to enhance the bonding strength between cement and floor base, first apply a layer of interface agent evenly on the ground. The specific steps are as follows:
●Apply interface agent: Use a roller or brush to evenly apply the interface agent on the ground to ensure full coverage.
●Wait for drying: After the interface agent is applied, wait for it to dry completely, which usually takes 1-2 hours.
Mixing mortar
Mortar is an important material for bonding floor tiles and needs to be mixed in a certain proportion. The specific steps are as follows:
●Weighing materials: Weigh cement, sand and water in proportion to ensure accurate proportions.
●Mixed mortar: Pour the weighed materials into the mixer and mix evenly until a uniform mortar is formed.
Laying mortar
Evenly spread a layer of mortar on the ground to provide a bonding layer for the installation of floor tiles. The specific steps are as follows:
●Apply mortar: Use a spatula or trowel to evenly apply the prepared mortar on the ground, with a thickness of generally 5-10 mm.
●Leveling mortar: Use a level and trowel to level the mortar surface to ensure flatness.
Installing floor tiles
Lay the terrazzo floor tiles on the mortar layer, and adjust and fix them. The specific steps are as follows:
●Laying floor tiles: Follow the marking lines to lay the floor tiles on the mortar layer to ensure accurate positioning.
●Adjust floor tiles: Use a rubber hammer and pads to gently tap the floor tiles to ensure that they fit tightly with the mortar layer and adjust the flatness.
●Cut floor tiles: For corners and special-shaped areas, use a cutter to cut the floor tiles to adapt them to the installation location.
Curing and maintenance
After the floor tiles are installed, they need to be cured and maintained to ensure their strong bonding and service life. The specific steps are as follows:
●Preliminary curing: After the floor tiles are laid, let them stand for 24-48 hours for preliminary curing to avoid stepping on and moving.
●Curation treatment: After the preliminary curing, carry out a 7-14-day maintenance, regularly sprinkle water to keep it moist, and ensure that the mortar and cement are completely cured.
Grinding and polishing
After the curing is completed, grind and polish the floor surface to make it smooth and bright like a mirror. The specific steps are as follows:
●Rough grinding: Use a coarse grinding wheel to perform preliminary grinding on the floor surface to remove the uneven parts of the surface.
●Fine grinding: Use a fine grinding wheel to further grind the floor surface and trim the flatness.
● Polishing: Use a polishing machine and polishing powder to perform a final polish on the floor surface to make it as bright as new.
Sealing and protection
After polishing, seal and protect the floor surface to enhance its stain resistance and durability. The specific steps are as follows:
● Apply sealant: Apply a layer of sealant evenly on the floor surface to fill tiny pores and prevent stains from penetrating.
● Protective treatment: If needed, a layer of protective wax or protective film can be applied on the sealant to further enhance the protective performance of the floor.
How long does it take to install terrazzo flooring?
The time to install terrazzo flooring mainly depends on the construction area, design complexity and construction conditions. Generally speaking, it takes the following time to install a 100 square meter terrazzo floor:
Design and planning: 1-2 days
The preparation and planning of design drawings usually takes 1 to 2 days. This step requires full communication with the designer and the owner to determine the final plan.
Base preparation: 2-3 days
It usually takes 2 to 3 days to clean, level and maintain the base. If the base is in poor condition, more time will be needed for treatment.
Material preparation: 1-2 days
Material procurement and preparation generally takes 1 to 2 days. It is necessary to ensure that all materials are fully prepared before construction.
Interface agent application and drying: 1 day
It usually takes 1 day to apply and dry the interface agent. After application, you need to wait for the interface agent to completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
Casting terrazzo mixture: 1-2 days
Depending on the construction area and design complexity, it takes 1 to 2 days to cast the terrazzo mixture. More complex patterns and texture designs may require more time.
Grinding and polishing: 3-4 days
Grinding and polishing are the most time-consuming steps in the entire construction process. Rough grinding and fine grinding take 1 to 2 days respectively, and polishing usually takes 1 day.
Cleaning and sealing: 1-2 days
It takes 1 to 2 days to clean the floor surface and apply the sealant. After the sealant is applied, you need to wait for it to completely dry.
In summary, it usually takes 10 to 15 days to install a 100 square meter terrazzo floor. The specific time may vary according to the actual construction situation.
Precautions for installing terrazzo floors
Choose a professional construction team
The installation of terrazzo floors requires professional technology and experience. Choose a qualified and experienced construction team to ensure the quality and effect of the construction.
Control the ambient temperature and humidity
The construction of terrazzo floors has certain requirements for ambient temperature and humidity. Avoid construction under extreme weather conditions to ensure that the construction environment is suitable.
Strictly control the material ratio
The ratio and mixing time of terrazzo mixtures should be strictly controlled to ensure that the materials are uniform and consistent. The quality of the materials directly affects the final effect and durability of the floor.
Pay attention to safe construction
During the construction process, attention should be paid to safety, and necessary protective equipment should be worn to ensure the safety of construction workers. Avoid storing flammable and explosive items in the construction area to prevent accidents.
I hope this article can help readers better understand the installation process of terrazzo floors and bring lasting beauty and comfort to home and commercial spaces.