It’s not always easy to determine whether a terrazzo floor is composed of epoxy or cement, but it’s important to know which terrazzo you’re working with and maintaining. Known to be the two most popular terrazzo matrices, you need to understand whether your project is cement or epoxy appropriate to determine which is best suited for your needs.
Terrazzo is recognized as one of the most versatile flooring materials of recent years. In general, mosaic creates the shape of cement using marble chips that are put together and then ground, polished to a smooth beautiful surface.
Epoxy Terrazzo uses an epoxy matrix to bind aggregates and is one of the best thin set systems. This system has an increase of just 3/8th over concrete flooring when using a resin composite, meaning it is lighter than other terrazzo systems. Another benefit is the wide variety of color and pattern possibilities, durability and chemical resistance.
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Cement Terrazzo uses a cement matrix as opposed to epoxy and defines multiple mosaic systems including sand cushion, bonded monolithic, polyacrylate and rustic. These floors use a cement-based mix with chips to create a mosaic top. They are generally thicker and heavier than the epoxy system. Although they also offered a wide color palette, the options are slightly less than epoxy terrazzo, but a distinct advantage over epoxy terrazzo is that it can be used for outdoor applications such as patios, walkways and swimming pools, as well as creating beautiful earthy tones.
What are the differences between epoxy and cement?
You may ask why I should prefer one over the other, now I will tell you the main differences in this regard,
Color Option
Epoxy terrazzo has unlimited color and design options. Their colors never change after years. Colors are also often bright and vibrant.
Cement mosaic, on the other hand, does not hold color well. Common colors seen today are pastel-like or dark colors.
Indoor or Outdoor
Epoxy mosaic is recommended for indoor use only. Because epoxy resin does not react well with either ultraviolet rays or heat.
Cement mosaic is an ideal system for outdoor applications.
Humidity Reduction
If the concrete slab is out of tolerance, the epoxy mosaic requires a moisture reduction system. Steam transfers are easily used on cement mosaic floors, not a concern.
Ribbon Geometry
Epoxy mosaic has unlimited strip geometry. It can realize the extension of the desired design to the desired length.
Cement has a rectangular strip geometry.
Flooring Systems 