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Expert Answers
Does the Lack of Movement Joints Cause Tile to Debond?
QUESTION
Does the Lack of Movement Joints cause Tile to debond? - Could you please assist me by answering the following questions:Does the installation of tile on top of a post-tension concrete slab in a large floor area inside a residential home require the emplacement of "expansion joints" at specific intervals?
Can exposure to direct sunlight cause a tile to detach itself from a concrete slab to which it has been affixed with a bonding agent that was specifically designated therefor?
ANSWER
ANSWER - All tile installations require movement joints of one type or another at perimeters and within the field of tile. Interior applications should have movement joints at all perimeters and transitions and every 20 to 25 feet in each direction within the field of tile. Exterior applications should have movement joints at all perimeters and transitions and every 8 to 12 feet in each direction within the field of tile.When interior applications are exposed to direct light from windows or skylights there should be movement joints at all perimeters and transitions and every 8 to 12 feet in each direction within the field of tile.
Although the lack of movement joints can be a contributing factor to tiles debonding, it isn't the sole reason. Generally speaking tiles that debond are not adequately bonded for one reason or the other. Normally a tile under stress will crack rather than debond if it is bonded well to its substrate. Just depends on the type of debonding and how it debonds as to what is the primary cause of the debonding. Good Luck
