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Fortunately, because the fabric of a masonry wall is in compression, the <br />deterioration of the mortar joints or absence of the original anchoring devices <br />often will cause the individual units to remain in place. <br />- That is until failure of the veneer units occurs and at that point <br />when several units fail or fall the result may be a domino effect <br />with more units or sections becoming dislodged. <br />• As to the overall condition of the individual terra cotta units. Most of the terra <br />cotta units exhibit surface glaze cracking, called "crazing". This is a natural <br />phenomena of terra cotta. Because terra cotta is a clay masonry material, it <br />absorbs moisture from within the cavity of the units. The surface of terra cotta <br />is a fired ceramic glaze. When the clay matrix absorbs moisture it swells and <br />shrinks which causes the glaze to crack. Crazing does not indicate failure of <br />the units, however when the surface glaze delaminates to a depth beyond the <br />surface, the units may spall. Spalling is when thin to moderate depth areas of <br />the units become dislodged in the form of chips. These pieces can also <br />cause damage or injury when allowed to fall from the fagade. <br />Where units have cracked or broken through the entire depth of the section, <br />they should be immediately removed. Wind -driven rain, freezing causing <br />expansion and even the presence of birds can cause unstable units to fall <br />from a fagade. <br />We have over 50 years experience in the construction and restoration of terra <br />cotta buildings and we are pleased to provide the following proposal and options <br />for work at the Avon Theater. Please contact me should you have additional <br />questions or require additional information. <br />Kindest Regards, <br />Lawrence L. Darling, Senior Project Manager <br />The Grunwell-Cashero Co. Inc. <br />ti <br />