Moisture barrier protection system and method

• US 6,122,887 A
• Filed: 06/22/1999
• Issued: 09/26/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Soco-Shield, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Socopac, Inc.
• Inventors: Massett, Peter J., Blasdel, Paul J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Friedman, Carl D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): DORSEY, DENNIS
• Application Number:
  US09/337,764
• Time in Patent Office: 462 Days
• Field of Search: 52/746.1, 52/741.3, 52/741.4, 52/169.11, 52/169.14
• US Class Current: 52/741.4
• CPC Class Codes: E02D 31/02 against ground humidity or ground water E02D31/06 takes precedence; arrangements other than according to E02D31/04; against hydraulic pressure of groundwater E02D31/10
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/23 Sheet including cover or casing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24008 including fastener for attaching to external surface
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24025 Superposed movable attached layers or components

Abstract

A tough, high-strength geomembrane made from a custom blend of polyethylene copolymers, for protecting waterproofing courses from impact and pressure damage of debris resting against the waterproof course. A slip sheet configuration reduces surfaces stress due to earth movement and subsurface cracking thereby maintaining the protective course intact without any effect on the waterproofing layers. The geomembrane is available as lightweight rolls which can be easily be handled by one man. The film is installed horizontally in continuous sheets with few adhesive joints. Installation begins by applying a thick brush coat of the selected waterproofing membrane material (usually a rubber coat but may be any waterpoofing material). The film is unrolled along the wall, held up into position and secured using plastic self-sealing plugs and/or plastic termination bars. Concrete nails are used to attach the self-sealing plugs or termination bar to the wall. If termination bar is selected the film is extended up beyond the bar approximately 8" and folded down over the termination bar after attachment. Staples into the termination bar can be used to hold the film down creating a nicely detailed upper edge.

Claims

1. A method for installing a protection system for a construction surface having a primary waterproofing course covering at least a portion thereof comprising:

a. applying a first film to said construction surface;

b. securing at least a portion of said first film to said construction surface by applying a plurality of fasteners;

c. applying a first strip of waterproofing material at a comer of said construction surface;

d. applying a base film strip over at least a portion of said first strip of said waterproofing material; and

e. covering said second strip of waterproofing material with said first film.

2. A method for installing a protection system as described in claim 1 wherein said method includes the further steps of:

a. installing a second film over at least a portion of said first film; and

b. fastening said second film to said construction surface using a plurality of said fasteners.

3. The protection system which results from the method of claim 1.

4. The protection system which results from the method of claim 1 wherein said film comprises a flexible plastic sheet material having a thickness between 10 mils and 15 mils.

5. The protection system which results from the method of claim 1 wherein said film is a flexible sheet of material comprising a blend of polyethylene copolymers.