We know that a flawless terrazzo tile installation requires paying attention to certain details to ensure it looks fantastic. Let's dive into the 3 most common mistakes and how to avoid them!
Skipping Expansion Joints
Expansion joints can be a contentious topic. Every architect dreams of eliminating them, wishing they weren't necessary. In our quest for the next best thing—to camouflage them—we sometimes attempt to install terrazzo tiles without joints or with minimal 1 mm joints. This is a mistake, and here's why. Expansion joints serve two purposes:
- To fill the gaps between tiles
- To cushion the tiles against possible expansions and movements of the structure
Omitting expansion joints means the grout doesn't properly fill the gaps between tiles. It then easily comes off with use, and dirt ends up filling these joints. Moreover, without the cushioning of the joint, minor expansions and contractions can cause the tiles to overlap and come loose.
What's the solution? Beautiful joints! We recommend leaving at least 2 mm and using leveling spacers during installation. This ensures even, perfect joints. By leveling the tiles, we avoid unevenness. This point is crucial, as failing here can emphasize that sense of imperfection sometimes felt with joints.
Incorrect Waterproofing
Terrazzo is an exceptionally noble and low-maintenance material, crafted from natural stones and select raw materials. It's a perfect intersection of art and surfacing, requiring just a little ❤️.
To ease maintenance, we always suggest an initial waterproofing, done just once. To ensure our clients succeed, we provide very detailed instructions accompanied by videos. Why do many fail? Often, installers accustomed to working with similar materials believe they can ignore the instructions and proceed as usual. This is why we recommend understanding the instructions and communicating them to your contractor.
Not Preparing the Surface Properly
Terrazzo tiles are installed over a base layer with cementitious adhesive, similar to ceramic or porcelain tiles. It requires a well-prepared base layer, though not to the meticulous detail needed for vinyl, for example.
What's the key? Ensuring there's no moisture seeping from below. This is a common issue in ground-floor homes or apartments. If this happens, it can cause the tiles to come loose and dampen the pieces or joints, altering their tone.
The solution is straightforward. Ensure your contractor builds the base layer with a waterproof additive. Whith this precation in place you will make sure the concrete is waterproofed and prevents moisture from seeping through.