Architectural Terracotta - A Basic summary

Across the nation, the terracotta found on many treasured buildings is deteriorating by the day, both because of the weather and because of the rusted steel rods used to sustain and anchor historical terracotta elements. Those finding for ways to restore or replace it can now take benefit of materials that look exactly like historical terracotta, but are lighter and more durable. This report will talk some basic questions about one of these materials. The modern replacement will be referred to as architectural terracotta, while the former material will be referred to as historical.

What is architectural terracotta?

Matte Finish

It is a building material used to restore or replace terracotta elements and cladding. Like historical terracotta, architectural terracotta is made with clay. It also contains aggregates, minerals, and glass fibers to add reinforcement and strength. The material can be used to perfectly replicate the colors, textures, finishes, and shapes found in historical terracotta elements. It is suitable for a variety of applications, including cladding for walls and columns, flat panels, and architectural elements such as domes, bas relief, and sculpture.

What finishes are ready for the modern replacement?

A myriad of finishes are ready to ensure that the final goods will look exactly like the damaged or destroyed historical terracotta. This versatile material may be glazed or unglazed, can have a slick or matte finish, can incorporate one or several colors, and can be done to look as if granite. A number of textures are also available. Some of the more coarse ones are smooth, tooled, combed, and lined.

Is architectural terracotta ready in panels?

Yes. When large sections of terracotta need to be replaced, using panels is often the beloved method. There are a few limitations to be aware of, though. The maximum length for panels is 14 feet, while the maximum width is 8 feet, 6 inches. Thicknesses of architectural terracotta panels range from a tiny over a quarter of an inch to about an inch and a half. Panels made from this material are typically light enough to be used as cladding for walls.

What are the major reasons to use architectural terracotta?

One of the most basic reasons is that there currently aren't many producers of glazed historical terracotta. Other advantages of architectural terracotta compared to historical terracotta are that it is lighter, easier to handle, faster to install, and extremely durable.

Architectural Terracotta - A Basic summary