Terrazzo tiles are used to tile several offices and schools. They are mostly famous for the longevity and durability they impart. Terrazzo tiles are a popular choice for flooring in stores. They are also suitable for airports, universities, and other commercial buildings. Unfortunately, a lack of regular cleaning and upkeep is causing the tiles to lose their luster and shine in many areas. Due to a lack of proper maintenance, some irreversible damage is evident on terrazzo floor tiles. These damages include cracking, staining, chipping, and various other issues. Hence, it compromises the shelf life of the same.

Moreover, the cost of maintaining these tiles is increasing gradually. Being one of the low-maintenance tiles, people ignore terrazzo tiles quite often. Maintenance of terrazzo tiles can be very easy with a few simple steps.

Preventive measures for cleaning

Terrazzo tiles are not resistant to harsh chemicals. This means they are corroded when harsh chemicals are used on these tiles. Therefore, facility cleaning managers in every institution must train the staff to use cleaning products with a neutral pH. Some of the following chemicals should not be used on floors made up of terrazzo tiles:   

1. Detergents that are acid-based
2. Floors strippers of an alkaline nature
3. Detergents that are ammonia-based
4. Cleaning products that are used on the floor for all purposes

Schedule of maintenance

Since terrazzo tiles are naturally dense materials, they are usually unbeatable. They are a blend of two base materials: cement and natural stone. Both materials are porous and require sealing. However, not all tiles need to be sealed. It completely depends on the method of installation and the material used.

Like flooring of any other medium, terrazzo floors require periodic as well as restorative cleaning. There are care and cleaning products for terrazzo tiles that are designed for daily usage. The main aim of these cleaning products is to ensure that the terrazzo floor tiles keep shining properly every day. This can reduce the damage caused by outdoor soil and foot traffic to a great extent. 

You can subject the floors to dust mopping regularly. This will remove dirt, soil, and sand deposited on the floor through foot traffic. The procedure is a low-cost one and involves very little labour. However, it can have a profound impact and would undoubtedly enhance the longevity of the tiles. Scratching can occur if abrasive soil and sand particles are left behind on the floor. It would ultimately result in irreversible damage and costly repairs in the future. 

Preventing penetration of water

To stop water penetration as subsequent staining, terrazzo tiles can be sealed with a coating of some materials. These coats should be given both before and after sealing. This sealant can be re-applied once every year, depending on where the sealing has been done. Proper sealing at regular intervals shall be needed for places where the tiles have been installed in areas of high traffic. This will help maintain the beautiful appearance of the tiles. When you are installing terrazzo tiles in residential buildings, mats should be placed at entry and exit points. This will significantly lower foot traffic. Any kind of spillage should be dried up soon to avoid staining. 

Periodic maintenance of terrazzo tiles

Also known as interim maintenance, this should also be carried out on terrazzo tiles. It will successfully bring back the shine of the floor if done correctly. Periodic scrubbing, if done, can give substantial results. This can be done with the help of a floor machine or an auto scrubber. Neutral cleaners can also be used.  

Conclusion

It can be understood that terrazzo needs to be adequately maintained without fail. Though much effort is not required, proper care is mandatory to maintain the appearance of these tiles. The frequency will depend on the place where it is installed. Any kind of harsh chemical should not be used on these tiles. Ours is a company that supplies excellent quality terrazzo tiles. Our staff is well-trained to provide guidelines on maintaining the tiles with care. So you can reliably avail yourself of terrazzo tiles from us.