Tile Expansion Joint Detail

Where should movement joints be placed.

Tile expansion joint detail.

The sealant used in expansion joints should achieve a minimum shore a hardness of 35. 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. It allows for movement in the tile. It is best to achieve a two sided bond only to the flanks of the open joint in the tile.

A movement joint is in the tile only. Architectural resources and product information for floor to floor expansion joints including cad drawings specs bim 3d models brochures and more free to download. Expansion joints are created in the concrete to compensate for excessive expansion due primarily to temperature changes in the concrete. Schluter systems prefabricated movement joint profiles protect tile edges and prevent sound bridges and surface water penetration resulting in a permanent maintenance free installation.

The tcna handbook recommends allowing for expansion and contraction in every tile installation. Joints in the tile assembly will result in callbacks and expensive repairs as well as the subsequent installation of movement joints. An expansion joint is in the substrate for instance in concrete. As the concrete cures it generally shrinks.

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.