{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location {{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationMember and guest login
Enter your email and password to access secured content, members only resources and discount prices.
Did you become a member online? If not, you will need to activate your account to login.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Forgotten password
Need some help?
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If the email address you have entered is registered, you will receive an email with further instructions.
Become part of the HIA community
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Create a guest account
Enter your details below and create a login
Joints in floor and wall tiles - Planning for movement
What is a movement joint?
Movement joints serve as a relief gap in tiled surfaces to separate the tiled surface from the fixed elements walls and columns, reduce size of large areas of tiled surfaces into smaller areas to allow for induced strain from various causes.
Joints are either prefabricated or formed using sealants and backing material where waterproofing is required. Joints can be located as structural movements joints, intermediate movement joints, perimeter joints or contraction joints and generally have a minimum width of 6mm.
Where are they used?
Floors
Structural movement joints
Structural joints as the name suggests, are joints that have been designed for the anticipated movement of the structure. The bedding material and tiles should stop either side of the structural joint.
Intermediate movement joints
Intermediate joints are used to accommodate deflections of the substrate and movement in the flooring and should be evenly spaced:
For internal floors:
- where any dimension exceeds 9 m, a spacing not greater than 4.5 m for internal floors,
- where the floor is subject to direct sunlight and the dimension exceeding 6 m a spacing of 4.5 m.
For external floors:
- joints must be provided at 4.5 m spacing in any dimension.
Perimeter joints
Perimeter joints are provided where the tiling abuts restraining surfaces such as internal or external walls, planter boxes, columns and the like.
Where hygiene, waterproofing or aesthetics of the installation will be adversely effected and the area is less than 10m2 perimeter joints need not be provided where the floor tiles are a minimum of 3 mm from the restraining surface.
Walls
Movement joints in a wall should be a minimum of 6mm wide and extend through the tiles and the bedding material. Where substantial movement is anticipated the joint should be carried through the intermediate substrate to the face of the structural wall.
Movement joints should be installed:
- Over existing movement joints.
- Where abutting other cladding materials.
- At vertical corners of a shower compartment.
- Horizontally at storey heights at a distance of between 3 to 4.5 m vertically apart.
Find the latest expert advice, guides and much more!
Was this page helpful?
Building it right topics
Can’t find what you need, check out other resources that might be closer to the mark.