Tile Expansion Joint Detail

A movement joint is in the tile only.

Tile expansion joint detail.

An expansion joint is in the substrate for instance in concrete. Possibly the best type of expansion joint material that can be used is a flexible silicone e g. Expansion joints are created in the concrete to compensate for excessive expansion due primarily to temperature changes in the concrete. It is best to achieve a two sided bond only to the flanks of the open joint in the tile.

Latasil or urethane sealant placed over a closed cell foam backer rod. As the concrete cures it generally shrinks. It s quite common to see controlled breaks in concrete and those are usually expansion joints. The tcna handbook recommends allowing for expansion and contraction in every tile 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. Joints in the tile assembly will result in callbacks and expensive repairs as well as the subsequent installation of movement joints. Architectural resources and product information for floor to floor expansion joints including cad drawings specs bim 3d models brochures and more free to download. If you tile over an expansion joint then you need to honor that joint in the tile as well.

Schluter systems prefabricated movement joint profiles protect tile edges and prevent sound bridges and surface water penetration resulting in a permanent maintenance free installation. 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.