If you think tiles are a modern type of flooring, you are mistaken. Tile flooring has existed since the ancient times, yes that is right. Ancient civilization has long used ceramic tile flooring for countless structures, buildings, cathedrals, temples, and more. In history, its use could be attributed to the easily acquired material used for tiles, and that is clay. Clay could be used and converted to many things including tiles by heating it and polishing it. Making the outcome an enduring, long-lasting, and shiny tile flooring.
Today, tile flooring is one of the most popular go-to types of flooring for people and along with a reliable grout sealer in Singapore, it could be well-maintained for many more years to come. However, if you are wondering how tile flooring evolved and endured, read on because this article would tell you everything you need to know about tiles and tile flooring and its maintenance.
All about tile flooring
A brief history
Ceramic floor tiles have been used for thousands of years. In the 4th millennium B.C., the people of the Near East were using ceramic flooring. It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that the art of tile making was lost. Except for fine Turkish and Middle Eastern wall tiles, and Dutch Delft tiles, ceramic floor tiles have not been produced in Europe since the 17th century.
In 1843, Herbert Minton revived the lost art of encaustic tile-making in England; the industry was further advanced in the 1840s by the dust-pressing method, which consisted of compressing nearly dry clay between two metal dies. This method replaced tile-making by hand with wet clay and enabled mechanization of the industry.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the use of encaustic in flooring was widespread. It was used in the Queen Victoria’s Royal Residence at the Isle of Wight and the Palace of Westminster.
How it is made
Clay originated from earth. It could be moulded when it is wet or permanently solid when heated or baked. Technically, it is available all around the globe, making it widely accessible and available for many other purposes, not just tile flooring. Every clay type has a unique element of substances such as hardness, lustrous, plasticity, as well as colour (very important in choosing your grout colour later). The proper clay mixture is one that has all the elements in the blend.
Several methods could be used in making these clay tiles. There are many methods for making tiles, including extrusion, compaction, and dust-pressing. Quarries are often used to make flooring tiles. The most common type of flooring tile is encaustic, which is made by pressing the ceramic powder into higher temperatures to produce a denser tile with a harder glaze. Most ceramics require only one firing to reach low porosity and become vinous or grassy, but some, particularly highly decorated ones, are fired more than once. Vitreous and semi-vitreous ceramics are fired at lower temperatures and are much more porous. Once tiles are all formed, they are slowly dried evenly to prevent warped and uneven surfaces.
The thickness of historical ceramic floor tiles varied greatly according to the intended use of the flooring. It was thicker and tougher than wall or ceiling tiles. The stoves of medieval times were often as much as one inch thick. Tiles made in the Victorian Era tend to be a little thinner than modern tiles. Modern tiles have been made thinner to make them more durable. Some tiles have raised or recessed ridges or circles to help bond the tiles together.
Tile cleaning and maintenance
Ceramic tile flooring is a low maintenance flooring material that can be easily cleaned. Before grouting and grout sealers were a thing, back then tiles were susceptible to dirt and stains, so it’s best to keep them clean. It’s not difficult to keep your ceramic tile clean, as long as you know what to do. The best way to keep your floor clean is to use a mild cleaning solution. Regular cleaning is needed to keep your hardwood floors in tip-top shape. You can use a non-soapy, non-abrasive cleanser to clean your hardwood floors. You can also use a commercial floor cleaning product.
All cleaning and stain removal products should be tested on a small area of the floor before being used. The use of abrasive cleaners and chemical-based products can cause damage to the surface of the tile, and the design of Lime or cement-based cleaners can cause discolouration and stains on ceramic tiles. It is best to use a non-acidic cleaner that can be used on a wet tile floor. Wiping the floor with a damp cloth after using a non-acidic cleaner will prevent the buildup of dirt, and grime. Floor tiles should always be rinsed well after cleaning.
Ceramic tile floors require regular maintenance and grouting to keep them clean and free of dirt and grime. To keep your floor looking great, use a mild, non-abrasive cleaning solution that can be used regularly. You can also use a soft bristle brush to clean the surface of the tile. If you need to, you can even use a vacuum cleaner to clean up any messes. Any proprietary cleaning product should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Importance of grouting and grout cleaning
Tiles would not last a lifetime without maintenance, and grout is a mixture of clay and water that is used to fill in the spaces between the tiles of a building. Commercial buildings often use grout to fill in the spaces between the tiles, especially bathrooms and kitchens. The grout keeps the tiles in place and prevents them from leaking. Grouting in Singapore can be difficult, but it’s essential to maintain a clean and pleasant space. With that being said, you should hire a professional contractor to do the grout and tile work.
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