Tile Expansion Joint Silicone

Traffic areas require a sealant with a shore hardness of 35 or greater.

Tile expansion joint silicone.

Ardex se is an acetoxy curing silicone for applications such as movement joints between tiles internal corners tiled wall and floor and connecting joints between tiled surface and benchtops bath edges cupboards splashbacks. For floor applications urethane neoprene or polysulfide are most often used in traffic areas and silicone sometimes where traffic is not a concern. Expansion joint material for floor applications i e. Reply alexander dobert says.

According to the tile council of north america a body that helps set standards for tile installations when installing outdoor tile there must be an expansion joint every 8 feet to 12 feet in each direction. Movement joints are filled with material that allows for contraction and expansion. Use when installing bath fixtures to seal gaps between shower tiles between sinks and counters and around the base of the toilet. Installing expansion joints and using a high quality silicone based sealant is one important step you can take to ensure that your work will last for years to come.

Ardex se bonds well to ceramic tiles glass enamel anodized aluminium granite porcelain laminated beach tops and sanitary acrylics. Use around sinks tubs and showers. Silicone grout is flexible and can withstand the natural expansion and contraction of the ceramic tiles that occurs as the bathroom is in use. Expansion joints in tiles are filled with materials that can sustain contraction and expansion.

Why joints need quality sealant expansion joints allow space in which concrete can contract and expand without causing cracks. Types of movement joints the different types of movement joints are shown in the tcna handbook in the ej171 section. Expansion joints are normally considered structural joints that can possibly move vertically. What causes tile to tent.

It is recommended that you err on the side of caution and use the smaller measurement. To help protect your tile from future damage you ll need to include expansion joints into your installation. An expansion joint is needed at least every 10 linear feet and an expansion joint at least 1 4 wide is needed around the perimeter of the installation if you re meeting to a solid surface or a wall. A sealant is applied once the silicone grout has cured.

You can use a metal profile such as the ones schluter makes designed for a cold joint or you can simply use a silicone or urethane sealant in the tile at that joint.