Tile Expansion Joint

Recognizing that tile is a facade movement joints are needed to eliminate stresses that can occur between the substrate and the tile due to differing amounts of expansion and contraction.

Tile expansion joint.

An expansion joint is in the substrate for instance in concrete. The tcna handbook recommends allowing for expansion and contraction in every tile installation. An unqualified installer who was a sub to a sub to a sub put the tile in and he did not install any expansion joints within the body of the tile or around the perimeter. If you tile over an expansion joint then you need to honor that joint in the tile as well.

A movement joint is in the tile only. In two places the tile was tented to the point where i could put my hands one on top of the other underneath the tented tiles. The american national standard specifications for the installation of ceramic tile ansi 108 3. Where should movement joints be placed.

According to the tile council of north america a body that helps set standards for tile installations when installing outdoor tile there must be an expansion joint every 8 feet to 12 feet in each direction. It s quite common to see controlled breaks in concrete and those are usually expansion joints. Ceramic porcelain and stone tile expands and contracts with thermal and moisture changes in the environment. Most of the traffic areas require a sealant with a shore hardness of 35 or.

Learn all about expansion joints here. Expansion joints in tiles are filled with materials that can sustain contraction and expansion. It allows for movement in the tile. A 3 4 1 expansion joints extend openings for expansion joints completely through the tile setting material mortar bed and reinforcing down to but not through waterproofing or cleavage membrane.

Urethane neoprene or polysulfide are often used in traffic areas and silicone where sometimes traffic is not a concern.