GLASS TERRAZZO
pa nou chang - ds 224 - fall 2020
Glass terrazzo is an attractive product for floors and countertops because of the various sizes and colors of the glass chips. It is traditionally made by embedding marble chips in a concrete or epoxy matrix. Glass terrazzo is a sustainable product when the marble is replaced with chips from recycled glass bottles, windows, or mirrors.
Glass is hard but brittle. It is also durable and has long useful lives. Glass transmits heat and cold easily therefore it may be considered to have high thermal conductivity. The sound-insulating properties of glass is best when it is double glazed.
Glass is made from sand that is heated at such a high temperature that it becomes a liquid. It goes through a molten stage before rapidly cooling and becoming solid without forming any visible crystals. A flux (sodium carbonate or soda) is added to reduce the melting point. Lime is also added to the mixture so that it will not be water soluble. Other materials such as minerals that affect the color or properties of glass are also added.
Glass terrazzo as the application on kitchen island & countertop
To clean off dirt and keep the transparency of glass, use soft rags and a squeegee to remove excess water. To clean off fingerprints or soap residue in showers and tubs, use ammonia or vinegar-based cleaning solutions.
The production of glass requires high heat. In order to heat the furnaces, a variety of fossil fuels such as fuel oil, natural gas and liquid petroleum gas supplemented by electric heat is needed. A result of harmful emissions comes from the fuel combustion. But, glass is continuously recyclable that’s why the material for glass terrazzo includes chips from recycled glass bottles, windows or mirrors.
Terrazzo with glass cost less than terrazzo with marble. The cost of the tile is usually between $15 to $40 per square foot. Since glass is a natural product there is no off-gassing when glass is installed. In addition to good indoor air quality, glass allows for light and outside views to enter the interior space. This is a key to positively impact the health and wellbeing of the occupants.
Bathroom shower with glass terrazzo as the application
on the wall and floor
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NFPA 257 is the Standard for Fire Tests of Window and Glass Block
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ASTM C158 is the Standard Test Methods for Strength of Glass by Flexure
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ASTM E 2010 Standard test for positive pressure tests of window assemblies
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American Specialty Glass
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National Glass Association
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Heritage Glass Inc.
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Society of Glass Technology
Glass terrazzo as a floor application
Glass terrazzo as a table top application that is durable
Glass terrazzo as a kitchen counter
Knowles, E. E. (2013). Comprehensive Guide for Selecting Interior Finishes, The. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780133142181/
https://www.improvenet.com/r/costs-and-prices/terrazzo-flooring