CTI Tile Installation Techniques 3

Question 1

When installing tile over radiant heat cables, which trowel ridge orientation is required?

Accepted Answer

Trowel ridges must run perpendicular to the heat cables

Answer

Running trowel ridges perpendicular to heat cables ensures the mortar collapses over the cables when tiles are set, preventing air voids that cause cracking and uneven heat distribution.

Question 2

What is the maximum allowable variation in substrate flatness for tiles with any edge greater than 15 inches, per ANSI A108.02?

Accepted Answer

3/16" in 10 feet and 1/8" in 2 feet

Answer

ANSI A108.02 requires surfaces receiving tile with edges over 15" to be flat within 3/16" in 10 feet and 1/8" in any 2-foot span to minimize lippage.

Question 3

A CTI installer is tiling a wet area wall using the thin-set method. At what point during installation should silicone caulk be applied at the tub/tile junction?

Accepted Answer

After all tile is set and fully cured, in place of grout at the change-of-plane joint

Answer

Change-of-plane joints (floor-to-wall, tub-to-wall) must be filled with a flexible sealant like silicone after tile and mortar fully cure, replacing grout which would crack from differential movement.

Question 4

Which layout method is preferred when centering tile in a room with an off-center focal point such as a fireplace?

Accepted Answer

Center the tile layout to the focal point feature

Answer

When a strong focal point like a fireplace exists, centering the tile layout on that feature creates visual balance and symmetry at the most-viewed area of the room.

Question 5

What does the term 'lippage' refer to in tile installation?

Accepted Answer

Vertical displacement between the edges of adjacent tiles

Answer

Lippage is the vertical height difference between the edges of adjacent tiles; ANSI A108.02 limits allowable lippage based on joint width and tile size.

(CTI) Certified Tile Installer Practice Test

(CTI) Certified Tile Installer Practice Test

CTI Tile Installation Techniques 3