Tile & Stone Installation Flashcards

According to the TCNA Handbook, what is the maximum allowable deflection for a subfloor intended for ceramic tile installation?

Answer: L/360

The TCNA requires floor deflection not to exceed L/360 of the span length under live load for ceramic tile installations.

What is the primary reason diagonal tile layouts require more tile material than straight layouts?

Answer: More cuts are needed at the perimeter, increasing waste

Diagonal layouts create angled cuts at all four walls, generating significantly more cut waste than straight grid patterns.

When mixing Portland cement mortar for a wall application, what is the correct Portland cement to sand ratio?

Answer: 1:3 to 1:5

A 1:3 to 1:5 Portland cement to sand ratio is standard for scratch and brown coats on wall applications.

What does the term 'back-buttering' refer to in tile installation?

Answer: Applying mortar to the back face of the tile before setting

Back-buttering is the technique of spreading a thin coat of mortar on the back of a tile to improve bond and coverage.

Which substrate is NOT suitable as a direct bond surface for ceramic tile without additional preparation?

Answer: Existing vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring is too flexible and non-porous for direct tile bonding without proper surface preparation or removal.

When installing tile in a steam shower, what type of waterproofing assembly is required?

Answer: Continuous waterproof membrane rated for steam environments

Steam showers generate pressurized moisture that requires a continuous, steam-rated waterproof membrane throughout the entire assembly.

What is 'efflorescence' and how does it commonly appear in tile and stone installations?

Answer: White powdery deposits on grout or stone surfaces caused by salt migration

Efflorescence occurs when water carries soluble salts to the surface, leaving white deposits as the water evaporates.