CFI Quality Control & Maintenance Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing a moisture test on a concrete slab before resilient flooring installation, what is the maximum acceptable moisture vapor emission rate (MVER)?
- 3 lbs/1000 sq ft/24 hrs
- 5 lbs/1000 sq ft/24 hrs (Correct answer)
- 8 lbs/1000 sq ft/24 hrs
- 10 lbs/1000 sq ft/24 hrs
Correct answer: 5 lbs/1000 sq ft/24 hrs
The industry standard maximum MVER for most resilient flooring installations is 5 lbs per 1000 sq ft per 24 hours using the calcium chloride test.
Question 2: A newly installed hardwood floor shows cupping two weeks after installation. What is the most likely cause?
- Improper nailing pattern
- Excessive moisture from below or high humidity (Correct answer)
- Using the wrong species of wood
- Inadequate acclimation of the adhesive
Correct answer: Excessive moisture from below or high humidity
Cupping in hardwood floors is caused by the bottom of the board absorbing more moisture than the top, causing the edges to rise.
Question 3: Which instrument is used to measure the flatness of a subfloor before installation?
- Feeler gauge
- Straightedge and wedge gauge (Correct answer)
- Moisture meter
- Laser level only
Correct answer: Straightedge and wedge gauge
A straightedge (typically 10 feet) combined with a wedge gauge is the standard method to measure subfloor flatness and identify high or low spots.
Question 4: What is the standard subfloor flatness tolerance for most resilient and ceramic tile installations?
- 1/4 inch in 10 feet
- 3/16 inch in 10 feet
- 1/8 inch in 10 feet (Correct answer)
- 1/2 inch in 10 feet
Correct answer: 1/8 inch in 10 feet
Most resilient and ceramic tile manufacturers require no more than 3/16 inch variation in 10 feet, but the tighter standard is 1/8 inch in 10 feet for many products.
Question 5: During a quality inspection of a carpet installation, you notice peaked seams. What is the most likely cause?
- Insufficient pile height
- Over-stretching the carpet (Correct answer)
- Using the wrong seam sealer
- Inadequate adhesive coverage
Correct answer: Over-stretching the carpet
Peaked seams are caused by over-stretching the carpet, which forces the seam edges upward and creates a ridge.
Question 6: What cleaning method is recommended for routine maintenance of unfinished hardwood floors?
- Wet mopping with a diluted cleaner
- Dry dust mopping or vacuuming (Correct answer)
- Steam cleaning
- Scrubbing with a brush and water
Correct answer: Dry dust mopping or vacuuming
Unfinished hardwood floors should only be dry dust mopped or vacuumed, as any moisture can cause damage, staining, or warping.
Question 7: A client reports that their LVP (luxury vinyl plank) floor is experiencing edge lifting at the walls. What installation error most likely caused this?
- Insufficient expansion gap left at walls (Correct answer)
- Too large an expansion gap left at walls
- Wrong underlayment used
- Planks installed parallel to light source
Correct answer: Insufficient expansion gap left at walls
LVP expands and contracts with temperature changes; if an insufficient expansion gap is left at walls, the floor has no room to expand and edges will lift.
CFI Quality Control & Maintenance Practices 2
When performing a moisture test on a concrete slab before resilient flooring installation, what is the maximum acceptable moisture vapor emission rate (MVER)?