expansion joints

**penno** · 19-11-2007

Ok i don't care anymore how silly i look because i need help. All the jobs i have done so far (in my short career) have not required an expansion joint but a floor job i have next week does.
I understand what an expansion joint is for but have no idea how to insert one and what it should look like when finished.
The floor i am doing is one long floor which is going to be grouted in white. Do i basically lay an expansion joint where it is needed and it is grouted over so you can't tell it is there or is that totally defeating the object (which i think it is) or do you physically see the joint and nothing you can do about it?

Can you please tell me in lamans terms instead of a link to some crazy technical page?

Thank you vv much

**Dave** · 19-11-2007

Hi mat....
Firstly an expansion joint should go where there is already an expansion joint in the substrate...if there is one..like this pic..

these joints can be filled with silicone for light domestic use and you can use one the same colour as the grout...for high trafficked areas then a profiled expansion joints should be used..as in the pic...

These joints should go in about every 6 to 10 mtrs in either direction..this will reduce when tiling to heated floors.. these then become about every 4 to 6 mtrs in either direction....

If using the silicone method ( also known as a cold joint ) then just keep the joint clean and dry prior to using silicone....and if using the profile trim then it beds into the adhesive as shown in the pic.....hope this helps mate and good luck with the floor........

**penno** · 19-11-2007

thanks again

**brian c** · 19-11-2007

great advice as usual Dave m8.

**sjw450** · 19-11-2007

dave u are my mentor!

**Jim Carlin** · 20-11-2007

Dave that picture looked like a Schluter profile. I do use the Dilex BWS which are approximately 5mm wide. Are they popular in your country?

**grumpygrouter** · 20-11-2007

Originally Posted by sjw450

dave u are my mentor!

Dave is everyones mentor!!!!!!!

Grumpy

**TheWrightTiler** · 20-11-2007

have to agree there grouty lol

andy

**Dave** · 20-11-2007

Originally Posted by Jim Carlin

Dave that picture looked like a Schluter profile. I do use the Dilex BWS which are approximately 5mm wide. Are they popular in your country?

hello jim mate....yes it is a schluter profile...

I believe they are popular in the UK..... i only use schluter expansion trims and i also use the ditra uncoupling membrane and the kerdi water proofing mat....schluter products are so easy to use and very reliable......
Are schluter products popular in the USA jim....

**Fekin** · 20-11-2007

A floor I might be doing is just under the threshhold thankfully, ufh floor.

**Jim Carlin** · 20-11-2007

Dave,
Yea they are popular and their popularity is still growing! I also use the Ditra, Kerdi and some profiles. The problem in the US for the use of the profiles is the lack of colors. They are bringing out a new Ditra soon, and it will be double the thickness so as to easily mate with hardwood and be flush. It is still being tested at the TCNA and they say it will be released around the first of the year. Since we are talking about Ditra, do you use unmodified thinset to set the tiles and stone on top of the ditra and Kerdi? I did convert over to that type of system back in 01 when they made the announcement and it set the industry on it's ear, at least over here.

**Dave** · 20-11-2007

I use modified on top of ditra( as specified by schluter uk) i use single part flexi and rapid set flex on top of the kerdi .. no probs ..and seen as a lot of bathrooms are getting large format porcelain fitted then modified is the way to go.....It's abit of a dilemma with some fixers as to what adhesives to use on schluter products...and there installation manual explains most scenarios of tiling with ditra/kerdi...we have a different spec over here as to what you guys have...why i don,t know.........