Terracotta is an earthenware commonly used in the construction of commercial buildings. It is a durable material resistant to wear and tear but can become damaged. If your commercial building has terracotta walls, you will need to repair them at some point. Here are a few tips on how to repair terracotta commercial walls.
Assess the Damage
The first step is to assess the damage; this will help you determine the extent of repair needed. You can likely repair minor damages yourself. However, you will need to hire a professional if the damage is more significant, like large cracks or holes.
Gather the Materials
Once you have determined the extent of the damage, you will need specific materials for the repair. For minor damage, you will need a putty knife, epoxy or patching compound, and terracotta paint. For more significant damage, you will need a trowel, mortar, and terracotta tiles.
Choose the Right Repair Method
Several methods can repair terracotta commercial walls. The most common method is to use a patching compound. It is a quick and easy way to repair small cracks or chips. However, it is not suitable for large cracks or holes.
Patching compounds come in powder and liquid forms. The powder must be mixed with water to create the compound.
Another option is to use a mortar mix. This is a mixture made from cement, sand, and water. The downside of using a mortar mix is that it’s difficult to apply evenly. If the damage is more significant, you might need to replace the damaged section of the wall.
Prepare the Surface
Before you begin the repair, it’s imperative to prepare the surface. This preparation involves cleaning the area and removing any loose debris. You might also need to sand the surface to create a smooth base for the repair. The repair material will adhere to the surface better if the preparation phase is adequately done.
Fill in the Cracks
Once the surface is prepared, you can fill in the cracks. Use a repair material appropriate for the crack size to fill the cracks. You can patch small areas of damage with a patching compound. For larger cracks, you should use a mortar mix.
If you are using a patching compound, apply it to the crack with a putty knife and smooth it out, so it is level with the surface.
If you are using a mortar mix, it must apply to the crack with a trowel and smoothed out, so that it is level with the surface.
Replace Damaged Sections
If the damage is more significant, you might need to replace the damaged section of the wall. To replace a section of the wall, you must remove the damaged section by chipping away at the mortar around the damaged section. Once the damaged section is removed, you will need to measure the area so that you can cut a replacement piece.
The replacement piece must be made from terracotta tiles. Apply mortar to the back of the tiles and place them into the opening. Always smooth out the mortar, so it is level with the surface.
Once the replacement piece is in place, you can apply terracotta paint to the area. It will help to match the new piece with the rest of the wall.
Allow the Repair to Dry
Once the repair material is in place, you will need to allow it to dry. Drying can take several hours or more. Once it is dry, you can sand it down to make it smooth.
Well-maintained terracotta commercial walls can last for many years. However, they can become damaged. If you notice cracks or holes in your walls, you should repair them as soon as possible.
Following the steps above, you can easily repair minor damage to your terracotta commercial walls. For more significant damage, you will need professional assistance like DC Byers. We are qualified and experienced in repairing all types of wall damage. Call us at 616-538-7300 for all your wall repair needs.