Common Causes And Solutions For Odor After Installation Of Terrazzo Prefabricated Panels

The occurrence of odor after the installation of terrazzo prefabricated panels is usually related to factors such as material quality, construction technology, and environmental conditions. The following are common reasons and corresponding solutions, elaborated in points:

1, Common cause analysis
1. Problems with the material itself
Aggregate or cement contamination: If the aggregate of prefabricated panels (such as stones, quartz sand) contains impurities (such as organic matter, sediment) or is damp and moldy, it may release a moldy or earthy odor after solidification; If the quality of cement is poor (such as clumping due to moisture or adding inferior additives), it may release a pungent odor during the hydration process.
Production auxiliary material residue: Chemical auxiliary materials such as mold release agents and curing agents used in the production of prefabricated panels, if they are inferior products or have not completely evaporated, will have residual odors (such as plastic odor and chemical solvent odor) after installation.
2. Construction process defects
Adhesive pollution: If the adhesives used during installation (such as epoxy resin adhesives and cement-based adhesives) contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs, such as formaldehyde and benzene derivatives), they will release a pungent odor during the curing process.
Improper handling of grassroots: The grassroots is damp, has oil stains/paint residues, or has not been cleaned thoroughly. After installation, pollutants in the grassroots are decomposed by heat/moisture, resulting in odors (such as decay odor and paint odor).
Inadequate maintenance: Failure to timely sprinkle water for maintenance after installation, insufficient hydration of cement, residual unreacted alkaline substances (such as calcium hydroxide), which may release ammonia or alkaline odors in humid environments.
3. Impact of environmental conditions
Damp and stuffy: The installation environment is humid for a long time (such as in basements and bathrooms), with poor ventilation. The moisture inside the prefabricated panels evaporates slowly, promoting the growth of microorganisms (such as mold) and producing a moldy smell; Or cement continues to hydrate and release alkaline odors.
Mixed pollution: The odor released by other surrounding decoration materials (such as new furniture and paint) mixed with the smell of terrazzo is mistaken for a problem with the prefabricated panels themselves.
2, Solution method
1. Material end control
Choose regular prefabricated panels: Manufacturers are required to provide quality inspection reports for aggregates and cement to ensure that the aggregates are dry and free of impurities, and that the cement meets national standards (such as P · O 42.5 cement), avoiding the use of cement containing inferior additives.
Control production auxiliary materials: require manufacturers to use environmentally friendly release agents (such as water-based release agents) and curing agents to reduce chemical residues; Fully air dry after production to ensure complete evaporation of auxiliary materials.
2. Construction end specifications
Choose low VOC adhesives: During installation, use environmentally friendly adhesives (such as cement-based adhesives) that comply with national standards (such as GB 18583-2008), and avoid using inferior adhesives containing benzene and formaldehyde.
Thoroughly treat the base layer: Before construction, inspect the base layer to ensure it is dry (moisture content ≤ 8%) and clean (free of oil stains, paint, and floating dust); If the base layer is damp, waterproof treatment or air drying is required before construction.
Strengthen maintenance: Start maintenance within 24 hours after installation, sprinkle water 2-3 times a day to keep the surface moist but not too wet, and continue for 7-14 days to promote full hydration of cement and reduce alkaline residue.

3. Environmental management
Ventilation and dehumidification: After installation, maintain indoor ventilation (especially in humid seasons), and use a dehumidifier to control humidity (relative humidity ≤ 60%) to avoid microbial growth; If the odor comes from the alkalinity of cement, ventilation can accelerate the volatilization of alkaline substances.
Check for mixed pollution: If you suspect that the odor comes from other materials, you can ask a professional organization to test the air quality (such as formaldehyde, TVOC) and take targeted measures (such as ventilating new furniture and using activated carbon adsorption).
4. Remedial measures in the later stage
Surface cleaning: Use a neutral cleaning agent (such as dishwashing detergent) to wipe the surface of the prefabricated board, remove possible adhesive residue or dust, and reduce the source of odor.
Local inspection: If the odor is concentrated in a certain area, the prefabricated board can be opened to check the adhesive layer. If the adhesive deteriorates (such as blackening or softening), it needs to be removed and re applied with qualified adhesive.

Material replacement: If it is confirmed that it is a quality issue with the precast panel itself (such as moldy aggregate or poor quality cement), it is necessary to replace it with a qualified precast panel and reinstall it.
summarize
The core of the odor in terrazzo prefabricated panels is the loss of control in a certain link of the "material construction environment" closed-loop. More than 90% of odor problems can be prevented through material selection control, construction standards, and environmental management; If there is already an odor, it is necessary to use methods such as "cleaning, testing, and local treatment" to locate the cause and solve it accordingly.