Question 1

Thin-set mortar

Accepted Answer

An adhesive cement used to install ceramic tile onto a substrate.

Question 2

Ditra

Accepted Answer

A polyethylene membrane with a grid structure of square cavities and an anchoring fleece laminated to its underside.

Question 3

Curing

Accepted Answer

The process where the cement in the mortar hardens over time, creating a secure bond between tile and substrate.

Question 4

Efflorescence

Accepted Answer

A white powder-like substance that can appear on grout and masonry due to moisture evaporation.

Question 5

Lippage

Accepted Answer

The term for differences in elevation between edges of adjacent tiles.

Question 6

Back-buttering

Accepted Answer

The process of applying adhesive to the back side of a tile before placing it onto a prepared surface.

Question 7

Spacers

Accepted Answer

Small plastic pieces used to maintain even grout lines between tiles.

Question 8

Expansion joint

Accepted Answer

A gap designed to absorb substrate movement and prevent tile or grout cracking.

Question 9

Dry-set mortar

Accepted Answer

A type of adhesive used for installing tile that doesn't require mixing with water.

Question 10

Polymer-modified mortar

Accepted Answer

Mortar that includes polymers to improve flexibility, strength, and adhesion.

Question 11

Bullnose tile

Accepted Answer

A tile that has a finished edge on one side, typically used for finishing the edges of a tiled area.

Question 12

Cove base tile

Accepted Answer

A tile with a curved or angled top edge used where the wall meets the floor.

Question 13

Mosaic tile

Accepted Answer

A small tile, often sold in sheets, used to create intricate designs and patterns.

Question 14

Quarry tile

Accepted Answer

A hard, fired tile typically found in commercial settings due to its durability and natural slip-resistance.

Question 15

Rectified tile

Accepted Answer

A tile that has been mechanically finished on all sides to achieve uniform size and shape.

Question 16

Schluter strip

Accepted Answer

A metal or plastic strip used to protect the edges of tile installations and to provide a clean finish.

Question 17

Screed

Accepted Answer

A layer of material, typically a form of concrete, used to level a surface prior to tiling.

Question 18

Substrate

Accepted Answer

The surface onto which the tile adhesive is applied and tiles are laid.

Question 19

V-cap

Accepted Answer

A special type of trim tile used to finish off the edge of a countertop.

Question 20

Wet saw

Accepted Answer

A tool used to cut tiles, which uses water to cool the blade and reduce dust.

Question 21

Epoxy grout

Accepted Answer

A type of high-strength grout resistant to staining and water damage.

Question 22

Sanded grout

Accepted Answer

Grout that contains sand to provide extra strength and prevent shrinkage in larger grout joints.

Question 23

Unsanded grout

Accepted Answer

A smooth grout used for smaller grout joints and delicate surfaces like glass tile.

Question 24

Niche

Accepted Answer

A recessed area in a wall, typically used in showers for storing soap and shampoo.

Question 25

Impervious tile

Accepted Answer

Tile with a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less.

Question 26

Vitreous tile

Accepted Answer

Tile with a water absorption rate of 0.5% to 3%.

Question 27

Semi-vitreous tile

Accepted Answer

Tile with a water absorption rate of 3% to 7%.

Question 28

Non-vitreous tile

Accepted Answer

Tile with a water absorption rate of more than 7%.

Question 29

Battiscopa

Accepted Answer

A type of tile used as baseboard to provide a seamless transition between wall and floor.

Question 30

Grout sealer

Accepted Answer

A product used to help prevent staining and increase the lifespan of grout.

Question 31

Backer board

Accepted Answer

A flat, hard surface used as a substrate for tile installation.

Question 32

Latex additive

Accepted Answer

A product mixed with thin-set mortar or grout to improve its strength and flexibility.

Question 33

ANSI

Accepted Answer

Acronym for the American National Standards Institute, responsible for developing standards for tile installation.

Question 34

Lugged tile

Accepted Answer

Tiles that have small protrusions on their sides to create automatic spacing.

Question 35

Cutback adhesive

Accepted Answer

A type of adhesive typically used for resilient flooring materials, but is not suitable for installing tile.

Question 36

Kerdi

Accepted Answer

A waterproofing membrane made by Schluter Systems, often used in wet areas like showers.

Question 37

Gauging trowel

Accepted Answer

A tool used for mixing and measuring materials in small amounts.

Question 38

Trowel size

Accepted Answer

Refers to the width and depth of the notches used in a trowel, which affects the amount of adhesive applied.

Question 39

Grout release

Accepted Answer

A pre-grout coating that protects the surface of tiles from grout staining.

Question 40

Medallion

Accepted Answer

A design made from different colored tiles, often used as a centerpiece in flooring.

Question 41

Notch trowel

Accepted Answer

A trowel with notches used to spread adhesive in a consistent, ridged pattern.

Question 42

Paver tile

Accepted Answer

A thicker, stronger type of tile typically used for flooring applications in high-traffic areas.

Question 43

Soft joint

Accepted Answer

A joint filled with a flexible sealant material, typically used in corners or where different materials meet.

Question 44

Tile mastic

Accepted Answer

An adhesive for tile installation, generally used in dry, less demanding applications.

Question 45

Underlayment

Accepted Answer

A layer of material between the substrate and the tile, used to provide a flat, clean surface and sometimes to waterproof or uncouple the tile from the substrate.

Question 46

Wall tile

Accepted Answer

Tiles specifically manufactured for wall use, often lighter and thinner than floor tiles.

Question 47

Decoupling membrane

Accepted Answer

A layer between the substrate and tile that allows independent movement, preventing cracks in the tile or grout.

Advanced Tilesetting Flashcards for Red Seal Exam Preparation