CTI Tile Installation Techniques 2

Question 1

When installing large-format tiles (24"x24" or larger), what back-buttering technique is recommended to achieve full coverage?

Accepted Answer

Back-butter the tile and comb the substrate for 95% contact

Answer

Large-format tiles require both back-buttering the tile and combing the substrate to achieve the minimum 95% mortar contact required by ANSI A108.02.

Question 2

What is the correct method for cutting an inside corner notch in a ceramic wall tile?

Accepted Answer

Use a wet saw to make two straight cuts forming the notch

Answer

A wet saw allows precise straight cuts; two intersecting cuts create a clean inside corner notch without cracking the tile body.

Question 3

When installing tile in a steam shower, which membrane application method is required at inside corners?

Accepted Answer

Overlap membrane sheets by at least 2 inches and apply sealant

Answer

In steam showers, membrane sheets must overlap at least 2 inches at corners and be sealed to prevent moisture infiltration under high heat and humidity.

Question 4

A tile installer is setting mosaic tile on a mesh backing. What is the primary concern when applying mortar to the substrate?

Accepted Answer

Using a fine-ribbed trowel so mortar fills each mesh cell without squeezing between tiles

Answer

A fine-ribbed trowel ensures mortar contacts each small tile without oozing into the joints, maintaining clean grout lines on mesh-mounted mosaics.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the float method for applying grout on a wall tile installation?

Accepted Answer

Press grout diagonally across joints using a rubber float, then clean residue in circular motions

Answer

The float method involves holding the rubber float at a 30–45° angle, pressing grout diagonally across joints, then removing excess with circular motions.

(CTI) Certified Tile Installer Practice Test

(CTI) Certified Tile Installer Practice Test

CTI Tile Installation Techniques 2