Assess deteriorated architectural terra cotta and source replacement units

Steps

1. Survey the terra cotta units for common deterioration modes per Preservation Brief 7: spalling glaze, cracking from corroding internal anchors, moisture infiltration through the porous unglazed body, and prior repair failures.
2. Probe/sound units to identify hollow or delaminated sections, and check anchor condition where accessible, since corroding internal steel anchors are a leading cause of terra cotta failure and falling hazards.
3. Evaluate repair options first (patching glaze chips, resetting loose units, anchor repair) since full unit replacement is costly and the brief favors preserving original material where feasible.
4. Where replacement units are required, budget significant lead time for custom-glazed fabrication, since only a small number of specialty terra cotta manufacturers remain.
5. Coordinate anchor replacement material (stainless steel rather than the original corrodible steel) with the fabricator/installer to prevent recurrence of anchor-driven cracking.