Movement Joints

Movement joints are an integral part of any tile assembly. The various components of a tile assembly (tile, mortar, substrate, etc.) have unique physical characteristics that affect their behavior. Specifically, these components will expand and contract at different rates, according to each component’s intrinsic physical properties, with changes in moisture, temperature, and loading (both dead and live loads). This differential expansion/contraction of attached components results in internal stresses.  Furthermore, structures that restrain overall expansion of the tile field (walls, columns, etc.) cause stress buildup within the system. If the aforementioned movements are not accommodated through the use of movement joints in the tile field and at restraining structures, the resulting stresses can cause cracking of the grout and tile and delamination of the tile from the substrate. Thus, movement joints are an essential component of any durable tile assembly.

Solutions

Movement joints must be incorporated within the tile field, at doorsills, and at transitions to walls and other restraining structures to allow movement of the assembly and prevent stresses that can damage the system. Schluter-Systems’ prefabricated movement joint profiles protect tile edges and prevent sound bridges and surface water penetration, resulting in a permanent, maintenance-free installation. The family of Schluter-DILEX prefabricated movement profiles includes a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials to suit different applications. 


Technical Notes

The Tile Council of North America (TCA) and the Terrazzo, Tile, and Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC) provide guidelines (EJ171 and 301MJ, respectively) for the placement and construction of movement joints in and around the tile field. Schluter-Systems accepts these guidelines.  However, given the increased use of larger tiles, smaller grout joints, and lighter building materials, which are more susceptible to movement, Schluter-Systems recommends that movement joints within the tile field be placed at more frequent intervals, as indicated below.

Guidelines for the Placement of Movement Joints

 

  • Field size not to exceed 400 ft2 (37.0 m2)
  • Interior applications: 16' - 20' (4.9 m - 6.1 m) in each direction
  • Interior areas exposed to direct sunlight, moisture, or heated floors: 12' - 16' (3.7 m - 4.9 m) in each direction
  • Exterior: 8' - 12' (2.4 m - 3.7 m) in each direction
  • Place around the perimeter of any size floor and/or against all restraining surfaces
  • Fields should be as square as possible. The ratio between length and width should not exceed 1:1.5.

Further Information

Note Regarding Residential Applications Typical Movement Joint Applications