Clarification on expansion joint on opus floor - TilersForums.com

[DavieA]

Im in need of some advice as this will be my largest job. Its 45m2 of travertine in opus lay over 3 rooms and am looking for the best method of inserting expansion joints as I tae it a floor that size will require them wheither it be an expansion joint which will be straight and break up pattern or a silicone joint. Either way ive used neither and would appreciate any comments.

Cheers Guys

 

[Ian]

Will the skirting boards be off? Also what is the square meterage of each of the 3 areas?

 

[Alan.P]

What are the separate room sizes and doors etc, any chance of a sketch ?

 

[Alan.P]

Beat me to it Bri lol

 

[Ian]

Forgot to ask, is the floor wood/concrete/other?

 

[DavieA]

Thanks for replies, plans not the best but hopefully help,
sub is ply with dural ci+ membrane.
Wet UFH
skirtings will be off
43m2 total but unsure of individual room sizes if i was to guess id say kitchen 16m2,hall 15m2, dining 12m2.

 

[Ian]

If you are using dural and can leave a 10mm gap around the perimeter that will be covered with skirting then I personally wouldn't put an expansion joint in. One thing to make sure of is that door frames and architraves aren't fitted tightly over the floor as this is one place stress cracks could appear, especially on a wooden subfloor.

 

[Alan.P]

If it was my job I would try and set out so that I had a oint across the door ways, this would be an expansion, with the skirting boards off you can leave 10mm around the walls, this would be expansion, that's me, others may differ.

 

[DavieA]

I will leave 10mm around perimeter for sure but wasnt sure if a strip or cold joint was required. facings will be off but any recommendations how to finish around door posts or itchen cabnets?

 

[Alan.P]

The joint is down to you and the customer to decide on imo, as for door architrave, cut them so that the tile goes under, same for door stops, easier and better finish, kitchen units, apart from end of unit blanks, take off the kick plate and tile to the legs, kick plates can be adjusted by a joiner if needed.

 

[DavieA]

Red 10mm expansion

Alan could you clarify what you mean by "set out so that I had a joint across the door ways" do you mean an expansion joint or just tile joint?

Would you be better to leave a 10mm gap around door post also and silicone finish?

Cheers

 

[Alan.P]

Alan could you clarify what you mean by "set out so that I had a joint across the door ways" do you mean an expansion joint or just tile joint?
Cheers

Both if possible when setting out.

Would you be better to leave a 10mm gap around door post also and silicone finish?

Cheers

I would leave 10mm but would leave a couple and yes, silicone.

 

[Alan.P]

That was meant to read not 10mm but 2 or 3 mm

 

[DavieA]

Ok, after removal of skirting, facings and stops leave a 10mm gap around perimeter and at door posts and end panels in kitchen leave a 2-3mm gap and fill with silicone. Is that correct?

 

[DavieA]

Update -- customer no longer wants to pay for or have a decoupler installed. I've advised it would be of benefit. They have said they understand pros and cons but aren't willing to pay for it. Since its not mandatory on timber floors unlike screeds I'm going to continue with job.