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Architect & Designer Guide
Revised August 2007
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An Introduction to Vetrazzo
Vetrazzo transforms recycled glass into exquisite, one-of-a-kind surfaces that show respect
for the earth and the environment.
Vetrazzo surfaces are:
Fabulous for countertops, vanities, tabletops, even flooring and wall cladding
Composed of more than 85% recycled materials (wow!)
Manufactured proudly in the U.S. by passionate, experienced craftspeople
The glass is thoroughly mixed throughout the full slab thickness. Polished edges reveal more
gorgeous dimensions of glass.
Vetrazzo uses 100% recycled glass including both post-consumer and post-industrial sources
such as beverage bottles and containers, glassware, windows, windshields, optical lenses,
traffic light lenses and a variety of other fascinating sources. There is, quite literally, a story
in every surface™.
Applications
Vetrazzo can be used in a variety of commercial and residential applications ; most common
applications include:
countertops
bar tops
hearths / fireplace surrounds
tub decks
shower surrounds
tables
flooring
wall cladding
outdoor kitchen surfaces
Product Dimensions
Vetrazzo is manufactured in 9’ X 5’ X 1.25” (approx. 3 cm) slabs weighing approximately 700
pounds
Tolerances
Joint (seam) widths
Between two slabs the joint should be 1/16”with a tolerance of ±1/64”
for a typical countertop application.
Lippage
Maximum permissible height difference should be 1/32” limited to
the center, front to back. The front planes need to align visually, the
rear planes need to align enough to allow for successful backsplash
installation.
Slab Thickness
Variance should be limited to 1/8” for slabs used in the same project.
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Slab Flatness
Individual slabs should be within 1/16” flatness when measured
with a 4.0’ straight edge.
Fabrication Techniques & Tools
To uphold the warranty and ensure the best results please use authorized fabricators, a
complete list is published on our website.
Vetrazzo has adopted the Fabrication and Installation Guidelines of the Marble Institute of
America, as stated in the MIA’s Dimension Stone Design Manual (version 6) and the
Technical Module for Residential Stone Countertop Installation (rev. 2005). Where
applicable, references to Granite should be followed over other stone types.
Fabrication equipment and tools used for granite fabrication, such as CNC machin es and
gantry saws may be used to fabricate Vetrazzo slabs.
Sink Reinforcement
Top mount and/or under mount sinks may be used. Under mount sinks can be mounted
using standard stone practices. If the material span in front of the sink is less than 4”, it
should be reinforced by insertion of an I-rod or other accepted strengthening practice.
Other Reinforcement
Fiberglass Mesh. An optional practice for reducing the possibility of breakage is adherence
of fiberglass mesh to the back surface of the pa nel. This would be applied immediately
following the sawing of the panel. An epoxy or polyester resin may be used.
Splines. Seams, particularly between narrow sections of the panel, may be splined together
with a steel or stainless key. Commonly, a large washer is used as the spline key. The metal
is fully encapsulated with polyester or epoxy resin and fitted to closely cut slots in the panel,
similar to the “biscuit” joint reinforcements used in woodworking.
Spans & Cantilevers
Spanning between supports shall be limited to 2’ 0”.
Cantilevers should be limited to 6”.
Cantilevers exceeding 6” should be supported by corbels at 12”.
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Patina (Stain)
Vetrazzo slabs are available with a “patina”; surface color added by applying an acid stain.
This simple technique increases the material’s aesthetic flexibility by enabling surface color
change post production.
Patina finishes must be completed prior to sealing.
Lithochrome Chemstains are used for the surface stain in factory production. Consequently,
we recommend their use to ensure proper color match, though fabricators may use their
discretion in choosing brands, provided post -production staining matches the factory stain. It
must be a reactive, penetrating and permanent concrete stain.
Lithochrome Chemstain guidelines can be found at:
www.scofield.com/stepguide_chemstain05.html
Edging
The profile edge of Vetrazzo offers another view of the incorporated glass; the cross section
has its own inherent beauty. Simple edge treatments best showcase this unique perspective.
Straight edges with small radii or eased edges are the most popular, semi and full bull nose
can also be offered. While you may choose a more complex or elaborate edge profile, be
aware that sharper edges are more prone to chipping and d islodging of glass. Vetrazzo does
not warranty glass chipping or dislodging. These edges are the responsibility of the
fabricator.
Note that the Vetrazzo Residential 10-Year Limited Warranty only covers glass chipping on
the these recommended edge prof iles; straight edge, double round, half bull nose, full bull
nose.
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Sealing
Vetrazzo MUST be sealed with a penetrating sealant. Apply sealant AFTER completion of
patina work.
The sealant used should be hydro and oleo-phobic, protecting against water and oil based
stain agents. Though the fabricator may use their discretion in selecting a comparable
sealant, we recommend one of the following sealants:
Stone Tech Heavy Duty Impregnator Pro
http://www.stonetechpro.com/products/protect/hds/
CHENG Concrete Countertop Sealer –TWO coats
http://www.concreteexchange.com/pdfs/info/Sealer_Instructions.pdf
CEMENTONE Clear Sealer
http://www.scofield.com/techdata_cementone.html
Always follow manufacturer’s recommendations, which can be found at the links provided
above.
We suggest applying the sealant in the shop prior to installation, reducing the release of
fumes on site. Sealant must be applied to any surface area exposed during installation,
including any field edge cuts.
Honed finishes require an additional coat of sealant due to the greater exposed surface area.
STRAIGHT EDGE
DOUBLE ROUND
FULL BULL NOSE
HALF BULL NOSE
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LEED Point Contribution
Created by the US Green Building Council, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the
design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. Learn more about
this increasingly adopted standard at www.usgbc.org.
Use of Vetrazzo can contribute to a variety of LEED points depending on job site particulars.
Consult a LEED Accredited Professional for calculation o f specific point contribution.
Can contribute to earning up to 5 points or more toward LEED 2.2 certification:
Recycled Content Credit MR Credit 4.1 or 4.2 (1 to 2 points)
Regional Materials MR Credit 5.1 and/or 5.2 (1 to 2 points) within 500 miles of Richmond,
CA
Low Emitting Materials – Adhesives and Sealants EQ Credit 4.1 (1 point) (Please check
with Vetrazzo, sealant testing underway. We do recommend low-VOC adhesives.)
Innovation in Design– extensive use of Vetrazzo in flooring or walls could contribute to
additional points
Residential 10-Year Limited Warranty
Vetrazzo, LLC, manufacturer of Vetrazzo surface products, will warrant to the ori ginal
purchaser of installed Vetrazzo surface products for a period of ten (10) years from the
original date of installation that the surface products will be free from manufacturing defects,
provided the surface products are fabricated and installed by a Vetrazzo Authorized
Fabricator.
A list of Vetrazzo Authorized Fabricators can be obtained by calling Vetrazzo, LLC at
(510) 234-5550 and is also available at www.vetrazzo.com. This warranty covers the repair or
replacement of the failed surface product that has been permanently installed in a single
family residence. This warranty includes direct labor charges necessary to repair or replace
the product covered by this warranty. The Residential Limited 10-year warranty is available
only to the owner of a single-family residence in which the surface product is originally
installed or, in the case of a newly constructed single family residence, to the first owner
acquiring the residence from the builder thereof with the surface product already
permanently installed.
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Color Matching
Every panel of Vetrazzo is unique. Variations in the pattern and distribution of glass are an
inherent part of its beauty. While every effort is made to ensure visual and color consistency
between slabs, no assurances can be mad e due to the changing nature of recycled glass
supply.
As glass variations are greater between batches, materials throughout an installation should
be from the same batch and sh ould bear labels with same batch number to improve color
consistency. Visually inspect materials to be used for adjacent pieces to assure acceptable
color match. Inspect in lighting conditions similar to those at the installation site.
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CARING FOR VETRAZZO
REFERENCE GUIDE FOR VETRAZZO OWNERS
The Basics
Vetrazzo is an extremely durable and easy-to-maintain surface. It’s comparable to granite in
strength, scratch resistance, heat resistance, durability, and care & maintenance.
Will it stain? Vetrazzo is less porous than marble and concrete and equivalent to some granite.
But you do have to care for it.
85% of the surface is glass, which is impervious to stain. However, acids (like red wine, lemon
juice and vinegar) will etch the matrix of the surface (the concrete area between the glass) if not
cleaned up right away. And staining agents (like coffee and tea) will leave a trace if allowed to
remain on the surface.
Luckily, like aged butcher block, marble, and concrete, signs of living can actually enhance the
character of the surface. If you clean messes up quickly, your Vetrazzo will remain unchanged.
If you are more carefree, you may appreciate the natural patina that develops as you live with
and enjoy your Vetrazzo. Also, dark mixes and those with patina hide the signs of a carefree
lifestyle remarkably well.
Need a lot of maintenance? No. It’s mostly glass. Keep it clean with soap and water, (avoiding
harsh abrasives). When the mood strikes you, buff it with a wax a few times a year and reseal it
once every year or two. Pretty simple.
Can you cut on it? Sure, but you’ll ruin your knife.
Can you put a hot pot on it? Yup. It’s glass and concrete. As with any sealed surface, prolonged
excessive heat could compromise the sealant. So if you do this often, be sure to reseal
periodically.
Durable? You bet. Vetrazzo installations are in buildings that have seen millions of visitors since
they’ve been installed and show no signs of wear.
Can you dance on it? We’ll leave that up to you. (Careful not to slip!).
Dwell magazine referred to it as “a superhero of the countertop world.” Need we say more?
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Caring for Vetrazzo
Caring for Vetrazzo surfaces is easy and comparable to caring for natural stone. The following
are suggestions for keeping your Vetrazzo as gorgeous as when it was first installed.
Sealing
Sealants are used on a variety of surfaces such as granite, concrete and Vetrazzo to create a
barrier to common household staining agents like red wine and coffee. When your Vetrazzo is
fabricated and installed by an Authorized Vetrazzo Fabricator, this sealant will be applied during
or prior to installation in your home.
We recommend you re-apply the sealant every year or two, depending on the color of the
Vetrazzo mix you choose and just how carefree you prefer to be. It’s as easy as wiping it on,
letting it sit for 20 minutes or so, and wiping it off.
Good sealants are also available VOC-free if you’re concerned about off-gassing.
Details on Vetrazzo Care & Maintenance can be downloaded at our website: www.vetrazzo.com.
Maintenance
Of course, the best way to maintain any surface is to wipe up regularly and not let the common
household offenders - such as coffee, tea, red wine, vinegar and citrus - sit too long. Dark
Vetrazzo mixes, such as any patina mixes, show little sign of wear and hide nearly anything you
may throw their way.
To keep the “just like new” finish, apply a protective wax to the surface after installation, and a
couple times a year thereafter. We recommend Goddard's Marble Wax or a comparable product.
These products are inexpensive and readi ly available at your local hardware store. The wax
barrier provides additional reaction time for wiping up staining agents before they can do
damage.
A simple test can help determine the state of the wax layer – if a bead of water is absorbed by the
surface, it’s time to apply a coat. Follow the product manufacturer’s recommendations.
Some common household chemicals and solvents can damage the surface. The worst offenders
are:
Abrasive cleaners (like Comet and Spic and Span)
Rust/paint removers
Lacquer thinner
Fingernail polish remover
Other Solvents
Oven/metal/toilet/tile and drain cleaners
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If contact with any of these materials should occur, wipe up immediately and wash the area
thoroughly with a mild soap solution. Rinse with water.
Removal of difficult spills
Vetrazzo is resistant to common household stains but, like granite, it can be damaged or stained
by prolonged exposure to foods that are highly acidic or have staining properties, such as lemon
juice, other citrus juices, berries, wine and coffee. These substances may etch the surface causing a
dull appearance, or discolor the surface. This can be easily repaired by an authorized fabricator.
If you do stain your Vetrazzo, you may want to try removing the stain yourself by applying a
poultice – an absorbent material applied to a surface to draw out a stain.
The following is a common, effective poultice recipe. More than one application may be
necessary.
Talc powder, non-scented/non-oiled which can be found at supermarkets or drugstores
Hydrogen Peroxide-full strength
Mix together creating a thick paste, apply to stain and cover with cling film, e.g. Saran Wrap.
Tape edges of film to surface; this slows the drying time allowing the poultice to draw out the
staining agent. Be sure to use a low tack tape that will not leave a residue.
It may take 2-3 days to allow the poultice to dry completely. Once dry, scrape off the poultice
with a razor blade; be careful not to scratch the surface, inspect the area and repeat if necessary.
Please be sure to re-apply sealant after stain removal in accordance with the process outlined by
the sealant manufacturer, or contact your authorized fabricator. See Recommended Products
below.
After the process is completed and sealant dry, apply and buff a protectiv e wax. We recommend
Goddard's Marble wax.
If you don’t want to try and remove the stain yourself, or if your poultice isn’t completely
effective, you may want to hire an authorized fabricator to do so. The fabricator will probably
want to know what caused the stain, and how old it is to help determine the best removal
technique. See www.vetrazzo.com to find one near you.
Repairs
Vetrazzo is extremely durable, and may never need repair. However, should it become damaged
and you need it repaired, contact your Authorized Fabricator.
Just like if an edge of granite was damaged, if a piece of glass chips out of the edge, keep the glass
if you can. The fabricator can re -adhere it. If the glass is not available, don’t worry. The
fabricator can still repair it.
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Chemicals & Cleaners
Choosing supplies for surface care & maintenance these days can be confusing. The best thing
you can do for any surface is be selective in your choice of cleaners. Most mass -market products
are corrosive to all surfaces. Here are some chemicals and cleaners we recommend. For maximum
performance, we suggest you reapply according to the schedule noted.
Cleaners: Mild soap and water. (Use as often as necessary)
Wax: Goddard’s Marble Polish (A few times a year). May be substituted with any
good quality marble polish.
Sealant: Any high-quality granite or concrete countertop sealant can be used. We like
Impregnator Pro by StoneTech or Cheng Concrete Countertop Sealer. (Every year or
two)
For more information on how to use these products, see “Caring for Vetrazzo” on our website,
www.vetrazzo.com.
Keep in mind that these are some of the nastiest chemicals to avoid:
Abrasive cleaners (like Comet and Spic and Span)
Rust/paint removers
Lacquer thinner
Fingernail polish remover
Other Solvents
Oven/metal/toilet/tile and drain cleaners
Other acidic solutions
If contact with any of these materials should occur, wipe up immediately and wash the area
thoroughly with a mild soap solution. Rinse with water.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
1) POLISH- Goddard's Marble and Granite Polish
http://www.goddards.com/html/productDetail.php?id=16
2) SEALANTS
Stone Tech Heavy Duty Impregnator Pro
http://www.stonetechpro.com/products/protect/hds/
CHENG Concrete Countertop Sealer
http://www.concreteexchange.com/pdfs/info/Sealer_Instructions.pdf
CEMENTONE Clear Sealer
http://www.scofield.com/techdata_cementone.html
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