Petrarch Terracotta Alternative Cladding
Terracotta cladding and Petrarch rainscreen cladding are both cladding materials that can add beauty and durability to a building. However, there are some key differences between the two materials.
Terracotta cladding is a natural material that is made from fired clay. When a glaze is applied, it is known for its rich colors and eco-friendly properties. Terracotta cladding can, however, be heavier, more difficult to install, and more expensive than other cladding materials.
Petrarch Panels are made from reconstituted stone, primarily recycled marble. Petrarch Panels are designed to look like natural stone but are more durable and easier to maintain. Petrarch Panels are lightweight, less expensive, and easier to install than terracotta cladding.
The current project using Petrach Panels came about through an exploration of the final material selections. In the early stage of design, the intent was to select a material that was more natural in texture and color. The material also needed to be durable and withstand a level of interaction at the human scale. We explored terracotta and other materials. In the end, the Petrach Panels as an alternative to Terracotta gave us a wide range of natural colors that we could easily coordinate with the other building materials and meet the desired design intent.” Brad Norvell, CPL Architects.
See how Petrarch Panels is a great alternative to Terracotta Cladding.
Petrarch Rainscreen Cladding and Terracotta Cladding Comparison
| FEATURE | PETRARCH RAINSCREEN CLADDING | TERRACOTTA CLADDING |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Reconsituted stone, primarily marble | Clay-based ceramic |
| Weight | Petrarch Panels are 4x lighter than Terracotta. | Glazed Terracotta is heavier than traditional cladding. |
| Longevity | Petrarch Panels are warrantied for 50 years. | Terracotta will last for decades if properly maintained. Warranties vary by manufacturer. |
| Impact-Resistance | Petrarch panels have superior flexural and impact strength. Panels may be installed at grade or high traffic areas. | Avoid placing heavy objects near Terracotta cladding that could potentially fall and cause damage. Additionally, trim nearby vegetation to prevent plant growth from affecting the cladding. |
| Weather Resistance | Petrarch Panels has passed tests for extreme conditions of wind and water. Petrarch Panels are color fast and will not fade over time. | Terracotta cladding is known for its ability to withstand various weather conditions. It is resistant to UV radiation and temperature fluctuations, making it suitable for both hot and cold climates. |
| Water Resistance | Petrarch Panels have best-in-class low moisture absorption (0.15% 24 hours submersion.) | Terracotta is a spongy material that needs to be glazed to ensure that it will not absorb water, which can result in a heavier facade. Periodic inspection is recommended for Terracotta cladding. |
| Maintenance | Petrarch panels are naturally anti graffiti and easy to clean. Maintenance is a simple wash. | Terracotta cladding must be treated with an anti graffiti coating. Use a mild detergent or specialized terracotta cleaner along with water and a soft brush or sponge. Avoid abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that could damage the surface. |
| Fireproof | Petrarch Panels have an NFPA 285, Class A rating. | Terracotta cladding is fired at very high temperatures, which makes it fireproof. |
| Sustainability | Petrarch Panels may be reused/recut for use in new projects. | Terracotta cladding is not biodegradable. Cladding can be crushed, and recycled to make new cladding for new projects. |
| Designability | Petrarch Terracotta Panels were designed to resemble natural Terracotta. Petrarch Panels are available in 4 textures: Smooth, Smooth Matte, Riven, Riven Matte. Unlimited Custom Colors, Molds, Images, and Patterns. | Terracotta panels can be glazed with different colors in matt, glossy and metallic. Texturing is possible. |
| Constructibility | Petrarch Rainscreen Cladding may be installed face fixed, concealed adhesive fixed or mechanical secret fixed. No special installation instruction is required. | Horizontal rail and semi-concealed ship-lap concealed systems are the most popular approaches for terracotta rainscreen applications. |
| Cost | Petrarch Panels are 10 - 30% less expensive than Terracotta. | Terracotta can be more expensive compared to some other construction materials, particularly when used in large-scale applications. The cost of production, installation, and maintenance can be higher, which may need to be factored into budget considerations. |
