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Historic Preservation - Technical Procedures

Spectitle:
Routine Preventive Maintenance Guidelines For Terrazzo

Procedure code:
0940001P

Source:
Developed For Hspg (Nps - Sero)

Division:
Finishes

Section:
Terrazzo

Last Modified:
02/24/2012

Details:
Routine Preventive Maintenance Guidelines For Terrazzo



ROUTINE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES FOR TERRAZZO


This standard includes guidelines for maintaining terrazzo floors
on a daily and periodic basis.


-    Scrub new terrazzo several times a week and mop on remaining
    days.

-    Cleaning compounds used on terrazzo should be free from
    alkalies, acids, or other strong ingredients which can
    permanently damage the floor.

-    Avoid acids and washing solutions containing carbonates or
    trisodium phosphate.

-    DO NOT USE sweeping compounds containing oil, sand or
    abrasives.

-    The floor must be carefully rinsed after cleaning.

-    All cleaning solution and rinse water must be picked up, by
    squeegee, mop or wet-dry vacuum, to prevent slipperiness.

-    DO NOT USE soaps and scrubbing powders containing water
    soluble, inorganic salts, or crystallizing salts in the
    maintenance of terrazzo.

-    The cleaning cycle should be regulated by the amount of
    traffic.

-    For general cleaning, use a neutral cleaning compound diluted
    in accordance with the manufacturer's directions.

-    For very dirty areas, increase the amount of compound.

-    The floor should be pre-wet with clean, warm water before
    beginning the washing operation.

-    A mop dressing used for daily sweeping should be NON-OILY;
    Sweeping compounds containing oil will penetrate and
    permanently discolor terrazzo.

-    Sweeping compounds containing sand are difficult to sweep up
    and may abrade the surface if left on the floor (wax-treated
    dustmops and sweeping compounds are good).

-    Electric- or battery-powered scrubbing machines should be used
    periodically with a solution of neutral compound to loosen
    dirt.

-    Floor machines should be equipped with fiber brushes, or with
    abrasive nylon pads.

-    Buffing the floor with a powered machine after each cleaning
    restores the luster to the surface, building a natural sheen.

-    Steel wool SHOULD NOT be used on terrazzo; It may rust and
    stain the surface.

-    Terrazzo floors containing abrasive aggregates SHOULD NEVER be
    sealed; They should be scrubbed regularly to keep them free of
    build-up of dirt and other foreign matter.

                             END OF SECTION