Adhesive & Underlayment Selection Flashcards
7 cards from real CFI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Adhesive & Underlayment Selection flashcards as text
What trowel notch size is typically recommended when applying urethane adhesive for engineered hardwood flooring?
Answer: 1/4" x 3/16" V-notch
A 1/4" x 3/16" V-notch trowel is the common manufacturer specification for urethane adhesive for engineered hardwood, providing the correct spread rate and coverage.
When is a moisture barrier underlayment required under a floating laminate floor installed over concrete?
Answer: Whenever the concrete subfloor is at or below grade
A moisture barrier is required whenever laminate is installed over concrete at or below grade because ground moisture vapor can penetrate the slab and damage moisture-sensitive laminate cores.
Which adhesive is best suited for bonding rubber sheet flooring in a commercial kitchen?
Answer: Epoxy adhesive rated for grease and chemical resistance
Epoxy adhesive rated for grease and chemical resistance is required in commercial kitchens where constant exposure to cooking oils, cleaners, and heavy traffic would degrade less resistant adhesives.
What is 'flash time' in the context of contact cement adhesives?
Answer: The time allowed for the solvent to evaporate before mating the two surfaces
Flash time is the period required after applying contact cement to both surfaces during which the solvent evaporates, making the adhesive ready for the bond to occur on contact.
A substrate has a moisture vapor emission rate (MVER) of 8 lbs per 1,000 sq ft per 24 hours. What action must the installer take before installing flooring with standard adhesive?
Answer: Apply a moisture-mitigation coating or use an adhesive rated for high MVER
An MVER of 8 lbs exceeds the 3–5 lb threshold acceptable for most standard adhesives, requiring either a moisture-mitigation coating or a specifically rated adhesive system.
When installing carpet over a concrete slab, which type of underlayment provides the best combination of cushioning and moisture protection?
Answer: Rebond foam with an attached moisture-barrier film
Rebond foam with an attached moisture-barrier film provides cushioning for comfort and protects the carpet and foam from concrete moisture vapor transmission.
Which factor most directly affects adhesive spread rate and coverage per gallon?
Answer: Trowel notch size and shape
Trowel notch size and shape directly control how much adhesive is deposited per square foot, determining coverage rate and ensuring the correct adhesive film thickness.