What role does movement joint play in tile installations?

The correct choice highlights the critical function of movement joints in tile installations, which is to accommodate expansion and contraction caused by temperature variations. Tile materials, like most building materials, undergo thermal expansion; when they heat up, they expand, and when they cool down, they contract. If there are no movement joints in place to absorb this movement, the result can be cracking or other types of structural damage to the tile installation. Therefore, incorporating movement joints helps maintain the integrity of the installation and ensures that the tiles can move within the defined limits without compromising their performance or appearance.

This understanding aligns with industry practices and is essential for achieving longevity and durability in tile work. Other options either do not address this fundamental requirement or focus on aspects that are less crucial in terms of tile installation integrity.