Case Study: Restoration of Terrazzo Floors at Burlington, Wisconsin's 100-Year-Old School

 

Background

Over decades, the  floors had accumulated numerous coats of wax, causing the natural beauty of the terrazzo to be obscured. Additionally, the floors suffered from rust stains and organic growth, diminishing their aesthetic qualities.

 

Challenge

The primary challenge was logistical due to the school's architecture; all equipment needed to be manually carried up several flights of stairs, which precluded the use of heavy or powered equipment like propane burnishers or grinding machines. This significantly limited the methods available for floor restoration.

 

Solution

Interior Environmental Management (IEM) was contracted to restore the terrazzo floors. Here's how we approached the project:

 

• Wax Removal: IEM started by using traditional wax stripping methods to remove the layers of old wax. This involved physical labor due to the constraints on equipment.

• Cleaning Process:

  • Product: Split Restorative Cleaner was used to clean the floors.

  • Method: A rotary side-by-side machine with a diamond resin pad was employed for thorough cleaning. The resulting slurry was then extracted using a Kaivac machine, ensuring no residue was left behind.

• Honing the Terrazzo:

  • Product: MINERAL ARMOR REJUVENATOR was utilized in this stage.

  • Technique: A series of resin pucks were attached to the rotary scrubber to hone the terrazzo surface, with slurry collection at each pass to keep the area clean during the process.

• Protection and Finishing:

  • Product: Four coats of MINERAL ARMOR PROTECTOR were applied using a flat mop. Each coat was allowed to dry for approximately 20 minutes before the next was applied. This not only restored the natural sheen of the terrazzo but also provided a protective layer against scuffs and abrasions. 

 

Results

• Visual and Functional Restoration: The terrazzo floors were restored to their original luster, significantly enhancing the visual appeal of the school's hallways. The protective coating ensured longevity and ease of maintenance.

• Maintenance: The school now maintains the floors with MINERAL ARMOR REJUVENATOR and Split Restorative Cleaner. This involves a simple scrub and re-coating during summer breaks, which is efficient due to the products' ability to be applied in any temperature or humidity, reducing downtime.

 

Additional Benefits

• Time Efficiency: The ability to work without restrictions on temperature or humidity meant that the restoration and subsequent maintenance could be scheduled more flexibly, reducing the impact on the school cleaning schedule and budget.

• Durability and Safety: The UL-410 certification for slip resistance adds an extra layer of safety, crucial in a school environment.