Creative Tiling Qld Pty Ltd

Learn why movement accommodation joints are a critical part of a tile installation and the proper way they should be done

Occasionally, a tile installation can present some real challenges — even for the seasoned veteran. Conversely, some components related to tile work are so simple that you may wonder why difficulty and/or ignorance creeps in. Almost everyone who installs tile knows that movement accommodation joints are crucial for success.

• Perimeter and field movement joints within a tile installation are essential and required.
• Perimeter Joints-movement joints are required where tilework abuts restraining surfaces such as perimeter walls, dissimilar floor finishes, curbs, columns, pipes, ceiling and where changes occur in backing materials, but not at drain strainers.
• Change in plane, interior-movement joints required at all inside corners.

Given all of this information, it is clear that movement accommodation joints are necessary, but many times these joints are installed incorrectly or not installed at all. The image shows an inside corner that appears to have the required sealant joint installed, but it is cracked. This inside corner was grouted and then, to meet the job specifications, a very thin layer of 100% silicone sealant was applied on top. Being hard and rigid, the grout is incapable of handling the movement that occurred and the silicone smeared on top was not designed to function in this way. The better choice would be a clean joint filled with a closed-cell foam backer rod and a 100% silicone sealant, which will remain flexible and function well for many years.

Some or all of this information may seem complicated and over the top, but it really is not. If the installer carefully reads the information in the ANSI document and the TCNA Handbook along with the manufacturer’s recommendations and understands the importance of allowing movement to take place, the installation will stand the test of time. If not, an unsightly failure occurs which means an unpaid callback for the installer to correct the error. The cracked inside corner joint has failed to do its job and even worse, the consumer viewing his situation walks away thinking that if tilework looks like that, “I don’t want it.” Again, the tile installation industry gets another black eye. Think about it