CFI Subfloor Preparation & Assessment 2

Question 1

What is the maximum recommended moisture content for a wood subfloor before installing hardwood flooring?

Accepted Answer

12%

Answer

Most hardwood flooring manufacturers specify that the wood subfloor moisture content should not exceed 12% prior to installation.

Question 2

What type of fastener is most appropriate for securing a squeaky subfloor panel before installing hardwood?

Accepted Answer

Ring-shank screw

Answer

Ring-shank screws provide superior holding power and are less likely to back out over time, effectively eliminating subfloor squeaks.

Question 3

When a wood subfloor has a low spot greater than 3/16 inch, what is the standard correction method?

Accepted Answer

Apply a floor-leveling compound to fill the area

Answer

Floor-leveling compound is feathered into the low spot to bring it flush with the surrounding surface within tolerance.

Question 4

What spacing should be maintained between plywood subfloor panels during installation to allow for expansion?

Accepted Answer

1/8 inch

Answer

A 1/8-inch gap between plywood panels accommodates seasonal wood expansion and prevents subfloor buckling.

Question 5

Which subfloor material is NOT acceptable as a direct substrate for most glue-down resilient flooring?

Accepted Answer

Particleboard

Answer

Particleboard absorbs moisture and swells when wet, causing adhesive failure and floor delamination; it is not an acceptable substrate for glue-down resilient flooring.

CFI - Flooring Installation and Maintenance Certification Practice Test

CFI - Flooring Installation and Maintenance Certification Practice Test

CFI Subfloor Preparation & Assessment 2