Adhesives, Fasteners & Transition Systems Flashcards

What is the purpose of 'back-buttering' large-format tiles during installation?

Answer: To ensure full mortar coverage on the tile back and prevent hollow spots

Back-buttering applies additional thin-set to the tile back to fill voids and ensure 95% or greater mortar contact required for large-format tiles.

How long should most water-based flooring adhesives cure before allowing heavy rolling traffic on a commercial installation?

Answer: 24–72 hours depending on manufacturer instructions

Most water-based adhesives require 24–72 hours of cure time before heavy rolling loads are introduced to prevent adhesive shear failure.

What type of fastener is used to attach wood flooring to a concrete subfloor without adhesive?

Answer: Concrete screw or powder-actuated fastener

Concrete screws (e.g., Tapcon) or powder-actuated fasteners (e.g., Ramset) are used to mechanically attach wood sleepers or nailer strips to concrete for a nail-down installation.

When installing a floating floor, why must transition strips never be glued to the floating floor itself?

Answer: Gluing restricts the floor's movement and can cause buckling or gaps

Floating floors must be free to expand and contract; gluing transitions to the floor prevents this movement and causes structural failure.

Which type of transition piece is used where a floating floor meets a sliding door track?

Answer: End cap or square-nose molding

An end cap or square-nose molding terminates the flooring edge cleanly at a door track without needing to bridge to another floor surface.

What is the risk of using too much adhesive when installing resilient sheet flooring?

Answer: Adhesive bleeds through seams and prevents proper seam welding

Excess adhesive can migrate to the seam area, contaminating the seam weld and preventing proper fusion, which leads to seam failure.