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Subfloor Preparation & Assessment Flashcards

7 cards from real RRT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Subfloor Preparation & Assessment flashcards as text

  1. A radiant heat subfloor system must be at what temperature before a carpet and pad system is installed over it?

    Answer: Running at maximum operating temperature for 48 hours then cooled to room temperature

    Radiant heat systems should be run at maximum temperature for 48 hours to pre-condition the slab, then cooled to room temperature before carpet installation to allow proper adhesion.

  2. What type of fastener is preferred when securing tackless strip to a concrete subfloor?

    Answer: Powder-actuated fasteners

    Powder-actuated fasteners (Ramset-type tools) are the preferred and most efficient method for securing tackless strip to concrete subfloors.

  3. When assessing an OSB subfloor for carpet reinstallation, what is the most critical defect to look for?

    Answer: Panel edge swelling or delamination from moisture exposure

    OSB is highly susceptible to edge swelling and delamination when exposed to moisture, which creates an uneven surface that telegraphs through carpet.

  4. How far should a patching compound cure before carpet installation proceeds over a concrete subfloor repair?

    Answer: After the full cure time specified by the manufacturer, typically 24–48 hours

    Flooring patching compounds must reach full cure per manufacturer specifications (typically 24–48 hours) to achieve the required hardness and bond strength.

  5. What is the minimum recommended space between plywood underlayment panels during installation to allow for expansion?

    Answer: 1/32 inch

    A 1/32-inch gap between underlayment panels provides room for slight expansion while preventing raised seams that telegraph through finished flooring.

  6. Before installing carpet over a gypcrete (gypsum concrete) subfloor, a technician should verify that the surface hardness meets a minimum Shore D hardness of:

    Answer: 40

    Gypcrete subfloors should test at a minimum Shore D hardness of 40 to ensure the surface is dense enough to hold tackless strip fasteners and resist degradation.

  7. When a subfloor inspection reveals that existing carpet glue has left a rough, uneven surface on a concrete slab, the first step the technician should take is to:

    Answer: Test the residue for asbestos content if the building was constructed before 1980

    Adhesives in buildings constructed before 1980 may contain asbestos, so testing is mandatory before any mechanical disturbance of the residue.