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Competencies covered

MSFFL2004: Moisture test timber and concrete floors

MSFFL3003: Inspect sub-floors

Overview


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You're likely to carry out the subfloor inspection when you meet the client or builder on-site to do a measure-up.

It's important that you get a good idea of the subfloor conditions and any problems that may exist before you start to cost up the project.

This will let you tackle the issues with the client right at the outset and discuss what the problems are, how much work is involved in fixing them, and who will carry out the work.

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Don't let the client pressure you into turning a blind eye to any problems that might come back later to haunt you.

And don't let your own timetable or workload tempt you into taking shortcuts in the subfloor inspection or preparation work that needs to be done.

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Remember, once you start the project, any problems with the subfloor will become your problems.

And even if they're not immediately obvious in the finished floor, you may still be held responsible for them at some time in the future if they affect the long term quality of the work you've done.

As a wise flooring installer once said:

You don't have to carefully inspect every installation project - just the ones you don't want to replace at your own expense!

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In this section, we'll discuss the flooring installer's responsibility for inspecting the subfloor and testing it for moisture content.

We'll also talk about the sorts of things you should look for in the subfloor and around the jobsite as part of your site assessment.

Note that the actual process of carrying out a moisture test on the subfloor is covered in detail in the next section of this unit.

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Completing this section

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The assignment for this section is designed to test your knowledge of the issues and problems you need to be aware of when you're inspecting a timber or concrete subfloor.

Have a look at the Assignment now to see what you'll need to do to complete it. You'll find the link in the menu bar.

Also in the menu bar are links to the lessons for this section:

  • Site safety

  • Australian Standards

  • Inspecting concrete subfloors

  • Inspecting timber subfloors

  • Checking subfloor ventilation.

These lessons will provide you with background information that will help you with the assignment.

The Just for fun exercise is a reminder on the minimum subfloor ventilation requirements specified in the Australian Standards.

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