Certified Energy Auditor Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A decoupling membrane is specifically designed to accommodate movement between different materials, such as a subfloor and the flooring above it. This flexible plastic sheet functions as a barrier or interface that allows for minor shifts and prevents cracking or damage to the finished floor, particularly in tiling applications. Its role in shock absorption is essential, as it helps in reducing the transfer of stress from the substrate to the new flooring layer, which can be crucial in environments that experience movement or settling.

In contrast, while insulation materials help in controlling heat transfer, a decoupling membrane does not serve that purpose. An adhesive is meant to adhere flooring to a substrate but lacks the flexibility and shock-absorbing qualities of a decoupling membrane. A drainage system, on the other hand, is primarily used for managing water flow and does not relate to the movement or stress reduction required in flooring applications. Thus, the correct identification of a decoupling membrane as a flexible plastic sheet for shock absorption underscores its unique function in flooring systems.