Typical Movement Joint Applications
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Perimeter Joints
Perimeter joints are provided at the outer edges of any tile installation to accommodate movements attributable to changes in moisture, temperature, and loading. See figures 1, 2, and 3. If Schluter-DILEX corner movement profiles will not be used, we recommend the
use of sill seal (a compressible polyethylene gasket used to seal the gap between foundations and sill plates) as a quality control measure when providing perimeter movement joints. The sill seal band is placed against perimeter structures before any component of the tile assembly is installed, (e.g., Schluter-DITRA, additional underlayments including self-leveling materials, mortar beds, etc. See figures 2 and 3). After the tile is installed and grouted, any excess sill seal material is cut away, leaving a movement joint with uniform width that is void of any mortar, grout, or other restraining materials that would render the joint ineffectual.
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Surface Joints
Surface joints must be placed within the tiled surface regardless of substrate conditions. They provide for stress relief from movements in the tile field due to thermal and moisture expansion/contraction and loading. See figure 4.
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Expansion Joints
Expansion joints permit both horizontal and vertical differential movements attributable to thermal and moisture expansion/contraction by providing a complete separation for the full depth of the slab to allow for free movement between adjoining parts of a structure or abutting surfaces. They are typically placed at columns, walls, and any other restraining surfaces. Expansion joints must be continued through the tile covering. Schluter-DITRA is separated at expansion joints and the joint is continued through the tile covering using Schluter-DILEX surface movement profiles. When DITRA is used as waterproofing, the abutted sections must be covered with Schluter-KERDI-FLEX or Schluter-KERDI-BAND. See figure 5
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Cold Joints
Cold (construction) joints occur where two successive placements of concrete meet. True cold joints bond the new concrete to the old and do not allow movement. However, it takes extra care to accomplish this, so they are usually designed to act as expansion or control/contraction joints.
Cold joints are treated in the same manner as expansion joints. See above.
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Control/Contraction Joints
Control/contraction joints are designed to induce controlled cracking caused by drying and chemical shrinkage at preselected locations. They are typically formed by saw cutting, tooling, or through the use of inserts. Schluter-DITRA is not separated at control/contraction joints; however, surface movement joints must be provided in the tile covering in accordance with the aforementioned guidelines. See also Surface Joints.
Regarding structural and seismic expansion joints, please contact us for proper installation guidelines.
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Structural or Seismic Joints
Regarding structural and seismic expansion joints, please contact us for proper installation guidelines.
Note Regarding Residential Applications
Further Information