All basement floors, even in new homes, have a tendency to conduct the cold coming from the ground underneath. To compensate for the cold, many people will cover the concrete surface with an underpad and carpet. The problem with this method is that concrete is a porous substance and needs to breathe. As temperatures in the basement fluctuate, it creates the perfect environment for moisture to accumulate between the underpad and concrete. This is where mold begins to germinate which can lead to poor indoor air quality.

Material
This air-gap membrane is made up of a special high-density polyethylene resin (FDA approved), providing a dimpled surface with outstanding compressive strength, impact resistance and long-term performance.

Product Description
A uniquely dimpled, heavy-duty grey plastic membrane that keeps you and your family warm and comfortable in your basement, or any room in the house with a concrete, slab-on-grade floor. The membrane is installed with its dimples down to create a 5/16-inch thick air space above the slab, and can be covered with a plywood subfloor and topped off with carpet or flooring systems.

On concrete floors protects sensitive materials by exploiting the concept of vapor pressure - that is, water vapor seeks to equalize its pressure by moving from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.

In a conventional basement, dry air in the living space acts as a magnet for water vapor seeping up through the concrete. But with the air gap system, the space between the dimples provides a sufficient air-gap to equalize the water pressure above and below the concrete slab.

Though the air in the living space is completely isolated from the system, this air gap is designed to allow small amounts of water vapor into the room to maintain a healthy humidity level.

The membrane also provides a thermal break that generates instant comfort and warmth for your basement. This air gap system is an inert material. The air-gap membrane has an outstanding compressive strength of > 250 kN/m², is extremely tough and rugged and can withstand heavy loads which allows for any finishing on top of the membrane.

This air gap system functions in conjunction with wood laminate floors and is a simple new solution to create a beautiful, high-performance basement floor. Once installed and plywood sheets are laid out, a variety of floor coverings can be installed:

    * carpeting with rubber underlay
    * linoleum (on top of multiply board)
    * tiles
    * peel & stick
    * hardwood flooring
    * laminate floors (floating directly on top of air gap membrane)