Chapter 8

Question 1

Functions of Flooring

Answer 1

Impact on visual and tactile appreciation of building
Impact on acoustics
Interaction with light
Primary wearing surface

Question 2

Features to consider

Answer 2

Skid resistance
Sanitation
Noise reduction
Electrical conductivity
Combustibility
Fire resistance rating
Structural loads

Question 3

Performance Issues

Answer 3

Noise reduction

Skid resistance

Fire resistance

Question 4

Noise reduction

Answer 4

Impact noise is transmitted as structureborne vibration through the materials of the floor to become airborne noise in room below

Many floor-ceiling assemblies are rated for STC and IIC

Question 5

Strategies for dealing with impact noise in flooring

Answer 5

padded carpeting, cushioned resilient flooring, underlay with resilient material like cellulose fiber panels and nonwoven plastic filament matting, use airtight ceiling below with resilient clips

Question 6

Skid resistance

Answer 6

Static Coefficient of Friction (SCOF) is used to measure skid resistance. A SCOF of 0.5 or more is desirable to minimize accidents caused by slipping
ADA recommends 0.6 for accessible routes, 0.8 for ramps

Question 7

Fire resistance

Answer 7

Floor finish materials must meet code requirements with respect to resistance to ignition by radiant heat and flame spread

Question 8

Wood Flooring

Answer 8

Wood is used in several different forms as finish flooring material

Question 9

Solid wood tongue-and-groove strip flooring

Answer 9

made from many hardwood and softwood species. They are blind nailed in place

Question 10

Plank flooring

Answer 10

solid wood flooring which comes in wider strips. They are fastened by screws which are countersunk and then plugged

Question 11

Engineered wood flooring

Answer 11

refers to a factory made wood flooring of many different types

Question 12

Parquet wood flooring

Answer 12

varying hues arranged in patterns

Question 13

Floating floors

Answer 13

wood floors that are not nailed or glued

Question 14

Plastic laminate flooring

Answer 14

composed of planks or large tiles that have wood composite core

Question 15

Wood block flooring

Answer 15

made of small blocks of wood set in adhesive with their grain oriented vertically

Question 16

Bamboo Flooring

Answer 16

A rapidly growing grass can be manufactured into flooring.
The flooring is produced as a laminate product with laminations either vertical or horizontal.
The flooring is more stable than flooring made of conventional wood.
It can be provided as a solid laminate strip or an engineered product.

Question 17

Hard Flooring Materials

Answer 17

Hard flooring material are often chosen for their resistance to wear and moisture
They are not comfortable but are very beautiful and desirable

Question 18

Concrete

Answer 18

Can have many different finishes
Used for garages, industrial buildings, commercial and institutional buildings
Color can be added
It has low initial cost and high durability but requires proper workmanship

Question 19

Stone

Answer 19

Many types with different surface textures are used in buildings
Installation is simple but requires high skill for bedding
Require clear sealer coating and periodic maintenance

Question 20

Bricks and Brick Pavers

Answer 20

Both bricks and half thickness bricks called pavers are used for finish flooring
Bricks are laid with their largest surface horizontal or on edge
Decorative joint patterns can be designed

Question 21

Quarry Tiles

Answer 21

They are large, fired clay tiles usually square but also available in other shapes
Thickness range from 3/8 inch to 1 inch (9mm to 25mm)
Usually set in reinforced mortar bed
Glazed or unglazed tile, usually larger than 6sq. in.
Made from natural clay or shale by extrusion

Question 22

Ceramic Tiles

Answer 22

Fired clay tiles smaller than quarry tiles are called ceramic tiles.
Made from clay and other ceramic materials
They are usually glazed and available in many colors and shapes, but are also available unglazed
Grout color has a significant influence on the appearance of the surface
A slip sheet or cleavage membrane is used over substrate that are prone to deflection
Crack isolation membranes or uncoupling membranes are used in thin set application over problem areas

Question 23

Ceramic Mosaic Tile

Answer 23

Formed by dust-pressed or extrusion method

¼”-3/8” thick, less than 6sq. in.

Question 24

Terrazzo

Answer 24

It is very durable and made by grinding and polishing concrete that consists of marble or granite chips
There are many different methods of installing terrazzo
Advantages include durability, water resistance, and wide variety of patterns/colors
Matrix usually white portland cement, sand, and water
Epoxy or polyester resin matrices used for thin-set applications
Usually finished with 80-grit stone grinder; concrete floors can also be finished in same manner – see image at right

Question 25

Thin-Set Tile Method

Answer 25

Cementitious panel nailed to subfloor
Thin coating of dry-set or latex-portland cement mortar with latex-portland cement grout
Subfloor must be level, free from dirt

Question 26

Full Mortar Bed Method

Answer 26

Tile and reinforced mortar bed separated from structural floor by cleavage membrane
Allows for movement, floor level variations

Question 27

Underfloor Services – Raised Access Flooring

Answer 27

Raised access flooring is advantageous in buildings where wiring changes are frequent and unpredictable
Has virtually unlimited capability to meet future needs
Ductwork for air distribution (1) can also be designed to be carried in it allowing the ceiling to be exposed