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Clay Masonry Products Terra Cotta (Ceramic Veneer)
1) General
2) Physical Properties
3) Standard Shapes
4) Examples Of Shapes Which Are Still Available
1. General
The use of burned clay ware in the form of brick, tile or pottery has been uninterrupted and universal from the dawn of civilization to the present day. The use of burned clay in the form of architectural terra cotta has been more sporadic and local. Its unequaled merits as a building material were fully appreciated by the Greeks and Tuscans who, two thousand years ago, used it to face the perishable stone in some of their temples. Centuries passed, during which the art of making architectural terra cotta seems to have been confined to short periods and to a few localities. In modern times the architect -- working with the responsive and enterprising manufacturer, rediscovered, improved and gave to an appreciative public this most durable and versatile building material.
Terra Cotta Ornamentation
While architectural terra cotta has been used as a decorative veneer for centuries, today's use is limited to restoration work. The name itself, which means "fired earth," dates from Roman antiquity. Hand-molded slabs with either plain or sculptured surfaces are still produced in the traditional manner. Modern methods of production now offer machine-extruded units as well. These mechanically fabricated pieces, usually referred to as "ceramic veneer," may have a smooth-ground surface, or may be beveled, scored, scratched, or fluted. Both the hand and machine-made types may be glazed in clear, monochrome, or polychrome colors and in matte, satin or gloss finishes. Both are custom products, and are more in demand today for restoration work than for new construction.
Terra Cotta Dome
The backs of veneer slabs may be flat or ribbed depending on the method of attachment to be used. Adhesion-type veneer is bonded to the backup material with mortar and requires no supplementary support. Its thickness is limited to 1 1/4 in. by most current building codes; its maximum face dimension to 36 in.; its area to 720 sq. in.; and its weight to 15 lb/sq. ft. Anchored-type veneer, usually 1 5/8 in. or greater in thickness, is attached by mortar bond and metal ties. Size and area limitations are according to UBC requirements.
2. Physical Properties
Modern terra cotta possesses many superior qualities and it may be economically made in an endless variety of forms and colors; if well made, properly set and carefully painted, it is permanently enduring and resists successfully the ravages of water and fire; it combines lightness with strength and beauty with usefulness.
Attention is called particularly to the fact that considerable variations in sizes of similar sections may necessitate changes in both jointing and construction. Hence, none of the plates may exactly apply if the scale is reduced or increased.
Terra Cotta (Ceramic Veneer) Faced Building
The characteristics peculiar to architectural terra cotta and the extreme difficulties encountered in the vagaries of clay before it is finally conquered and forever fixed by fire can hardly be understood by those who have not been engaged in its manufacture. Therefore, harmonious cooperation between designers and manufacturers is imperative in order to produce the best results. Unfavorable shapes or dimensions, or arbitrary arrangement of engaging or supporting materials, may not only increase the cost of production and of erection, but may also produce unsatisfactory results, both aesthetically and constructively.
3. Standard Shapes
Many standard shapes are still available as stocked items. Below are examples of available sill shapes and coping shapes.
The NW Masonry Guide Table of Contents
Masonry Institute of Washington
Washington State Conference of
Mason Contractors
