| Cornice is an architectural element found on all types | | | | Renovation Challenges That are Specific to Cornice |
| of structures, including churches, government | | | | There are two major renovation challenges that are |
| buildings, retail establishments, and private dwellings. | | | | specific to cornice. First, cornice crafted from |
| Before modern and durable building materials were | | | | architectural terra cotta is often assembled using |
| developed, architectural terra cotta was commonly | | | | steel straps, and the individual cornice components |
| used to craft cornice. While renovating cornice | | | | frequently interlock. This makes removing an individual |
| crafted from architectural terracotta is possible, there | | | | section of the cornice quite difficult. In some cases it |
| are a couple of major challenges. This article will | | | | is impossible, meaning the renovation will involve |
| provide an overview of the terracotta renovation | | | | replacing the entire cornice. Second, the manner in |
| process and outline the main challenges of terracotta | | | | which terracotta cornice is often assembled leaves it |
| renovation that are specific to cornice. | | | | vulnerable to moisture, which can present problems |
| Renovation of Terra Cotta: The Process for Cornice | | | | during renovation. In many instances, water |
| When cornice is being renovated, the first step is to | | | | penetrates terracotta cornice and then becomes |
| identify which sections of the terracotta cornice will | | | | trapped inside. Here, it can cause the steel to rust |
| need to be replaced. Then, a mold must be made so | | | | and swell, causing further damage to the architectural |
| the replacement parts needed to complete the | | | | terracotta. If extensive rusting is observed, the |
| terracotta renovation can be cast. Molds often make | | | | structural steel supports and the cornice may need |
| this part of the terra cotta renovation process much | | | | to be completely removed and replaced during |
| more straightforward. While the original architectural | | | | renovation. |
| terracotta cornice may have been composed of over | | | | Although renovating terra cotta on is possible, it is |
| 100 pieces, for instance, casting replacement parts in | | | | not exactly a straightforward process. The amount |
| modern composites often allows terracotta cornice | | | | of the original terracotta that will have to be replaced |
| to be replaced with a single-piece unit. The | | | | depends on a number of factors, including the |
| replacement pieces for the architectural terracotta | | | | assembly method used for the cornice and the |
| cornice are prefitted in the factory to ensure they | | | | extent of rusting that has occurred. For many, |
| will be compatible with the existing terracotta cornice. | | | | though, renovation is preferable to replacing the |
| Finally, the replacement pieces are hoisted and | | | | entire cornice, as preserving elements crafted from |
| installed to complete the terracotta renovation | | | | this traditional material is often a top priority. |
| process. | | | | |