Table of contents
Introduction
Importance of expansion joints
Optimal placement of expansion joints
Size recommendations for expansion joints
Differences between laminate, parquet, and SPC vinyl
Care and maintenance of expansion joints
Conclusion
Introduction
Vinyl floors are a popular choice for many households, but the proper consideration of expansion joints is often overlooked. These joints are essential to ensure the durability and performance of your flooring.
Importance of expansion joints
Expansion joints are necessary because they allow the floor to move with varying temperatures and humidity. Without them, unsightly deformations and damage can occur, affecting the appearance and functionality of the floor.
Optimal placement of expansion joints
It is advisable to plan expansion joints in every room. They are especially important at points where different floorings meet, as well as at walls and load-bearing elements. Here are some guidelines:
Transition areas: Expansion joints are essential at transitions to other floorings.
Distance from the wall: Maintain at least 10 mm distance from the wall to provide sufficient space.
Temperature differences: In rooms with extreme temperature changes, additional joints are recommended.
Size recommendations for expansion joints
The width of the expansion joints should generally be between 5 and 10 mm, depending on the type of flooring and the specific room conditions. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure a flawless installation.
Differences between laminate, parquet, and SPC vinyl
The type of flooring affects the requirements for expansion joints:
Laminate
Laminate tends to react more strongly to temperature and humidity fluctuations, requiring larger expansion joints (8–10 mm). In rooms measuring more than 12 m in length and/or more than 8 m in width, an additional expansion profile must be used. This also applies to door openings, room passages, wall projections, and angled rooms.
Parquet
Solid wood parquet reacts to moisture by swelling and shrinking, which is why expansion joints are important to prevent damage. Joints of 10–15 mm should be planned at the room edges, with 2 mm per meter of room area as a general rule. In larger rooms (over 8 m wide or 12 m long), central joints are also required.
Parquet on underfloor heating: Expansion joints in the screed must be continued in the parquet above to avoid damage.
Fixed elements: Joints are also necessary at door frames, stairs, radiators, or transitions to other floor coverings.
Heavy furniture: Under heavy furniture (e.g., built-in wardrobes), a double-width expansion joint must be present on the opposite side to give the parquet sufficient room to move.
Glued vs. floating parquet: Glued parquet requires smaller expansion joints because it moves less. Floating parquet reacts more strongly to temperature and humidity changes, so wider joints are necessary here.
SPC Vinyl
SPC vinyl floors (Stone Polymer Composite) have less expansion than laminate or parquet due to their stable, waterproof structure. In rooms without strong sunlight exposure, SPC vinyl can be installed without expansion joints up to a length and width of 20 m (400 m²). This is possible due to the stable material composition, which exhibits less expansion behavior.
For large areas or complex layouts (L-, Z-, or U-shape, "hourglass", constrictions, door passages) or when heavy or fixed built-in or attached structures hinder the free movement of the floating installation, the floor must be divided with an expansion joint at an appropriate location. This prevents stresses in the flooring that could lead to deformations. Although SPC vinyl reacts less to moisture, an expansion joint of 5–8 mm should still be maintained, especially at the edges and in large rooms. SPC is ideal for wet rooms, but temperature differences should be considered.
Care and maintenance of expansion joints
Regular maintenance of expansion joints contributes to the longevity of your floor. Keep the joints clean and free of dirt to ensure their functionality. Especially with laminate and parquet, expansion joints should be checked regularly, as these floors are more sensitive to moisture fluctuations.
Conclusion
Considering expansion joints is crucial for maintaining the aesthetics and functionality of your floor, whether you are installing laminate, parquet, or SPC vinyl. By properly managing these important elements, you can ensure that your floor remains not only visually appealing but also durable.
