I. Refresh old Terrazzo? verify First, Then Act!
considering masking up your home's vintage, precise terrazzo ground—perhaps chipped or yellowed—with new floors for a quick fix? preserve on! even as covering it appears handy, it hides risks. First, verify the terrazzo's situation: Are there hollow spots, cracks, or sanding? An unstable base is like building on shaky floor—your new floor will finally suffer: edges lifting, creaking, or maybe collapsing. faucet lightly with a hard object to check for hole sounds; repair any difficult regions first. additionally, ensure the surface is dry, clean, and grease-unfastened—that is essential for a "healthy basis" for the following steps.
II.Flatness is important—level the Highs and Lows
Years of use often go away terrazzo flooring with dips or bumps. but new flooring (particularly laminate or engineered wood) demands high flatness—generally no greater than 3mm version inside a 2-meter span. Exceeding this could purpose uneven stress on the new ground, main to deformation over the years. Leveling is vital: minor imperfections may be smoothed with self-leveling cement; for large differences (over 5mm), it's higher to get rid of the old layer and redo a cement-sand leveling layer. although time-consuming, this guarantees lengthy-time period consolation and balance.
III.Soundproofing & Moisture manage Are a need to—Underlayment is the "Unsung Hero"
even though the terrazzo is flat and intact, laying floors without delay is not encouraged. A layer of underlayment (like moisture barrier or soundproofing pad) is critical. It acts as a "sound insulator," lowering footstep noise and stopping disturbances; and as a "moisture guard," blockading growing dampness that could cause wooden flooring to mold or swell. that is in particular critical on floor flooring or in humid climates. pick an underlayment with an aluminum foil layer for superior moisture and sound safety, giving your floor complete care.
IV.ideal approach: expert assessment + scientific installation
In precis, laying new flooring at once over old terrazzo is not strictly forbidden, but it requires three key conditions: "solid, flat, and dry." A safer approach is to have a professional look into the web site and propose a plan. If viable, refinishing the terrazzo itself is an and stylish retro alternative. If covering is favored, make certain proper base guidance, unique leveling, and correct underlayment set up. Getting it proper the first time guarantees your new floor stays at ease, feels secure underfoot, and achieves a faultless "antique-to-new" transformation!
