tcna handbook for ceramic tile installation detail ej171

For floor applications, urethane, neoprene, or polysulfide are most often used in traffic areas and silicone sometimes where traffic is not a concern. Movement joints are filled with material that allows for contraction and expansion. Deflection and vibration of the substrate - particularly with suspended slabs.Continued curing of the concrete substrate can put the tile in compression.Many things can subject the tile layer to shear forces in addition to temperature and moisture. What other things should be considered when determining spacing for movement joints? Only the area subjected to increased temperature needs to have movement joints more closely placed, not the entire floor if elsewhere the floor is an even temperature. If the tile surface is not appreciably affected, no accommodation is needed in the joint spacing. If the areas exposed to sunlight are warmer than surrounding areas, movement joints should be used more frequently.

The intent of the guideline regarding sun exposure is to recognize that areas that get warm (or wet) may experience greater amounts of differential expansion. Why do rooms with more sunlight need more movement joints? For exterior installations, the range of temperature from summer highs to winter lows must be considered.Īmerican National Standards Institute's (ANSI) publication on Specifications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile, or ANSI A108/A118/A136.1, references standards for installation and installation products such as backerboards, grouts, and mortar.ĪNSI A-3.4.1 states that movement joints are required over all construction, control, and expansion joints in the backing and where backing materials change or change direction including terminations of tilework where it abuts restraining or dissimilar surfaces.ĪNSI AN-3.7 discusses requirements for movement joint preparations by other trades. It is especially important to note for interior installations, movement joints are placed more frequently when moisture or direct sunlight is expected. The TCA Handbook does not specify the exact location nor frequency of movement joints as there are many site related conditions that must be addressed - however, guidelines are given in Detail EJ171 in the TCA Handbook. For larger areas, the movement joints will be visible. In small rooms, a gap at the perimeter of the room (often hidden by baseboard or shoe molding) is sufficient. The TCA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation recommends allowing for expansion and contraction in every tile installation.

Tcna handbook for ceramic tile installation detail ej171