Perimeter expansion gaps allow a floor to move in response to ambient humidity. Standard practice is 10 to 15 mm at all vertical surfaces — walls, columns, thresholds, cabinetry kick-plates — concealed by skirting or scotia.
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Intermediate expansion joints are required on larger floor areas or on runs exceeding manufacturer-specified continuous length. As a general reference, engineered timber runs beyond 8 metres in either direction warrant an intermediate joint; specific product data sheets take precedence.
Doorways and thresholds between rooms count as intermediate joints regardless of overall floor area. Boards should not run continuously through a doorway without an expansion break under the door leaf.
End of entry
07.2.02 · BETA Projects