Types of Terracotta Repair We Offer in Chicago, IL
Terracotta Repair and Replacement Services
Terracotta is a beautiful and durable material that has been used in construction for centuries, but like any material, it can deteriorate over time. That’s where the team of experts at Soumar Masonry Restoration comes in. We offer different types of terracotta restoration services in Chicago, IL, from minor touch-ups to complete restoration projects. Whether you’re a building owner or a property manager, we have the expertise and experience to help you maintain the beauty and integrity of your terracotta building.
What Is Terracotta?
Terracotta, which means baked earth in Italian, is a type of clay-based ceramic material that has been used for centuries in architectural and decorative applications. It is composed of natural clay, which is mixed with water, molded into the desired shape, and then baked at high temperatures until it hardens. The result is a porous, durable, and weather-resistant material that can be molded into intricate shapes and designs.
Terracotta is a versatile material that can be used in a variety of architectural applications, including building facades, roofing, cornices, columns, and decorative elements. Due to its durability and resistance to weathering, terracotta has been used in a wide range of climates and geographic regions throughout the world. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the use of terracotta as a sustainable building material. Its natural composition and manufacturing process makes it an environmentally friendly choice, and its ability to regulate temperature and humidity can help to reduce energy consumption in buildings.
As with any building material made of masonry, terracotta installations are vulnerable to water infiltration and damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles. Therefore, when investing in clay repair, it is crucial to address common issues such as unit spalling, cracking repairs, and damage to the masonry joints. Additionally, the use of polychrome units and glazes by terracotta designers means that restoration contractors must be capable of restoring a wide range of colors and finishes to preserve the building’s original aesthetic.
Types of Terracotta Repair
- Cleaning: Removal of black encrustations, surface grime, surface and subsurface salts, and geological growth
- Crack Repair: Repairs cracks over ¼” in width where the unit has not completely fractured and is still securely anchored to the structure
- Hairline Crack Repair: Repairs fine cracks that are typically only surface and under ¼” in width
- Fracture Repair: Repairs a complete crack through the unit by removing the affected unit, rejoining the segments, and repairing the surface at the crack site before resetting it in new bedding mortar
- Paint Removal: Involves chemical stripping of non-original surface coatings
- Patching: Custom patching of missing or spalled areas
Why Should You Choose Soumar Masonry Restoration?
In conclusion, maintaining the beauty and functionality of terracotta buildings requires specialized terracotta repair and restoration techniques. Additionally, regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your terracotta building. Whether it’s a minor crack or a major terracotta replacement, our team has the skills and expertise to bring your terracotta building back to life. If you need any terracotta repair or restoration services, feel free to contact us for a consultation. We take great pride in providing the best terracotta repair and replacement services in Chicago, IL!