Manufacturers and contractors are welcome to contribute to the Expert Advice section. Schlüter-Systems have prepared a series of advisory technical articles relating to the ongoing problems associated with movement in floor tile installations. Contract Flooring Magazine leads the way for publishing such expert advice online for reference by the flooring, building and construction industry.
Contract Flooring Magazine articles are read by industries top professionals and decision makers including Architects, Specifiers, flooring and building industry manufacturers.
If you would like to contribute to this section, please contact us.
Schlüter-Systems Movement Joint Series, Stopping Unsightly Fungal Growth
Having looked at why and where we need to incorporate movement joints and the right type needed to protect tiled floors from damage caused by movement stresses, Ian Knifton, Technical Manager at Schlüter-Systems, now turns our attention to installing the correct movement joints to prevent the all-too-common problem of fungus growth and soiling of the floor-to-wall connection.
Most flooring contractors can probably recall similar sights to the floor-to-wall corner shown in Figure 1, where a silicone sealant has become soiled with a fungus infestation.
Many field-applied silicone sealant joints have additives included in the material to prevent such problems, and may keep the problem at bay for some time, but even with these additives, fungal growth on and within the silicone sealant always seems to get a hold eventually.
Not only is it unpleasant to look at, it may cause problems in areas with strict hygiene requirements, such as hospitals and food preparation areas – particularly industrial kitchens – along with washrooms and shower rooms etc.
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A simple and effective solution is to install a pre-fabricated profile at the internal wall-to-floor junction. The requirements of each individual application will dictate which material is used. For example, Figure 2 shows a stainless-steel cove-shaped profile which provides an easily-cleaned corner, where limited movement is expected. Aluminium and PVC are also commonly used, depending on the degree of movement the joint has to protect against, and what chemicals it may come into contact with.
So either metal or PVC pre-fabricated joints are going to be of benefit at tiled floor-to-wall transitions.
The use of pre-fabricated coved profiles has an added benefit in that “sit-on” or “sit-in” skirting tiles are not required. A skirting tile is probably the best looking solution; however these are expensive, and a movement joint still needs to be incorporated. The coved profiles give both an attractive coved shape and movement joint protection all in one.
Other benefits include being very economical due to their long life, there can be no tears or cracks in the movement joint, and, with PVC profiles:
And with metal profiles:
Next time - the different types of movement joints specifically required for heavy duty, light commercial, and domestic applications.
For more information, contact:
Stewart Bint
Telephone: 01530 813396
Fax: 01530 813376
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