When to do the joints after laying the tiles?

Automatic translation

Tile joints are really essential. Not only do they improve the aesthetics of your coating, but they allow your tiles to last longer. They effectively guarantee the maintenance and sealing of the tiling. They are able to absorb movements and prevent tiles from cracking, while protecting them from humidity and water infiltration. In addition, they are especially essential for security reasons. But the question that arises is: when to make the tile joints?

Make the joints once the drying time has elapsed

Grouting is normally the final phase of tiling. It can only be carried out when the adhesive mortar has dried optimally. In other words, it is necessary to respect the drying time indicated on the technical data sheets of the adhesive mortar before ensuring the installation of the joints. In general, it takes about 24 hours. Therefore, you must plan to make the joints the next day.

Tips for successful tile joints

Plan all joints from the layout phase

To succeed with your tiling joints, you are also advised to plan all the joints from the layout. Normally you will need joints between each tile, expansion joints and control joints. The joints between each tile are to be filled with a mortar. Expansion joints can be filled with silicone, rubber or elastomeric sealant or left empty and then covered with baseboards. Finally, the splitting joints are to be filled with an elastic joint or covered with a brass rod.

Choosing the right size of tile joints

When it comes to the size of tile joints, you need to consider their width. Normally it takes 2-3 mm for 10 cm tiles, and it takes 3-5 mm for 20 cm tiles. It is true that you can opt for reduced joints or use rectified tiles if you have an aesthetic or practical objective to achieve. But still, try not to favour a tile joint width of less than 2 mm. Then, also choose the right size for your braces.

Use

The right joint mortar The last tip to raise concerns the choice of the joint mortar. If possible, look for a model adapted to the material of your tiling and the constraints of your room to guarantee the success of the joints. On the market, you can find special water-repellent mortars for terraces and also special kitchen and bathroom mortars and special underfloor heating mortars.