Ceramic Tile Expansion Joint Detail

Here s where to put expansion joints.

Ceramic tile expansion joint detail.

The appropriate design of a movement joint is based on the tile or stone assembly s configuration and substrate type. If you tile over an expansion joint then you need to honor that joint in the tile as well. Movement joints are an integral part of any tile assembly and must be incorporated within the tile field at doorsills and at transitions to walls and other restraining structures to allow movement of the assembly and prevent stresses that can damage the system. Latasil or urethane sealant placed over a closed cell foam backer rod.

It is best to achieve a two sided bond only to the flanks of the open joint in the tile. To help protect your tile from future damage you ll need to include expansion joints into your installation. The sealant used in expansion joints should achieve a minimum shore a hardness of 35. Possibly the best type of expansion joint material that can be used is a flexible silicone e g.

Latham standard loc strip hard flooring expansion joints are capable of absorbing extension and compression equivalent to 16 or 20 of the undeformed width of their elastic neoprene cores. Over any isolation or control joints in the concrete. Anywhere tile meets a vertical surface like steps or the foundation of your house. It s quite common to see controlled breaks in concrete and those are usually expansion joints.

A movement joint is in the tile only. Schluter systems prefabricated movement joint profiles protect tile edges and prevent sound bridges and surface water penetration resulting in a permanent maintenance free installation. Manufacturer ceramic tool company. An expansion joint is a strip of flexible material in this case caulk that lets tile expand and contract with changes in temperature.

Where should movement joints be placed. Height to match tile stone or wood thickness. An expansion joint is in the substrate for instance in concrete. Expansion control joints provide prefabricated caulk joint consisting of two solid extruded l angles with factory installed two part polyurethane sealant color to match grout joint color specified by architect.

It allows for movement in the tile. Thus 12mm joints can be compressed to about 10mm and extended to about 14mm 6mm compressed to about 4 75mm and extended to about 7 25mm. Tcna s handbook mandates a soft movement joint every 20 25 feet 6 7 6 m for interior installations closer if exposed to sunlight and moisture and every 8 12 feet ba 2 4 3 6 m for exterior exposure installations ej171 09. Available in clear bronze finish.

It is important to note this detail for both ceramic tile and stone applications recommends a movement joint be placed at one or both ends of the tile bridging the underlying crack as recommended by the membrane manufacturer.