Placement of Movement Joints in Ceramic Tiles

Prevention better than the cure!

Movement joints are a simple but essential part of any ceramic flooring project. They help your tiles handle natural shifts and movements in the substrate beneath them.

Movement can occur due to a range of things but without these joints, stress builds up and causes tiles to crack, lift, or become damaged!

Where you find movement joints!

Around the Edges

You’ll want to add movement joints along the edges of your tiled floor, where it meets walls, columns, or anything solid. This gives the tiles room to expand and contract without pushing up against hard surfaces, which could cause cracks or damage.

In Bigger Spaces

Movement joints should be considered every 100 m² for areas without underfloor heating and every 40 m² for areas with underfloor heating. In corridors, movement joints should be installed every 2.5 to 3 meters along the length and span the entire width. This helps accommodate stress and prevent cracking in the tiled surface.

This spacing helps manage stress across the whole floor, think of it as separating your flooring into manageable bays!

At Transitions

Movement joints are also useful at transitions between rooms or when switching between different flooring types. They help accommodate movement differences between these areas, ensuring the flooring remains stable and intact.

In High-Stress Spots

Particular parts of the floor are more susceptible to substrate movement, like high traffic areas are more prone to substrate movement. Installing movement joints in these locations helps prevent cracks and ensures the flooring remains durable over time.