On 05/17/2002 an independent lab conducted research on "The Carpet Shim" and reported the following:

1. Shim - 16" section
   Dry weight - 401.9 grams
   Wet weight - 423.9 (Soak 60 mins. & pat dry)
   423.9 - 401.9 = 22.0 grams water taken on or 5.18% in 1 hr
   (absorption). Let above shim dry out - very little warp was seen.
2. Carpet was affixed to one shim section with "Chapco" SS3.
   Results showed good adhesion and transfer.
   No warping was observed. (72 hr. cure)
3. A wet towel was placed under another shim section.
   This produced "dishing" with both ends warped upward at 72 hrs.
   Fasteners or proper adhesive will most likely prevent this.

In addition to the water absorption issue, we have been asked about the PSI of the Carpet Shim. We contacted an Independent Lab to research this issue. After a long discussion, the lab technician said the report would be invalid since the shim tapers and the PSI would be different at each point of the shim. To satisfy our own minds, we conducted three very unscientific tests on this issue:

1. A full 32" x 8" x ½" Carpet Shim was placed on a concrete parking lot.
   Drove over the shim with a vehicle several times.
   Results showed no sign of break down of the Carpet Shim.
2. A full 32" x 8" x ½" Carpet Shim was placed on a concrete shop floor.
   An 800 pound toolbox was rolled over the shim many times in the same location.
   Results showed no sign of compression on the shim.
3. A full 32" x 8" x ½" Carpet Shim was placed on a concrete shop floor.
   It was struck with a hammer many times in the same location, near the center of the shim.
   Results showed very minor indentations on the Carpet Shim.

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