Where Should Movement Joints Be Installed? Your Complete Guide to QTrim Profiles

When it comes to professional tiling installations, one element that is often overlooked — yet absolutely essential — is the movement joint. At QTrim we supply an extensive range of movement joints, engineered to protect tiled surfaces from the stresses of expansion, contraction, and structural movement.

In this guide, we explain what movement joints are, where they should be installed, and how to choose the right QTrim profile for your project. Whether you’re working on a home refurb or a large-scale commercial installation, this article provides the technical guidance you need.

What Are Movement Joints?

Movement joints (also known as expansion joints) are intentional separations built into tiled surfaces. Their purpose is to divide large tile areas into smaller, controlled “tile fields” that can independently absorb movement caused by:

• Substrate expansion and contraction

• Thermal changes (e.g. underfloor heating or direct sunlight)

• Vibration and mechanical loading

• Shrinkage or settling in the substrate

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Without movement joints, stresses can accumulate and result in cracked grout, loose tiles, or even debonding — problems that can be costly to repair and damaging to your reputation.

Why Choose QTrim Movement Joints?

Our QTrim range includes a wide selection of profiles made from aluminium and stainless steel, ensuring there’s a suitable joint for every environment from domestic bathrooms to heavy-duty commercial floors.

Key Benefits of QTrim Profiles:

• Pre-formed with precision-cut anchor legs for superior bonding

• Durable movement zones to absorb expansion

• Designed to accommodate heavy foot traffic, load-bearing areas, and moisture-prone environments

• Available in a variety of widths, heights, and materials

• Stylish finishes for a seamless visual integration

  
  

Explore the full QTrim Brochure or speak to our team for specification advice.

Where Should Movement Joints Be Installed?

1. Structural and Intermediate Joints (Field Movement Joints)

Installed within the tiled area, these joints are essential for dividing large surfaces and allowing safe movement of the entire floor or wall.

Installation Guidelines:

• Tile fields must not exceed 10m x 10m (in standard conditions).

• For underfloor heating, external areas, or zones exposed to direct sunlight, tile fields must be reduced to 40m² max, with a max side length of 8m.

• Suspended floors or high-vibration environments may require even smaller tile fields (5–8m recommended).

• Joints must run continuously through the tile and adhesive and align with any existing joints in the substrate.

• Always install a joint over structural joints, maintaining or exceeding the joint width below.

2. Perimeter Joints

These separate the tiled area from surrounding walls, columns, fixtures, or structural elements and allow the tile layer to expand independently.

Key Guidelines:

• Perimeter joints must be installed at all junctions where tile meets another surface.

• Minimum joint width: 6mm, reaching through to the decoupling layer with a depth of 12mm+.

• Should be concealed under skirting or wall tiles without compromising their function.

• Even in areas less than 2m wide, perimeter joints are advised to enhance acoustic insulation and stress relief.

  
  

Structural vs. Non-Structural Movement Joints

There are two main types of movement joints used in tiling:

🔹 Structural Movement Joints

• Extend through the tile, adhesive, screed, and structural slab

• Absorb significant movement such as thermal expansion, foundation shifts, or building settlement

🔹 Non-Structural (Field or Control) Joints

• Do not pass through the slab

• Allow for minor substrate shrinkage and surface-level movement

  
  

Correct specification of both types is vital — especially in larger or complex installations. Speak to your QTrim Account Manager for guidance on your specific site conditions.

Selecting the Right QTrim Movement Joint

Choosing the right movement joint profile depends on the demands of your installation.

Consideration	Recommended Profile Type
High foot traffic (e.g. retail, hospitality)	Aluminium or Stainless Steel
Wet areas (e.g. showers, pools)	PVC or Stainless Steel with moisture resistance
Commercial environments	Heavy Duty Metal Profiles
Residential or light use	PVC Profiles
Design-conscious interiors	Colour-matched QTrim options

All QTrim profiles feature punched anchor legs to allow mechanical bonding with the tile adhesive. For flexible installations, always pair movement joints with a flexible grout and appropriate adhesive.

Installation Tips from the Experts

• Movement joints should be installed at the same time as tiling, not retrofitted later.

• Ensure adhesive coverage under the joint legs to guarantee long-term stability.

• Leave a 2mm grout joint around the profile and fill with flexible grout.

• Always consult tiling standards such as BS 5385-3:2014 and EN 12572 for guidance.

Common Questions

• Do movement joints ruin the look of tiled floors?

  Not at all — QTrim profiles are available in a range of discreet finishes, and many can be matched to tile colour for a seamless effect.

  
  

• Can I use silicone instead of a profile?

  Silicone has its place in internal corners and perimeter joints, but for field joints in floors or high-traffic areas, mechanical movement profiles like QTrim are essential.

  
  

• Do small floors need movement joints?

  Yes — even smaller spaces benefit from perimeter movement joints and stress relief joints, especially if they include underfloor heating or are exposed to sunlight.

Trust Qtrim for your wholesale tile supplies

At Qtrim, we don't just supply quality tile accessories — we help our retail partners deliver professional, lasting installations. Our team of industry specialists and account managers are here to assist with:

• Product specification advice

• Site-specific technical guidance

• Fast delivery from our UK & Ireland depots

  
  

Explore our full range of QTrim Movement Joints in the Trim Datasheet and see how we can support your business.

Need technical support or project advice?📞 Call: +44 (0)28 7131 2064