Flashing system and method of installation

Abstract

A flashing device comprised of one or more components adapted to render seams found in interior walls impervious to moisture. The flashing system utilizes a combination of a waterproof, durable construction with a fluid-shedding shape to prevent moisture from penetrating wall seams and causing damage to the sub-wall and floor. The components include flashing strips adapted for use along walls, and corner pieces adapted for use with inside and outside corners. A method for installing the flashing system, allowing for quick, easy, and effective waterproofing of so-called “wet rooms,” which include commercial kitchens, dish rooms, mop rooms, lavatories, and the like which are cleaned by directing water and/or cleaning fluids at the floor and walls.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates generally to flashing devices used to prevent moisture from penetrating seams existing in structures, and more particularly to the use of a system of flashing components to render seams found in interior walls impervious to moisture.

[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0004] Flashing devices used to prevent moisture from penetrating seams, are well known in the industry. Most such devices are designed to preyent environmental moisture, such as rain or melted snow, from penetrating the seams found in the exterior walls of structures. An example of such a flashing device is U.S. Pat. No. 6,035,582, dated Mar. 14, 2000, issued to William L. Pacific. The '582 patent discloses flashing employing multilayered construction.

[0005] Other flashing devices are designed to prevent interior moisture, such as water from a shower or bathtub, from penetrating seams found in interior walls or floors of rooms such as bathrooms. Examples of such flashing devices are U.S. Pat. No. Des. 404,806, dated Jan. 26, 1999 and issued to Joseph M. Callahan, U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,723, dated Nov. 3, 1992 and issued to Ray B. Benedict, U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,602, dated Apr. 14, 1992 and issued to Richard A. Stevens, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. Des. 299,963, dated Feb. 21, 1989 and issued to Joseph M. Callahan. The '806 patent discloses flashing containing two parallel flanges forming a u-shaped channel adapted to receive wall board; tiling is placed against the outer flange while the inner flange is interposed between the wallboard and the wall-substrate. The entire assembly is installed along the edge of a bathtub. The '723 patent incorporates a downward-oriented horizontal channel into the outer surface of a bathtub, with the channel adapted to receive the upturned edge of flooring. Water flowing down the side of the bathtub would be directed along the flooring away from the joint of the bathtub and floor. The '602 patent discloses a flashing device to be interposed between a bathtub and flooring, with a resilient member adapted to be inserted into a seam between the bathtub and floor. The '963 patent is similar to the '806 patent, with the addition of a third flange depending downward from the forward flange. Each of these flashing devices are specially adapted to bathtub installation, and cannot be used for more general purpose rooms.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,855, dated Sep. 4, 2001 and issued to Stephen Shipton is a general purpose wall trim system offering waterproofing between wall coverings and base members. The device is adapted to be placed against a wall substrate, having an upper flange interposed between wall substrate and a wall covering. However, the device incorporates the base trim member, thereby eliminating the use of general purpose base members, such as base tile. The incorporation of the base member into the device also increase the cost of manufacture, rendering it less practical.

[0007] None of the prior art devices are specifically adapted for use in so-called “wet rooms.” In many industrial and commercial settings, such rooms are designed to be cleaned by applying water to the walls and floor with a high pressure hose. Such rooms may include kitchens, dish rooms, mop rooms, lavatories, cart rooms, and the like. The water, once sprayed about the room, drains through a floor drain. Cleansing solvents are often used in such circumstances to improve the cleaning of the room. A typical configuration of the walls of such rooms comprises a wall substrate, which may be wall board, dry wall, concrete, cinder block, cement board, gypsum board, sheet rock, or the like; base tile, typically manufactured of ceramic tile, located along the lower portion of the wall substrate and adjacent to the floor; and a wall covering, which may be stainless steel sheeting, plastic, tile, or other moisture resistant material, and which is placed over the wall substrate directly above and adjacent to the base tile. A seam is formed at the junction of the wall covering and the base tile. Typically, some form of grout or silicone-based sealant is applied to the seam to prevent moisture penetration. While preventing moisture penetration into the sub-wall is always important to prevent rot or other damage, it is especially necessary in these types of rooms, because the generally waterproof nature of the wall covering and base tile prevents the evaporation of any moisture which may penetrate the seams, such that even a tiny amount of moisture penetration can result in great damage.

[0008] Existing methods of sealing the seams between the wall covering and base tile are ineffective in keeping all moisture out of the seams. This is because during cleaning water is directed at the walls, including the seams, with great force exerted by the high pressure hose, causing the water stream to quickly break down grout or silicone-based sealants applied to the seams. When chemical solvents are used, this breakdown occurs even more rapidly. Moisture then penetrates the seams, migrates throughout the sub-wall and floor, and causes expensive damage.

[0009] None of the prior art devices discovered adequately address the problem of moisture penetration through the seams located between the wall covering and base tile in a simple yet effective manner, while still permitting standard building techniques using standard construction materials. The present invention, however, solves this problem. By using a solid barrier constructed of a waterproof and durable material suitably adapted to withstand the force of high pressure hoses, placed within the seams and shaped to direct moisture outward and downward, the invention represents an effective, inexpensive, and long-term solution to the problem. It is addresses the problem of sealing corners, both inside and outside corners, which often are the weak point in wet-room waterproofing systems. Moreover, the method of installation claimed herein further allows quick and easy implementation of the invention using existing construction techniques and without the need for retrofitting the wall components or otherwise substituting preferred construction materials.

SUMMARY

[0010] In one aspect, the invention is directed to a flashing system adapted to render wall seams impervious to moisture, for use in the interior of a structure, said interior formed of one or more walls, each said wall being comprised of a wall substrate, a wall covering adapted to be positioned over the wall substrate, and base tile adapted to be positioned over the wall substrate and located along the lower portion of the wall directly below and adjacent to the wall covering, with the wall covering and base tile forming said seams. The flashing system is comprised of one or more of a wall sealing component, an inside corner sealing component, and an outside corner sealing component, each component adapted to be positioned within and over the seams such that moisture contacting the wall is directed downward and away from the seams.

[0011] This aspect may include one or more of the following features: flashing strips having flanges adapted to be positioned along a wall and to fit between the wall covering and wall substrate and over the base tile such that moisture contacting the flashing strip will be directed downward and away from the seam; inside corner flashing members having flanges adapted to fit within an inside corner and between the wall covering and wall substrate and over the base tile such that moisture contacting the inside corner will be directed downward and away from the seams; outside corner flashing members having flanges adapted to fit over an outside corner and between the wall covering and wall substrate and over the base tile such that moisture contacting the outside corner will be directed downward and away from the seams; components resistant to chemical corrosion; components constructed of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, rigid plastic, rubberized plastic, composite materials such as polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, and laminate matrix composites, and synthetic materials such as polycarbonate and polystyrene; components with rearwardly angled lower flanges; flashing strips with tapered lower flanges; attachment components employing fasteners and apertures, or adhesive strips, or adhesive compounds, to fixedly secure flashing strips, inside corner flashing members, and outside corner flashing members to the wall substrate; and a waterproofing compound adapted to be applied between the components and the wall.

[0012] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of rendering seams in a structure impervious to moisture, for structures as described above. This method includes preparing the room by removing the wall covering from the walls, if necessary, and having the wall substrate and base tile in place; for each wall of the room, providing one or more flashing strips, positioning a first flashing strip horizontally against the wall such that the first end of the flashing strip is adjacent to one corner of the room, placing the upper flange of the flashing strip against the wall substrate such that the lower flange is positioned over base tile, and fixedly attaching the upper flange of the flashing strip to the wall substrate, positioning each subsequent flashing strip horizontally against the wall such that the first end of the flashing strip overlaps the second end of the previously installed flashing strip, placing the upper flange of the flashing strip against the wall substrate such that the lower flange is positioned over base tile, and fixedly attaching the upper flange of the flashing strip to the wall substrate, and positioning a final flashing strip horizontally against the wall such that the first end of the final flashing strip overlaps the second end of the previously installed flashing strip and the second end of the final flashing strip is adjacent to the corner of the room, cutting the final flashing strip, if necessary, in order to fit the remaining length of the wall, placing the upper flange of the flashing strip against the wall substrate such that the lower flange is positioned over base tile, and fixedly attaching the upper flange of the flashing strip to the wall substrate; for each interior corner of the room, providing an inside corner flashing member, positioning the inside corner flashing member against the interior corner, such that the upper flanges of the inside corner flashing member are placed against the wall substrate, the lower flanges of the inside corner flashing member are positioned over base tile, with the lower flanges positioned to partially overlap the ends of adjacent flashing strips, and fixedly attaching the upper flanges of the inside corner flashing members to the wall substrate; for each outside corner of the room, providing an outside corner flashing member, positioning the outside corner flashing member over the outside corner, such that the upper flanges of the outside corner flashing member are placed against the wall substrate, the lower flanges of the outside corner flashing member are positioned over base tile, with the lower flanges positioned to partially overlap the ends of adjacent flashing strips, and fixedly attaching the upper flanges of the outside corner flashing members to the wall substrate; and positioning the wall covering onto the wall substrate. This aspect may include applying a waterproofing compound prior to positioning the components against the wall, to create an additional waterproof seal within the seams.

[0013] It is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved flashing system for use in rooms designed to be cleaned by the application of water to the walls and floor with a high pressure hose. The invention allows builders and renovators to waterproof seams in such rooms quickly, easily, and inexpensively, with highly effective and long-lasting results. Because of the simplicity of the invention, it may also be used in any wall having horizontal seams where moisture penetration is an issue, even if high pressure hoses are not used for cleaning.

[0014] Other features and advantages of the invention are described below.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a flashing strip, with the center portion cut away, thereby depicting both the first and second ends of the flashing strip and depicting the exterior surface and the upper and lower flanges and the shaped transition area of the flashing strip.

[0016] FIG. 1a is a cross sectional view of the flashing strip having a downwardly curved shaped transition area.

[0017] FIG. 1b is a cross sectional view of the flashing strip having a substantially horizontally oriented shaped transition area.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a flashing strip properly installed in a wall and the relationship of the flashing strip to the wall substrate, wall covering, and base tile.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of an inside corner flashing member.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective front view of an outside corner flashing member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a perspective front view of a flashing strip 20, which is a single instantiation of the wall sealing component. FIG. 3 shows a perspective front view of an inside corner flashing member 60, which is a single instantiation of the inside corner sealing component. FIG. 4 shows a perspective front view of an outside corner flashing member 110, which is a single instantiation of the outside corner sealing component. The flashing system invention claimed herein is comprised of one or more of these three components, which may be used singly or in conjunction with each other to provide waterproofing to the seams 10 found between wall coverings 6 and base tile 8, thereby preventing moisture penetration through to the wall substrate 4, studs, joists, and other internal wall components which are subject to damage from moisture. Such a flashing system is intended for use in commercial or industrial structures which are subjected to the presence of moisture, particularly water applied to interior walls by high pressure hoses, such as in kitchens, dish rooms, mop rooms, lavatories, cart rooms, and the like. The flashing system is specifically engineered to be effective, simple to manufacture and install, and less expensive than other such devices.

[0022] The wall sealing component is constructed of a material impervious to moisture. Optionally, the wall sealing component may be constructed of a material also resistant to chemical corrosion. This optional feature is useful where the rooms in which the wall sealing component is installed are exposed to a combination of water and chemical solvents, such as may be found in cleaning agents. The materials from which the wall sealing component may be constructed may be rigid, semi-rigid or malleable, or flexible, though such materials must exhibit a sufficient durability to withstand direct exposure to high pressure water. Preferred materials from which the wall sealing component may be constructed include aluminum, steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, rigid plastic, rubberized plastic, composite materials such as polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, and laminate matrix composites, and synthetic materials such as polycarbonate and polystyrene. Other materials exhibiting the required characteristic of imperviousness to moisture and the optional characteristic of resistance to chemical corrosion may also be used.

[0023] The wall sealing component is comprised of one or more flashing strips 20. Each flashing strip 20 of the wall sealing component is adapted to be placed along seams 10 running the width of walls. One or more flashing strips 20 may be used along each wall, as required by the width of the wall. The last flashing strip 20 installed on a wall may be cut as necessary to custom fit the width of the wall. Each flashing strip 20 had the same size and shape as each other flashing strip 20, except along their lengths, which may vary as needed. Therefore, the description of a single flashing strip 20, provided below, applies to each flashing strip 20 comprising the wall sealing component, excepting any requirement for a uniformity of length. The flashing strip 20 has an upper flange 36, a lower flange 38, and a shaped transition area 42 interposed between and connecting the upper flange 36 and the lower flange 38. Each of these subcomponents of the flashing strip 20 run the entire length of the flashing strip 20. The flashing strip 20 is of seamless once piece construction, whereby the subcomponents of the flashing strip 20 integrate into each other. The absence of seams 10 in the construction of the flashing strip 20 allows it to be an effective moisture barrier.

[0024] The flashing strip 20 has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The exterior surface of the flashing strip 20 is that surface facing the interior of the room and which may be exposed to direct application of moisture. The interior surface of the flashing strip 20 is that surface facing away from the interior of the room and which is placed against the wall substrate 4 and base tile 8. The surfaces of the upper and lower flanges 36, 38 and the shaped transition area 42 that correspond to the exterior surface of the flashing strip 20 as a whole are defined as exterior surfaces, and the surfaces of the upper and lower flanges 36, 38 and the shaped transition area 42 that correspond to the interior surface of the flashing strip 20 as a whole are defined as interior surfaces. The flashing strip 20 has a substantially uniform thickness, as measured from the exterior surface to the interior surface. The flashing strip 20 has a first end 32 and a second end 34, the two ends located laterally and opposite each other.

[0025] The upper flange 36 of the flashing strip 20 is substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically. The lower flange 38 of the flashing strip 20 is also substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically, in a plane substantially parallel and exterior to the plane of the upper flange 36. The lower flange 38 has a lower edge 40 opposite the junction of the lower flange 38 with the shaped transition area 42. The shaped transition area 42 connecting the upper and lower flanges 36,38 may have any suitable shape appropriate for shedding moisture in a substantially downward and exterior direction. The substantially vertical orientations of the upper and lower flanges 36, 38 and their substantially planar shapes permit the flanges of the flashing strip 20 to be placed flush against the wall substrate 4 and base tile 8, while the shaped transition area 42 of the flashing strip 20 is positioned over and placed in contact with the top edge 58 of base tile 8.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, the shaped transition area 42 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the upper flange 36 and extends outward and downward from the upper flange 36 in a smoothly curving manner until it achieves a substantially vertical orientation at its juncture with the lower flange 38. This embodiment is appropriate for use with cove base tile 8. FIG. 1 a shows a cross sectional view of a flashing strip 20 having a shaped transition area 42 as described in this embodiment. In another embodiment, the shaped transition area 42 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the upper flange 36 and substantially perpendicular to the lower flange 38, thus being substantially planar and oriented substantially horizontally. This embodiment is appropriate for use with base tile 8 having a squared off top edge 58. Figure 1b shows a cross sectional view of a flashing strip 20 having a shaped transition area 42 as described in this embodiment.

[0027] When multiple flashing strips 20 are used along a single wall, each flashing strip 20 other than the flashing strips 20 on the ends is intended to overlap a portion of one adjacent flashing strip 20 and to be overlapped in part by a portion of the other adjacent flashing strip 20. Specifically, the first end 32 of each flashing strip 20 is suitably adapted to partially overlap the second end 34 of an adjacent flashing strip 20.

[0028] In one embodiment the lower flange 38 of each flashing strip 20 has a varying width, the width being defined as the dimension of the lower flange 38 from the junction of the lower flange 38 and the shaped transition area 42 to the lower edge 40 of the lower flange 38. The variance of the width of the lower flange 38 is substantially constant, with the width of the lower flange 38 at the first end 32 of the flashing strip 20 greater than the width of the lower flange 38 at the second end 34 of the flashing strip 20, this difference in width being substantially equal to the thickness of the flashing strip 20. As a result of this variance in the width of the lower flange 38, the lower flange 38 exhibits a slight upward taper along its lower edge 40 in the direction from the first end 32 of the flashing strip 20 to the second end 34. That is, the second end 34 of the flashing strip 20 is narrower than the first end 32 of the flashing strip 20 by an amount substantially equal to the thickness of the flashing strip 20. The purpose of this upward taper is to accommodate the overlap of the first end 32 of a flashing strip 20 over the second end 34 of an adjacent flashing strip 20. The relatively wider first end 32 of the flashing strip 20 will substantially cover the relatively narrower second end 34 of the overlapped, adjacent flashing strip 20, forming a substantially even line along the lower edges 40 of the two flashing strips 20 at their point of overlap, thereby improving the aesthetics of the finished installation.

[0029] In another embodiment, the lower edge 40 of the lower flange 38 of each flashing strip 20 is angled rearward. The angle is slight, preferably between 10° and 30° from vertical. This angling of the lower edge 40 of the lower flange 38 rearward causes the lower flange 38 to fit tighter against the base tile 8, further reducing the incidence of moisture penetration between the lower flange 38 of the flashing strip 20 and the base tile 8. FIGS. 1a and 1b depict the rearward angling of the lower edge 40 of the lower flange 38 of the flashing strip 20.

[0030] FIG. 2 depicts a flashing strip 20 as it is intended to be installed within a wall. Each flashing strip 20 is positioned along a wall in the following manner: the upper flange 36 is placed between the wall substrate 4 and the wall covering 6, and above the base tile 8, with the exterior surface of the upper flange 36 positioned against the wall covering 6 and the interior surface of the upper flange 36 positioned against the wall substrate 4. The lower flange 38 is placed over base tile 8 with the interior surface of the lower flange 38 positioned against base tile 8. The shaped transition area 42 is placed along the top edge 58 of the base tile 8, such that the interior surface of the shaped transition area 42 is in contact with the top edge 58 of the base tile 8. With the wall covering 6 in place, the upper flange 36 is not visible, the shaped transition area 42 is partially visible, and the lower flange 38 is completely visible. The flashing strip 20 thus extends through the seam 10 formed at the juncture of the wall covering 6 and the base tile 8. Moisture contacting the wall in the area of the flashing strip 20 is prevented from penetrating the seam 10, and is directed downward and away from the seam 10.

[0031] In one embodiment, a waterproofing compound 56 may be used with the flashing strip 20. The waterproofing compound 56 is placed along the top edge 58 of the base tile 8 such that the waterproofing compound 56 contacts both the base tile 8 and the interior surface of the shaped transition area 42 of the flashing strip 20, forming an unbroken seal between the flashing strip 20 and base tile 8 for the length of the flashing strip 20. The waterproofing compound 56 is also placed upon the exterior surface of the second end 34 of the flashing strip 20 such that the waterproofing compound 56 contacts both the second end 34 of the flashing strip 20 and the interior surface of the first end 32 of the adjacent flashing-strip 20 which overlaps the second end 34 of the flashing strip 20, forming an unbroken seal between the two flashing strips 20. This additional waterproof seal prevents moisture directed upward against the lower flange 38, for example, through back splashing, which may seep between the lower flange 38 and the base tile 8, from passing between the flashing strip 20 and base tile 8 or between adjacent flashing strips 20 through to the wall substrate 4. Any suitable waterproofing compound 56 may be used, for example, silicone.

[0032] The flashing strip 20 has an attachment component 44 suitably adapted for attaching the flashing strip 20 to a wall. In one embodiment, the attachment component 44 comprises a plurality of apertures formed into the upper flange 36 of the flashing strip 20, and a plurality of fasteners 90 suitably adapted to pass through the apertures. For example, the fasteners 90 may be screws or nails. The flashing strip 20 is secured to the wall by passing the fasteners 90 through the apertures and into the wall substrate 4.

[0033] In another embodiment, the attachment component 44 comprises an adhesive strip. The adhesive strip has a first side and a second side, with both sides being adhesive. The first side of the adhesive strip is fixedly attached to the interior surface of the upper flange 36 of the flashing strip 20, thereby affixing the adhesive strip to the flashing strip 20. The flashing strip 20 is then pressed against the wall substrate 4 so that the second side of the adhesive strip is placed in contact with the wall substrate 4, adhering thereto, thereby fixedly attaching the flashing strip 20 to the wall substrate 4. Any suitable adhesive strip having the aforementioned characteristics may be used, for example double-sided mounting tape. The adhesive strip may be pre-mounted on the flashing strip 20 or secured thereto during installation.

[0034] In yet another embodiment, the attachment component 44 comprises an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is applied along the interior surface of the upper flange 36 of the flashing strip 20, then the upper flange 36 of the flashing strip 20 is pressed against the wall substrate 4 such that the adhesive compound is in contact with and interposed between the upper flange 36 of the flashing strip 20 and the wall substrate 4, thereby fixedly attaching the flashing strip 20 to the wall substrate 4. Any suitable adhesive compound having the characteristics of easy application and quick drying may be used.

[0035] The flashing strips 20 may be of any suitable length, the length defined as the linear dimension from the first end 32 to the second end 34. In one embodiment the length of the flashing strip 20 is between five feet and eight feet. In the preferred embodiment, the length is seven feet. The width of the upper flange 36, defined as the linear dimension from the junction of the upper flange 36 and the shaped transition area 42 to the top edge of the upper flange 36, and the width of the lower flange 38 of the flashing strip 20, previously defined, may be of any suitable widths. In one embodiment the widths of the upper and lower flanges 36, 38 are between one and four inches. In the preferred embodiment, the widths are two inches each. Other lengths and widths may also be used without deviating from the spirit of the invention.

[0036] The inside corner sealing component is constructed of a material impervious to moisture. Optionally, the inside corner sealing component may be constructed of a material also resistant to chemical corrosion. This optional feature is useful where the rooms in which the inside corner sealing component is installed are exposed to a combination of water and chemical solvents, such as may be found in cleaning agents. The materials from which the inside corner sealing component may be constructed may be rigid, semi-rigid or malleable, or flexible, though such materials must exhibit a sufficient durability to withstand direct exposure to high pressure water. Preferred materials from which the inside corner sealing component may be constructed include aluminum, stainless steel, steel, fiberglass, rigid plastic, rubberized plastic, composite materials such as polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, and laminate matrix composites, and synthetic materials such as polycarbonate and polystyrene. Other materials exhibiting the required characteristic of imperviousness to moisture and the optional characteristic of resistance to chemical corrosion may also be used.

[0037] The inside corner sealing component is comprised of one or more inside corner flashing members 60. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an inside corner flashing member 60. Each inside corner flashing member 60 of the inside corner sealing component is adapted to be positioned against an inside corner formed by a first wall and an adjacent second wall, whereby the first and second walls form an angle of less than 180°. Typically, the inside corner will be formed by the first and second walls forming an angle of 90°. The inside corner flashing member 60 is adapted to be positioned at the junction of the two seams 10 meeting at an inside corner.

[0038] The inside corner flashing member 60 has a first upper flange 68 and a second upper flange 70, a first lower flange 72 and a second lower flange 78, a first shaped transition area 84 interposed between and connecting the first upper flange 68 and the first lower flange 72, and a second shaped transition area 86 interposed between and connecting the second upper flange 70 and the second lower flange 78. The first and second upper flanges 68, 70 are adjacent to each other along a common edge oriented substantially vertically. While the first and second upper flanges 68, 70 typically are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other, the angle between said flanges 68, 70 may vary, provided it does not exceed 180°. The first and second lower flanges 72, 78 are adjacent to each other along a common edge oriented substantially vertically. While the first and second lower flanges 72, 78 typically are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other, the angle between said flanges 72, 78 may vary, provided it does not exceed 180°. The inside corner flashing member 60 is of seamless once piece construction, whereby the subcomponents of the inside corner flashing member 60 integrate into each other. The absence of seams 10 in the construction of the inside corner flashing member 60 allows it to be an effective moisture barrier.

[0039] The inside corner flashing member 60 has an exterior surface 62 and an interior surface 64. The exterior surface 62 of the inside corner flashing member 60 is that surface facing the interior of the room and which may be exposed to direct application of moisture. The interior surface 64 of the inside corner flashing member 60 is that surface facing away from the interior of the room and which is placed against the inside corner of the wall against the wall substrate 4 and base tile 8. The exterior surface 62 of the inside corner flashing member 60 is substantially concave. The surfaces of the first and second upper flanges 68, 70, the first and second lower flanges 72, 78, and the first and second shaped transition areas 84, 86 that correspond to the exterior surface 62 of the inside corner flashing member 60 as a whole are defined as exterior surfaces, and the surfaces of the first and second upper flanges 68, 70, the first and second lower flanges 72, 78, and the first and second shaped transition areas 84, 86 that correspond to the interior surface 64 of the inside corner flashing member 60 as a whole are defined as interior surfaces. The inside corner flashing member 60 has a substantially uniform thickness, as measured from the exterior surface 62 to the interior surface 64.

[0040] The first upper flange 68 of the inside corner flashing member 60 is substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically. The second upper flange 70 of the inside corner flashing member 60 is also substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically. The first lower flange 72 of the inside corner flashing member 60 is substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically, in a plane substantially parallel and exterior to the plane of the first upper flange 68 of the inside corner flashing member 60. The first lower flange 72 has a first lower edge 74 opposite the junction of the first lower flange 72 with the first shaped transition area 84. The second lower flange 78 of the inside corner flashing member 60 is also substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically, in a plane substantially parallel and exterior to the plane of the second upper flange 70 of the inside corner flashing member 60. The second lower flange 78 has a second lower edge 80 opposite the junction of the second lower flange 78 with the second shaped transition area 86.

[0041] The first shaped transition area 84 connecting the first upper and lower flanges 68, 72 and the second shaped transition area 86 connecting the second upper and lower flanges 70, 78 may have any suitable shape appropriate for shedding moisture in a substantially downward and exterior direction. The second shaped transition area 86 is adjacent to and integrated with the first shaped transition area 84. The substantially vertical orientations of the first and second upper and lower flanges 68, 70, 72, 78 and their substantially planar shapes permit the flanges of the inside corner flashing member 60 to be placed flush into an inside corner and against the wall substrate 4 and base tile 8, while the first and second shaped transition areas 84, 86 of the inside corner flashing member 60 are positioned over and placed in contact with the top edges 58 of base tile 8.

[0042] In one embodiment of the invention, the first shaped transition area 84 of the inside corner flashing member 60 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first upper flange 68 of the inside corner flashing member 60 and extends outward and downward from the first upper flange 68 in a smoothly curving manner until it achieves a substantially vertical orientation at its juncture with the first lower flange 72. The second shaped transition area 86 has an equivalent shape and orientation relative to the second upper and lower flanges 70, 78. This embodiment is appropriate for use with cove base tile 8. In another embodiment, the first shaped transition area 84 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first upper flange 68 and substantially perpendicular to the first lower flange 72, thus being substantially planar and oriented substantially horizontally. The second shaped transition area 86 has an equivalent shape and orientation relative to the second upper and lower flanges 70, 78. This embodiment is appropriate for use with base tile 8 having a squared off top edge 58.

[0043] The inside corner flashing member 60 is intended to overlap a portion of the adjacent flashing strips 20. Specifically, the first upper and lower flanges 68, 72 of the inside corner flashing member 60 are suitably adapted to partially overlap the second end 34 of an adjacent flashing strip 20, and the second upper and lower flanges 70, 78 of the inside corner flashing member 60 are suitably adapted to partially overlap the first end 32 of an adjacent flashing strip 20.

[0044] In one embodiment the first lower flange 72 of the inside corner flashing member 60 has a width greater than the width of the lower flange 38 of the flashing strip 20 at the second end 34 of the flashing strip 20, the width of the first lower flange 72 being defined as the dimension of the first lower flange 72 from the junction of the first lower flange 72 and the first shaped transition area 84 to the first lower edge 74 of the first lower flange 72. The difference of the width of the first lower flange 72 of the inside corner flashing member 60 relative to the width of the lower flange 38 of the flashing strip 20 at the second end 34 of the flashing strip 20 is substantially equal to the thickness of the flashing strip 20. Similarly, the second lower flange 78 of the inside corner flashing member 60 has a width greater than the width of the lower flange 38 of the flashing strip 20 at the first end 32 of the flashing strip 20, the width of the second lower flange 78 being defined as the dimension of the second lower flange 78 from the junction of the second lower flange 78 and the second shaped transition area 86 to the second lower edge 80 of the second lower flange 78. The difference of the width of the second lower flange 78 of the inside corner flashing member 60 relative to the width of the lower flange 38 of the flashing strip 20 at the first end 32 of the flashing strip 20 is substantially equal to the thickness of the flashing strip 20. As a result of these variances in the widths of the first and second lower flanges 72, 78, as the inside corner flashing member 60 overlaps the adjacent flashing strips 20, the relatively wider first and second lower flanges 72, 78 of the inside corner flashing member 60 will substantially cover the relatively narrower lower flanges of the adjacent flashing strips 20, forming a substantially even line along the lower edges 40 of the adjacent flashing strips 20 and the inside corner flashing member 60 at their points of overlap, thereby improving the aesthetics of the finished installation.

[0045] In another embodiment, the first and second lower edges 74, 80 of the first and second lower flanges 72, 78 of each inside corner flashing member 60 are angled rearward. The angle is slight, preferably between 10° and 30° from vertical. This angling of the first and second lower edges 74, 80 of the first and second lower flanges 72, 78 rearward causes the first and second lower flanges 72, 78 to fit tighter against the base tile 8, further reducing the incidence of moisture penetration between the first and second lower flanges 72, 78 of the inside corner flashing member 60 and the base tile 8.

[0046] Each inside corner flashing member 60 is suitably adapted to be positioned against an inside corner of a room, formed by the junction of a first wall and a second wall, in the following manner: the first upper flange 68 of the inside corner flashing member 60 is placed between the wall substrate 4 and the wall covering 6 of the first wall, and above the base tile 8, with the exterior surface 62 of the first upper flange 68 of the inside corner flashing member 60 positioned against the wall covering 6 of the first wall, and with the interior surface 64 of the first upper flange 68 of the inside corner flashing member 60 positioned against the wall substrate 4 of the first wall. The second upper flange 70 of the inside corner flashing member 60 is positioned along the second wall in the same manner. The first lower flange 72 of the inside corner flashing member 60 is placed over base tile 8, with the interior surface 64 of the first lower flange 72 of the inside corner flashing member 60 positioned against base tile 8. The second lower flange 78 of the inside corner flashing member 60 is positioned along the second wall in the same manner. The first and second shaped transition areas 84, 86 are placed along the top edge 58 of base tile 8, such that the interior surfaces 64 of the first and second shaped transition areas 84, 86 are in contact with the top edge 58 of base tile 8. With the wall coverings 6 in place, the first and second upper flanges 68, 70 are not visible, the first and second shaped transition areas 84, 86 are partially visible, and the first and second lower flanges 72, 78 are completely visible. So positioned, the inside corner flashing member 60 extends through the seams 10 formed at the junctions of the wall coverings 6 and base tile 8 of the first wall and the second wall. Moisture contacting the first wall or the second wall in the area of the inside corner flashing member 60 is prevented from penetrating the seams 10, and is directed downward and away from the seams 10.

[0047] In one embodiment, a waterproofing compound 56 may be used with the inside corner flashing member 60. The waterproofing compound 56 is placed upon a portion of the exterior surface of the shaped transition area 42 of each adjacent flashing strip 20 which will be overlapped by the inside corner flashing member 60, such that the waterproofing compound 56 contacts both the flashing strips 20 and the interior surfaces 64 of the first and second shaped transition areas 84, 86 of the inside corner flashing member 60, forming an unbroken seal between the inside corner flashing member 60 and the flashing strips 20. The waterproofing compound 56 is also placed upon the exterior surface of the second end 34 of the flashing strip 20 adjacent to and overlapped by the first flanges 68, 70 of the inside corner flashing member 60 and upon the exterior surface of the first end 32 of the flashing strip 20 adjacent to and overlapped by the second flanges 72, 78 of the inside corner flashing member 60 such that the waterproofing compound 56 in contact with the components 20, 60 forms an unbroken seal between the components 20, 60. This additional waterproof seal prevents moisture directed upward against the first and second lower flanges 72, 78 of the inside corner flashing member 60, for example, through back splashing, which may seep between the inside corner flashing member 60 and the flashing strips 20, from passing between the inside corner flashing member 60 and the flashing strips 20. Any suitable waterproofing compound 56 may be used, for example, silicone.

[0048] The inside corner flashing member 60 has an attachment component 88 suitably adapted for attaching the inside corner flashing member 60 to a wall. In one embodiment, the attachment component 88 comprises a plurality of apertures formed into the first and second upper flanges 68, 70 of the inside corner flashing member 60, and a plurality of fasteners 90 suitably adapted to pass through the apertures. For example, the fasteners 90 may be screws or nails. The inside corner flashing member 60 is secured to the wall by passing the fasteners 90 through the apertures and into the wall substrate 4.

[0049] In another embodiment, the attachment component 88 of the inside corner flashing member 60 comprises a first adhesive strip 96 and second adhesive strip 102. The first adhesive strip 96 has a first side and a second side, with both sides being adhesive. Likewise, the second adhesive strip 102 has a first side and a second side, with both sides being adhesive. The first side of the first adhesive strip 96 is fixedly attached to the interior surface 64 of the first upper flange 68 of the inside corner flashing member 60, thereby affixing the first adhesive strip 96 to the inside corner flashing member 60. In the same manner the second adhesive strip 102 is affixed to the interior surface 64 of the second upper flange 70 of the inside corner flashing member 60. The inside corner flashing member 60 is then pressed into a corner against the wall substrate 4 so that the second sides of the first and second adhesive strips 96, 102 are placed in contact with the wall substrate 4, adhering thereto, thereby fixedly attaching the inside corner flashing member 60 to the wall substrate 4. Any suitable adhesive strip having the aforementioned characteristics may be used, for example double-sided mounting tape. The first and second adhesive strips 96, 102 may be pre-mounted on the inside corner flashing member 60 or secured thereto during installation.

[0050] In yet another embodiment, the attachment component 88 of the inside corner flashing member 60 comprises an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is applied along the interior surfaces 64 of the first and second upper flanges 68, 70 of the inside corner flashing member 60, then the first and second upper flanges 68, 70 of the inside corner flashing member 60 are pressed against the wall substrate 4 such that the adhesive compound is in contact with and interposed between the inside corner flashing member 60 and the wall substrate 4, thereby fixedly attaching the inside corner flashing member 60 to the wall substrate 4. Any suitable adhesive compound having the characteristics of easy application and quick drying may be used.

[0051] The first and second upper flanges 68, 70 and the first and second lower flanges 72, 78 of the inside corner flashing members 60 may be of any suitable length and width, the length defined as the linear dimension along the flanges 68, 70, 72, 78 from the junction of the first 68, 72 and second flanges 70, 78 to the respective outer edges of those flanges 68, 70, 72, 78, and the width defined as the linear dimension along the flanges 68, 70, 72, 78 from the junction of the upper 68, 70 and lower flanges 72, 78 with the first and second shaped transition areas 84, 86 to the respective top and bottom edges of those flanges 68, 70, 72, 78. In one embodiment the lengths of the flanges 68, 70, 72, 78 are between two inches and six inches. In the preferred embodiment, the lengths are three inches. In another embodiment the widths of the flanges 68, 70, 72, 78 are between one and four inches. In the preferred embodiment, the widths are two inches each. Other lengths and widths may also be used without deviating from the spirit of the invention.

[0052] The outside corner sealing component is comprised of one or more outside corner flashing members 110. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an outside corner flashing member 110. Like the inside corner flashing member 60, each outside corner flashing member 110 has a first upper flange 118 and a second upper flange 120, a first lower flange 122 and a second lower flange 128, a first shaped transition area 134 interposed between and connecting the first upper flange 118 and the first lower flange 122, and a second shaped transition area 136 interposed between and connecting the second upper flange 120 and the second lower flange 128. However, each outside corner flashing member 110 of the outside corner sealing component is adapted to be positioned over an outside corner formed by a first wall and an adjacent second wall, whereby the first and second walls form an angle of more than 180°. Typically, the outside corner will be fonned by the first and second walls forming an angle of 270°. The exterior surface 112 of the outside corner flashing member 110 is substantially convex. Thus, while an inside corner flashing member 60 is angled such that its flanges extend forward from an interior corner, an outside corner flashing member 110 is angled such that its flanges extend rearward from an outside corner. In all remaining aspects, the outside corner sealing component is substantially identical to the inside corner sealing component.

[0053] The invention also comprises a method of rendering seams 10 in a structure impervious to moisture. The structure comprising an interior room having walls, each wall having a wall substrate 4, a wall covering 6, and base tile 8 located along the lower portion of the wall directly below and adjacent to the wall covering 6, and the seams 10 to be rendered impervious to moisture are formed at the junctions of the wall covering 6 and base tile 8. The method comprises the following steps:

[0054] (1) The room is prepared by removing the wall covering 6 from the walls, if necessary, and having the wall substrate 4 and base tile 8 in place.

[0055] (2) For each wall of the room, one or more flashing strips 20 are provided, as necessary to extend the entire length of the wall, the flashing strips 20 having the characteristics as described above.

[0056] (3) For each wall of the room, a first flashing strip 20 is positioned horizontally against the wall such that the first end 32 of the flashing strip 20 is adjacent to one corner of the room.

[0057] (4) The upper flange 36 of the flashing strip 20 is then placed against the wall substrate 4 with the interior surface of the upper flange 36 positioned against the wall substrate 4, in such a manner that the lower flange 38 is positioned over base tile 8 with the interior surface of the lower flange 38 positioned against base tile 8, and the shaped transition area 42 is positioned over the top edge 58 of base tile 8.

[0058] (5) The upper flange 36 of the flashing strip 20 is fixedly attached to the wall substrate 4 by the attachment component 44 of the flashing strip 20, thereby securing the flashing strip 20 in place.

[0059] (6) For each subsequent flashing strip 20 used along the same wall, the flashing strip 20 is positioned horizontally against the wall such that the first end 32 of the flashing strip 20 overlaps the second end 34 of the previously installed flashing strip 20. Steps (4) and (5) are then repeated for each flashing strip 20.

[0060] (7) The final flashing strip 20 needed to extend the entire length of the wall is positioned horizontally against the wall such that the first end 32 of the final flashing strip 20 overlaps the second end 34 of the previously installed flashing strip 20 and the second end 34 of the final flashing strip 20 is adjacent to the corner of the room. If necessary in order to achieve the proper fit, the final flashing strip 20 may be cut by making a vertical cut through the upper flange 36, shaped transition area 42, and lower flange 38. Steps (4) and (5) are then repeated for the final flashing strip 20.

[0061] (8) For each interior corner of the room, formed by the junction of a first wall and a second wall, an inside corner flashing member 60 is provided, the inside corner flashing members 60 having the characteristics as described above.

[0062] (9) For each interior corner of the room, an inside corner flashing member 60 is positioned against the interior corner, such that the first upper flange 68 of the inside corner flashing member 60 is placed against the wall substrate 4 of the first wall with the interior surface 64 of the first upper flange 68 positioned against the wall substrate 4, and the second upper flange 70 of the inside corner flashing member 60 is placed against the wall substrate 4 of the second wall with the interior surface 64 of the second upper flange 70 positioned against the wall substrate 4. Positioned as such, the first lower flange 72 of the inside corner flashing member 60 is positioned over base tile 8 with the interior surface 64 of the first lower flange 72 positioned against base tile 8, and positioned partially overlapping the second end 34 of an adjacent flashing strip 20. Similarly, the second lower flange 78 of the inside corner flashing member 60 is positioned over base tile 8 with the interior surface 64 of the second lower flange 78 positioned against base tile 8, and positioned partially overlapping the first end 32 of an adjacent flashing strip 20. Once properly positioned, the inside corner flashing member 60 is fixedly attached to the wall substrate 4 by its attachment component 88.

[0063] (10) For each outside corner of the room, formed by the junction of a first wall and a second wall, an outside corner flashing member 110 is provided, the outside corner flashing members 110 having the characteristics as described above.

[0064] (11) For each outside corner of the room, an outside corner flashing member 110 is positioned over the outside corner, such that the first upper flange 118 of the outside corner flashing member 110 is placed against the wall substrate 4 of the first wall with the interior surface of the first upper flange 118 positioned against the wall substrate 4, and the second upper flange 120 of the outside corner flashing member 110 is placed against the wall substrate 4 of the second wall with the interior surface of the second upper flange 120 positioned against the wall substrate 4. Positioned as such, the first lower flange 72 of the outside corner flashing member 110 is positioned over base tile 8 with the interior surface of the first lower flange 72 positioned against base tile 8, and positioned partially overlapping the second end 34 of an adjacent flashing strip 20. Similarly, the second lower flange 78 of the outside corner flashing member 110 is positioned over base tile 8 with the interior surface of the second lower flange 78 positioned against base tile 8, and positioned partially overlapping the first end 32 of an adjacent flashing strip 20. Once properly positioned, the outside corner flashing member 110 is fixedly attached to the wall substrate 4 by its attachment component.

[0065] (12) The method is completed by positioning all wall coverings 6 onto the wall substrate 4, such that the wall coverings 6 overlap all upper flanges 36, 68, 70, 118, 120 of the flashing strips 20, inside corner flashing members 60, and outside corner flashing members 110, and are adjacent to all shaped transition areas 42, 84, 86, 134, 136 of the flashing strips 20, inside corner flashing members 60, and outside corner flashing members 110.

[0066] In one embodiment of the method, an additional step is performed between steps (1) and (2) to provide for additional waterproofing between the flashing strip 20 and base tile 8. A waterproofing compound 56 is placed along the top edge 58 of base tile 8, such that the waterproofing compound 56 contacts base tile 8 and the interior surface of the flashing strips 20 after same are positioned as described in step (4). The waterproofing compound 56 is also placed between the overlapping ends 32, 34 of adjacent flashing strips 20. This forms an unbroken seal impervious to moisture between base tile 8 and the flashing system.

[0067] In another embodiment of the method, an additional step is performed between steps (8) and (9) to provide for additional waterproofing between the flashing strips 20 and the inside corner flashing member 60. For each interior corner of the room, the waterproofing compound 56 is placed upon the portions of the exterior surfaces of the shaped transition areas 42 of the adjacent flashing strips 20 which are to be overlapped by the inside corner flashing member 60. The waterproofing compound 56 is also placed between the overlapping flanges 68, 70, 72, 78 of the inside corner flashing member 60 and the ends 32, 34 of the adjacent flashing strips 20. So applied, the waterproofing compound 56 contacts the exterior surfaces of the adjacent flashing strips 20 and the interior surface 64 of the inside corner flashing member 60 after same is positioned as described in step (9), thereby forming an unbroken seal impervious to moisture between the flashing strips 20 and the inside corner flashing member 60.

[0068] In yet another embodiment of the method, an additional step is performed between steps (10) and (11) to provide for additional waterproofing between the flashing strips 20 and the outside corner flashing member 110. For each outside corner of the room, the waterproofing compound 56 is placed upon the portions of the exterior surfaces of the shaped transition areas 42 of the adjacent flashing strips 20 which are to be overlapped by the outside corner flashing member 110. The waterproofing compound 56 is also placed between the overlapping flanges 118, 120, 122, 128 of the outside corner flashing member 110 and the ends 32, 34 of the adjacent flashing strips 20. So applied, the waterproofing compound 56 contacts the exterior surfaces of the adjacent flashing strips 20 and the interior surface of the outside corner flashing member 110 after same is positioned as described in step (11), thereby forming an unbroken seal impervious to moisture between the flashing strips 20 and the outside corner flashing member 110.

[0069] Installing the flashing system pursuant to the method described hereinabove renders the seams 10 in a room impervious to moisture, even when that moisture is directed at the seams 10 by high pressure hoses. When the components of the flashing system are constructed of materials resistant to chemical corrosion, cleaning solvents can be safely used in such rooms without risk of penetration through the seams 10 into the sub-wall with the resultant damage that would otherwise occur.

[0070] The invention is not limited to what is described in the foregoing embodiments. Other embodiments not specifically set forth herein are also within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. In the interior of a structure, said interior formed of one or more walls, each said wall being comprised of a wall substrate, a wall covering adapted to be positioned over the wall substrate, and base tile adapted to be positioned over the wall substrate and located along the lower portion of the wall directly below and adjacent to the wall covering, with the wall covering and base tile forming a seam,

a flashing system, comprising

one or more of the following:

a wall sealing component;

an inside corner sealing component; and

an outside corner sealing component;

wherein the flashing system is adapted to be positioned within and over the seam such that moisture contacting the wall will not penetrate the seam but rather is directed downward and away from the seam.

2. The flashing system of claim 1, wherein the wall sealing component comprises

one or more flashing strips;

wherein each flashing strip is constructed of a material impervious to moisture,

has an exterior surface and an interior surface,

has a substantially uniform thickness,

has a first end and a second end,

has an upper flange which is substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically,

has a lower flange with a lower edge, with the lower flange being substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically in a plane substantially parallel and exterior to the plane of the upper flange,

has a shaped transition area integrated with and interposed between the upper flange and the lower flange,

has an attachment component suitably adapted for attaching the flashing strip to a wall, and

is of seamless once piece construction,

whereby the first end of each flashing strip is suitably adapted to partially overlap the second end of an adjacent flashing strip,

each flashing strip is suitably adapted to be positioned along the wall of a structure, the wall having a wall substrate, a wall covering, and base tile located along the lower portion of the wall directly below and adjacent to the wall covering, such that the upper flange is placed between the wall substrate and the wall covering with the exterior surface of the upper flange positioned against the wall covering and the interior surface of the upper flange positioned against the wall substrate, and the lower flange is placed over base tile with the interior surface of the lower flange positioned against base tile, such that the flashing strip extends from and through a seam formed at the junction of the wall covering and base tile, such that moisture contacting the wall in the area of the flashing strip is directed downward and away from said seam.

3. The flashing system of claim 2, wherein the wall sealing component is constructed of a material resistant to chemical corrosion.

4. The flashing system of claim 2, wherein the wall sealing component is constructed of a material selected from the group comprising aluminum, stainless steel, steel, fiberglass, rigid plastic, rubberized plastic, polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, laminate matrix composites, polycarbonate, and polystyrene.

5. The flashing system of claim 2, wherein the lower flange of each flashing strip has a varying width, with the width of the lower flange at the first end of the flashing strip greater than the width of the lower flange at the second end of the flashing strip, the difference in width being substantially equal to the thickness of the flashing strip, with the width of the lower flange changing at a substantially constant rate from the first end to the second end, thereby forming a slight upward taper along the lower edge of the lower flange as viewed from the first end to the second end.

6. The flashing system of claim 2, wherein the lower edge of the lower flange of each flashing strip is angled rearward.

7. The flashing system of claim 2, wherein the shaped transition area of each flashing strip is oriented substantially perpendicular to the upper flange and extends outward and downward from the upper flange in a smoothly curving manner until it achieves a substantially vertical orientation at its juncture with the lower flange.

8. The flashing system of claim 2, wherein the shaped transition area of each flashing strip is oriented substantially perpendicular to the upper flange and substantially perpendicular to the lower flange, being substantially planar and oriented substantially horizontally.

9. The flashing system of claim 2, wherein the attachment component of each flashing strip comprises

a plurality of apertures formed into the upper flange of the flashing strip, and

a plurality of fasteners;

whereby the fasteners are passed through the apertures of the upper flange and into the wall substrate, thereby fixedly attaching the flashing strip to the wall substrate.

10. The flashing system of claim 2, wherein the attachment component of each flashing strip comprises

an adhesive strip having a first side and a second side, with the first side being adhesive and the second side being adhesive,

whereby the first side of the adhesive strip is placed along and in contact with the interior surface of the upper flange of the flashing strip, thereby affixing the adhesive strip to the flashing strip, and

the flashing strip is pressed against the wall substrate so that the second side of the adhesive strip is placed in contact with the wall substrate, thereby fixedly attaching the flashing strip to the wall substrate.

11. The flashing system of claim 2, wherein the attachment component of each flashing strip comprises

an adhesive compound,

whereby the adhesive compound is applied along the interior surface of the upper flange of the flashing strip and the upper flange of the flashing strip is pressed against the wall substrate such that the adhesive compound is in contact with and interposed between the upper flange of the flashing strip and the wall substrate, thereby fixedly attaching the flashing strip to the wall substrate.

12. The flashing system of claim 2, further comprising a waterproofing compound,

whereby the waterproofing compound is placed along a top edge of base tile such that the waterproofing compound contacts base tile and the interior surface of the flashing strip, forming an unbroken seal between the flashing strip and base tile for the length of the flashing strip, and

the waterproofing compound is placed upon the exterior surface of the second end of the flashing strip such that the waterproofing compound contacts both the second end of the flashing strip and the interior surface of the first end of an adjacent flashing strip which overlaps the second end of the flashing strip, forming an unbroken seal between the two flashing strips,

thereby preventing moisture from passing between the flashing strip and base tile or between adjacent flashing strips through to the wall substrate.

13. The flashing system of claim 1, wherein the inside corner sealing component comprises

one or more inside corner flashing members;

wherein each inside corner flashing member is constructed of a material impervious to moisture,

has an exterior surface and an interior surface, with the exterior surface being substantially concave,

has a substantially uniform thickness,

has a first upper flange which is substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically,

has a second upper flange which is substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically and positioned adjacent to and integrated with the first upper flange along a common edge oriented substantially vertically, with the first upper flange and the second upper flange forming an angle of more than 0° and less than 180°,

has a first lower flange with a first lower edge, with the first lower flange being substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically in a plane substantially parallel and exterior to the plane of the first upper flange,

has a second lower flange with a second lower edge, with the second lower flange being substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically in a plane substantially parallel and exterior to the plane of the second upper flange, and with the second lower flange positioned adjacent to and integrated with the first lower flange along a common edge oriented substantially vertically and with the first lower flange and the second lower flange forming an angle of more than 0° and less than 180°,

has a first shaped transition area integrated with and interposed between the first upper flange and the first lower flange,

has a second shaped transition area integrated with and interposed between the second upper flange and the second lower flange and positioned adjacent to and integrated with the first shaped transition area,

has an attachment component suitably adapted for attaching the inside corner flashing member to a wall, and

is of seamless once piece construction,

whereby the first lower flange of each inside corner flashing member is suitably adapted to partially overlap the second end of an adjacent flashing strip,

the second lower flange of each inside corner flashing member is suitably adapted to partially overlap the first end of an adjacent flashing strip,

each inside corner flashing member is suitably adapted to be positioned against an inside corner of a structure, the corner being formed by a first wall and an adjacent second wall, each wall having a wall substrate, a wall covering, and base tile located along the lower portion of that wall directly below and adjacent to the wall covering, such that the first upper flange of the inside corner flashing member is placed between the wall substrate and the wall covering of the first wall with the exterior surface of the first upper flange of the inside corner flashing member positioned against the wall covering of the first wall, and with the interior surface of the first upper flange of the inside corner flashing member positioned against the wall substrate of the first wall,

the second upper flange of the inside corner flashing member is placed between the wall substrate and the wall covering of the second wall with the exterior surface of the second upper flange of the inside corner flashing member positioned against the wall covering of the second wall, and with the interior surface of the second upper flange of the inside corner flashing member positioned against the wall substrate of the second wall,

the first lower flange of the inside corner flashing member is placed over base tile located along the first wall with the interior surface of the first lower flange of the inside corner flashing member positioned against said base tile, and

the second lower flange of the inside corner flashing member is placed over base tile located along the second wall with the interior surface of the second lower flange of the inside corner flashing member positioned against said base tile, such that the inside corner flashing member extends from and through the seams formed at the junctions of the wall coverings and base tile of the first wall and the second wall, such that moisture contacting the first wall or the second wall in the area of the inside corner flashing member is directed downward and away from said seams.

14. The flashing system of claim 13, wherein the inside corner sealing component is constructed of a material resistant to chemical corrosion.

15. The flashing system of claim 13, wherein the inside corner sealing component is constructed of a material selected from the group comprising aluminum, steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, rigid plastic, rubberized plastic, polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, laminate matrix composites, polycarbonate, and polystyrene.

16. The flashing system of claim 13, wherein the first lower flange of each inside corner flashing member has a width greater than the width of each lower flange of the flashing strip at the second end of each flashing strip, the difference in width being substantially equal to the thickness of the flashing strip, and

the second lower flange of each inside corner flashing member has a width greater than the width of each lower flange of the flashing strip at the first end of each flashing strip, the difference in width being substantially equal to the thickness of the flashing strip.

17. The flashing system of claim 13, wherein the first lower edge of the first lower flange of each inside corner flashing member is angled rearward, and the second lower edge of the second lower flange of each inside corner flashing member is angled rearward.

18. The flashing system of claim 13, wherein the first shaped transition area of each inside corner flashing member is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first upper flange of the inside corner flashing member and extends outward and downward from the first upper flange of the inside corner flashing member in a smoothly curving manner until it achieves a substantially vertical orientation at its juncture with the first lower flange of the inside corner flashing member, and

the second shaped transition area of each inside corner flashing member is oriented substantially perpendicular to the second upper flange of the inside corner flashing member and extends outward and downward from the second upper flange of the inside corner flashing member in a smoothly curving manner until it achieves a substantially vertical orientation at its juncture with the second lower flange of the inside corner flashing member.

19. The flashing system of claim 13, wherein the first shaped transition area of each inside corner flashing member is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first upper flange of the inside corner flashing member and substantially perpendicular to the first lower flange of the inside corner flashing member, said first shaped transition area being substantially planar and oriented substantially horizontally, and

the second shaped transition area of each inside corner flashing member is oriented substantially perpendicular to the second upper flange of the inside corner flashing member and substantially perpendicular to the second lower flange of the inside corner flashing member, said second shaped transition area being substantially planar and oriented substantially horizontally.

20. The flashing system of claim 13, wherein the attachment component of each inside corner flashing member comprises

one or more apertures formed into the first upper flange of the inside corner flashing member and into the second upper flange of the inside corner flashing member, and

a plurality of fasteners;

whereby the fasteners are passed through the apertures of the first upper flange of the inside corner flashing member and the second upper flange of the inside corner flashing member and into the wall substrate, thereby fixedly attaching the inside corner flashing member to the wall substrate.

21. The flashing system of claim 13, wherein the attachment component of each inside corner flashing member comprises

a first adhesive strip having a first side and a second side, with the first side being adhesive and the second side being adhesive, and

a second adhesive strip having a first side and a second side, with the first side being adhesive and the second side being adhesive,

whereby the first side of the first adhesive strip is placed along and in contact with the interior surface of the first upper flange of the inside corner flashing member, thereby affixing the first adhesive strip to the inside corner flashing member,

the first side of the second adhesive strip is placed along and in contact with the interior surface of the second upper flange of the inside corner flashing member, thereby affixing the second adhesive strip to the inside corner flashing member, and

the inside corner flashing member is pressed into a corner against the wall substrate so that the second side of the first adhesive strip is placed in contact with the wall substrate and the second side of the second adhesive strip is placed in contact with the wall substrate, thereby fixedly attaching the inside corner flashing member to the wall substrate.

22. The flashing system of claim 13, wherein the attaching component of each inside corner flashing member comprises

an adhesive compound,

whereby the adhesive compound is applied along the interior surface of the first upper flange of the inside corner flashing member and the adhesive compound is applied along the interior surface of the second upper flange of the inside corner flashing member, and

the inside corner flashing member is pressed into a corner against the wall substrate such that the adhesive compound is in contact with and interposed between the inside corner flashing member and the wall substrate, thereby fixedly attaching the inside corner flashing member to the wall substrate.

23. The flashing system of claim 13, further comprising a waterproofing compound,

whereby the waterproofing compound is placed along the exterior surface of the shaped transition area of each flashing strip positioned adjacent to the inside corner flashing member, such that the waterproofing compound contacts the exterior surface of the shaped transition area of the flashing strips and the interior surface of the inside corner flashing member, and

the waterproofing compound is placed between the overlapping flanges of the inside corner flashing member and the ends of the adjacent flashing strips,

thereby forming an unbroken seal between the inside corner flashing member and the flashing strips, preventing moisture from passing between the inside corner flashing member and the flashing strips.

24. The flashing system of claim 1, wherein the outside corner sealing component comprises

one or more outside corner flashing members;

wherein each outside corner flashing member is constructed of a material impervious to moisture,

has an exterior surface and an interior surface, with the exterior surface being substantially convex,

has a substantially uniform thickness,

has a first upper flange which is substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically,

has a second upper flange which is substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically and positioned adjacent to and integrated with the first upper flange along a common edge oriented substantially vertically, with the first upper flange and the second upper flange forming an angle of more than 180° and less than 360°,

has a first lower flange with a first lower edge, with the first lower flange being substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically in a plane substantially parallel and exterior to the plane of the first upper flange,

has a second lower flange with a second lower edge, with the second lower flange being substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically in a plane substantially parallel and exterior to the plane of the second upper flange, and with the second lower flange positioned adjacent to and integrated with the first lower flange along a common edge oriented substantially vertically and with the first upper flange and the second upper flange forming an angle of more than 180° and less than 360°,

has a first shaped transition area integrated with and interposed between the first upper flange and the first lower flange,

has a second shaped transition area integrated with and interposed between the second upper flange and the second lower flange and positioned adjacent to and integrated with the first shaped transition area,

has an attachment component suitably adapted for attaching the outside corner flashing member to a wall, and

is of seamless once piece construction,

whereby the first lower flange of each outside corner flashing member is suitably adapted to partially overlap the second end of an adjacent flashing strip,

the second lower flange of each outside corner flashing member is suitably adapted to partially overlap the first end of an adjacent flashing strip,

each outside corner flashing member is suitably adapted to be positioned against an outside corner formed by a first wall and an adjacent second wall, each wall having a wall substrate, a wall covering, and base tile located along the lower portion of that wall directly below and adjacent to the wall covering, such that the first upper flange of the outside corner flashing member is placed between the wall substrate and the wall covering of the first wall with the exterior surface of the first upper flange of the outside corner flashing member positioned against the wall covering of the first wall, and with the interior surface of the first upper flange of the outside corner flashing member positioned against the wall substrate of the first wall,

the second upper flange of the outside corner flashing member is placed between the wall substrate and the wall covering of the second wall with the exterior surface of the second upper flange of the outside corner flashing member positioned against the wall covering of the second wall, and with the interior surface of the second upper flange of the outside corner flashing member positioned against the wall substrate of the second wall,

the first lower flange of the outside corner flashing member is placed over base tile located along the first wall with the interior surface of the first lower flange of the outside corner flashing member positioned against said base tile, and

the second lower flange of the outside corner flashing member is placed over base tile located along the second wall with the interior surface of the second lower flange of the outside corner flashing member positioned against said base tile, such that the outside corner flashing member extends from and through the seams formed at the junctions of the wall coverings and base tile of the first wall and the second wall, such that moisture contacting the first wall or the second wall in the area of the outside corner flashing member is directed downward and away from said seams.

25. The flashing system of claim 24, wherein the outside corner sealing component is constructed of a material resistant to chemical corrosion.

26. The flashing system of claim 24, wherein the outside corner sealing component is constructed of a material selected from the group comprising aluminum, steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, rigid plastic, rubberized plastic, polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, laminate matrix composites, polycarbonate, and polystyrene.

27. The flashing system of claim 24, wherein the first lower flange of each outside corner flashing member has a width greater than the width of each lower flange of the flashing strip at the second end of each flashing strip, the difference in width being substantially equal to the thickness of the flashing strip, and

the second lower flange of each outside corner flashing member has a width greater than the width of each lower flange of the flashing strip at the first end of each flashing strip, the difference in width being substantially equal to the thickness of the flashing strip.

28. The flashing system of claim 24, wherein the first lower edge of the first lower flange of each outside corner flashing member is angled rearward, and

the second lower edge of the second lower flange of each outside corner flashing member is angled rearward.

29. The flashing system of claim 24, wherein the first shaped transition area of each outside corner flashing member is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first upper flange of the outside corner flashing member and extends outward and downward from the first upper flange of the outside corner flashing member in a smoothly curving manner until it achieves a substantially vertical orientation at its juncture with the first lower flange of the outside corner flashing member, and

the second shaped transition area of each outside corner flashing member is oriented substantially perpendicular to the second upper flange of the outside corner flashing member and extends outward and downward from the second upper flange of the outside corner flashing member in a smoothly curving manner until it achieves a substantially vertical orientation at its juncture with the second lower flange of the outside corner flashing member.

30. The flashing system of claim 24, wherein the first shaped transition area of each outside corner flashing member is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first upper flange of the outside corner flashing member and substantially perpendicular to the first lower flange of the outside corner flashing member, said first shaped transition area being substantially planar and oriented substantially horizontally, and

the second shaped transition area of each outside corner flashing member is oriented substantially perpendicular to the second upper flange of the outside corner flashing member and substantially perpendicular to the second lower flange of the outside corner flashing member, said second shaped transition area being substantially planar and oriented substantially horizontally.

31. The flashing system of claim 24, wherein the attachment component each outside corner flashing member comprises

one or more apertures formed into the first upper flange of the outside corner flashing member and into the second upper flange of the outside corner flashing member, and

a plurality of fasteners;

whereby the fasteners are passed through the apertures of the first upper flange of the outside corner flashing member and the second upper flange of the outside corner flashing member and into the wall substrate, thereby fixedly attaching the outside corner flashing member to the wall substrate.

32. The flashing system of claim 24, wherein the attachment component of each outside corner flashing member wall comprises

a first adhesive strip having a first side and a second side, with the first side being adhesive and the second side being adhesive, and

a second adhesive strip having a first side and a second side, with the first side being adhesive and the second side being adhesive,

whereby the first side of the first adhesive strip is placed along and in contact with the interior surface of the first upper flange of the outside corner flashing member, thereby affixing the first adhesive strip to the outside corner flashing member,

the first side of the second adhesive strip is placed along and in contact with the interior surface of the second upper flange of the outside corner flashing member, thereby affixing the second adhesive strip to the outside corner flashing member, and

the outside corner flashing member is placed over a corner against the wall substrate so that the second side of the first adhesive strip is placed in contact with the wall substrate and the second side of the second adhesive strip is placed in contact with the wall substrate, thereby fixedly attaching the outside corner flashing member to the wall substrate.

33. The flashing system of claim 24, wherein the attachment component of each outside corner flashing member comprises

an adhesive compound,

whereby the adhesive compound is applied along the interior surface of the first upper flange of the outside corner flashing member and the adhesive compound is applied along the interior surface of the second upper flange of the outside corner flashing member, and

the outside corner flashing member is placed over a corner against the wall substrate such that the adhesive compound is in contact with and interposed between the outside corner flashing member and the wall substrate, thereby fixedly attaching the outside corner flashing member to the wall substrate.

34. The flashing system of claim 24, further comprising a waterproofing compound,

whereby the waterproofing compound is placed along the exterior surface of the shaped transition area of each flashing strip positioned adjacent to the outside corner flashing member, such that the waterproofing compound contacts the exterior surface of the shaped transition area of the flashing strips and the interior surface of the outside corner flashing member, and

the waterproofing compound is placed between the overlapping flanges of the outside corner flashing member and the ends of the adjacent flashing strips,

thereby forming an unbroken seal between the outside corner flashing member and the flashing strips, preventing moisture from passing between the inside corner flashing member and the flashing strips.

35. A method of rendering seams in a structure impervious to moisture, said structure comprising an interior room having walls, each said wall having a wall substrate, a wall covering, and base tile located along the lower portion of the wall directly below and adjacent to the wall covering, and said seams being formed at the junctions of the wall covering and base tile, said method comprising the steps of:

(1) preparing the room by removing the wall covering from the walls, if necessary, and having the wall substrate and base tile in place,

(2) for each wall of the room, providing one or more flashing strips,

wherein each flashing strip is constructed of a material impervious to moisture,

has an exterior surface and an interior surface,

has a first end and a second end,

has an upper flange oriented substantially vertically,

has a lower flange, with the lower flange oriented substantially vertically in a plane substantially parallel and exterior to the plane of the upper flange, and

has a shaped transition area integrated with and interposed between the upper flange and the lower flange, p1 (3) for each wall of the room, positioning a first flashing strip horizontally against the wall such that the first end of the flashing strip is adjacent to one corner of the room,

(4) placing the upper flange of the flashing strip against the wall substrate with the interior surface of the upper flange positioned against the wall substrate, such that the lower flange is positioned over base tile with the interior surface of the lower flange positioned against base tile,

(5) fixedly attaching the upper flange of the flashing strip to the wall substrate,

(6) for each subsequent flashing strip, positioning the flashing strip horizontally against the wall such that the first end of the flashing strip overlaps the second end of the previously installed flashing strip, and repeating steps (4) and (5),

(7) positioning a final flashing strip horizontally against the wall such that the first end of the final flashing strip overlaps the second end of the previously installed flashing strip and the second end of the final flashing strip is adjacent to the corner of the room, cutting the final flashing strip, if necessary, with a vertical cut through the upper flange, shaped transition area, and lower flange, in order to fit the remaining length of the wall, and repeating steps (4) and (5),

(8) for each interior corner of the room, providing an inside corner flashing member,

wherein each inside corner flashing member is constructed of a material impervious to moisture,

has an exterior surface and an interior surface, with the exterior surface being substantially concave,

has a first upper flange oriented substantially vertically,

has a second upper flange oriented substantially vertically and positioned adjacent to and integrated with the first upper flange,

has a first lower flange with a first lower edge, with the first lower flange oriented substantially vertically in a plane substantially parallel and exterior to the plane of the first upper flange,

has a second lower flange with a second lower edge, with the second lower flange oriented substantially vertically in a plane substantially parallel and exterior to the plane of the second upper flange, and with the second lower flange positioned adjacent to and integrated with the first lower flange,

has a first shaped transition area integrated with and interposed between the first upper flange and the first lower flange,

has a second shaped transition area integrated with and interposed between the second upper flange and the second lower flange and positioned adjacent to and integrated with the first shaped transition area,

(9) for each interior corner of the room, positioning an inside corner flashing member against the interior corner, such that the first upper flange of the inside corner flashing member is placed against the wall substrate with the interior surface of the first upper flange positioned against the wall substrate,

the second upper flange of the inside corner flashing member is placed against the wall substrate with the interior surface of the second upper flange positioned against the wall substrate,

the first lower flange of the inside corner flashing member is positioned over base tile with the interior surface of the first lower flange positioned against base tile, and with the first lower flange positioned to partially overlap the second end of an adjacent flashing strip,

the second lower flange of the inside corner flashing member is positioned over base tile with the interior surface of the second lower flange positioned against base tile, and with the second lower flange positioned to partially overlap the first end of an adjacent flashing strip, and

fixedly attaching the first upper flange of the inside corner flashing member to the wall substrate and fixedly attaching the second upper flange of the inside corner flashing member to the wall substrate,

(10) for each outside corner of the room, providing an outside corner flashing member,

wherein each outside corner flashing member is constructed of a material impervious to moisture,

has an exterior surface and an interior surface, with the exterior surface being substantially convex,

has a first upper flange oriented substantially vertically,

has a second upper flange oriented substantially vertically and positioned adjacent to integrated with the first upper flange,

has a first lower flange with a first lower edge, with the first lower flange oriented substantially vertically in a plane substantially parallel and exterior to the plane of the first upper flange,

has a second lower flange with a second lower edge, with the second lower flange oriented substantially vertically in a plane substantially parallel and exterior to the plane of the second upper flange, and with the second lower flange positioned adjacent to and integrated with the first lower flange,

has a first shaped transition area integrated with and interposed between the first upper flange and the first lower flange,

has a second shaped transition area integrated with and interposed between the second upper flange and the second lower flange and positioned adjacent to and integrated with the first shaped transition area,

(11) for each outside corner of the room, placing an outside corner flashing member over the outside corner, such that the first upper flange of the outside corner flashing member is placed against the wall substrate with the interior surface of the-first upper flange positioned against the wall substrate,

the second upper flange of the outside corner flashing member is placed against the wall substrate with the interior surface of the second upper flange positioned against the wall substrate,

the first lower flange of the outside corner flashing member is positioned over base tile with the interior surface of the first lower flange positioned against base tile, and with the first lower flange positioned to partially overlap the second end of an adjacent flashing strip,

the second lower flange of the outside corner flashing member is positioned over base tile with the interior surface of the second lower flange positioned against base tile, and with the second lower flange positioned to partially overlap the first end of an adjacent flashing strip, and

fixedly attaching the first upper flange of the outside corner flashing member to the wall substrate and fixedly attaching the second upper flange of the outside corner flashing member to the wall substrate, and

(12) positioning the wall covering onto the wall substrate, such that the wall covering overlaps all upper flanges of the flashing strips, inside corner flashing members, and outside corner flashing members, and is adjacent to all shaped transition areas of the flashing strips, inside corner flashing members, and outside corner flashing members.

36. The method of claim 35 wherein an additional step is performed between steps (1) and (2) as follows:

a waterproofing compound is placed along a top edge of base tile, such that the waterproofing compound contacts base tile and the interior surface of the flashing strips after same are positioned as described in step (4), and

the waterproofing compound is placed between the overlapping ends of adjacent flashing strips,

thereby forming an unbroken seal impervious to moisture between base tile and the flashing system.

37. The method of claim 35 wherein an additional step is performed between steps (8) and (9) as follows:

for each interior corner of the room, the waterproofing compound is placed upon the portions of the exterior surfaces of the shaped transition areas of the adjacent flashing strips which are to be overlapped by the inside corner flashing member, and

the waterproofing compound is placed between the overlapping flanges of the inside corner flashing member and the ends of the adjacent flashing strips,

such that the waterproofing compound contacts the exterior surfaces of the adjacent flashing strips and the interior surface of the inside corner flashing members after same are positioned as described in step (9), thereby forming an unbroken seal impervious to moisture between the flashing strips and the inside corner flashing members.

38. The method of claim 35 wherein an additional step is performed between steps (10) and (11) as follows:

for each outside corner of the room, the waterproofing compound is placed upon the portions of the exterior surfaces of the shaped transition areas of the adjacent flashing strips which are to be overlapped-by the-outside corner flashing member, and

the waterproofing compound is placed between the overlapping flanges of the outside corner flashing member and the ends of the adjacent flashing strips,

such that the waterproofing compound contacts the exterior surfaces of the adjacent flashing strips and the interior surface of the outside corner flashing members after same are positioned as described in step (11), thereby forming an unbroken seal impervious to moisture between the flashing strips and the outside corner flashing members.