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Can I tile over terrazzo?
We are often asked if it is OK to tile over terrazzo.
The answer requires more than a simple yes or no.
There are many kinds of terrazzo floors; some are made
with cement while others use epoxy and other resins.
Often the floor is coated with acrylic or wax floor
finishes after the initial polishing. Many surface coatings
will act as bond breakers and must be fully removed.
Further the highly polished surface of the terrazzo
can present bonding problems and may need to be mechanically
abraded for good adhesion {note: mechanically abrading
a floor can create hazardous dusts depending on the
surface being abraded - proper protective measures should
be taken before undertaking such an operation}.
The tile system chosen for tiling over the terrazzo
must take into account the building structure and design
as generally indicated in the TCA Handbook for Ceramic
Tile Installation (e.g. the methods for tiling a suspended
slab are different from those for tiling concrete on
grade).
The thinset chosen, if a thinset method is used, must
be compatible with the type of terrazzo AND recommended
by the thinset manufacturer for that purpose. Typically
epoxy thinsets are used on epoxy terrazzo and cementitious
thinsets are used on cement-based terrazzo.
In general, it is best to discuss the exact application
with the grout and mortar company you normally use.
Inspection of the job site may be necessary as well.
An anti-fracture membrane may be needed where there
are cracks in the terrazzo or any potential separation
between the terrazzo and the metal divider strips.
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