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Historic Preservation - Technical Procedures

Spectitle:
Micro-Cotta As Alternative Replacement For Terra Cotta

Procedure code:
0421404S

Source:
Technical Insight - Kansas State Historical Society

Division:
Masonry

Section:
Terra Cotta Unit Masonry

Last Modified:
02/24/2012

Details:
Micro-Cotta As Alternative Replacement For Terra Cotta



MICRO-COTTA AS ALTERNATIVE REPLACEMENT FOR TERRA COTTA This standard includes general information on an alternative material for use in the replacement of severely deteriorated terra cotta ornament. Micro-cotta is a lightweight, polymer-based composite concrete manufactured by Patentech Corporation of Sugar Grove, Illinois.  It is a replacement alternative suitable for reproducing the appearance of terra cotta, cast stone, slate and cast iron. The characteristics of micro-cotta as a replacement for terra cotta are believed to be superior to more traditional replacement materials such as cast stone, fiberglass, and even replacement terra cotta. Some characteristics of micro-cotta include the following:     1.   Polymer-based micro-cotta utilizes a finer aggregate than          cement-based concrete     2.   Capable of reproducing detail with sharp definition     3.   Greater resistance to weathering:          a.   Lower absorption rate (1% compared to 13% for               concrete and 7% for terra cotta)          b.   Color value and tone of material is relatively               stable during aging process unlike that of               fiberglass laminates or cast stone          c.   Micro-cotta's resistance to cracking and spalling               compared to that of terra cotta is not conclusive.     4.   Micro-cotta is lightweight (70 lbs./cubic foot)          a.   It is 50-70% lighter than masonry products and,               therefore, substantially less expensive to install. Micro-cotta is most commonly produced from a mold of the original unit.  It is anchored using standard conventional masonry anchors (preferably stainless steel, as recommended by Patentech Corporation).                          END OF SECTION