Cracked tiles after skipping expansion joints: Mandatory or overkill?
Last month, I installed porcelain tile in a 400 sq ft living room without expansion joints, thinking it was overkill for a climate-controlled space. Three weeks later, hairline cracks appeared along the grout lines. Some guys in my crew say expansion joints are non-negotiable, even indoors, to handle substrate movement. Others argue that with proper underlayment and adhesive, it's fine to omit them in residential settings. I'm torn because the repair cost me a full day's labor and materials. What's your stance? Have you seen similar failures, or do you think I just got unlucky?