Importance

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Abstract

A preglued underlayment assembly comprises a substantially rigid underlayment having an upper and a lower surface, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed on the upper surface, and a release layer disposed on the adhesive layer. Another pressure sensitive adhesive layer and another release layer optionally are provided on the lower surface of the preglued underlayment. One or more performance enhancing layers, such as foam and solid layers, can be disposed between the underlayment and the adhesive layer to modify and/or enhance various properties of the preglued underlayment. Mechanical fasteners, such as staples, penetrate the preglued underlayment assembly and engage a structural support member to attach the preglued underlayment assembly thereto. A method of installing a surface covering over a structural support member utilizing the preglued underlayment assembly includes providing at least one preglued underlayment assembly made in accordance with the present invention, positioning the at least one preglued underlayment assembly on the structural support member, fastening the at least one preglued underlayment assembly to the structural support member, removing the release layer from the at least one preglued underlayment, and placing and pressing the surface covering onto the adhesive layer of the at least one preglued underlayment. The preglued underlayment assembly is fastened to the structural support member by the mechanical fasteners. Each mechanical fastener has a crown, and the crown is recessed within the preglued underlayment assembly to provide a substantially protrusion free surface covering.

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First Claim