Movement joints developed to prevent damage to flooring

Schlüter explains how the correct specification of movement joints can prevent damage to tile coverings and stone flooring installations.

After installation, tile and stone flooring can often fail: variations in temperature and moisture can cause movement within subfloors, resulting in cracks. In some cases, this movement can weaken the bond between floor covering and substrate.

A lack of movement joints can be a contributing factor to failure. According to current industry standards and regulations, movement joints are required in all tile and stone installations to prevent such damage.

If an architect neglects to specify movement joints, they may be liable for any resulting problems; it is the responsibility of the architect to ensure that the appropriate type of joint is specified and installed in the correct location.

Specifying movement joints

Movement joints must be designed at specification to ensure penetration through the tile and screed covering.

By understanding the types of movement that are likely to occur – such as moisture, thermal, structural and deflection movement, as well as dry shrinkage – architects will be able to specify a movement joint suitable for counteracting the resulting stresses.

In floors, there are two basic types of movement joints: structural and non-structural. Both will be subject to different movement patterns; they work to prevent damage differently.

The Schlüter-DILEX range of movement and expansion joints offers a range of solutions, suitable for all relevant movement joints in tile coverings.

Schluter-Systems
Units 3-5 Bardon 22
Beveridge Lane
Coalville
Leicestershire
LE67 1TE
UK

01530 813396

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