Tips for laying PVC tiles
When installing clip-on floor tiles, it's essential to leave an expansion gap between fixed objects (walls, pillars, equipment) and the tiles. This small gap of a few millimeters guarantees the longevity, stability and integrity of the floor, by allowing the materials to react naturally to temperature variations. In this article, we'll look at why this precaution is essential, and how to adapt this gap according to the type of slab and the installation environment.
1. To support ground movement
A floor "works" over time. Heat, humidity, pressure: all these factors modify its dimensions very slightly. Floor tiles (in PVC or polypropylene) expand or contract according to these conditions. If they are laid flush with walls or fixed objects, these movements are blocked... which can lead to tension, lifting or cracking. An expansion space absorbs this movement without constraint.
2. To avoid temperature-related deformation
Plastic materials expand with heat. In summer, or in environments exposed to the sun's rays, a slab can gain several millimeters. Without a buffer space, it has nowhere to "expand", resulting in blistering or heaving. By creating expansion joints, often invisible once the floor has been laid, these inconveniences can be avoided.
3. To preserve the surrounding structure
A poorly laid floor can transmit stresses to the surrounding elements: walls, columns, machinery, etc. Leaving a gap between the slabs provides mechanical insulation and prevents stresses from being propagated.
4. To prolong coating life
A well-respected expansion space reduces stress on clips, joints and the slabs themselves. The result: less premature wear, fewer repairs and better overall stability.
What distance should be left between tiles and objects?
This depends on the material and the installation environment. Here are some recommendations:
Polypropylene slabs (e.g. AERO range)
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Interior: allow 1 mm per linear metre of part, with a minimum of 5 mm.
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Exterior: multiply this value by 3 (i.e. 3 mm/m), to compensate for greater thermal variations.
Example: for a 6 × 6 m garage, leave 6 mm clearance all around inside, 18 mm outside.
PVC slabs (e.g. ULTIMA range)
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Material more sensitive to heat, so 2 mm per linear meter, minimum 10 mm, even indoors.
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Si pose à une température < 20°C, prévoir plus : les dalles s’allongeront en se réchauffant.
Example: for a 10 × 5 m room → allow 20 mm for lengths, 10 mm for widths.
Always > 10 mm in all cases.
In short: how much to leave?
| Slab type | Environment | Clearance per linear metre | Recommended minimum clearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polypropylene | Interior | 1 mm/m | 5 mm |
| Polypropylene | Outside | 3 mm/m | 10 mm |
| PVC | All-purpose | 2 mm/m | 10 mm |
A detail that changes everything
Leaving an expansion gap when installing clip-in tiles isn't an option, it's a basic rule. Whether for a garage, workshop, terrace or warehouse, respecting these gaps will avoid costly repairs and guarantee a long-lasting installation. Before laying: measure, adapt and let your floor breathe!