Abstract: An elevated carpet system and method of applying the carpet system to a surface to protect the underlying surface from damaging exposure to water, salt and moisture. The carpet system includes a waterproofing membrane layer applied to the underlying surface and a weather-resistant carpet having a nibbed vinyl backing defined by an array of spaced nipple projections. The projections support the carpet in spaced relation above the waterproofing membrane layer so that an air gap is maintained therebetween to promote ventilation and drying of moisture which seeps through the carpet.