Terracotta Wall Cladding & Panels: More Than Just a Pretty Facade

Are you confused about selecting the best wall cladding material? You don't want to create a good looking facade. Instead, an exterior wall that can work as a protective shield for your building. But do you think a building with an unappealing look can attract people to it? Think about yourself, would you go? No, right? 
Cladding is as essential as a core pillar of the building. Core pillars help the building stand straight for the years. While cladding makes sure it is safe from all the harsh weather conditions, be it extreme heat or excess rainfall.

Wall assembly is the group of components that fulfill the support, control and finish function, which includes exterior cladding & sheathing, interior cladding, vapor barriers, insulation, etc. Here we will see the primary and most used wall assemblies in the commercial building. And after that, we will discuss the architectural material that has won the hearts of many architectures – Terracotta Cladding.

TYPES OF WALL ASSEMBLIES AND CLADDING:
There are three significant types of wall assemblies used in the commercial building's wall. And they are as follows:


1. MASS WALLS
These are the most basic and traditional ones. The mass walls are created with the use of brick masonry, concrete and rammed earth. And these materials are also responsible for the protection. As its name suggests, the mass of the walls decides the strength and level of protection it will provide to the building.


2. BARRIER WALLS
Barrier wall, the name itself suggests that it is used to create a barrier between the harsh weather conditions and indoor spaces. This type of wall has the outer material that protects the wall from water and heat. The wall consists of precast concrete panels and exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). A slight defect in the wall and you will see rainwater entering the indoor spaces.

3. CAVITY WALLS
The most reliable one and preferred by most builders is the cavity wall. This wall uses the concealed air space and drainage plane to resist the bulk water infiltration. If the design of a wall is done thoroughly with the proper material, then it may provide thermal protection too.


So these were the most-used and basic wall assembling. And cladding is a part of it, as said in the introduction part. After reading significant types of wall assemblies, you would have realized that the cavity wall is the modern approach towards the security of the wall from rough weather conditions. 

And terracotta wall cladding is recommended by the architectures and many of them are currently using them to create an exterior that is appealing as well shielding. After hearing terracotta cladding, the first thing to click in mind is 'pretty fancy facade', but here we will explain to you it is more than that.

And why is it so? Take heed to the next section to get the real reason behind it.


WHAT IS TERRACOTTA CLADDING?
Before using or selecting any material, you need to know about it. Terracotta is the baked form of the earth. It is natural clay.

Now let's talk about terracotta cladding. It is a natural and raw form of clay, heated at a higher temperature without adding any chemicals. It is a cladding material that provides both thermal insulation as well as weather resistance and gives aesthetic facade.

ADVANTAGES OF TERRACOTTA CLADDING
1. THERMAL INSULATION
Because of the ventilated system, the terracotta can give better thermal insulation than any other. To enjoy thermal insulation benefits, go for the rainscreen principle while cladding. Or if the precast cladding is done with the sandwich concept.

2. COST-EFFECTIVE MAINTENANCE
Terracotta cladding requires less maintenance. A single power wash every 5 to 10 years will work for unglazed terracotta if you go for glazed one, then you can stay worry-free for at least 10 to 20 years. The surface of terracotta doesn't let dust gather on it. 

3. DURABLE

Terracotta is obtained from natural and raw clay, so the strength it has is natural. Terracotta panels used in the cladding are fired at high temperatures, which makes it durable. If the installation is done properly with the help of knowledgeable labors, the building can survive upto 100 years.

4. SUSTAINABLE
It is obvious. Terracotta is obtained from nature, but no one is harmed during the process. And its processing doesn’t harm any living being too. It is recyclable, even after years, you can reuse it for making something else.

5. VARIOUS DESIGNS AND COLORS TO SELECT FROM!
The biggest advantage of terracotta is, it’s numerous options in texture and colors. You can select from the range of colors from natural to human-made in both glazed and unglazed effects, i.e., there is the availability of red, yellow, gray, brown, and white colors as well as you will get the mixture of any of this color too. Even you will get a wide variety in texture as well from smooth to rough.


DISADVANTAGES OF TERRACOTTA CLADDING
1. BUY FROM CERTIFIED DEALER
Terracotta cladding is something that needs proper processing for the perfect durability. If you want to experience and get all the benefits of terracotta cladding, make sure you buy it from the certified dealer.

2. REQUIRES SKILLED LABORS 
Skilled laborers are required for the proper installation of terracotta cladding. A single mistake can ruin everything.


3. HIGH INITIAL COST
The only drawback that makes people think twice about getting it. But think it as an investment, you won’t have to look at the rebuilding side after installing these. Even your repairing cost will low down too. As we said with proper installation, it can protect a building for 100 years.

TERRACOTTA CLADDING – NOT A MERE FANCY FACADE

The terracotta facade will do the multitasking for you, from looking appealing to protecting the exterior and interiors from damage. This is a pocket-friendly way to build a construction that will save you from maintenance costs in the long run, and most importantly, you can stay worry-free for years regarding the repair or rebuilding cost.