Moisture-resistant floor tile covering system for concrete floors

Abstract

A thermally insulating tile floor covering system comprising a water resistant, inorganic, thermal air-gap plastic barrier tile layer which is provided with a network of integral spaced plastic studs, legs or wall sections on the underside thereof, to form an interconnected space network between the undersurface of the flat plastic tile and the surface of a concrete floor supporting the tile. The space network provides an insulating thermal air gap barrier space to receive and circulate any water vapor penetrating up through the concrete floor.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an improved system for protecting finished flooring over on-grade concrete floors from damage from water vapor penetration and for insulating them from the cool earth temperatures. Concrete floors particularly concrete floors installed or poured over the dirt surfaces of sub-terrainean rooms such as basement living spaces of homes or the ground-level rooms or work spaces of slab-homes or buildings, are particularly susceptible to water vapor penetration. Conventionally, such concrete floors are covered with plastic tiles or carpeting to improve their appearance and make them more comfortable to the feel. [0003] However, concrete floors are relatively porous and also conduct the cold temperature of the ground, which can result in water vapor penetration and condensation at the interior surface of the concrete floor, causing separation of floor tiles adhered thereto or causing a moistu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a waterproof flooring system that insulates against dampness and cold from concrete sub-floors. It is made of a strong, rigid plastic barrier tile layer system that provides an insulating thermal air gap barrier space between about ⅛\" and 1\" high, preferably about {fraction (3 / 8)} inches high, to allow water vapor to circulate and come into equilibrium with the water content of the porous concrete floor. The system is designed to prevent water penetration from any direction or source, including above-floor plumbing problems or flooding. The flat plastic barrier tile layer is made of interlocking square or rectangular solid tiles, such as 6\"、12\"、17\"、24\" or 4'×8' sheets, about ⅜\" to ¾\" thick, which fit or interlock together. The top surfaces of the tiles may have a decorative design or a color. The flooring system can be covered with carpeting, ceramic or plastic tiles, or vinyl surface like linoleum or vinyl flooring."

Problems solved by technology

Water vapor from the concrete floor cannot condense within the air gap, and humid air from the basement living space cannot penetrate the interlocked plastic tiles to condense on the concrete floor.

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