Terrazzo is one of the most durable and beautiful flooring materials available — a composite of marble, quartz, granite or glass chips set in a cement or epoxy binder, then ground and polished to a smooth, seamless finish. It is found in period public buildings, luxury hotels, historic homes, and increasingly in contemporary residential and commercial interiors. When terrazzo is damaged, professional repair is essential to maintain the integrity and appearance of this irreplaceable flooring.
Types of Terrazzo Damage
Chips and Gouges
Impact damage from heavy objects — dropped tools, furniture legs, trolley impacts — can chip or gouge the terrazzo surface, exposing the aggregate beneath and leaving a rough, unsightly hole. Chip repair uses colour-matched epoxy or cement-based filler incorporating matching aggregate to restore the appearance of the surrounding floor.
Cracks
Hairline and larger cracks in terrazzo are typically caused by substrate movement, building settlement or inadequate expansion joints. These are filled using matched epoxy repair systems and ground flush with the surrounding floor. Where the crack has caused significant movement, addressing the underlying structural issue is also required.
Staining and Surface Deterioration
Terrazzo can stain from oil, grease, rust, chemical exposure and biological growth in damp environments. Cement-based terrazzo is more susceptible to staining than epoxy terrazzo due to its porosity. Specialist cleaning, poulticing and in severe cases light grinding can address staining.
Loss of Polish
Traffic and abrasion cause terrazzo to lose its polished sheen over time. Mechanical re-polishing using diamond-impregnated pads restores the original gloss — a process distinct from surface repair but often carried out at the same time.
Cement vs Epoxy Terrazzo
Traditional terrazzo uses Portland cement as the binder and is common in period buildings. Modern epoxy terrazzo uses an epoxy resin binder and is more resistant to staining and chemical attack but less common in older properties. The repair approach differs for each type — our technicians assess the material before recommending treatment.
Get a Free Terrazzo Repair Assessment
Terrazzo repair is highly specialised. Send photographs of the damage together with any information about the building’s age and the floor’s history for an accurate assessment and quotation.
