Terracotta Facade Panel Technical Data: What to Verify
See the terracotta facade panel data, tests and project inputs needed to verify dimensions, strength, fixings, weathering and system performance.
Historical archive: product availability, standards and event information may have changed. Contact LOPO for current specifications.Terracotta facade panel technical data must be tied to a specific product and facade system. Panel dimensions, thickness, extrusion profile, finish, support spacing and fixing method can all affect test results. A value from one panel should not be treated as a universal specification for every architectural terracotta product.
Archive notice: This page was first published in 2014 with a table of historical test values. That table did not identify the exact panel model, thickness, laboratory, report number or test date, and several units and classifications were unclear. It has therefore been replaced with the project-focused guidance below. For design or procurement, request current documentation for the exact LOPO product and configuration being proposed.
Product data and system data are different
A product test measures the characteristics of a particular terracotta unit. A system test evaluates how panels, clips, rails, brackets, joints and the supporting wall behave together. Both can be relevant, but they answer different questions.
| Evidence type | Typical subjects | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Panel or material data | Dimensions, tolerances, appearance, water absorption, breaking load, flexural behavior, freeze-thaw resistance and chemical resistance. | Results apply to the tested product, profile, thickness and test conditions. |
| Fixing-component data | Clip capacity, pull-out or engagement, corrosion protection, fasteners and connection details. | Capacity depends on geometry, material, edge distance, installation and safety factors. |
| Facade system data | Wind pressure, impact, seismic movement, water management, fire behavior and assembly-level performance. | A system result cannot automatically be transferred to a different rail layout, cavity, substrate or panel configuration. |
| Project engineering | Design loads, support spacing, brackets, anchors, building movement and local code compliance. | Must be completed for the actual building by the project’s qualified facade professionals. |
Core technical properties to review
Dimensions and tolerances
Record the nominal length, width, thickness, profile and orientation. The data sheet should state tolerances for length, width, thickness, straightness, squareness and surface flatness where applicable. Large-format or deep extrusions may require different acceptance criteria from small solid tiles.
Panel weight
Weight should be stated for the actual panel, normally as mass per piece and, where useful, mass per square metre. The project team uses this information to coordinate handling, rails, brackets, anchors, supporting structure and logistics. Do not estimate weight from a different profile with the same face dimensions.
Water absorption and weather exposure
Water absorption is a product characteristic, but exterior suitability also depends on climate, joint design, drainage and the complete wall assembly. For cold climates, request freeze-thaw evidence relevant to the selected panel and test scope. Salt, industrial pollution or aggressive cleaning regimes may require additional review.
Breaking load and flexural behavior
Reports should identify the specimen dimensions, support arrangement, load direction and failure criteria. A numerical value without the tested geometry is difficult to apply. The facade engineer must relate the product evidence to project wind pressure, span, support spacing and appropriate safety factors.
Fixing and support performance
The panel-to-clip connection and the full load path deserve separate attention. Review clip engagement, edge conditions, rail spacing, bracket capacity, anchors, corrosion environment and allowance for tolerances and movement. Special shapes, cut panels and corner pieces may behave differently from standard units.
Fire performance
Use the exact classification terminology required in the destination market and identify whether the result applies to the terracotta unit or the complete facade assembly. Informal descriptions such as “A Degree” are not an adequate technical submittal. Insulation, membranes, cavity barriers, rails and other components must be considered separately.
Thermal and moisture movement
Linear thermal expansion and moisture-related movement can influence joint widths, rail design and interfaces. These properties should not be confused with thermal insulation. Terracotta panels are the external cladding layer; the wall’s insulation value is mainly determined by the insulation, brackets, cavity and other assembly components.
Acoustic claims
Do not assign a general sound-reduction value to a terracotta panel without a defined test assembly. Acoustic performance depends on the full wall build-up, cavity, insulation, joints, substrate and test method. Assembly-level evidence is needed if the project has an acoustic requirement.
How to read a test report
Before using a value in a specification or calculation, check the following:
- Product identity: item number, profile drawing, thickness, clay body and finish.
- Specimen details: dimensions, orientation, conditioning and number of samples.
- Test source: laboratory name, report number and issue date.
- Standard: exact title, edition and any referenced classification.
- Result format: units, averages, minimum values, individual results and pass/fail criteria.
- Scope: whether the result is for a single unit, fixing component or complete assembly.
- Relevance: whether the tested configuration matches the proposed project closely enough for the consultant’s acceptance.
Information LOPO needs before preparing a technical submittal
- Project name, location, building height and facade zones.
- Panel item number or profile drawing, dimensions, thickness, orientation, color and finish.
- Proposed fixing system, rail layout and support spacing.
- Design wind pressure, impact, seismic, fire, frost or other required performance criteria.
- Applicable standards and the consultant’s required document format.
- Quantity, special pieces, mockup schedule and target delivery program.
Once the configuration is clear, LOPO can identify available product information and coordinate any additional sample or testing discussion. Final engineering and acceptance remain with the project consultant and local authority.
Start with the LOPO terracotta facade panel range, review manufacturing and quality information, or send the project specification and drawings to LOPO.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one technical data sheet for every LOPO terracotta panel?
No. Different profiles, thicknesses, formats and finishes can require different data. Always identify the proposed item and configuration when requesting documents.
Can a product test prove the wind resistance of a facade?
Not by itself. Wind resistance depends on the panel, clips, rails, brackets, anchors, support spacing and building loads. A project-specific system assessment is required.
Why was the old numerical table removed?
It lacked enough information to connect the values to a specific current product and contained unclear units and classifications. Retaining it as universal data could lead to incorrect design or specification decisions.
What is the fastest way to obtain relevant documents?
Send the item number or profile, panel size, thickness, finish, fixing concept, destination market and required standards. This allows the available reports to be matched to the actual request.
