Preparation for Tile and Stone Installation
About 16 percent of the exam covers demolition, disposal and job-site preparation, substrate preparation, and membranes and barriers. The study guide teaches it in two chapters, including lead, asbestos and silica rules for tear-out.
Demolition and disposal
Survey the site first. Pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities bring the EPA lead renovation rule; old resilient flooring and mastic are presumed asbestos-containing until cleared by an industrial hygienist.
Substrates
Every substrate must be sound, clean, flat and stiff. Flatness is 1/4 inch in 10 feet for tile under 15 inches and 1/8 inch in 10 feet for larger tile; deflection is L/360 for ceramic and L/720 for stone.
Membranes
A118.10 waterproofs, A118.12 isolates minor cracks, A118.13 reduces impact sound; uncoupling membranes let tile and substrate move independently. Use one manufacturer's system.
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