19 Wallpapering Flashcards
1
Q
What has wallpaper been popular for?
A
Wallpaper has been popular for centuries, particularly in formal rooms.
2
Q
Why is paint favored for high-traffic rooms?
A
Paint is durable and easy to clean and apply.
3
Q
What materials are wallcoverings available in?
A
Wallcoverings are available in grasses, bamboo, rice paper, foil, and cork.
4
Q
Which wallcovering type is the most popular?
A
Vinyl-coated wallcoverings.
5
Q
What are the benefits of prepasted wallcoverings?
A
They are easier to apply and easier to strip from the wall.
6
Q
What effect do lighter colors have on rooms?
A
Lighter colors make rooms look larger.
7
Q
What type of patterns are better for quiet rooms?
A
Smaller, subdued patterns.
8
Q
What are washable wallcoverings?
A
Wallcoverings that can be sponged clean with mild soap or cleaning solution.
9
Q
What are scrubbable coverings?
A
Coverings that can withstand vigorous scouring with a nylon-bristled brush.
10
Q
What should you consider when selecting wallcoverings?
A
The age and energy level of the people in the room.
11
Q
What type of wallcovering is most appropriate for historically accurate restoration?
A
Wallpaper, actual paper.
12
Q
What are the characteristics of vinyl wallcoverings?
A
They are durable, available in a wide range of patterns, and often washable.
13
Q
What is Lincrusta?
A
An embossed wallpaper similar to fine cardboard, making a comeback.
14
Q
What are borders in wallcovering?
A
Thin strips of wallcovering that run along the edges of walls.
15
Q
What is the significance of code numbers and run numbers on wallcovering labels?
A
Code numbers indicate pattern and color; run numbers indicate dye lot.
16
Q
What is the typical square footage of an American single roll of wallcovering?
A
36 square feet.
17
Q
What is the purpose of seam adhesive?
A
To reattach lifted seams and tears.
18
Q
Fill in the blank: Most adhesives for wallcoverings come _______.
A
premixed.
19
Q
What type of adhesive is recommended for heavy vinyl wallcoverings?
A
Heavy-duty clear adhesive.
20
Q
What is a characteristic of cellulose adhesive?
A
It has the least grip but is strong enough for delicate papers.
21
Q
True or False: Wheat pastes are the standard adhesive for all wallcoverings.
A
False.
22
Q
What should you do if the edges of a pretrimmed roll are frayed?
A
Refuse that roll.
23
Q
What should you avoid doing to delicate fabrics during installation?
A
Avoid slopping adhesive or water onto the fabric facing.
24
Q
What do natural textures like rice paper and grasses require before installation?
A
A lining paper to cover minor wall flaws.
25
What is the common width range for Euro rolls of wallcovering?
20.5 in. to 28 in.
26
What is the typical thickness of cork and wood-veneer wallcoverings?
1/64 in. thick.
27
What should you do when calculating the square footage for wallcovering?
Subtract 12 sq. ft. for each average-size door and window.
28
What are the benefits of heavier vinyl wallcoverings?
They can conceal minor wall flaws.
29
What is the recommended method for applying vinyl-to-vinyl adhesive?
Wipe up stray adhesive immediately.
30
Fill in the blank: Vinyl wallcoverings are especially suitable for areas with _______.
traffic and moisture.
31
What type of adhesive is recommended for clay-based coverings?
Clay-based adhesive
## Footnote
Clay-based adhesive is used for various wall coverings like Lincrusta and anaglypta
32
What is the function of a spirit level in wallpapering?
To ensure walls and wallcovering edges are plumb
33
What should you do if a room has numerous recesses or difficult corners?
Order an extra roll or two of wallcovering
34
What is the purpose of a pasting table in wallpapering?
To apply adhesive to the back of wallcovering
35
What tool is recommended for making clean cuts in wallpaper?
Razor knife with replaceable blades
36
Fill in the blank: A _______ is used to smooth out wallcovering paste.
Smoothing brush
37
What is a key safety alert when working near electrical outlets?
Shut off electricity to circuits powering the areas being worked on
38
What type of primer-sealer is suitable for all wall coverings?
Pigmented acrylic
39
What test can determine if paint is latex or oil-based?
Hot towel test and X-tape test
40
What should be done if the existing paint is a well-adhered glossy oil-based?
Sand lightly to remove gloss before applying wallcovering
41
What is the purpose of a scarifying tool in wallpapering?
To perforate wallpaper for steam penetration
42
True or False: Strippable wallcovering can be dry stripped with no residue left.
True
43
What should you do before stripping wallpaper?
Peel up a corner to assess wall condition and wallpaper adhesion
44
What method is recommended for removing the paper backing of wallpaper?
Spray with a hot water and wallpaper stripper solution
45
What equipment should be used to protect floors during wallpaper stripping?
Painters' tarps or old towels
46
What should be used to hold wallpaper while pasting?
Spring clamp
47
What is the recommended grit for sanding glossy paint surfaces?
150 to 180 grit
48
What should be done if the wallpaper is peeling or poorly adhered?
Strip the wallcovering
49
Fill in the blank: A _______ is used to fill low spots and scrape high spots in a wall.
6-in. taping knife
50
What is a common problem with metallic wallpaper inks?
They may bleed through new wallcoverings
51
What is the purpose of a seam roller in wallpapering?
To spread glue along the edges of wallpaper strips
52
What should be applied to existing wallpaper to prevent bleed-through?
Pigmented shellac or similar stain killer
53
What should be used to protect floors from stripping solutions?
Towels or canvas tarps
## Footnote
Plastic tarps can be slippery and are not recommended.
54
What is the least disruptive method for stripping wallpaper?
Start stripping at the top or bottom of a strip and pull off the wallpaper in the largest strips possible.
55
What should you do if wallpaper begins tearing into small pieces?
Spray a small area with a wallpaper-removing solution or a mixture of vinegar and hot water.
56
What is a recommended alternative solution for removing wallpaper?
1 cup vinegar per gallon of hot water.
57
How long should you allow the wallpaper-removing solution to soak in?
5 to 10 minutes.
58
What should you do if the wallpaper is vinyl coated and the solution does not penetrate?
Try using a wallpaper steamer.
59
What is the first step to take when prepping raw drywall or plaster?
Seal the newly installed drywall with a coat of universal primer-sealer.
60
How long should gypsum plaster dry before applying wallcoverings or paint?
Two to three weeks.
61
What is the appearance difference between hot plaster and cured plaster?
Hot plaster has a dull appearance, while cured plaster has a slight sheen.
62
What is mold and what is mildew?
Mold is a discoloration caused by fungi on organic matter; mildew refers to fungi on paper or cloth.
63
How can you determine the source of moisture causing mold on walls?
Duct-tape a 1-ft.-sq. piece of aluminum foil to the wall for a week.
64
What is the best method to clean mold from drywall or plaster?
Sponge on a mild detergent solution and rinse with clean water.
65
What should be used to check the trim for plumb and level before hanging wallcovering?
A long, straight board or a spirit level.
66
Where is a common place to start hanging wallpaper?
One side of a main doorway or an inconspicuous corner.
67
What is the purpose of marking off intervals the same width as the wallpaper?
To determine where seams will occur.
68
What are the three types of seams used when joining strip edges?
* Butt seam
* Overlap seam
* Double-cut seam
69
What is a butt seam?
A seam where edges are butted together and rolled with a seam roller.
70
What is an overlap seam?
A seam used where corners are out of square or to avoid a noticeable welt.
71
What is a double-cut seam?
A complex seam used primarily where patterns are tough to match or surfaces are irregular.
72
What should be done to prepasted papers before hanging?
Soak individual strips in lukewarm water for 30 seconds as per manufacturer instructions.
73
What is the recommended method for applying paste to wallpaper?
Roll paste from the center toward the edges.
74
What is the purpose of 'booking' the paper?
To fold both ends in to meet in the middle without creasing.
75
How should the first strip of wallpaper be aligned?
Align it to the plumbed line marked earlier.
76
What is the recommended way to trim the joint after hanging wallpaper?
Use a taping knife pressed against the woodwork and trim with a razor blade.
77
What is the process of folding wallpaper strips for easier handling called?
Booking the paper
## Footnote
This method allows the wallpaper to absorb moisture and expand slightly before hanging.
78
When hanging the first strip of wallpaper, how should it be aligned?
Align it to the plumbed line marked earlier, leaving an inch or so extra at the top.
79
What tool is used to trim the joint when wallpapering?
A single-edge razor blade or razor knife.
80
What is the purpose of using a plastic wallpaper smoother?
To flatten any lumps of paste and smooth out heavier vinyls.
81
How often should you rinse the sponge when cleaning excess paste?
Often, changing the water in your pail frequently.
82
Fill in the blank: Paste should glide on, never ______.
drag.
83
What is the recommended technique for applying paste to wallpaper strips?
Apply paste in the middle of the strip, toward the top, and spread it to the edges.
84
What is the ideal booking time for wallpaper strips?
Typically five minutes.
85
What should you do if a butt seam doesn’t meet exactly?
Move a strip slightly by raising one edge and adjusting it.
86
True or False: It is advisable to pull only one edge of the wallpaper strip to adjust it.
False.
87
What is the importance of sponging off excess paste?
To prevent dried paste from pulling off paint or finishes from surfaces.
88
What is the safest option for reaching high ceilings while wallpapering?
Rental scaffolding.
89
What should be done if there are paste lumps under the wallpaper?
Try to flatten it with a plastic wall smoother.
90
How should air bubbles in vinyl wallcoverings be addressed?
Cut a small slit and force out the air with a smoothing brush.
91
What is the first step when papering around electrical outlets?
Turn off power to that outlet and confirm it’s off with a voltage tester.
92
What is the first cutting option for papering over an outlet?
Loosely hang the paper and cut a small X over the center of the outlet.
93
What is the recommended method for trimming the wallpaper at outside corners?
Cut it back 1/2 inch and wrap the corner with the edge of a full strip.
94
What is the preferred method for hanging wallpaper on ceilings?
Cover ceilings before walls and use shorter strips for easier handling.
95
What type of fold is recommended when hanging wallpaper on a ceiling?
An accordion fold every 1.5 feet.
96
What should be done to ensure wallpaper strips are plumb?
Double-check for plumb before hanging subsequent strips.
97
What is a common issue when papering with vinyl wallcoverings?
Air bubbles that may need to be cut and smoothed out.
98
How should the edges of wallpaper be treated if they are not adhering well?
Roll them with a seam roller.
99
What should be done if a strip of wallpaper does not align properly?
Pull it off quickly, sponge-clean the wall, and hang a new strip.
100
What is the recommended method for cutting strips for the ceiling?
Cut strips for the ceiling the same manner as for walls, leaving an inch or two extra at each end for trimming.
101
How should the covering be folded when working on the ceiling?
Use an accordion fold every 1.5 ft or so, which you unfold as you smooth the strips across the ceiling.
102
What is the technique for smoothing the strips across the ceiling?
Sweep from the center of the strip outward with a smoothing brush.
103
What should you do after the strips have been in place for about 10 minutes?
Roll seams.
104
What is the benefit of painting the inside of arches instead of papering them?
It will be easier and look better than papering them.
105
What should be allowed for when papering curved sections?
Enough extra wallcovering for overlaps, trimming, and making cuts.
106
What is the undesirable outcome of having wallpaper seams coincide with an archway corner?
They will wear poorly and look tacky.
107
How should strips be hung over an arch?
Drape over the opening and overhang by about 2 inches.
108
What type of cuts should be made at the ends of strips when hanging them over an arch?
A series of small wedge-shaped relief cuts.
109
What is the purpose of double-cutting around alcoves or window recesses?
To match patterns and wrap wall strips into the recessed area.
110
What is the first step to repair smudges and stains on washable wallcoverings?
Rub them gently with soap and water.
111
What can be used to remove stains from nonwashable coverings?
Commercial stain-removing solvents.
112
What should you do first for gashes in wallcoverings?
Try to repaste the torn flap.
113
What is the recommended method for patching a gash if repasting does not look good?
Rip a patch from a spare roll of the same covering.
114
How should dents and cracks in the wall behind a gash be repaired?
Repair the wall and gently tear free any unpasted paper around the gash.
115
What is important to align when pasting a ragged-edge replacement?
Carefully align its pattern with that of the existing covering.
116
What was the traditional role of flooring in building construction?
Flooring was the last building material to be installed and the first to show its age.
117
What components typically make up a flooring system?
Underlayment, subflooring, structural members such as joists and girders.
118
Why is it important to address underlying problems before installing new flooring?
All flooring materials will degrade over time if installed in chronically damp locations.
119
What should you do before using rented tools for flooring installation?
Have a salesperson explain how to operate the equipment safely.
120
List the types of flooring mentioned in the text.
* Solid wood
* Engineered wood
* Laminate
* Resilient flooring
* Bamboo
* Cork
* Tile & stone
* Concrete
121
What is the durability ranking of solid wood flooring?
Good
122
What is the water resistance of laminate flooring?
Poor to fair
123
What type of maintenance is required for resilient flooring?
Sweep regularly
124
True or False: Prefinished wood flooring requires sanding after installation.
False
125
What are some factors to consider when choosing flooring?
* Compatibility with the house’s style
* Ease of installation
* Ease of cleaning and maintenance
* Scratch and water resistance
* Durability
* Comfort underfoot
* Sound absorption
* Anti-allergenic qualities
* Green practices for wood flooring
* Cost
126
What is the most common thickness of tongue-and-groove solid-wood strip flooring?
3/4 in.
127
What types of wood account for roughly 90% of hardwood installations?
* Red oak
* White oak
128
What is a disadvantage of solid wood flooring?
Scratches, dents, stains, and it expands and contracts with humidity.
129
What is engineered wood flooring primarily made of?
A top layer of solid hardwood laminated to a three- to five-layer plywood base.
130
Fill in the blank: Engineered wood flooring can be stapled to a plywood subfloor, glued to a ______, or floated above various substrates.
concrete slab
131
What is the typical wear layer thickness range for engineered wood flooring?
3/32 in. to 1/4 in.
132
What are the common finishes for prefinished wood flooring?
* Polyurethane
* Acrylic
* Resin based
133
What is the main advantage of prefinished wood flooring?
Can be used as soon as they’re installed.
134
What are the characteristics of cork flooring?
* Soft underfoot
* Sound deadening
* Nonallergenic
* Long lasting
135
What is a disadvantage of cork flooring?
Can be abraded by heavy or sharp-edged objects.
136
What are the benefits of bamboo flooring?
* Hard and durable
* Can be sanded and refinished
* Available in smooth surface
137
What is the claim about Durapalm® flooring?
It is 25% harder than red oak.
138
True or False: Laminate flooring can be refinished.
False
139
What is the primary material used in laminate flooring's surface layer?
Photographic images covered by a clear melamine layer.
140
What are the advantages of laminate flooring?
* Affordable
* Almost indestructible
* Easy to clean
141
What type of flooring is typically sold in snap-together planks?
Laminate flooring
142
What is the primary characteristic of laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring consists of snap-together planks that float above a substrate.
143
What are the advantages of laminate flooring?
* Affordable
* Almost indestructible
* Colorfast
* Dimensionally stable
* Easy to clean
144
What are the disadvantages of laminate flooring?
* Dents expose the fiberboard core
* Cannot be refinished
* Not suitable for high-humidity areas or concrete basement floors
145
What are the two principal materials classified as resilient flooring?
Vinyl and linoleum
146
What is linoleum made from?
* Linseed oil
* Powdered wood or cork
* Ground limestone
* Resins
* Backed with jute fiber
147
What are some key attributes of linoleum?
* Comfortable underfoot
* Water-resistant
* Durable
* Antistatic
* Antimicrobial
148
What is the primary chemical component of vinyl flooring?
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
149
What factors differentiate grades of vinyl flooring?
The thickness of its wear layer
150
What should be considered when installing stone and tile flooring?
* Proper bonding to a durable substrate
* Handmade tiles or irregular stones should be installed in a mortar bed
151
How are tiles rated for suitability in flooring?
Tiles are rated by hardness, with Group III and higher suitable for floors.
152
What is a significant disadvantage of carpeting?
It can be hard to keep clean and harbors dust mites and pet dander.
153
What is the best type of padding to install carpeting over?
Denser or heavier padding
154
What is the most luxurious type of carpeting?
Wool
155
What are the safety considerations when refinishing wood floors?
* Electrical safety
* Volatile chemicals
* Fire and explosion hazards
* Lead paint and asbestos concerns
156
What is the first test to determine a floor finish?
Test for wax by placing drops of water on the floor.
157
What does it indicate if water leaves a white spot on the floor?
There is wax on the floor.
158
What should you do if the finish is shellac or varnish?
Sand it off completely and replace it with polyurethane.
159
What are the indications that a floor finish is polyurethane?
The finish bubbles when a small amount of paint stripper is brushed on.
160
When should you sand floors to bare wood?
* Finishes are gouged or pitted
* Stains go below the surface
* Floorboards are irregular or uneven
* New finishes won’t adhere
* Repairing rotted or split boards
161
How thick should solid wood flooring be to avoid splintering when sanding?
At least 1/8 inch above the tongue of T&G flooring.
162
What equipment is typically used for sanding floors?
* Large floor sander
* Drum sanders
* Random-orbit sanders
163
What is a critical safety tip when using a drum sander?
Always keep the machine moving when the sanding drum is down.
164
What should you do with trash bags of moist sawdust?
Do not allow debris to collect on site to prevent spontaneous combustion.
165
What type of flooring was commonly finished with wax, shellac, and varnish?
Wood floors installed in the 1960s or earlier.
166
What should you check for when renting sanding equipment?
* Smoothness of sander drums and edger disks
* Frayed electrical cords
* Proper functioning of equipment
167
Fill in the blank: Vinyl flooring is tough to damage, ______, and easy to clean.
stain-resistant
168
What should you do when the sanding drum is down?
Always keep the machine moving
## Footnote
This prevents gouging the wood.
169
What is the purpose of the lever on the handle of the sander?
It lowers or raises the drum.
170
When should you start the sanding machine?
Only when the drum is up.
171
True or False: Chemical paint strippers are safe to use on wood floors.
False
## Footnote
Strippers are caustic to wood and can cause adhesion problems for new finishes.
172
When should you empty sander bags?
When they become about one-third full.
173
What happens when sander bags fill up?
They become less efficient filters, leading to more dust in the air or on the floor.
174
What grit size sandpaper should be used for aggressive cutting on the first pass?
36 grit.
175
What is the purpose of using a buffer screen?
To smooth between coats of finish.
176
What is advised to avoid when sanding floors?
Using sandpaper that is too coarse.
177
What is the U-Sand® sander known for?
Being aggressive enough to take down floorboards yet gentle enough for light abrading.
178
What is the function of an edger?
To sand along the perimeter of floors and into tight nooks.
179
What should you do to prevent gouging when using an edger?
Leave three or four used disks beneath the new one.
180
What is a buffer used for?
To lightly sand floor finishes or fine-sand a floor stripped to bare wood.
181
What tools are essential for sanding floors?
* Nail set
* Hammer
* Wide-blade spackling knives
* Metal squeegees
* Heavy scissors for cutting edger disks
182
What type of gloves are recommended for applying finishes or wood filler?
Latex-free nitrile plastic gloves.
183
Why should you rent a heavy-duty vacuum for sanding?
To avoid damaging a home vacuum that isn't up to the task.
184
What should you do to prepare the room before sanding?
* Empty movable items
* Cover cabinets and air registers with plastic sheeting
* Seal edges with painter’s tape
185
What should you check for on the floor before sanding?
* Nails sticking up
* Split or uneven floorboards
186
What grit sandpaper should be used to screen the floor before finishing?
100 grit screens backed by a nylon backing pad.
187
Fill in the blank: Sandpaper and buffer screens are rated according to the concentration of grit per square inch and the size of the _______.
abrasive particle.
188
What should you do if the sandpaper wears out quickly?
Get more than you think you’ll need.
189
What should be done after removing a damaged floorboard?
Find a replacement board similar in color and grain.
190
How should you prepare a replacement board for installation?
Slightly back-bevel its lower edges on a tablesaw.
191
What is the first step in sanding floors?
Shut off all pilot lights and seal off doorways.
192
When should you sand diagonally across the grain?
On the first pass if there are high spots or if the floor is painted.
193
What is the recommended sanding technique with a drum sander?
Sand with the direction of the wood grain.
194
How should you use the edger after using the drum sander?
Sand along the perimeter of the room with the same grit sandpaper used on the drum.
195
What should you do if the edger is sanding too aggressively?
Switch to the next finer grit.
196
What is the purpose of hand scraping?
To take care of areas the edger can’t reach.
197
What should you do if sanding is too aggressive?
Switch to the next finer grit
198
What is recommended to do when sanding with the wood grain?
Try to sand with the wood grain as much as possible
199
What is the purpose of hand scraping and sanding after using an edger?
To take care of areas the edger can’t reach, such as corners and under cabinet toekicks
200
What tool can be used to smooth out semicircular edger marks?
Random-orbit sander
201
What grit screen should be used to screen the floor between finish coats?
100-grit or 120-grit screen
202
What is the purpose of vacuuming and dry-mopping the floor before applying the next coat?
To ensure the surface is clean for better adhesion
203
What is 'popping the grain'?
Wetting the wood and then screening it to achieve a smoother finish
204
What are the two main categories of floor finishes?
* Penetrating sealers (penetrants) * Surface finishes
205
What types of oils do penetrating sealers typically contain?
Plant-based oils, such as tung oil or modified linseed oil
206
What is a key advantage of surface finishes compared to penetrating sealers?
Surface finishes form a tough exterior shell to resist scuffs, scratches, and moisture
207
What are the common types of surface finishes used today?
* Oil-based polyurethanes * Water-based polyurethanes
208
What is the drying time for water-based polyurethanes?
Two to six hours
209
What should be done before applying a water-based finish?
Apply a water-based sealer first
210
What is the cleaning solvent for water-based polyurethane?
Soap and water
211
What is the purpose of maintaining a wet edge when applying water-based finishes?
To avoid lap marks from edges that dry before being overlapped
212
What is the recommended action if a missed spot is noticed after the finish has started to set?
Let it dry and coat that area the following day
213
What is the thickness and width of T&G strip flooring?
3/4 in. thick and 2 1/4 in. to 3 1/4 in. wide
214
What should be done to ensure a varied mix of color and grain when installing strip flooring?
Use wood from several different bundles or cartons
215
What is the purpose of filling holes and gaps in flooring?
To improve the appearance and durability of the floor
216
What type of nails hold best for subflooring?
Ring-shank or spiral nails
217
What is the function of underlayment in flooring installation?
To provide a layer over the subfloor and under the finish floor
218
What is a common type of underlayment used for cushioning?
Padding used beneath carpeting or foam layer beneath engineered wood flooring
219
What is the purpose of underlayment in flooring installation?
Acts as a cushioning layer and can help with uneven substrates.
## Footnote
Types of underlayment include padding beneath carpeting and foam layers for engineered wood flooring.
220
What humidity range should be maintained indoors for flooring installation?
35% to 55%.
## Footnote
Use a moisture meter to check humidity levels.
221
What should be the moisture content (MC) for wood flooring?
6% to 10%.
## Footnote
The subfloor's MC should not vary more than 4% from that of the flooring.
222
What is a common method to correct excessively springy floors?
Add blocking between joists, add plywood or OSB panels, or sister new joists to old ones.
## Footnote
This helps to stiffen the floor structure.
223
What is the maximum allowable deviation for floors to be considered flat?
1/2 inch per 10 feet.
## Footnote
It's more important that the floors be flat than perfectly level.
224
What is a common solution for squeaky spots in flooring?
Screw down subflooring to joists or nail it down with ring-shank or spiral nails.
## Footnote
Correcting these issues should be done before installing new flooring.
225
When should building paper be used under flooring?
When the floor is over an occasionally damp basement or crawlspace.
## Footnote
Do not use building paper if the subfloor areas are dry or if the floor is on an upper story.
226
What should be done with baseboard molding before flooring installation?
Remove it if possible or install quarter-round shoe molding to cover gaps.
## Footnote
Baseboards hide the expansion gap between the flooring and the wall.
227
What tools are essential for flooring installation?
Safety glasses, hearing protection, knee pads, chopsaw or small table-saw, hammer, nail set, tape measure, chalkline, flat pry bar, flooring mallet, and a manual or pneumatic flooring nailer.
## Footnote
A shop vacuum is also recommended for cleaning.
228
What is the recommended nail spacing for flooring installation?
10 inches to 12 inches apart.
## Footnote
This applies to blind-nailing boards.
229
What type of flooring is typically better for installation over concrete?
Engineered wood flooring.
## Footnote
It is more dimensionally stable than solid-wood flooring.
230
What should be done to correct excess moisture conditions before installing flooring over concrete?
Correct the moisture conditions beforehand.
## Footnote
This is often a requirement for warranty compliance.
231
What is the role of splines in flooring installation?
They create a tongue-and-groove board with two tongues for nailing in two directions.
## Footnote
Used when starting an installation in the middle of a room.
232
What is the purpose of a vapor barrier when installing flooring over concrete?
To prevent moisture from affecting the flooring.
## Footnote
A 6-mil polyethylene vapor barrier is commonly used.
233
How should the last row of flooring boards be secured?
Glue the last row of boards.
## Footnote
Only one edge will engage the board next to it, and there may not be enough room to drive nails.
234
What is the purpose of a chalkline in flooring installation?
To create a straight line for aligning the starter row.
## Footnote
This ensures that the installation starts accurately.
235
How can you conceal expansion gaps in flooring?
Using baseboards or molding shoes.
## Footnote
If baseboards aren't thick enough, drywall can be trimmed back.
236
What is the recommended thickness for a plywood subfloor according to most flooring manufacturers?
3⁄4-in.
## Footnote
The panels should be run perpendicular to the 2x4s, with specific gaps for expansion.
237
What gap is specified between panel edges in a plywood subfloor?
1⁄8-in.
## Footnote
This is to allow for expansion and contraction.
238
What is the purpose of leaving a 1⁄2-in. expansion space around the perimeter of the subfloor?
To allow for expansion and contraction of materials.
239
What type of insulation panels do some building scientists recommend instead of plastic vapor barriers?
Semipermeable, moisture-tolerant insulation panels
## Footnote
An example is expanded polystyrene (EPS) panels.
240
What is the thickness of the recommended EPS panels to be placed on concrete floors?
1-in.
## Footnote
EPS panels have sufficient compressive strength for flooring.
241
What type of flooring can be glued directly to a slab?
Engineered wood and plastic-laminated flooring.
242
What is a floating flooring system?
A system where floorboards are glued or attached to each other, rather than to the subfloor or slab.
243
What are some benefits of using proprietary underlayments in flooring systems?
They block moisture, insulate against cold, and cushion the flooring.
244
What is Cosella-Dörken’s DELTA®-FL underlayment?
A dimpled plastic membrane used in flooring systems.
245
What is recommended when installing floorboards from different boxes?
Take boards from several boxes to ensure color and grain variation.
246
How far should end joints be staggered in adjacent rows?
At least 12 in. to 24 in.
247
What should you do when you get within 6 in. to 8 in. of the wall?
Measure the distance remaining, including 3⁄4 in. for an expansion joint.
248
What should be done with the last row of floorboards if they are less than 1 in. wide?
Glue them to the next-to-the-last row and install both as a unit.
249
How should the last row of boards be installed?
Face-nailed and glued to the subfloor.
250
What types of transition pieces should be installed after finishing the flooring?
Thresholds, reducer strips, and other transition pieces.
251
Where should extra flooring be stored?
In a dry location.
252
What should be filed in a safe place regarding the flooring?
The warranty, flooring’s code number, and floor care information.
