CFI Flooring Materials & Installation Techniques 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'lippage' refer to in tile installation?
- Excess adhesive squeezed up between tiles
- Vertical displacement between the edges of adjacent tiles (Correct answer)
- Grout cracking along the tile perimeter
- A tile that has separated from the substrate
Correct answer: Vertical displacement between the edges of adjacent tiles
Lippage is the height difference at the edge between two adjacent tiles; ANSI standards limit allowable lippage based on tile size and grout joint width.
Question 2: For a glue-down LVP installation, what is the correct sequence after spreading adhesive?
- Lay tile immediately, before adhesive skins
- Wait for adhesive to become tacky, then lay tile (Correct answer)
- Wait for adhesive to fully cure, then lay tile
- Lay tile while adhesive is still wet and glossy
Correct answer: Wait for adhesive to become tacky, then lay tile
Pressure-sensitive adhesives for LVP must be allowed to flash off and become tacky before planks are set, ensuring proper bond without adhesive transfer.
Question 3: Which tool is used to scribe a resilient floor covering to an irregular wall or obstacle?
- Chalk snap line
- Profile gauge or compass (Correct answer)
- Knee kicker
- Floor scraper
Correct answer: Profile gauge or compass
A profile gauge (also called a scribing compass) traces the exact contour of an irregular surface so the flooring material can be cut to fit precisely.
Question 4: When installing hardwood flooring, racking the floor refers to:
- Nailing boards at a 45-degree angle
- Pre-laying boards in a dry run to optimize length distribution and appearance before fastening (Correct answer)
- Using a racking nailer at set intervals
- Stacking boards on a rack to acclimate
Correct answer: Pre-laying boards in a dry run to optimize length distribution and appearance before fastening
Racking involves laying out planks in a dry-fit arrangement to ensure staggered end joints, balanced color distribution, and the best visual result before permanent installation.
Question 5: What is the minimum recommended stagger for end joints between adjacent rows of hardwood flooring?
- 1 inch
- 6 inches (Correct answer)
- 2 inches
- 12 inches
Correct answer: 6 inches
Most hardwood flooring manufacturers recommend a minimum 6-inch end-joint stagger between neighboring rows to avoid H-joints and ensure structural integrity.
Question 6: Porcelain tile is distinguished from standard ceramic tile primarily by its:
- Thicker glaze layer
- Lower water absorption rate (≤0.5%) (Correct answer)
- Larger standard size
- Higher coefficient of friction
Correct answer: Lower water absorption rate (≤0.5%)
Per ANSI A137.1, porcelain tile must have a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less, making it denser and more suitable for exterior and high-moisture applications.
Question 7: When installing carpet over a wood subfloor, tack strips should be positioned:
- Flush against the wall with no gap
- Approximately 2/3 the carpet thickness away from the wall (Correct answer)
- In the center of the room first
- On top of the foam pad
Correct answer: Approximately 2/3 the carpet thickness away from the wall
Tack strips are nailed parallel to the wall with a gap of about 2/3 the carpet pile thickness so the carpet edge tucks neatly into the gap when stretched.
CFI Flooring Materials & Installation Techniques 4
What does 'lippage' refer to in tile installation?