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California Stone Care is the premier dimensional stone care service company in Northern California. Architectural Terra Cotta Restoration |
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Two projects are shown: the first is the Winters, CA branch of the First Northern Bank, headquartered in Dixon, CA, done in summer 1999. The bank is a classical revival structure, constructed in 1912. The terra cotta exterior was badly damaged, with a great deal of glaze missing due to moisture-related spawling, chunks broken out, and considerable staining. The building was first cleaned using a neutral architectural cleaner and pressure washing equipment. |
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Damaged bisque was then replaced with terra cotta repair materials formulated by Edison Coatings of Waterbury, CT, with shapes molded to match original contours. Water-stained areas that persisted after cleaning were coated to prevent bleeding through replacement glaze. All replacement bisque was coated with epoxy material to create a smooth, even surface prior to application of computer-matched replacement glaze. Entire panels were re-glazed where necessary to present a uniform appearance. |
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The second terra cotta project shown is the Sacramento Hall of Justice, built in 1917, which stood vacant for over 20 years prior to the restoration in summer 2000, under subcontract to John F. Otto, Inc. of Sacramento. The terra cotta exterior of this building was in relatively good condition, although the finish on 3 sides presented a challenge since it consisted of 3 colors: a light blue base, with a darker blue fine speckle overlay, with a black, larger speckle over that. Several large chunks were broken out, and the bisque was cast with a grooved finish, requiring fine detail in shaping and finishing. On the 4th side the finish was a beige terra cotta brick with dark brown speckling. The brick finish required careful shaping to match original contours where substantial damage had occurred due to crude modifications made to the building over the years. The steps in the restoration process were the same as those on the First Northern Bank, with the addition of the multiple glaze coatings. |
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