**Historical Significance of Tiles:**
– Glazed brick evidence dates back to 13th century BC in Ancient Mesopotamia.
– Traditional tiles like zellij are still made.
– Ishtar Gate of Babylon used colored bricks.
– Tiled floors found in ancient Kalibangan and Balakot.
– Achaemenid Empire used glazed brick tiles.
– Islamic mosaics in Iran featured geometric decorations.
– Azulejos, derived from zellij, were popular in European architecture.
– William De Morgan was a leading English designer influenced by Islamic designs.
**Cultural Influence of Tiles in Architecture:**
– Medieval Europe used painted tiles for elaborate schemes.
– Islamic buildings in Central Asia exhibit sophisticated floral ornaments in their tilework.
– Delftware wall tiles were ubiquitous in Holland.
– Zellige tradition in Arabic North Africa uses small colored tiles for complex patterns.
– Tiles have remained standard for kitchens, bathrooms, and public areas since the Victorian period.
**Technical Aspects of Tile Materials and Processes:**
– Ceramic materials include earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain.
– Porcelain tiles have water absorption less than or equal to 0.5%.
– Natural stone tiles are less uniform in color and pattern.
– Modern clay roof tiles derive color from kiln firing conditions.
– Floor tiles are typically set into mortar consisting of sand, Portland cement, and a latex additive.
**Innovations in Tile Design and Production:**
– Digital printed tiles use printing techniques for custom designs.
– Diamond-etched tiles involve a diamond-tipped drill for intricate designs.
– Pebble tiles are made up of small pebbles attached to a backing.
– Tiles with custom printing techniques allow transfer under heat and pressure.
– Certain shapes of tiles can tessellate to cover a surface with no gaps.
**Roof and Floor Tile Applications:**
– Roof tiles are designed to keep out precipitation and traditionally made from materials like clay or slate.
– Glaze does not weatherproof a tile; the clay body’s porosity determines its weather resistance.
– Floor tiles are commonly made of ceramic, stone, rubber, or glass.
– Spaces between tiles are filled with sanded or unsanded grout.
– Lightweight ceiling tiles are designed to improve acoustics or reduce air volume.
