Tile Expansion Joint Silicone

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.

Tile expansion joint silicone.

Use around sinks tubs and showers. 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. A sealant is applied once the silicone grout has cured. Ardex se bonds well to ceramic tiles glass enamel anodized aluminium granite porcelain laminated beach tops and sanitary acrylics.

The appropriate design of a movement joint is based on the tile or stone assembly s configuration and substrate type. 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. Expansion joints are normally considered structural joints that can possibly move vertically. Paintable silicone caulk can be used around the outside of window units to properly seal the window and the siding edge or around the entire door unit.

What causes tile to tent. Traffic areas require a sealant with a shore hardness of 35 or greater. Urethane neoprene or polysulfide are often used in traffic areas and silicone where sometimes traffic is not a concern. For floor applications urethane neoprene or polysulfide are most often used in traffic areas and silicone sometimes where traffic is not a concern.

Silicone grout is flexible and can withstand the natural expansion and contraction of the ceramic tiles that occurs as the bathroom is in use. Reply alexander dobert says. Expansion joints in tiles are filled with materials that can sustain contraction and expansion. To help protect your tile from future damage you ll need to include expansion joints into your installation.

Expansion joint material for floor applications i e. It is recommended that you err on the side of caution and use the smaller measurement. 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. Use when installing bath fixtures to seal gaps between shower tiles between sinks and counters and around the base of the toilet.

Why joints need quality sealant expansion joints allow space in which concrete can contract and expand without causing cracks.