15 questions

Specialty Installations

Which is one of the three categories of glass tile industry guidance describes?

  • a.Low-temperature coated glass✓
  • b.Quarry glass
  • c.Vitreous porcelain glass
  • d.Gauged glass slab

Glass tile comes as cast, fused, or low-temperature coated glass, each with different requirements.CTEF, glass tile

Specialty Installations

A glass backsplash tile is cut at an exposed end. What did the installer in the industry example do with the cut edge?

  • a.Covered it with grout
  • b.Polished it to match✓
  • c.Left it raw
  • d.Painted it

The cut edges were polished to approximate the factory edge for a consistent finish.CTEF, glass tile

Specialty Installations

Why might unsanded grout be chosen for a glass tile backsplash?

  • a.Sanded grout will not bond to glass
  • b.Unsanded grout is waterproof
  • c.Glass needs 1/4 inch joints
  • d.Sanded grout can scratch some glass✓

Some glass tiles scratch if sanded grout is used, so an unsanded grout with a narrow joint was chosen.CTEF, glass tile

Specialty Installations

What substrate flatness must be met at a minimum for gauged porcelain tile panels?

  • a.1/8 inch in 10 feet✓
  • b.1/16 inch in 10 feet
  • c.1/2 inch in 10 feet
  • d.1/4 inch in 10 feet

The A137.3/A108.19 installation requires at least the 1/8 inch in 10 feet standard for large tile.ANSI A108.19 via CTEF

Specialty Installations

In a hydronic radiant floor, what carries the heat?

  • a.The grout joints
  • b.Water or fluid in pipes✓
  • c.Hot air ducts
  • d.Resistance wires in a mat

Hydronic systems circulate water or a heat-transfer fluid through pipes; electric systems use resistance wires.CTEF, radiant heating

Specialty Installations

How far from walls and obstacles should an uncoupling membrane for a heated floor be kept?

  • a.Tight against them
  • b.About 1/4 inch✓
  • c.About 1 foot
  • d.About 3 inches

Keep the membrane a consistent 1/4 inch from any obstacle, change of plane and perimeter, the same as backer board.CTEF, radiant heating

Specialty Installations

How high does grout normally reach on a pebble-stone shower floor?

  • a.Over the top of the stones
  • b.Flush with the tallest stones
  • c.No grout is used
  • d.About one-third up✓

Grout normally extends up about one-third of the stone's height and is not intended to cover the pebbles.CTEF, slope to drain

Specialty Installations

Wood-look planks are laid in a random pattern. What risk does industry guidance flag?

  • a.Too many small cuts at walls
  • b.Grout that will not cure
  • c.Lippage from 33–50% offsets✓
  • d.Planks that absorb water

Random layouts can place offsets between 33 and 50 percent, which can cause excessive lippage.CTEF, plank tile

Specialty Installations

Which installation method does the VA specification call for in pools holding water?

  • a.Latex mortar over membrane
  • b.Spot-bonded epoxy
  • c.A108.1C, no latex mortar✓
  • d.Organic adhesive over backer

Pools holding water use A108.1C, and latex portland cement mortar is not used because latex can re-emulsify under water.VA 09 30 13

Specialty Installations

Where does the federal specification call for abrasive-surface quarry tile?

  • a.Bedroom floors
  • b.Shower ceilings
  • c.Decorative wall panels
  • d.Kitchens and coolers✓

Abrasive quarry tile is specified for vestibules, kitchens, walk-in refrigerators and work spaces behind serving lanes.UFGS 09 30 10

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Specialty Installations

According to a Cal/OSHA hazard alert, about how much silica does engineered stone contain?

  • a.About 10 percent
  • b.Less than 1 percent
  • c.About 50 percent
  • d.More than 90 percent✓

The Division's alert describes engineered stone as crushed stone containing more than 90 percent silica bound with resin.Cal/OSHA hazard alert, engineered stone

Specialty Installations

Above what crystalline silica content does working artificial stone become a high-exposure trigger task under section 5204?

  • a.10 percent by weight
  • b.0.1 percent by weight✓
  • c.50 percent by weight
  • d.Any content

The trigger is 0.1 percent for artificial stone and 10 percent for natural stone.8 CCR 5204

Specialty Installations

A delivered granite slab shows a crack running into the cutout area. What does the VA stone specification direct?

  • a.Use it if the crack is under 1 inch
  • b.Use it facing the wall
  • c.Do not use it✓
  • d.Use it with the crack sealed

Stone is selected to prevent units containing cracks, seams and starts that could impair structural integrity or function.VA 09 63 40

Specialty Installations

What minimum thickness does the VA specification set for a marble threshold?

  • a.1/2 inch
  • b.1-1/2 inches
  • c.1/4 inch
  • d.3/4 inch✓

Thresholds are one piece, at least 3/4 inch thick, with at least 1/4 inch at the beveled edge.VA 09 30 13

Specialty Installations

A tile floor meets a vinyl floor 3/16 inch lower. What does ANSI A108.01 allow?

  • a.A vertical edge✓
  • b.A mandatory 1:2 bevel
  • c.A 1-inch threshold
  • d.A mandatory 1:12 ramp

Changes in level up to 1/4 inch may be vertical without edge treatment, though protecting the tile edge is advisable.ANSI A108.01-3.2.3 via CTEF

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