Question about caulking perimeter

[Avaire Archive]

Author: Krista
Date: 11/14/2008 3:12 pm EDT
Is it necessarily to use a flexible caulk around the entire perimeter of the room(in the 1/4in expansion gap) if the edge is covered by trim or quarter round?

[Avaire Archive]

Author: Journeyman
Date: 11/14/2008 3:52 pm EDT
Krista that should not be necessary. The bottom of the Avaire grid trays have a soft rubber-like surface that will in theory hold your floor in place.

I personally would drop two or three spots of silicone into the gaps along each wall just for fun but that isn't a company recommendation. I use "gobs" about an inch long. That's a technical term: "Gobs".

[Avaire Archive]

Author: Chris
Date: 11/14/2008 4:45 pm EDT
I agree that "gobs" is an acceptable technical term.

It's not required to perimeter seal Avaire tile unless you're installing it in a wet area such as a bathroom and I also seal the area behind a refrigerator that has an ice maker so if it leaks the water won't go under the floor.

[Avaire Archive]

Author: Krista
Date: 11/15/2008 1:56 pm EDT
Okay thanks! I did caulk behind my fridge and stove just because there is no trim behind there but going around the whole room would be alot of extra work if it isnt necessary. I will do some "globs" as described

[Avaire Archive]

Author: Jill
Date: 11/15/2008 10:18 pm EDT
Should I put "gobs" of caulk around? What does this do? Is it to keep it from any shifting?

[Avaire Archive]

Author: Chris
Date: 11/16/2008 12:20 am EDT
"Gobs" are used to keep a floor from shifting. it's not needed unless you have a small area that is subject to alot of force, something like an entry right at the bottom of a set of stairs,otherwise it's more a "just to be sure".

Hope you send photos.

[Avaire Archive]

Author: Chris-2
Date: 11/16/2008 2:30 pm EDT
I installed over 400 sq. ft. with lots of perimeter. I did not use anything in the gap between the floor and the walls. I believe the gap is important to allow the floor to expand and contract. Remember, your entire floor is "locked" together and it isn't necessary to use anything under the trim.

Also, where the tile meets the door and patio door, I used a flexible color-matched caulk to fill the 1/4" joint - it turned out very nice.