Gliori, executive vice president of Grazzini Brothers & Company of Eagan
Gliori, a native of Chicago with a major in architecture, joined Grazzini Brothers & Company in 1981, after a short stint in a family construction business in Chicago. Over a career spanning 27 years, he has risen from a beginning role as field supervisor to project manager, senior project manager, vice president and, now, the current position as executive vice president the MIA-accredited commercial stone contractor.
Gliori and his wife Tracy have two daughters, Isabella and Francesca.
Gliori was elevated from vice president at MIA’s annual meeting of members held at StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas in Las Vegas in mid-October. Also elected as MIA offices for 2009 by the MIA Board of Directors were Vice President, Brett Rugo of Rugo Stone & Mosiac Contractors of Lorton, VA., Secretary Gasper (GK) Naquin of Stone Interiors of Loxley, AL, and Treasurer Michael A.Twiss of Columbia Stone, Inc. of Tulalatin, OR. Twiss was also named a director.
Rugo Stone and Stone Interiors are both MIA accredited companies.
MIA directors also elected two other members to the board of directors. James Otis Moore of Fine Line Pacific in Kent, WA fills the at-large position and Rodney Harvey of Curtain Wall Design and Consulting of Dallas, TX fills the position representing the Mid-South region of the U.S. Both terms expire in 2013.
The Great Florida “Cover-Up”
Terrazzo Floors Are Back In Style
By: Bill Thornton,
Why is Terrazzo so popular again? It is beautiful and seamless. And, nowadays, it is very easy to maintain. Many Floridians are lucky because there is a treasure trove of original 50’s/60’s terrazzo buried in their homes, under the carpet, under the tile, even under the linoleum. In the 1950’s to early 1970’s terrazzo became the floor of choice for most Florida homes. It is now referred to as Mid Century Modern. Formerly, when building a home the contractor would put up the exterior foundation walls, then pour the 5/8-inch thick terrazzo floor in place. The floor would be ground smooth before installing the interior walls on top of the terrazzo.
What caused the popularity of these Mid Century Modern Floors to decline? There was no easy home maintenance; and, professional maintenance workers were lacking. So many floors became scratched, stained and damaged. When the mid 70’s arrived, carpeting became popular, especially shag carpeting. Shag carpeting lead to the great Florida ‘cover-up’.
Let’s understand terrazzo better. The word terrazzo is from the Italian word for terraces. In the 15th Century, Venetian stone workers began utilizing their waste chips, left over from marble slab processing. They mixed the chips with cement, and laid the floors of the terraces around their living quarters. The surfaces were durable but uncomfortable to walk on. So they began hand sanding the surface to make it flat and more comfortable. It was considered a good-looking durable floor. They even began to make designs in the floor that couldn’t be achieved by traditional marble laying.
In the late 18th Century, European craftsmen brought an advanced, smoother, more polished terrazzo to America. It was used mainly in Historic and Monumental architecture. It was durable, seamless, good looking but required continued maintenance.
Today, contemporary architects often choose new terrazzo for floors both for interior and exterior use. However, the Mid Century Modern Terrazzo floors are making a comeback too. In most cases, old terrazzo can be refurbished for a fraction of a new floor’s cost.
Old floors will need regrinding, chip repair, and attention to stains. Nail holes from old carpet tack strips, and gouges, discovered from the past, can be chiseled out. Then new marble chips are matched to the old chips. Also, the new cement is matched to the color of the old cement.
Most restoration repairs are virtually invisible. When the repairs are complete, each is inspected for color blend and match. Very old stains can be the most difficult. Some have gone so deep, that even a stain-removing poultice cannot completely remove it. However, much of the residual stain can be removed in the grinding process. Now for the final refinishing process. The first step is grinding the floor with a diamond-bonded disk. There are a series of finer and finer sanding disks to remove all scratches and complete the smoothing process. The last step is to “final polish” the terrazzo. There is a special powder and polisher that gives the floor a hard glass like finish over a bright clean floor. This polishing restores luster to the chips and produces a very hard durable lasting high-shine. If any stains remain they will be lighter cleaner stains that can proudly proclaim the authenticity of the Mid Century floor.
Advancement in floor care restoration and maintenance allows us to bring back these floors to their original beauty. More and more homeowners, lucky enough to have homes with these original floors, are choosing to restore them. A reward for this effort is that Terrazzo floors are easy to maintain. Since they are seamless, it is easier to keep a very clean home. Just mop, as necessary, using warm water and occasionally with a ‘neutral’ floor cleaner. That is all there is to it.
Terrazzo Repair’s
I’ve have seen many attempted to do terrazzo repairs from the homeowners and guess what? Its looks absolutely horrendous !!! Whats evens worst other company’s who are not even in the stone restoration industry attempting to do repairs….. example using : Plaster, Caulking, wood filer? yep wood filler and my favorite concrete with Chattahoochee rocks…
The Pro’s @ the NSRA have the knowledge and experience to accommodate your terrazzo and natural stone needs. They will do everything humanly possible to match your aggregate chip as close as possible to original marble aggregate.. Leave the repairs to the local experts at NSRA.
West Palm Beach, Fl: We Do Floors Expands Their Terrazzo Restoration Service To Palm Beach County.
Orlando,Fl – Where does one look for that “artisan” in the terrazzo\ natural stone restoration in the Orlando area? Its Al Shulze owner of We Do Floors, LLc in Casselberry, Fl who has been restoring portland terrazzo floors sense 1977.
” My terrazzo floors are 45 years old. They have had hard wear and a number of years under carpet. Al Shulze is an experienced professional. I checked with several other companies and Al was the most knowledgeable. He explained the possibilities and made sure about my expectations. I am really pleased with the results. His work ethics are exceptional. I highly recommend WE DO FLOOR,LLC. Thanks for a great job.” – Cathy A. From Orlando, Fl
Sure, there are a number of companies out there who restores terrazzo floors, but finding a company that truly understands how to properly restore one is much more difficult; especially in the south florida region. Replies Al Shulze owner of We Do Floors. Unfortunately, There are a lot of service companies out there offering a “quick fix and doing short cuts” using crystallization methods or a topical coating. The results of these methods usually leave the floor discolored, dull and even in some cases, damaging the terrazzo floor after a short period of time. This is a common problem for homeowners in South Florida and through out state as well. Customers needs to be euducated on these types of restoration practices, thats why we’ve decided to open a branch office in Royal Palm Beach, Fl.
What makes We Do Floors the premier terrazzo restoration company in the Central Florida area? They have the ability in most cases to bring an old, lifeless terrazzo floor back to its original finish. Heres what Patty of Altmonte Springs, Fl had to say:
” I discovered a potentially great terrazzo floor underneath the storm soaked carpet of my guest bedroom. The floor was marred with grime and glue. Am I ever glad that I called We Do Floors, LLC. Al Shulze was the consummate professional from start to finish. He took time to explain the process and to make sure I understood what type of results could be expected. Al worked hard to meet those expectations. I now have a wonderful looking floor. I recommend We Do Floors, LLC and plan on having Al back to restore another room” – Patty R. From Altmonte Springs, Fl
Utilizing the newest technology in floor restoration techniques,There restoration specialist have the ability to change the modest shine of terrazzo to the look of highly polished marble floor. This family owned and operated company is proud of their craftsmanship. Detail is key in their operation. Getting the most professional results is most important.
“No wax, No Crystallizer, No Topical or any other Coating! This is our mission statement and that’s what separates us from our competition. Al Shulze adds,” If you are looking for a company that offers a price thats sounds to good to be true, they puts some type of sealant or wax and call it “terrazzo floor restoration ” we’re not that company. What we truly care about, is leaving the homeowner with a properly restored floor back to its original finish as if it was new or even better”
If quality and craftsmanship is what you’re looking for in restoring your natural stone or terrazzo floor, We Do Floors is that company in the Palm Beach County area. They are licensed and bonded and specialize in resurfacing and cleaning Terrazzo, Natural Stone, Concrete Floors. For more info goto http://www.orlandofloorrestoration.com
Stone floors are just as fragile as fabric
Do you have a marble, granite, quartzite or limestone floor? Has it lost its luster? Do not worry; help is on the way.
First, let’s get the negatives out of the way. Do not use vinegar, no matter how diluted, as a cleaner on stone. Vinegar is acidic and that acid will etch the stone. Same goes for tub and tile cleaners and any cleanser that contains acid.
According to the World Floor Covering Association, basic common-sense cleaning is in order. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness, so floors should be dust-mopped frequently using a clean, non-treated dry-dust mop or broom. A vacuum cleaner can be very helpful, especially on textured floors, but it needs to be in good condition and have no beater bar, so as to avoid scratching the floor. Use vacuum-cleaner attachments to get to hard-to-reach areas.
It is best not to have the luster restored by means of re-crystallization or vitrification because these processes are acid-based.
So what’s the big deal with acid? Marble and limestone are made up of a compound of calcium carbonate along with other minerals. Scientists have deduced that when the stone mixes with acid, this calcium-carbonate bond is broken. Once this compound is destroyed, calcium ions are released by the stone, producing a new compound, calcium fluorosilicate, forming an impervious film on the stone that blocks its pores. If the pores are blocked, the stone cannot breath, so moisture is trapped inside the stone and it will begin to rot.
Now that the don’ts are out of the way, let’s get to the dos.
There is a natural process that all quarries and fabricators use to polish stone floors. Even if the stone floor has been destroyed by acid, this process can and will erase all etchings and scratches and put shine back into the stone.
The first step is to remove all waxes, acrylics, urethanes or any re-crystallization or vitrification the floor might have. An impregnator is then applied that will protect the stone from spills such as water, coffee, colas, etc. The impregnator seals the floor, yet lets it breathe. Don’t ask. I don’t know how it can breathe yet be impregnable. Somehow, though, it works.
What if the flooring has an unpolished look? This process is still the answer. The only difference is that the end product is a matte finish instead of a glossy one.
Stone floors are beautiful, but very expensive, so you will want to be sure they are protected in the best way possible.
After the floor is protected, maintenance is simple. Dry-mop the stone daily. That is all that needs to be done. Recoating, waxing and later stripping the accumulated wax is all eliminated. If something spills, simply blot with a paper towel. Always blot — never wipe — because wiping will spread the spill. Rinse the area with water and blot again.
grit
GRIT SIZE:
Applies to the size and number of particles per square inch which are used to determine the abrasiveness of sandpapers, grinding stones etc.
Stripping
Stripping: A use of chemicals to remove previously applied coatings or Impregnators/sealers. In the case of Impregnators/sealers this process only removes product from the surface of the stone or other hard surface being worked on, and does not remove any product from below the surface.
limestone
LIMESTONE
A sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate.
Marble
MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS
This standard includes general information on the characteristics
and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems
associated with the material.
INTRODUCTION
Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite
(CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of
limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic
processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone
with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite
porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high
polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and
sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially
polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects
of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed,
is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is
readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the
actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the
acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds
react differently with marble and produce various by-products,
which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability
of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine
the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration.
Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the
other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid
attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the
brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red,
yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition.
TYPICAL USES
Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for
outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture
it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative
features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is
used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of
exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the
feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not
the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage
to which marble is susceptible.
What Is Natural Stone Restoration ?
What is Restoration?
Restoration of natural stones such as marble, granite, limestone, and travertive requires the removal of scratches and/or etch marks from the surface. Most resurfacing is done mechanically with diamond abrasives. Diamond being the hardest stone.
To acquire a true polished or honed surface, the imperfections must be grinded or sanded to the level of the damage. Depending on the depth of damage reflects on how many steps will be needed for the repair.
Only an experienced specialist could recognize the proper order of diamond grits needed to achieve the desired finish.
Deep stains from acid based drinks, foods, or chemicals may cause an etch to deep for resurfacing alone. Most stains can be removed by using a poultice which requires a longer duration.
Which criteria should I use to choose my supplier?
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The process of natural stone and the make or buy in the large production areas of Massa Carrara and Verona (Italy). Visiting one of the thousand companies working in natural stone field to check material during his working process, we may be accompanied in several small workshops where we can see our material being finished. It might even happen that two different natural stone suppliers introduce us in the same workshop and then we are completely mixed up.
We would like to touch an issue that may confuse a client who comes to visit for the first time his granite or marble supplier and the natural stone factory, giving him the bad feeling to be, somehow, cheated.
Visiting one of the thousand companies working in natural stone field to check material during his working process, we may be accompanied in several small workshops where we can see our material being finished. It might even happen that two different natural stone suppliers introduce us in the same workshop and then we are completely mixed up.
So we start wondering if we ordered in the right natural stone company, and why instead of preparing our material in his factory (if a factory at all exists!) he send it to somebody else. To whom the material belongs? Are we paying a higher price, as our supplier buys somewhere else our goods? Who checks the quality?
The Massa Carrara world of Natural Stone
Actually, we just entered the absolutely normal process of make or buy, specially common in the area of Massa Carrara where the size of the companies is extremely small and the field is organized in micro working cells.
To survive today, it is a must to be competitive. Therefore, in a field that leaves small room for profiting, the producers of natural stone have been looking for being extremely specialized, creating then larger synergies that allow to keep the costs as low as possible.
That is why beside a very high number of trading companies for natural stone a countless quantity of small workshops operate in an extremely specific segment given by the mix of machineries they have installed.
Today for instance, the cost of a CNC shaping machine (the ones who allows to shape natural stone virtually in any forms, round or elliptic they can be, profiling the edges in any design or make very complicate massive pieces for any architectural need) is over 250.000,00.
Logically it requires a continuous job to amortize its investment.
A single natural stone company who takes different jobs hardly will have constantly new projects that requires the use of this machine.
The same idea applies to the diamond wire saw, irreplaceable for round cladding or columns of natural stone: it is an expensive machine but its technology allows to get curved shells from the block with a large saving of material and workmanship.
Again, some machines are good for marble but not for granite others are good for granite but not for marble.
Highly specialized Natural Stone Manufacturers
Some natural stone workshops, extremely good in processing the most difficult marble, masters in finishing each single piece of marble, gluing, hand polishing and doing whatever needed to get a perfect element, are not able to get half of this result having granite in their hand, material more industrial that needs a more chain-process.
The natural stone market imposes the need to be perfect in single products or group of products till getting the best result at the lowest cost.
Consequently it is reached, in this way, the optimum path: the chain that brings the goods from the quarry to our home:
One natural stone company, sometimes only trading, cares promotion and marketing getting in contact with the consumer who is looking for marble or granite.
After getting the order they buy the raw material depending on the specific requirements. At this very point uses the cooperation of other companies for the working process, selecting each time the correct ones as type of machinery to transform the raw natural stone blocks in the finished items wanted by the consumer.
They take care directly of checking of the natural stone and of all its financial aspects.
Obviously there exist big natural stone groups with a very good capacity to produce in their own factories the finished granite and marble products, and several hybrid companies, with a partial capacity of processing; all of them anyway uses external aid in a certain percentage.
So How Can I Choose The Right Natural Stone Supplier?
From the above text we understood that it has no relevance the single production capacity of a natural stone supplier, as he himself, with his knowledge, will be able to find the right knot of the processing chain to bring us at the right cost the result we ask for.
Sure we can always step in one of the many bad supplier: being our material fated to last long and often expensive, it is a risk we should avoid.
The first suggestion is to ask for the price to more than one natural stone supplier, always specifying clearly material, quantity and finishing of the stone.
Obviously we will discard the highest one but we should pay attention as well to the ones too low. The difference should never be over 5-10%. If a single offer is lower in an higher percentage it is a must to discard it or at least to look carefully its reasons: maybe the supplier did not understand well our requirements or we are going to get a second class natural stone.
Once the proper offers have been selected we can proceed at the second phase: natural stone samples.
Do not be surprised if some companies will ask you to pay fully or partially the samples: it is not a bad sign: on the contrary it is a common use that allows the supplier to protect himself about people abusing of samples.
To make granite or marble samples has a cost, furthermore being the natural stone quite heavy compared to its volume, the shipping fee can be very high. Therefore, to avoid that people not seriously interested in buying the product, keep asking useless samples, it is a privilege of the supplier to decide to ask for a reimburse. We may demand to get this amount discounted once we confirm the order.
Natural stone samples give an average idea of the granite or marble of course: we are speaking of a natural product that can have variations even remarkable. Actually they are as less significant as longer is the gap of time between the sample and the supply itself: just in a few months, for instance, the natural stone quarry can change the place they extract the blocks from, obtaining therefore a different nuance.
Mock up for Large Natural Stone Orders
For larger natural stone order, it is a good habit to have a mock up prepared: a range of samples that can include the maximum variation the natural stone has. So we should expect, and appreciate, to receive even border samples, means the extreme ugly ones among the range itself, very important to fix the maximum you can accept as veins, spots, colour spreading and so on of the natural stone.
When the border samples will be clear, we should not expect any longer bad surprises and not longer heard the song it is a natural material, you must accept its variations sang in front of unacceptable material.
Finally we will sign together with the natural stone supplier the samples: one set remains with us for a later comparison with the actual goods we receive, one set will stay with the supplier.
Last but not least: lets not forget specially for larger natural stone projects to make yourself sure about the reliability of the supplier we are going to select: a serious producer or granite or marble will not have problems providing us with a list of natural stone projects he supplied and proper bank references.
Troubled suppliers may sometimes appeal us with interesting low prices but give a limited warranty they will end our project or they will be able to face unforeseen problems that might occur during delivering.
To complete a natural stone job can require months and an undesirable interruption of delivering may jeopardize the site, causing costs higher than the saving we had with the lower price.
At this very point, the supplier has been selected: we should only care to be clear with him: give all the details he needs, avoid costly variation during the ongoing process and keep constantly contact till the end of the task.
source: Which criteria should I use to choose my supplier?
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Recent
- West Palm Beach, Fl: We Do Floors Expands Their Terrazzo Restoration Service To Palm Beach County.
- Stone floors are just as fragile as fabric
- What Is Natural Stone Restoration ?
- Which criteria should I use to choose my supplier?
- Gliori, executive vice president of Grazzini Brothers & Company of Eagan
- The Great Florida “Cover-Up”
- Terrazzo Repair’s
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