Joints - silicone or tile profiles?

What exactly are joints?

Grout usually serves to compensate for stresses in tiles and prevent cracks. This is achieved with a deliberate space between, for example, two tiles. There are a variety of grout types, which is also very useful, as tiles can be laid not only on tiles, but also adjacent to other materials.

For tiles, elastic expansion joints in the edge areas are a must. These edge joints in the transition from floor to wall are often filled with silicone. Another type of joint is the expansion joint. These serve to compensate for stress by absorbing the movements of the floor and thus preventing stress cracks on the tiles.
Another alternative we can offer you in our shop is skirting boards. Skirting boards can achieve a perfect visual transition between wall and floor and cover unsightly joints.

Tile grout is subjected to high stress. Limescale, soap residue, mold spores, moisture, and human foot traffic all attack the grout, spoiling the overall look of the room. Whether in the kitchen, bathroom, or hallway, tile grout is found throughout your home. As the grout ages, it turns gray and moisture can lead to mold growth. In the worst-case scenario, the grout begins to loosen, creating gaps between the tiles.

However, with proper care, such problems can be avoided. It is important to clean the joints properly at certain intervals.

Freshen up silicone joints

Silicone grout, in particular, shows its age after a few years. If not properly maintained, the grout can crumble and crack. If you want to restore the beautiful look of your tile grout, you can cut out the old silicone grout with a grout cutter . Next, you'll need a silicone remover to apply to the remaining sealant. After a short contact time, the loosened residue can be easily wiped away, and after thoroughly cleaning the grout with water, you can simply regrout it with silicone.

Alternative to silicone?

Silicone, as an elastic material, is the most popular choice among craftsmen for tiling. Why? For example, silicone grout is easy to apply, inexpensive, and comes in a wide range of colors.

But as already mentioned above, silicone joints have some disadvantages. They are not particularly durable or resilient. Cracks can appear after a relatively short time, where dirt, mold and bacteria settle and give the joints an unsightly appearance. Something else is more appealing, therefore the only solution is usually to have the silicone joints renewed.

The alternative to silicone and cement is the tile profile. In our online shop, we offer various profile options that conceal unsightly silicone joints or completely replace them. For example, our high-quality connecting profiles, expansion joint profiles, or skirting boards.

The connection profile

Do you want to achieve a beautiful transition between wall and floor? Is your silicone sealant yellowed, cracked, and simply no longer attractive? Then we recommend our connecting profiles made of high-quality aluminum. The surface of aluminum profiles is very smooth, so mold spores and microorganisms can hardly settle. If they do, the surface can simply be thoroughly wiped clean, leaving no residue on the material.

To achieve an optimal result, they should be installed in conjunction with the appropriate interior and exterior corners.

The expansion joint profile

Another advantage of tile profiles over silicone joints is their durability. If there is movement in the substrate or flooring, silicone joints crack, but tile profiles do not. They withstand the stress and also compensate for tension in the floor. This is also true for expansion joint profiles . The profile absorbs the movements of the floor and thus prevents stress cracks in the tiles. This type of profile should be chosen if there are different substrates on which the new floor is to be laid.

We offer the movement profiles in aluminum and stainless steel. In our online shop you will find a large selection of different designs and heights.

The skirting board

The purpose of a skirting board? To create a perfect transition between wall and floor. The skirting board prevents dirt and grime from accumulating in the gaps/joints, thus maintaining a visually appealing transition for a long time.

In our online shop you will find skirting boards made of aluminum and stainless steel. You can choose from various designs and colors.

Tile profiles better than silicone joints?!

Pro

• Tile profiles are durable and resilient.
• The smooth surfaces of stainless steel or aluminum profiles offer no surface for mold, etc. to attack.
• Tile profiles have a great look and generally enhance the room.
• Tile edges are optimally protected with profiles.
• Profiles can absorb ground movements and prevent cracks.
• Less maintenance required

Against

• More expensive than silicone
• More effort required during processing
• Smaller color selection than with silicone

Conclusion

Why is silicone still so often used? This is partly due to the higher cost of tile profiles. Many tradesmen also find working with silicone more pleasant and recommend this method to their customers. However, in the long run, tile profiles are more worthwhile. They guarantee a stylish, long-lasting look and prevent cracks and holes in the floor, meaning the tradesman doesn't have to return and do any repairs after a few years.

Notes:

In general, the generally accepted rules of technology must be observed!

For all products/materials: The suitability for mechanical and chemical stress must be carefully checked in each individual case before installation. Protect material from prolonged exposure to sunlight.

If you should have any further questions, we will gladly help you!

Best of luck!

the team from Everything for Tiles