Download Nevada NV Tile Exam Questions and Answers and more Exams Technology in PDF only on Docsity!
Question 1. Which tile type is most resistant to water absorption and is suitable for outdoor installations? A) Ceramic tile B) Porcelain tile C) Quarry tile D) Encaustic tile Answer: B Explanation: Porcelain tile is fired at higher temperatures and has a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%, making it ideal for exterior and wet‑area applications. Question 2. What is the primary advantage of using a polymer‑modified cement mortar over a standard dry‑set mortar? A) Faster curing time B) Increased flexibility and bond strength C) Lower cost D) Ability to be applied without a trowel Answer: B Explanation: Polymer modifiers improve adhesion, flexibility, and water resistance, allowing the mortar to accommodate slight substrate movement. Question 3. Which grout type should be used for joints wider than 1/8 inch in a floor with heavy traffic?
A) Unsanded cementitious grout B) Sanded cementitious grout C) Epoxy grout D) Urethane grout Answer: B Explanation: Sanded grout contains sand to prevent shrinkage in wider joints and provides added strength for high‑traffic areas. Question 4. In a shower installation, which waterproofing method is considered a liquid‑applied membrane? A) Sheet polyethylene vapor barrier B) PVC sheet membrane C) LAMS (Liquid‑Applied Membrane System) D) Bituminous torch‑on membrane Answer: C Explanation: LAMS are applied as a liquid coating that cures to form a seamless, fully bonded waterproof barrier. Question 5. The calcium chloride test for slab moisture is considered passed when the moisture reading is: A) Less than 2 lb/ft²/24 hr B) Less than 5 lb/ft²/24 hr
Answer: C Explanation: Epoxy mortars offer superior bond strength, reduced shrinkage, and better load distribution for heavy, large‑format tiles. Question 8. What is the recommended joint width for a 12 mm (½‑in.) thick glass tile? A) 1/16 in. B) 1/8 in. C) 3/16 in. D) ¼ in. Answer: B Explanation: Glass tiles are fragile; a 1/8 in. joint provides enough space for grout while minimizing stress on the tile. Question 9. Which of the following is NOT a permitted use of tile mastic? A) Installing wall tile in a dry interior bathroom B) Setting floor tile in a shower pan C) Installing small ceramic tile on a drywall substrate D) Repairing a small chip in a tile surface Answer: B Explanation: Mastic is not moisture‑resistant enough for floor installations in wet areas; a cementitious thin‑set must be used.
Question 10. The term “lippage” refers to: A) Excessive grout haze on tile surfaces B) Tiles that are higher than adjacent tiles, creating a trip hazard C) Cracks in the substrate that telegraph through the tile D) A type of adhesive failure Answer: B Explanation: Lippage occurs when tile edges are uneven, causing a noticeable height difference that can be a safety issue. Question 11. When using a self‑leveling underlayment (SLU), the maximum recommended substrate temperature before application is: A) 50 °F (10 °C) B) 65 °F (18 °C) C) 75 °F (24 °C) D) 85 °F (29 °C) Answer: C Explanation: SLU manufacturers typically require ambient temperatures of at least 75 °F for proper flow and curing. Question 12. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a crack isolation membrane?
C) Wet saw with a diamond blade D) Angle grinder with a masonry disc Answer: C Explanation: A wet saw with a continuous‑rim diamond blade cools the cut and reduces chipping on dense porcelain. Question 15. When mixing a polymer‑modified thin‑set mortar, the typical pot life is: A) 5–10 minutes B) 15–30 minutes C) 45–60 minutes D) 90–120 minutes Answer: B Explanation: Polymer‑modified mortars retain workability for 15–30 minutes, allowing adequate time for placement before setting. Question 16. The correct method to verify full mortar coverage under a tile is: A) Visual inspection only B) Tapping the tile to listen for hollow sounds C) Using a “back‑butter” technique and checking for voids with a tile spacer D) Measuring the mortar thickness with a gauge after setting
Answer: C Explanation: Applying mortar to both the substrate and the back of the tile (back‑buttering) ensures complete coverage and reduces voids. Question 17. Which type of sealant should be used at the perimeter of a bathtub to accommodate movement? A) Acrylic caulk B) Polyurethane sealant C) Silicone sealant D) Epoxy grout Answer: C Explanation: Silicone sealant remains flexible over time, tolerates thermal movement, and provides a watertight seal in wet locations. Question 18. For a wall that will receive 2‑by‑ 2 in. mosaic tiles, the recommended grout type is: A) Unsanded cement grout B) Sanded cement grout C) Epoxy grout D) Urethane grout Answer: A Explanation: Small‑format tiles require unsanded grout to avoid scratching the tile surface and to fill narrow joints.
D) Seal the plywood with a silicone sealant Answer: C Explanation: Plywood must be a minimum of ¾‑in. thick, level, and free of deflection to provide a stable base for tile. Question 22. The primary benefit of using an epoxy grout in a commercial kitchen floor is: A) Lower material cost B) Faster drying time C) Superior chemical resistance and stain resistance D) Ability to be applied with a rubber float only Answer: C Explanation: Epoxy grout resists acids, oils, and stains, making it ideal for high‑traffic, wet, and chemically exposed environments. Question 23. Which safety equipment is required when cutting silica‑containing ceramic tile with a wet saw? A) Hearing protection only B) Respirator with N95 filter only C) Eye protection, hearing protection, and a respirator D) No PPE is needed because water suppresses dust Answer: C
Explanation: Even with water, fine silica dust can become airborne; proper PPE (eye, ear, and respirator) is required by OSHA. Question 24. In a pool coping installation (C‑20b), the most common material used for the coping is: A) Vinyl B) Fiberglass C) Natural stone (e.g., travertine) D) Plastic tile Answer: C Explanation: Natural stone coping provides durability, slip resistance, and aesthetic appeal for pool decks. Question 25. When calculating tile waste for a project, the typical waste factor for a simple rectangular layout is: A) 5 % B) 10 % C) 15 % D) 20 % Answer: B Explanation: A 10 % waste allowance accounts for breakage and cuts in straightforward rectangular patterns.
B) Inadequate curing time for mortar C) Moisture moving through the substrate and dissolving salts D) Using unsanded grout in wide joints Answer: C Explanation: Water migrating through the substrate leaches soluble salts, which deposit on the surface as efflorescence when the water evaporates. Question 29. According to ANSI A108.1, which class of tile installation requires a minimum ¼‑in. crack isolation membrane? A) Class I (residential) B) Class II (commercial) C) Class III (heavy commercial) D) None; crack isolation membranes are optional. Answer: C Explanation: Class III installations (e.g., heavy traffic, institutional) often require crack isolation to protect the tile from substrate movement. Question 30. For a stair tread installation using natural stone, which adhesive is recommended? A) Thin‑set polymer‑modified mortar B) Standard dry‑set mortar C) Epoxy adhesive
D) Mastic Answer: C Explanation: Epoxy adhesives provide superior bond strength for heavy, dense stone and accommodate the stresses on stair treads. Question 31. When installing tile on a wall with a slope of 5°, the recommended method to maintain level grout lines is: A) Use a laser level to set a reference line and adjust each tile accordingly B) Install tiles without any reference; the slope will self‑level C) Only use small mosaic tiles to hide the slope D) Apply a thick mortar bed to level the wall first Answer: A Explanation: A laser or plumb line provides a consistent reference, allowing each tile to be set level despite the wall’s slope. Question 32. Which of the following is NOT a permissible use of a furan resin mortar? A) Tile installation in a chemical‑resistant laboratory sink B) Setting tile in a residential bathroom floor C) Lining the interior of a swimming pool D) Installing tile in an industrial chemical tank Answer: B
Question 35. Which of the following best describes a “running bond” pattern? A) Tiles are laid in a straight line without offset B) Each tile is offset by half the length of the tile in adjacent rows C) Tiles are arranged diagonally across the floor D) Tiles are placed in a herringbone configuration Answer: B Explanation: A running bond offsets each successive row by half the tile length, creating a staggered appearance. Question 36. When installing tile on a concrete slab that has a moisture reading of 6 lb/ft²/24 hr, the appropriate corrective action is: A) Install tile directly; the reading is acceptable B) Apply a vapor barrier paint and proceed C) Install a liquid‑applied waterproofing membrane over the slab before tiling D) Increase the mortar thickness to compensate Answer: C Explanation: A reading above 5 lb/ft²/24 hr requires a waterproofing membrane to prevent moisture migration through the tile assembly. Question 37. The primary purpose of a “movement joint” in a tiled floor is to: A) Provide a decorative line
B) Allow for differential expansion and contraction of the substrate C) Make cleaning easier D) Reduce grout consumption Answer: B Explanation: Movement joints accommodate thermal and structural movement, preventing tile cracking or buckling. Question 38. Which of the following is a common cause of “tenting” (tiles lifting at the edges) after installation? A) Using too much grout B) Insufficient curing time for the mortar before applying grout C) Applying a waterproofing membrane over the tile D) Using a non‑sloped substrate for a shower floor Answer: B Explanation: Grouting before the mortar has fully cured can disturb the bond, causing tiles to lift at the edges. Question 39. For a residential bathroom wall with ¼‑in. tile, the recommended minimum grout joint width is: A) 1/32 in. B) 1/16 in. C) 3/32 in.
Explanation: Mortar should not be placed on a surface exceeding 80 °F to prevent premature setting and loss of workability. Question 42. Which of the following is the correct order of steps for installing a shower pan with a pre‑sloped mortar bed? A) Install waterproofing membrane → Install pre‑sloped mortar → Install tile B) Install pre‑sloped mortar → Install waterproofing membrane → Install tile C) Install tile → Apply waterproofing membrane → Install pre‑sloped mortar D) Install waterproofing membrane → Install tile → Install pre‑sloped mortar Answer: A Explanation: The membrane protects the substrate, the pre‑sloped mortar provides the proper slope for drainage, and tile is installed on top. Question 43. In the context of tile installation, “back‑buttering” refers to: A) Applying a thin layer of mortar to the back of each tile before setting B) Using a butter‑like sealant on the substrate edges C) Spreading grout on the floor before laying tiles D) Applying a second layer of mortar after the first has cured Answer: A Explanation: Back‑buttering ensures full coverage under the tile, especially on uneven substrates, reducing voids.
Question 44. Which of the following is a requirement for a tile contractor to perform C‑20b (swimming pool) work in Nevada? A) A general contractor’s license only B) A C‑20a license is sufficient C) A specific C‑20b (pool tile) endorsement on the contractor’s license D) No license is required for pool tile work Answer: C Explanation: Nevada distinguishes between C‑20a (general tile) and C‑20b (pool tile) licenses; pool work requires the C‑20b endorsement. Question 45. The recommended method for removing grout haze from glazed tiles is: A) Scrubbing with a stiff nylon brush and water B) Using a chemical grout haze remover followed by a clean water rinse C) Applying a thin layer of new grout over the haze D) Using a high‑pressure water jet Answer: B Explanation: Chemical haze removers are formulated to dissolve residual grout without damaging the glaze, followed by rinsing. Question 46. When installing tile on a wall with a vinyl composition tile (VCT) substrate, the proper preparation is: A) Apply a thin coat of latex paint and tile directly
