Tile Expansion Joint

Ceramic porcelain and stone tile expands and contracts with thermal and moisture changes in the environment.

Tile expansion joint.

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. 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. An expansion joint is in the substrate for instance in concrete. The tcna handbook recommends allowing for expansion and contraction in every tile installation.

Learn all about expansion joints here. Where to place outdoor tile expansion joints placement of expansion joints is very important. 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. Where should movement joints be placed.

It allows for movement in the tile. Most of the traffic areas require a sealant with a shore hardness of 35 or. Urethane neoprene or polysulfide are often used in traffic areas and silicone where sometimes traffic is not a concern. 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.

Expansion joints in tiles are filled with materials that can sustain contraction and expansion. Expansion joint material for floor applications i e. 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.

The american national standard specifications for the installation of ceramic tile ansi 108 3.