Tile failures are often blamed on materials, but in NZ bathrooms the real cause is frequently missing or misplaced movement joints. These small gaps absorb building movement that tiles and grout cannot. This article explains where movement joints belong — and why skipping them almost always leads to cracks.

Grout is often treated as a minor detail, yet it plays a major role in how tiled bathrooms perform over time. In New Zealand homes, choosing the wrong grout can lead to cracking, staining, or persistent mould. This article compares cement, flexible, and epoxy grouts — and explains where each actually works best.