Is an expansion joint necessary for vinyl?
Expansion joint for vinyl - you can read this in many blogs, installation instructions and product descriptions. But when is an extension gap necessary for vinyl and what is it all about?
In this article, we explain what an expansion joint is, why it is necessary and which vinyl floors require it. You will also find out how best to proceed with the installation and what you need to bear in mind when sealing expansion joints.
Expansion joint - What is that?
The extension gap, also known as a dilatation or movement joint, must be considered for many floor coverings. Instead of laying the floor end-to-end, a joint is deliberately planned between individual floor elements or the floor. This also applies to the structural features. For instance, walls give the respective floor covering freedom of movement.
An expansion joint must be considered for vinyl, PVC, tiles as well as laminate and parquet flooring. This is purely done to prevent damage to the floor due to tension. A possible reason for the movement of floor coverings without a firm connection to the subfloor is thermal change. More consequences could be high loads and seismic movement of the earth. The installation method could be a huge reason to take care of.
The expansion joint for vinyl dimensioned according to room size
An extension gap for vinyl is not always the same size. However, it varies depending on the vinyl floor and room size. An expansion joint of between 5mm and 10mm is recommended for most vinyl floor coverings. In complicated areas such as door junctions and large rooms, the extension gap can be up to 15mm wide. For lengths of more than 15 metres, some manufacturers recommend an expansion joint up to 12mm thick for vinyl.
Floating vinyl flooring - What you should bear in mind!
Floating floor coverings in particular, such as click vinyl tiles, require an expansion joint. If a floor is laid as a floating floor, it is not firmly attached to the subfloor. Therefore, it is subject to significantly more movement than a glued or nailed floor. An extension gap for vinyl is therefore always required if the floor covering is not fully bonded to the subfloor.
Vinyl flooring - Special features of the resilient floor covering
An expansion joint in vinyl is particularly relevant because vinyl or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a thermoplastic material. This material can expand or contract depending on the temperature. The extension gap allows movement without the vinyl floor being damaged by tension in the event of expansion.
For this reason, vinyl flooring must be adjusted to the temperature in the room for at least 24 to 48 hours. This should be done before installation by storing the vinyl planks or tiles unpacked in the room. It is also not advisable to install vinyl flooring in conservatories or other rooms with large temperature differences. It is always best to take a look at the manufacturer's technical data and installation instructions in order to achieve the best possible results during installation. Here you will usually also find information on how wide the expansion joint should be for vinyl.
Expansion joint for vinyl - Where is it installed?
When planning transitions from flooring to fixed, rising objects in the room, always include an expansion joint for vinyl. It is important to plan for an extension gap between the vinyl flooring and walls, heating pipes, door frames, and other structural features. If you are installing vinyl flooring in your kitchen, make sure to also consider an extension gap between the vinyl and the kitchen.
Click vinyl without an expansion joint - Is that possible?
With classic solid vinyl with a click system, an expansion joint must usually always be planned in. An expansion joint is normally always necessary with vinyl if the floor is laid loose and is also susceptible to temperature fluctuations.
Despite the availability of rigid vinyl, which can be installed on tiles with the help of a stone or lime powder backing board and offers improved dimensional stability compared to solid vinyl, manufacturers still emphasize the necessity of an extension gap. You can find a click vinyl laminate that can be installed without an extension gap remains an arduous and seemingly endless search.
Most installation instructions from renowned vinyl flooring manufacturers such as Gerflor, Forbo or Quick-Step refer to an expansion joint of around 5mm to 10 mm for vinyl with a click system. An extension gap of at least 10mm up to 15mm is recommended in door junctions.
Expansion joint in the room - What needs to be considered?
From a certain room size, an expansion joint in the room is also recommended. In particular, if the existing screed already has an extension gap, this should be taken over by the click vinyl and must then be fitted with a joint profile. This is because screed floors are also subject to tension.
With self-adhesive vinyl, the extension gap does not necessarily have to be adopted, as many of the vinyl floors can be glued throughout. As a rule, manufacturers specify in the installation instructions from which room length an expansion joint must be observed in the room. This is usually a room length of between 10 and 15 metres.
Vinyl flooring, expansion joint & silicone - Do they go together?
Especially with vinyl flooring in the bathroom, the silicone gun is quickly at hand to seal expansion joints watertight.
But be careful: filling the expansion joints of click vinyl with silicone will take away the function of the extension gap. If you fill the joint with silicone, the vinyl laminate cannot move, causing tension and damage.
If you often use silicone as an adhesive for vinyl, consider using a filler cord for click vinyl in the bathroom or kitchen. Quick-Step, for instance, recommends laying a foam cord with their waterproof Alpha vinyl. The cord should be laid without tension, followed by the application of hydro-mastic. Finally, the skirting boards can be fitted.