| CHICAGO, IL -- A simple, two-step system for creating high performance floors in basements that deals effectively with the problem of dampness was rolled out recently at the National Hardware Show by Cosella Dörken Products Limited, the North American division of building products manufacturer Dörken AG.
Billed as "the Floor of the Future" for basements or homes built on concrete slabs, the system consists of Cosella Dörken's new DELTA-FL underlayment, and interlocking laminate flooring. DELTA-FL provides proven top protection against moisture that wicks up through the concrete to cause dampness, mold and musty odors. Used with laminate flooring, it makes installing a basement floor so quick and easy that even the homeowner with minimal handyman skills can do it.
DELTA-FL is a scientifically engineered product that exploits the concept of vapor pressure. It consists of a heavy duty, semi-rigid polyethylene plastic with dimples 5/16" deep. When air in these spaces is fully saturated with moisture, then water pressure above and below the concrete slab is equalized and moisture no longer rises through the concrete from the ground below.
To install the new floor system, DELTA-FL in 5 x 65.6 ft. rolls is laid, dimpled-side down, over the floor to within 5/8" of the walls. Seams are overlapped and taped. Then, a layer of open cell foam is laid down and interlocking laminate flooring installed on top. On average, it takes two people less than two hours to assemble a beautiful, high-performance floor measuring 10x14'.
The current underlayment treatment for laminate flooring in basements is a plastic vapor barrier that includes a layer of foam for cushioning. It is usually laid, plastic side down, on top of the concrete and seams are overlapped or butted together and taped. Edges adjacent to the walls are left free. Professional installation is generally recommended.
This treatment does not allow for drainage if leaks occur from walls. It still permits moisture to enter and collect between the plastic and concrete. When sufficient water accumulates, it can migrate into the air along the borders. For this reason, most manufacturers of laminate recommend it not be used in basements where there is any evidence of dampness.
DELTA-FL, on the other hand, effectively deters moisture from entering above-floor spaces. In addition, it can handle minor leaks other floor treatments cannot. When covered with laminate flooring, it creates a resilient, ergonomic walking surface able to support up to 6000 lbs. per sq. ft. DELTA-FL also deadens sound and insulates basement floors to make them, on average, 25% warmer. An environment-friendly product, DELTA-FL is non-polluting and aids in the conservation of forest resources. Finally, DELTA-FL is approximately one-fifth less expensive than the typical laminate underlayment it replaces.
DELTA-FL can also be used with plywood to replace the traditional wood subfloor used to prepare basements for floor treatments such as carpeting or vinyl. In addition to its other high performance features, this flooring system costs 40% to 50% less than a comparable wood subfloor and reduces height requirements by one-half, to just 1 inch. Installation is fast and simple. Individual sheets of DELTA-FL, cut to size, are overlapped to create an effective seal. To complete the subfloor, the DELTA product is covered with sheets of plywood or OSB and anchored to the concrete with concrete screws.
After showing strong success in preliminary markets in Canada where it is sold by major building supply retailers, Cosella Dörken's DELTA-FL will be available in select markets in the U.S. this fall. Cosella Dörken is the North American subsidiary of Ewald Dörken AG, a leading European developer and manufacturer of waterproofing and drainage products sold in Europe, Asia, the U.S. and Canada. Other quality Cosella Dörken products include DELTA-DRAIN 6000 and 9000 geocomposites; and DELTA-MS for residential waterproofing. For more information, call 1-888-4DELTA4 or visit Cosella Dörken's website at http://www.DeltaFL.com.
Pending arrangements currently being made for product sales through a major U.S. building supply retailer, DELTA©-FL may be purchased by phoning
1-888-4DELTA4.
The interlocking laminate flooring which is the other key component of the new basement flooring system is widely available at home centers and building supply dealers throughout the United States.
This eUpdate posting by: Pat McDermott
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