So you have chosen your desired tile and probably spent a fortune! Now all you have to do is simply lay them! Easy right?!

Not quite! Hard flooring expands and contracts naturally so it is imperative that you use a movement joint. A movement joint, also known as an expansion joint is an intentional interruption in the tile or stone surface. Without the inclusion of these joints your tiles and grout can crack or de-bond, creating an unsightly floor or an expensive maintenance bill!

Movement joints are stress relieving, they allow the floor or wall to be divided and separated into smaller sections. A tiled surface is of course rigid in design, any movement will cause damage to your tiles. So it's agreed that it's always best to include movement joints in your project but we would always advise that you plan their installation before starting your project. This will enable each tiled section to move effectively and separately without damage to the surface. Each tile is of course solid by design, this is a set parameter. However the surface on which the tiles are laid can change due to many factors. Settling, weight loading, moisture, temperature and even footfall. This surface will expand and contract depending on changes in the environment. These changes of course affect the rigid tiles.

Our movement joints allow you to insert a division within the rigid surface and are designed cleverly to absorb various sources. Imagine a grid made up of smaller sections or bays. By inserting these dividers the tiled surface is able to withstand cracking, tenting or even de-bonding. However fitted incorrectly or in the wrong place, a movement joint simply will not work!

Aluminium joints are ideal for commercial installations, for heavier use environments such as factories and warehouses, a brass or stainless steel joint would be preferable. For a home, aesthetics are of course important. In order to preserve the integrity of your design It is even possible to match your movement joints to any colour you wish. These trims can be bespoke to your floor choice. You can even send a sample of your floor and the trims will be colour matched exactly, the creative possibilities are endless!

A movement joint must achieve a balance between flexibility and durability, to absorb stresses but also resist degradation from footfall. The standard width of a movement joint infill is a minimum of 6mm, BS 5385 requirement. You should always use a movement joint if your floor has an underfloor heating system, each movement joint should be positioned so that each heating zone can perform separately, no more than 40m2, where no one side is greater than 8m. A perimeter joint should also be included where the floor is interrupted, for example a pillar or meeting a wall. Movement joints divide the surface into smaller areas and prevent unsightly cracking.

A movement joint is an intentional interruption in a tile or expanse of floor and has the potential to ruin the aesthetic. It is possible however to colour match the movement joints exactly to the grout or floor finish, just choose your RAL colour, this allows you to maintain a neat and contemporary finish, without drawing attention to this structural requirement.

Many floors and modern tiles are contemporary, they produce a high end look and give a sleek finish that is easy to clean and maintain. These new and innovative tiles come in a huge range of colours and styles. Mixing up your pattern layout can achieve an exciting finish, even introducing various sizes and colours can be interesting! A great tip for a beautiful uninterrupted space is perfectly matched grout and trims!

Dural also provides highly competent advice and support for any tiling project. No matter how complex the application they can provide the perfect solution, including both products and service.

If you would like further information regarding our Coloured Movement Joints, please telephone our UK head office on 01924 360110.

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