RRT Subfloor Preparation & Assessment 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Turned off completely for 24 hours

Answer

Maintained at a steady 65°F throughout installation

Answer

Set to 50% output during installation only

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Powder-actuated fasteners

Answer

Wood screws with plastic anchors

Answer

Cut masonry nails driven through the strip's pre-punched holes

Answer

Construction adhesive only

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Panel edge swelling or delamination from moisture exposure

Answer

Surface texture variation

Answer

Minor surface scratches from previous flooring removal

Answer

Variation in panel color

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Immediately after it reaches surface hardness

Answer

Only 1 hour, as modern compounds cure quickly

Answer

Until the compound changes from gray to white in color

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

1/32 inch

Answer

No gap — panels should be butted tightly

Answer

1/8 inch

Answer

1/4 inch

Question 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:

Accepted Answer

40

Answer

25

Answer

55

Answer

70

Question 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:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Apply new adhesive directly over the old residue

Answer

Sand the surface smooth with a floor sander

Answer

Apply a moisture barrier immediately