Are you too overlooking the tile connection joints like everybody else? Then I must tell you, you can be in grave danger because the selection of the right tile design, tile materials, colours, and patterns is not enough to ensure that your tiles last long. If you want them to stay durable for the long term, you should be worrying about how to connect tiles in a lasting way. 

Are you feeling overwhelmed now? Well, you don’t need to be because this blog is written to enlighten you with the knowledge and give you the perspective to protect your tiles with the right tile connection process. 

What are tile connection joints?

Tiles are solid materials that have strong and defined edges, so when two tiles are joined together, there is always a slight gap, which can affect the holding of the tiles. There are many ways the filling of the tile connection gap plays an important role in making sure that your tiles stay put and do not get damaged over time. Let’s see why connect tiles are essential,

• Heat and the stress on the building can often cause a little bit of expansion, which can easily damage the tiles as they can crack. But the joints connect tiles in a way that it does not get damaged. 
• Bathrooms and kitchen tiles are prone to experiencing water seepage if the tile connections are not done properly. Sealed bathroom and kitchen tiles ensure that even though there is some water leakage, it is not absorbed, and the tiles stay moisture-free. 
• If you are using tiles for your walls, they are required to be in alignment. And that alignment is taken care of by the tile joints. If you do not use the proper types of tile connection, then you might gonna face some kind of trouble with your tile alignment. 

Types of tile joints

There are different kinds of joints you can use, and each of them has a different purpose and usage. So you need to be careful when you are installing tiles to your place. 

1. Grouted Joints

This is probably the most popular joint type which is used to fill the gaps between tiles. You can also get different types of grouted joints such as Epoxy, Sanded, Unsanded, and cement-based. The reason why most people and experts prefer this type of joint, is because they are versatile and strong. 

Whether you are getting glossy tiles for floor, or matt finish tiles, grouted joints can work the best for you. They are also great for ensuring that the moisture is resisted to the maximum. However, there are some negative sides to the joints, they need to be resealed time to time, and maintained so they stay in good condition. 

2. Movement Joints

If you are using tiles in a under-construction building or a place which is likely to face structural shift then movement joints are particularly great for you. These tile connections are mostly used on the places where the floor meets tiles, or doors, or any stress areas, where shifts are more likely to happen. The movement joints are generally filled with flexible sealant. They are good in protecting the tiles from cracking when structural changes happen. But one thing you should know, these sealings can be seen from the outside, so you need to ensure that the design is done in a way that complements the visibility. 

3. Butt Joints

These kinds of joints are also very popular as they help in placing tiles edge-to-edge. This means that two tiles are directly connected and attached side to side, without any visibility of the joints. If your labourers connect tiles using this process, it helps in ensuring that the surface stays smooth, and you do not feel any obstacles or unevenness. But of course, there are some drawbacks that are the reason it is not the most popular one yet. As there is no space for grout, you will need to chip the tiles if any structural changes happen. 

4. Expansion Joints

These are the polyurethane or silicone-based flexible tiles designed in a way so that if the building expands because of heat, enough space or flexibility is provided. If you are using large patterned tiles on the outside of your home, then the heat-related expansion can damage the tiles. But with the expansion joints, you can protect the tiles from cracking.

Factors to consider before choosing tile joints

Well, knowing the different types of tile connection joints is not enough; you also need to consider a few factors before choosing them. Let’s have a look at them, 

• You need to be clear about the size and type of the tiles. If you are getting natural stone tiles, then you might have to give it a gap as well as sealing. Large-format tiles from the best tiles shop in Bangalore will require wider joints for handling stress. 
• Different rooms and their environment require different types of joints. Outdoors and terrace areas will definitely need expansion joints, whereas in the kitchen and bathroom, it is better if you use waterproof epoxy grouting. 
• You need to be more careful about the durability. For your commercial space, where foot traffic is high, you might wanna get defined and wide grout.
• Maintaining the joints can also be a factor that you need to be careful about. Epoxy grout can be a little expensive initially, but they are low maintenance, so you will not be required to spend much later. 

Tips to avoid mistakes

Many times, people make mistakes because they do not have any idea how to connect tiles. And you can do that too, if you don’t know the usual mistakes that you need to avoid. So let’s have a look at them.  

• To ensure that the joints are even, use a tile spacer. 
• Consider the location first and then choose the grout. 
• If you see there are some pores in the grouting, seal them, or else they will catch dirt and will get damaged. 
• Do not start using the tiles heavily; let the tile connect to get absorbed and strengthen first. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How To Connect Tiles?

You can connect your tiles by using ideal joint materials and types, after selecting the tiles, and determining the places where you are placing them. Hire labourers who will be doing the work, and ensure they are skilled enough to complete the work.

2. Which Tiles Are Ideal For Grout Joints?

Grout joints can be used in basically every type of tile, and they are compatible with all of them. Glossy floor tiles, patterned tiles, and matt finish tiles, all go really well with grout joints. 

3. Can I Get The Tile Connection Materials From Bangalore Tile Shops?

Yes, the best tile shops in Bangalore have different tile connection materials available at their store or sites. But the availability can be different at different times. So you need to check the availability yourself. 

4. Are Thinner Grout Lines Less Durable?

Yes, unfortunately, they are generally less durable in nature. They cannot withstand high stress on the tiles, and therefore, they can break. 

Summing Up

Tile connections are equally important as buying the right tiles for your home or commercial space. If the connections are not done properly, all the money invested in the tiles can go to waste. So make sure you understand all the factors and make a decision according to the requirements.