Tile Expansion Joint Detail

It allows for movement in the tile.

Tile expansion joint detail.

The sealant used in expansion joints should achieve a minimum shore a hardness of 35. It is best to achieve a two sided bond only to the flanks of the open joint in the tile. Possibly the best type of expansion joint material that can be used is a flexible silicone e g. As the concrete cures it generally shrinks.

A movement joint is in the tile only. Where should movement joints be placed. Expansion joints are created in the concrete to compensate for excessive expansion due primarily to temperature changes in the concrete. Latasil or urethane sealant placed over a closed cell foam backer rod.

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. It s quite common to see controlled breaks in concrete and those are usually expansion joints. 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.