Subfloor Preparation & Assessment Flashcards
6 cards from real CFI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Subfloor Preparation & Assessment flashcards as text
What is the most important assessment to perform before installing floating flooring over an existing resilient floor?
Answer: Check for loose or curled seams and edges
Loose or curled seams in an existing resilient floor must be repaired or the floor removed, as they create voids that cause clicking and cracking in the new floating floor.
How many layers of existing resilient flooring are typically allowed beneath a new installation before requiring removal?
Answer: Two layers maximum
Most building codes and manufacturer guidelines allow a maximum of two layers of resilient flooring before all layers must be removed to maintain proper floor height and performance.
When inspecting a concrete slab for cracks prior to installation, which crack type is most concerning?
Answer: Active/moving structural cracks
Active structural cracks continue to move and can cause flooring to crack, buckle, or delaminate, requiring professional evaluation before any installation proceeds.
What tool measures the alkalinity (pH) of a concrete slab surface before glue-down flooring installation?
Answer: pH test kit or litmus paper with distilled water
A pH test kit using distilled water measures slab alkalinity; high pH can cause adhesive breakdown and flooring failures.
What action should be taken if a wood subfloor exceeds the manufacturer's allowed moisture differential versus the hardwood flooring being installed?
Answer: Allow time for acclimation and re-test before installation
When moisture differential exceeds limits, installation must be delayed until the subfloor and flooring acclimate to within acceptable ranges to prevent post-installation movement.
What is the primary concern with installing flooring over a wood subfloor that has visible black staining?
Answer: Possible mold or fungi that may indicate moisture damage
Black staining on wood subfloors often indicates mold or fungal growth from moisture intrusion, which must be remediated before any new flooring is installed.