Product category:
Floors
News Release from: Schluter-Systems | Subject: Movement joints
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 05 June 2007
Movement joints - the right one for the
right job
Schluter-Systems explain why different types of movement joints are required for different types of applications, and it is essential that the right one is used for the right job.
(part one) In the last four technical advisory items 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
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 4 Feb 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Ian Knifton, Technical Manager at Schluter-Systems, explains how advancing technology is eliminating the need for movement joints in screed, which gives greater flexibility in surface tile design.
But, as Ian Knifton, Technical Manager at Schluter - 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.
Q:.
We've all seen cases where a tiled surface - particularly in heavily-trafficked areas such as shopping centres and airports - has become damaged.
Further reading
Movement joints: part of complete systems solution
Ian Knifton, Technical Manager at Schluter-Systems explains why installation of movement joints needs to be Part of a complete systems solution.
Movement joints - the right one for the right job
The sixth item in our series of ensuring the long-term integrity of tiled floor installations by using protective movement joints
Will the right movement joint prevent that from happening?.
A:.
Without the appropriate solutions being in place, shear stresses can cause the tiles to crack, split and delaminate.
To protect the tiles, intermediate stress relief joints should be incorporated into the surface assembly.
Q:.
So is it simply a case of getting a movement joint and installing it?.
A:.
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 the examples you've quoted, of 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.
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.
Q:.
How many different types of joint are there?.
A:.
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 will look in more detail at the variety of movement joints available, and which ones are suitable for which type of application. Request a free brochure from Schluter-Systems ...
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