The Importance of Installing Expansion Joints In a Stone/Tile Shower: What You Need to Know

 

The Importance of Installing Expansion Joints In a Stone/Tile Shower: What You Need to Know

 

By Frederick M. Hueston, StoneForensics.com

 

Have you ever taken a look at the corners of a stone or tile shower and seen that they are all cracked, and in some cases, the grout is completely missing? What about the part of the wall that is flush with the floor? Why does this area have such a propensity for cracking and falling out? The cause is that there are not enough expansion joints or that there are hard joints where there should be soft ones. An important step that needs to be taken before any tiling can be done in a tile or stone shower is the installation of expansion joints in the walls and floor of the shower. The tile must be able to expand and contract in response to changes in temperature, so the installation of expansion joints is required. Tiles are susceptible to cracking and shifting when there are no expansion joints present, which can result in expensive repairs and possible water damage.

The use of expansion joints in a stone/tile shower makes it possible for the tile to expand and contract in response to variations in temperature. When it comes to durability and lifespan, expansion joints are absolutely necessary. If they are not installed correctly, they have the potential to induce cracks in the tile, which will ultimately lead to the tile's early failure. When installing a tiled shower, the joints are placed at the points where the tile meets another material, such as at the intersection of the wall and floor to walls. The joint is filled with a soft caulk such as silicone or urethane, and the amount of caulk used in the joint expands and shrinks depending on the temperature of the region around it. This caulking should be water resistant, mold resistant, and bacterium resistant as well.

Installing expansion joints in a stone/tile shower is a straightforward process inspect the shower for cracks and leaks in the tile or other damage to the walls and floor. You will also want to make sure that the wall and floor are level. remove the old, damaged tile and clean the walls and floor thoroughly.

purchase and install the right type of caulking. There are many types of caulk that can be used and some of them are appropriate for tile and other may stain certain stone.  The following is a breakdown of caulks available:

 

100% Pure Silicone Caulk

The most common type of sealant is silicone caulk, which can also be referred to as rubberized caulking. This caulking is ideal for repairing minor leaks and mold in your shower. It is very easy to apply, it can address all problem areas without any issues, and the rubbery feel stays with it forever, which makes it great for handling the movements in the joints where other options can fracture. Because of these qualities, it is a highly popular choice.

 

The fact that it can be controlled with relative ease, on the other hand, is the key factor that contributes to its popularity. Silicone caulk may be applied directly to your shower, and because it enables a more accurate application, you won't need to use as much of it as you would with other caulks. This cuts down on waste.

 

Because of its longevity and resilience to water, it is the superior material to use in a showers, facets, and other similar areas. It is also more resistant to extremes of temperature, both hot and cold.

Silicon caulk is one of the alternatives that often carries a higher price tag than the others. However, if you take into account how long its effects will stay, you will see that purchasing it is money well spent.

The material is incapable of holding paint, but the problem can be remedied by painting over it with a thin coating of siliconized acrylic latex or by using a primer that is based on oil.

Inorganic Latex Acrylic

This is a low-cost, all-purpose caulk that is simple to work with and can be put to use in a variety of different situations. Additionally, it is simple to paint over. Latex is an excellent material to employ in places with a high porosity and is, in general, the more preferred choice because to the inexpensive cost. This material is a great alternative to silicone caulk because it is not difficult to clean (latex is water soluble), and it is readily available. In addition to that, it dries more quicker and, of all the things on this list, it is possibly the most resistant to mold.

On the other hand, its resistance to water is not nearly on par with that of a 100% silicone. Because of this specific reason, it is possible that it is not the greatest choice for the shower.

Since it is not very expensive, you may always continue applying it to cure small concerns, but problems like cracking and flaking will keep recurring often even after repeated applications.

Caulk made of latex or acrylic, combined with silicone

This hybrid variety of caulk is variously referred to as "painter's caulk" and "tub and tile" caulk. It is comparable to acrylic latex, but offers greater flexibility as an alternative, despite the fact that it is not as flexible as a material composed entirely of silicone. Because it contains silicone, this alternative to traditional latex caulk is both more durable and more resistant to moisture than the latter. It can be the excellent substitute for acrylic latex, and it makes painting over it very easy to do. It is perfect for spots that require only a minimal amount of waterproofing.

Even though the packaging indicates that it is resistant to water, it is recommended that you only apply it on the dry areas that are covered in paint so that the exterior can continue to be protected. It is not a caulking alternative that is particularly successful, which is why it is not recommend using it.

PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate) (Polyvinyl Acetate)

This caulking substance is manufactured from polyvinyl and has all of the features of polyvinyl, such as resistance to mold, durability, and heat resistance. It is very similar to the acrylic latex product, which is also made from polyvinyl. PVA is another alternative that can be painted over.

It does not have very good resistance to water and it deteriorates over time.

Expansion joints, when they are appropriately installed, not only prevent future failures but also improve the overall appearance of the installation, which in turn raises its aesthetic value and ensures that it will last for a longer period of time.