Ceramic Tile Expansion Joint Spacing

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.

Ceramic tile expansion joint spacing.

It allows for movement in the tile. Twelve inch tiles typically have at least 3 16 to as much as 5 16 inch spacing between pieces. A movement joint is in the tile only. Learn all about expansion joints here.

Where should movement joints be placed. The tile council of north america and accompanying tile organizations recommend an average grout joint width of 3 16 inch for every 1 16 inch variation in the size of the tiles. The theory is to create tile fields large enough to absorb differential movement between the substrate and the ceramic or stone covering movement joints must be installed in certain areas and positions to prevent tiles or grout from cracking and in some cases prevent the tiles from tenting and becoming debonded from the substrate. 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. The as 3958 1 australian standard guide to the installation of ceramic tiles section 5 4 5 1 cautions that. Locate openings for expansion joints directly over cold joints and structural joints. Clearly grout joints also accommodate both changes in the thickness and profile of rustic hand molded tile.

For example 12 inch tiles varying 1 8 inch piece to piece need a larger grout joint than perfectly consistent material. It is essential that the movement joints be carried through the tile and the bedding. Ceramic porcelain and stone tile expands and contracts with thermal and moisture changes in the environment. The tcna handbook recommends allowing for expansion and contraction in every tile installation.

If the ceramic tile floor is wider or longer than 25 feet you will need to install an expansion joint near the center of the floor. Caulk the grout gap between two adjacent rows of tile all the way across the floor. Also some 12 inch tiles have a nub on the backside of the tile determining the spacing. Expansion of the substrate due to ingress of moisture like shrinkage any change of moisture content will result in a change of shape and size ultimately leading to movement with similar consequences.

As the plane of the tile changes the grout joint allows for this change. Install the caulk after the tiles have been set and before the grout is installed. In large areas expansion joints will be necessary for the concrete itself for all the same reasons as are needed for wall and floor tiles. When tile follows a depression in the floor the grout joint will narrow.