Vance Building - Seattle, WA

INVESTIGATION:

We conducted a study of the exterior terra cotta cladding of the Vance building after two large pieces of the terra cotta dislodged and fell several stories to the sidewalk.  There was extensive cracking and deterioration of the terra cotta caused by water infiltration over a period of many years.

REPAIR:

We developed a plan for repairs that allowed the existing terra cotta to be repaired in place, rather than removed and replaced.  Systematic installation of new anchors and grout provided both lateral anchorage and vertical support for the terra cotta.  Expansion joints were also installed in the terra cotta to relieve internal stresses and restore the integrity of the cladding.  The exterior was refinished after the repair work, which transformed the deteriorated appearance of the exterior into an attractive building facade.