Vetrazzo®... the original recycled glass surface.
Express your style.
Respect the Earth.
Since 1996, Vetrazzo® has created dazzling surfaces in places where people live, work and play all across the country. Vetrazzo® is 85% recycled glass, incredibly strong, durable, and a joy to live with, now and in the years to come.
The Process
Vetrazzo® is manufactured in the United States using a proprietary formula that combines recycled glass with a binder of cement, additives, pigments and other recycled materials.
All of the glass used in Vetrazzo® is recycled, and it makes up approximately 85% of the final material. Our largest source of glass is the neighborhood curbside recycling programs. (See if you can spot last night's Heineken bottle…) Other glass comes from post-industrial usage, windows, drinking glasses, stemware, automotive glass, stained glass, laboratory glass, reclaimed glass from building demolition, and other unusual sources such as decommissioned traffic light lenses. Because of the unique nature of the glass used in the production process, every Vetrazzo® surface has its own history, affectionately dubbed "A story in every surface".
Vetrazzo® produces no off-gassing or VOC's and fly ash and other recycled materials are used within the binder to the greatest extent possible.
Applications
Vetrazzo® can be used anywhere that natural stone or natural quartz might be used, including countertops, tabletops, flooring, fireplace surrounds, architectural cladding, and even outdoors! Wherever they are, Vetrazzo® surfaces offer a stunning and lively signature for both residential and commercial projects. With over 85% recycled glass content, Vetrazzo® allows homeowners, architects, designers, and builders to express their style while respecting the earth and our environment too.
As with other stone products, variations within the final product and/or its component parts, including color, pattern, size, shape, and shade, are inherent and unique characteristics of Vetrazzo® and are to be expected as with all natural products. These variations do not affect the product performance. Seams in Vetrazzo® will be plainly visible. Where seams occur, product color and pattern may change.
There's something else you get when you choose Vetrazzo®—there's a story in every surface™. A story about the life of the glass. A story about its transformation. And a story about you.
When the Stories Merge
Because of the unique nature of the glass used in the production process, every Vetrazzo® surface has its own history. We track that history, and when you purchase Vetrazzo®, we provide a Certificate of Transformation that tells you exactly where the glass in your Vetrazzo® came from. At that point, your story merges with ours, and a new story begins. You're solving an environmental problem. And we think that says a lot about you. Vetrazzo®—a story in every surface™.
Care & Maintenance
Vetrazzo® is an extremely durable and easy-to-maintain surface and is comparable to natural granite in strength, scratch resistance, heat resistance, durability, and care & maintenance. However, you do need to maintain it to keep it looking its best.
85% of the surface is glass, which is impervious to stains. However, acids (like red wine, lemon juice, and vinegar) and staining agents (like coffee and tea) will leave a stain on the concrete matrix if allowed to remain on the surface. Luckily, like aged butcher block, 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.
Sealants are recommended for Vetrazzo® surfaces to create a barrier to the common household staining agents noted above. When your Vetrazzo® is fabricated and installed by an Authorized Vetrazzo® Fabricator, the initial sealant will be applied during the installation process. We recommend that you re-apply the sealant every year or two, depending on the color of your Vetrazzo® 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. As with any sealed surface, prolonged or excessive heat can compromise the sealant. So if you set hot pans directly on your Vetrazzo®, be sure to reseal more frequently. Good sealants are also available VOC-free if you're concerned about off-gassing.
To keep the "just like new" finish, you may also apply a protective wax to the surface after installation. Waxes designed for marble or stone are inexpensive and readily available at your local hardware store or home center. The wax barrier provides additional reaction time for wiping up staining agents before they can do damage. A simple test can help determine the condition of the wax layer - if a bead of water is absorbed by the surface, it's time to apply a new coat.
View the full care & maintenance statement
Vetrazzo® 10-year Limited Warranty
Vetrazzo, LLC, manufacturer of Vetrazzo® surface products, will warrant to the original 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 an Authorized Vetrazzo® Fabricator. This warranty covers the repair or replacement of the failed surface product that has been permanently installed in a single family residence.
View the full details of the warranty330.837.2216
1.800.807.8889
Fax: 330.837.2642
Tower Industries
2101 Ninth Street S.W.
Massillon, Ohio 44647
©2010 Tower Industries. All rights reserved.
