Abstract: A laminated countertop assembly can include a first generally longitudinal slab with a first substrate, where the first substrate has lamination on a countertop side of the first substrate and lamination on an edge side of the first substrate that extends along a first portion of a length of the edge side of the first substrate. The first substrate can also include a first miter cut angled into the first substrate and slots extending into the first substrate for receiving biscuits. The laminated countertop assembly can also include a second generally longitudinal slab with a second substrate, where the second substrate has lamination on a countertop side of the second substrate and lamination on an edge side of the second substrate. The second substrate can also include a second miter cut at a corner of the second substrate and slots extending into the second substrate for receiving the biscuits.

Abstract: A laminated countertop assembly can include a first generally longitudinal slab with a first substrate, where the first substrate has lamination on a countertop side of the first substrate and lamination on an edge side of the first substrate that extends along a first portion of a length of the edge side of the first substrate. The first substrate can also include a first miter cut angled into the first substrate and slots extending into the first substrate for receiving biscuits. The laminated countertop assembly can also include a second generally longitudinal slab with a second substrate, where the second substrate has lamination on a countertop side of the second substrate and lamination on an edge side of the second substrate. The second substrate can also include a second miter cut at a corner of the second substrate and slots extending into the second substrate for receiving the biscuits.

Abstract: A self-sealing window with a flexible gasket that extends around the entire perimeter of closure assemblies and a method of installing such closure assemblies in a rough opening. A sealing member is attached continuously around an entire perimeter of the closure assembly to form a water impermeable seal between the sealing member and the closure assembly. The closure assembly is inserted into the rough opening. Accurate positioning of the closure assembly in the rough opening is verified. The closure assembly is secured in the rough opening. The sealing member is engaged with an exterior surface of the structure proximate the rough opening. A foam material is delivered into at least a portion of a space between perimeter edge surfaces of the closure assembly and inner surfaces of the rough opening.

Abstract: A drainage system for a fenestration assembly is located in a rough opening of a structure. The drainage system includes a moisture barrier located between at least a bottom of the fenestration assembly and a bottom inner surface of the rough opening. The moisture barrier includes a vertical portion extending generally vertically downward below the rough opening on an external side of the structure. A channel assembly is located generally below the rough opening. The channel assembly includes at least one channel having a channel entrance proximate the bottom inner surface of the rough opening and a discharge opening direct toward a drainage area. The channel includes an effective cross-sectional area adapted to siphon water located on the moisture barrier to the drainage area.

Abstract: A closure assembly and a method of installing the closure assembly are provided. A insertion opening is formed in water resistant barrier covering a rough opening that generally corresponds to a perimeter of the rough opening. A drainage system including a channel assembly is installed on a sill surface of the rough opening. The closure assembly is inserted into the rough opening and temporarily secured to the structure. At least one shim carried on the closure assembly is adjusted to level the closure assembly in the rough opening. A sealing member attached to the closure assembly is engaged with the water resistant barrier. A foam material is delivered into at least a portion of a space between perimeter edge surfaces of the closure assembly and inner surfaces of the rough opening to permanently secure the closure assembly within the rough opening.

Abstract: An adjustable shim for positioning a closure unit in a rough opening. The closure unit includes a frame with a perimeter edge and at least one longitudinal recess in the perimeter edge. The adjustable shim includes an attachment member adapted to releasably couple with the longitudinal recess and at least one deformable leg having a first end and a second end coupled to the attachment member. An elongated member is coupled to the deformable leg in a compact configuration. Displacement of the elongated member in a first direction deforms the leg into an expanded configuration. The adjustable shim in the expanded configuration creates opposing forces simultaneously acting on the perimeter edge and the rough opening sufficient to suspend the closure unit in the rough opening. A method and system for installing a closure unit in a rough opening using the adjustable shim is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of installing a fenestration unit in a composite panel using a foam material, and to a composite panel with the fenestration unit installed using a foam material, where the foam material is the primary attachment structure. A rough opening is created in the composite panel where the rough opening has a perimeter larger than a perimeter of the frame of the fenestration unit. Then the fenestration unit is positioned in the rough opening with a space between the perimeter of the frame of the fenestration unit and the perimeter of the rough opening of the composite panel. A foam material is delivered into at least a portion of the space to fixedly adhere the fenestration unit to the insulating core of the composite panel. The foam material typically provides the primary structural attachment between the fenestration unit and the composite panel.