Ceramic Tile Expansion Joint Detail

The tcna handbook recommends allowing for expansion and contraction in every tile installation.

Ceramic tile expansion joint detail.

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. Possibly the best type of expansion joint material that can be used is a flexible silicone e g. Anywhere tile meets a vertical surface like steps or the foundation of your house. An expansion joint is in the substrate for instance in concrete.

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. Schluter systems prefabricated movement joint profiles protect tile edges and prevent sound bridges and surface water penetration resulting in a permanent maintenance free installation. 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. Over any isolation or control joints in the concrete.

Here s where to put expansion joints. It allows for movement in the tile. The sealant used in expansion joints should achieve a minimum shore a hardness of 35. The appropriate design of a movement joint is based on the tile or stone assembly s configuration and substrate type.

Where should movement joints be placed. An expansion joint is needed at least every 10 linear feet and an expansion joint at least 1 4 wide is needed around the perimeter of the installation if you re meeting to a solid surface or a wall. It s quite common to see controlled breaks in concrete and those are usually expansion joints. 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. If you tile over an expansion joint then you need to honor that joint in the tile as well. To help protect your tile from future damage you ll need to include expansion joints into your installation. A movement joint is in the tile only.

Manufacturer ceramic tool company. Height to match tile stone or wood thickness. It is best to achieve a two sided bond only to the flanks of the open joint 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.

Latasil or urethane sealant placed over a closed cell foam backer rod.