Historic ceramic tiles are a common flooring material in many
different kinds of small, as well as large, private and public,
structures throughout the United States. Whether plain, or decoratively
patterned, traditional ceramic floor tiles are important in defining
the character of historic buildings. Although ceramic floor
tiles are a practical material, they are also fragile, and can
be easily damaged by improper installation techniques, insensitive
remodeling, harsh cleaning methods, and even regular daily use.
Preserving them requires careful day-to-day maintenance. This
should begin with using gentle, non-abrasive methods and materials
to clean them, and, in some instances, using an appropriate coating
or impregnator to protect them.
Some historic ceramic tile floors, due to their manufacturer,
their unique design, or their location in a certain room or within
a particular building, may have greater significance than those
that are purely utilitarian. Such floors should be accorded special
care, and a ceramics conservator or preservation specialist should
always be consulted to prepare responsible maintenance plans and
to provide guidance concerning repair treatments and replacement
techniques for them.
Unless an historic ceramic tile floor is extensively damaged with
many missing and broken tiles and, therefore, potentially hazardous,
it may be preferable to leave it alone. An unevenly worn floor
surface, worn colors or patterns on the tiles, or slight cracks,
chips, or scratches in the tiles themselves does not necessarily
mean that the tiles should be replaced. Such relatively minor
imperfections seldom detract from the character of an historic
ceramic tile floor. They may, in fact, impart character, and
be less noticeable or obtrusive than replacement of a single tile
or a larger section with new tiles that do not match the originals
exactly. Each situation should be evaluated on its own basis
before selecting the preservation approach best suited to the
project.
"Preserving Historic Ceramic Tile Floors" an Historic Preservation Brief
