CFI Adhesives, Fasteners & Transition Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'T-molding' transition strip designed to connect?
- Two floor surfaces at the same height separated by an expansion gap (Correct answer)
- A floor to a raised threshold
- Two surfaces of different heights
- A floating floor to a glued floor only
Correct answer: Two floor surfaces at the same height separated by an expansion gap
A T-molding bridges an expansion gap between two same-height floor surfaces, allowing independent movement of each side.
Question 2: When installing hardwood flooring with a face-nail at the wall, what is the recommended fastener used to prevent the wood from splitting?
- Pre-drill and use a finish nail (Correct answer)
- Drive a staple through the face
- Use a smooth-shank framing nail
- Use a drywall screw
Correct answer: Pre-drill and use a finish nail
Pre-drilling a pilot hole before driving a finish nail prevents the hardwood from splitting and allows the nail to be set below the surface and filled.
Question 3: What is the correct method for installing a carpet transition at a doorway where carpet meets hard-surface flooring?
- Tack strip at the edge with a metal Z-bar or Gripper bar securing the carpet edge (Correct answer)
- Glue the carpet edge directly to the hard floor
- Tape the edge with duct tape
- Tuck the edge under the baseboard
Correct answer: Tack strip at the edge with a metal Z-bar or Gripper bar securing the carpet edge
A Z-bar or Gripper bar captures the carpet edge at the transition, holding it flat and providing a clean, durable seam between carpet and hard-surface flooring.
Question 4: Which solvent-based adhesive type is commonly used for installing sheet vinyl (resilient) in commercial applications and requires adequate ventilation?
- Cutback adhesive or pressure-sensitive contact adhesive (Correct answer)
- White wood glue
- Epoxy tile mortar
- Silicone sealant
Correct answer: Cutback adhesive or pressure-sensitive contact adhesive
Cutback and contact adhesives used for commercial sheet vinyl installations contain VOCs requiring adequate ventilation and respiratory protection.
Question 5: What is 'transfer' in the context of testing pressure-sensitive adhesive for LVT installation?
- Adhesive that strings or peels off the substrate onto the flooring back when pulled (Correct answer)
- Adhesive spread from one tile to another
- Color bleed through the tile surface
- Adhesive applied to the tile back instead of the floor
Correct answer: Adhesive that strings or peels off the substrate onto the flooring back when pulled
Transfer means the adhesive is properly grabbing when the flooring back shows adhesive contact after the tile is pressed and pulled back.
Question 6: What is the function of a 'stair nose' transition in flooring installations?
- To cap the leading edge of a stair tread and protect it from wear (Correct answer)
- To connect two floor levels on a flat surface
- To seal expansion gaps at baseboards
- To join carpet and hard flooring in a hallway
Correct answer: To cap the leading edge of a stair tread and protect it from wear
A stair nose covers the exposed leading edge of a stair tread, providing a finished appearance and a durable, non-slip nosing.
CFI Adhesives, Fasteners & Transition Systems 2
What is a 'T-molding' transition strip designed to connect?