Method for preparing flooring system having crack suppression and fracture resistance

Abstract

A system is provided for inhibiting or suppressing the transmission and propagation of cracks between a supporting substrate and a finishing layer. The system is applicable for floorings, walls, counters and other surfaces where a relatively fragile finishing surface, such as tile, marble or natural stone disposed on a base material, such as concrete. The system includes a first adhesive layer disposed on the substrate, an isolating layer of a rubber and cork composite material disposed on the first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer disposed over the isolating layer, and the finishing layer applied over the second adhesive layer. The isolating layer is preferably approximately 1.2 millimeters in thickness. The system inhibits or suppresses the transmission and propagation of cracks, fissures and the like that may develop over time from the substrate layer to the finishing layer.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.