Energy Absorptive/Moisture Resistive Underlayment Formed Using Recycled Materials and a Hard Flooring System Incorporating the Same

摘要

A recycled energy absorptive/moisture resistive underlayment includes a recycled energy absorbing layer comprised of either a nonwoven fiber batt formed from shoddy fibers or a foam pad formed from bonded foam. To protect the recycled energy absorbing layer from moisture, a moisture barrier is laminated on either one or preferably both side surfaces of the recycled energy absorbing layer. The moisture barrier laminated on a lower side surface of the recycled energy absorbing layer has a projecting flap which projects from first and second edge surfaces of the recycled energy absorbing layer to which the moisture barrier is laminated to the lower side surface thereof. The projecting flap enhances protection of the recycled energy absorbing layer from moisture by preventing moisture from migrating through seams and/or other exposed portions of the recycled energy absorbing layer.