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, Movement Joints - The Right One For the Right Job (part one).
During the last four months we've been looking at how flooring contractors should use stress relieving joints to overcome problems associated with differential movement between the substrate and a tiled surface.
But, as Ian Knifton, Technical Manager at Schlüter–Systems, explains, there are different types of movement joints required for different types of applications, and it is essential that the right one is used for the right job.
We’ve all seen cases where a tiled surface – particularly in heavily-trafficked areas such as shopping centres and airports – has become damaged. The right movement joint will prevent that from happening.
Without the appropriate solutions being in place, shear stresses can cause the tiles to crack, split and delaminate, as shown in Figure 1. To protect the tiles, intermediate stress relief joints should be incorporated into the surface assembly.
However, it’s not a case of “one-fits-all” -- a different type of joint will be required for different types of application, depending on whether it is heavy duty, light commercial, or domestic. For instance, in areas exposed to high traffic, such as shopping centres and airports, it is important to use a movement joint with metal edges protect the edges of the joint itself, while preventing damage to the edge of the tiles (see figure 2).
However, for residential or light commercial applications, such as offices and car showrooms, PVC profiles will be suitable. But metal edged profiles should also be considered where the tiled floor surface is likely to be mechanically cleaned.
The profiles are fixed at the same time as the tiles are installed, so the only additional work needed is to grout the anchoring legs into place.
To ensure that there is a joint which is suitable for every conceivable individual application there are many different systems on the market. Because of this, their special features will make a particular joint absolutely right for an application, but wrong for another. Flooring contractors must select a joint which is capable of doing what is being asked of it.
Next time – We look in more detail at the variety of movement joints available, and which ones are suitable for which type of application.
For more information contact:
Stewart Bint
Telephone: 01530 813396
Fax: 01530 813376
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
