Expansion Joints

[Aztectiler]

Hi Guys n Gals

Here is a question that I got asked today and coudn't give a qualified answer to as I just dont know.

When and how big does a floor have to be before installing an expansion joint?

Was quite stumped with this cos I have never had a floor to that was big enough. I think!!!!!!!!!

[Alan.P]

Good question, I've always understood it to be job specific, depending on a variety of different floor types and conditions. Always install one over any expansion joint already in a floor, directly over the top. On a floor as big as your theorising, I suppose an architect would have all the calcs to hand, maybe

I look forward to some more answers.

[Rob Z]

I could dig out my TCNA* Handbook and post what is stated for use in Mexico, Canada and the US as for as general guidelines, if anyone is interested. Of course this isn't applicable necessarily to your work in the UK but it is at least a starting point for discussion.

The TCNA Handbook always has the caveat the architect or engineer should specify type and placement of joints, and as Alan mentioned these will vary based on site conditions.


* = Tile Council North America

[Dave]

Generally 8 to 10 mtrs in any direction unless UFH is installed then it comes down to as little as 4 to 6 mtrs.... This varies on substrates...

[Aztectiler]

Generally 8 to 10 mtrs in any direction unless UFH is installed then it comes down to as little as 4 to 6 mtrs.... This varies on substrates...

Thanks Dave. Now it poses another question.

Scenario as follows,

Beam and block floor concrete and SLC to level floor.
Kitchen, Dining, Utility and Bolier room all effectively one room, Tiling to run through each zone. Wall dividing Utility and Boiler room and wall dividing Dining room with Utility and boiler room, Kitchen and dining room open plan.

Dimensions are approx:
Kitchen - 6m x 4.5m
Dining - 4.5m x 4.5m
Utility - 3m x 1.5m
Boiler room - 1.2m x 1.2m

Now then as this floor will be all tiled together and will run through each zone as I have said.

Does this require expansion joints?

Hope I have been clear enough

[Dave]

The walls in theory act as breaks( as long as you leave perimeter gap).....some times it can be good to put a joint in the door ways...

It is bigger floor area's really that need expansion joints...domestic situations rarely need them unless large floors with long runs....An isolation membrane helps with expansion as well...especially when floors are prone to curling when new ish...

[Dave]

So to answer your queiry... i think you do not need them..

[Aztectiler]

Dave,

You are a fountain of knowledge and I thank you for this and other replies.

[Rob Z]

Another issue to consider is sunlight/heating differences in a room and particularly a room that has both extremes.

[Dave]

Sure is rob..........Thats why i try and kick Ditra in when i can...

[Rob Z]

Schluter's guidelines are very good general instructions to follow for tile installation in general. If you follow their expansion joint details for any sort of underlayment or installation method you should be okay with your work.

I htink one of their best general guidelines is to follow the 1/1.5 rule for floors.

[inspiredandy]

Sorry Rob dont understand, What is sunlight?!!!

[Rob Z]

Hi Andy, what I meant was we are concerned about floors that are in direct sunlight or even worse have direct sunlight on part of the floor and another part of the floor stays shaded.

[Dave]

wot is sunlight.....maybe don't get sun in somerset then...

[Rob Z]

Dave the movies always portray England as shrouded in fog, so I thought it's possible that a Brit might be curious about the effects of sunlight!

[Dave]

Shrowded in fog.......naahh..we have somne lovely weather over here........not very often but we do get some...

[Alan.P]

Shrowded in fog.......naahh..we have somne lovely weather over here........not very often but we do get some...

LOL, not very often up here, down South has more than it's fair share Having said that, cracking start to the day here at the moment

[Rob Z]

I'm glad that spring is here now...I'm tired of the winter with the cold winds blowing. It seems to be worse the past couple of years. BRRRR! Of course, check with me in about 4 months when it is 100 F and 95% humidity , and then I'll be thinking about winter again.

[inspiredandy]

You are right Dave, that big black cloud seems to follow me everywhere!!

[Colour Republic]

You are right Dave, that big black cloud seems to follow me everywhere!!

if that's the case let me know if you're ever thinking of taking a day trip to Brighton, so I can get the hell out! (maybe to somerset!)