I have extended a concrete porch 6′ where the concrete abut there is a seam. I am ready to lay tile, as this seam will expand and contract what is the best technique and material to use to avoid cracks in the tiles or grout.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Learn how to fight wood-boring beetles and prevent home infestations with expert advice from Richard D. Kramer, an authority in pest control.
Featured Video
Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With ViewrailHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
No need to repost
This isn't a chat room, it might take a bit for someone to offer a qualified opinion to your question.
The easy answer is look for a "crack isolation membrane" .
However, there might be movement too great for even the best to work as stated. Could be best to incorporate a control joint in your tile design that centers on that joint.
Also, tho I am not sure-location might make a difference-Freeze/Thaw area?
Best of luck.
If there's any real chance of movement between the two pieces of concrete then you should have a control joint. If you're lucky you can get the tile joints to fall over the seam, otherwise cut the tile there, leave about a 1/4" gap, then continue tiling. Caulk the gap with caulk colored to match your grout.
What Dan said is exactly right. Technically speaking you shouldn't go more than about 12-15 feet (I forget the exact distance) before you put an expansion joint in. The expansion joint can be a sort of rubber tubing that you can use covered over by sanded caulk for tile or just use the caulk.
I just finished a 35' long tile floor and kitchen cabinet install among a cherry floor yada yada. In the center of the room I installed a large island so under that I didn't grout at all down the length of a few rows of tile but when I got to the walkway area I used colored sanded caulk.
Ditra
abutment joint
talk to Schluter