Eleftherios T Efstratis

US Patent:

55467083, Aug 20, 1996

Filed:

Sep 23, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/106599

Inventors:

Eleftherios T. Efstratis - Folsom CA
Dale E. Watnee - Fair Oaks CA

International Classification:

E04H 100

US Classification:

52 362

Abstract:

A self-leveling underlayment for a tile countertop is disclosed. Roofing felt covers the deck, and a flashing strip is fitted along the seam where the deck meets walls. Metal lath is laid over the felt, and rebar is laid along edges of the deck. Backsplash tile is supported by lengths of backer board along walls adjacent the deck. A self-leveling, water-based, cementitious underlayment mix, once set-up, supports the tile.

US Patent:

52600076, Nov 9, 1993

Filed:

Sep 20, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/763283

Inventors:

Eleftherios T. Efstratis - Folsom CA
Dale E. Watnee - Fair Oaks CA

International Classification:

B32B 3104
E04B 116

US Classification:

264 35

Abstract:

A self-leveling underlayment for a tile countertop, and a method and kit for forming same, is disclosed. In practicing the method on the top deck of a cabinet, a protective paper sling is hung in an interior deck opening and a protective shroud is hung over front cabinet faces. The deck is covered with roofing felt and a flashing strip is fitted along the seam where the deck meets walls, masking tape being used to bind these together. A styrofoam punch-out is fixed in place over the sink opening. Metal lath is laid over the felt, and rebar is laid along edges of the deck. Lengths of backer board are placed along walls adjacent the deck to support backsplash tile, and a dam is affixed along the deck's front edge, thus defining a mold for an underlayment. A self-leveling, water-based, cementitious underlayment mix is poured into the mold to form a surface, once set-up, for supporting tile. Leveling of the surface over adjacent areas is aided by driving nails part-way into those areas and setting their heads at the same level, then assuring that the height of the underlayment's surface matches the height of the nail head in each of those areas.