Abstract: A set of ventilation units comprises a first and second ventilation unit, wherein a surface of the first ventilation unit is provided with at least one formation and a surface of the second ventilation unit is provided with at least one co-operating formation. The formation(s) and co-operating formation(s) is/are engageable with one another in a direction substantially perpendicular to said surface of the first ventilation unit and/or said surface of the second ventilation unit.

Abstract: A ventilated roof features an elongated vent having a vent opening and an elongated vent shingle supporting surface. The vent opening is in fluid communication with a slot defined by the top surface of a roof deck and communicating through the roof deck. An end cap has an end cap shingle supporting surface and is located adjacent to an end of the elongated vent. The vent and the end cap adjacent to the vent are supported in an equivalent spaced-apart relation to the top surface of the roof deck. The elongated vent shingle supporting surface, the end cap shingle supporting surface and the top surface of the roof deck provide a substantially continuous support to a shingle overlapping any two of those elements.

Abstract: Facilities for storing large quantities of potatoes, other tubers, vegetables, produce, and/or other crops are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a facility configured in accordance with the present technology circulates air from a pile of potatoes into one or more ceiling cavities above the potatoes to warm ceiling panels. Aspects of this embodiment can reduce undesirable water formation on the potatoes.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided herein for spacing an outer skin of a roof from the supporting structure of the roof such that the roof shields against weather elements, admits light, and allows advantageous air circulation. In one embodiment, a wedge-shaped device for spacing panels on a roof includes a bottom surface, a top surface inclined at an angle relative to the bottom surface, and an integral support structure connecting the top surface and the bottom surface, the support structure including a plurality of ribs and a plurality of nail boxes.

Abstract: A building product may include a top layer that is substantially rigid such that it is configured to be walkable. In addition, the building product may include a radiant barrier layer configured to reflect heat, and a vent layer located between the top layer and a roof deck. The vent layer may comprise air flow channels configured to transfer heat through at least a portion of the roof product. The top layer, vent layer and radiant barrier layer can form a unitary structure.

Abstract: A foundation vent includes four panels arranged to form a box-shaped vent frame. Ten frame vanes are attached to the box-shaped frame. A vent shutter having ten shutter vanes with elongated oval-shaped finger grips positioned centrally on the shutter vanes is held in a slider channel positioned on the box-shaped vent frame. The slider channel is formed by a series of six tabs centrally positioned in an opening between two adjacent frame vanes. The vent shutter is held in the slider channel so that it slides with respect to the box-shaped vent frame to selectively expose openings in between the frame vanes. A locking mortar track in provided on all four panels of the box-shaped frame to securely hold it in place. The vent is preferably constructed from polypropylene copolymer that is talc reinforced and sized to evenly course with a standard size brick.

Abstract: A plurality of devices used alone or in combination for releasing moisture from a building are provided. The devices are especially suitable for use in new or existing masonry and frame buildings with low-slope roofs, on parapet walls and mansard roofs, and on masonry walls and foundation walls. The devices give buildings adequate wall and roof system ventilation and moisture vapor release portals so as to better prevent mold and other water related damage. The devices may be used individually or in combination wherein the devices are placed on or against a parapet wall, masonry wall or foundation wall of a building. Further, the devices may be used in connection with a joist or truss system of a building to prevent moisture damage to the joists or truss system and to prevent compromises and other structural integrity problems to a building which often occur with moisture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface covering system intended for a surface in the form of a wet room floor, a roof or another substantially flat, delimited surface which is exposed to water and needs drainage, and to methods for preparing such a system. The surface covering system comprises at least one plate with a mark showing a drainage point and a substantially flat lower surface and an upper surface with a first decline towards the mark. The invention is characterised by that the first decline is circular and has a radial slope (?) directed towards the mark from every point on the at least one plate. The decline creates a cavity in the plate in the shape of at least a part of a blunt virtual cone with the apex of the cone directed towards the mark, achieving a modular surface covering system with an even circular decline.

Abstract: Buildings which include rudimentary plumbing can be transported as a set of disassembled modular parts and then assembled on site. The assembled building includes a water reservoir in the roof and a sewage reservoir in the base, so as to enable gravity-based water supply and sewage disposal in the absence of traditional plumbing and sewage infrastructure. Building envelope elements having internal reservoirs, and methods for constructing such building envelope elements are also described.

Abstract: An energy-efficient ventilated roofing system and method provides a deck protected from the weather by shingles and a sub-deck in a spaced apart relationship below the deck. The sub-deck is covered by a barrier fabric that is permeable to water vapor but that is substantially impermeable to liquid water. The deck and sub-deck define ventilation channels. The barrier fabric allows water vapor to escape from the building while acting as a secondary barrier to liquid water that may penetrate the shingles and deck. The ventilation channels allows the flow of ventilation air under the deck, avoiding damage to the deck and preventing blinding of roof ventilation due to building insulation or structural members or building debris.

Abstract: A sump system for use in basement waterproofing systems. A sump liner may be generally rectangular in geometry, and may include two side elements with apertures to exchange groundwater while blocking debris. An adjustable inlet may be provided in another side element to fluidly connect other elements of a basement waterproofing system to the sump liner. The sump liner may further include a base configured to provide a built-in stand for a sump pump. The pump stand may contain a lip with notches to allow debris to fall and collect in a trough around a periphery of the base. The base may further provide an underside cavity for accommodating an obstruction in the floor of a sump hole. A removable lid may facilitate access to the sump liner interior, and may contain a break-away feature to accommodate discharge piping, as well as a groove to lodge a pump power cord. The sump liner may be strategically oriented within the sump hole to protect the basement foundation from erosion.

Abstract: A building facade consisting of a building wall, an insulating layer comprising insulating elements, having a surface and disposed on the building wall, a facade cladding which is disposed at a distance from the building wall and from the insulating layer to form a rearventilation gap between insulating layer and facade cladding and a lock element provided for fire protection, which is disposed between neighbouring insulating elements of the insulating layer. In order to further develop a building facade in such a manner that it can be manufactured simply and therefore cost-effectively without additional structural elements being provided, the invention proposes a generic building facade where the lock element is formed in one piece from fibre material, extends over the surface of the insulating layer in the direction of the facade cladding and exhibits a compressibility and/or flexibility aligned at least predominantly between building wall and facade cladding.

Abstract: An outdoor floor covering includes a plurality of planks, a plurality of bases, and at least a fastening element. A positioning portion of each base is slidably disposed in a sliding groove of each plank. Adjacent ones of first sidewall surfaces of the bases are engaged with each other through engaging portions. Adjacent ones of second sidewall surfaces of the bases abut against each other through protruding and dent portions. At least a fastening element is engaged and connected between adjacent ones of the second sidewall surfaces of the bases. Hence, the outdoor floor covering of the present invention enables quick assembly and prevents the planks and bases from undergoing displacement horizontally or vertically. Accordingly, the outdoor floor covering is quick and convenient to lay, exhibits satisfactory structural stability, and enhances pedestrian safety.

Abstract: The wall serves for separating the inside of a building from the outside. According to a first aspect, the wall has a water vapor diffusion resistance of at most 20 meters, wherein the heat transfer coefficient amounts to at most 1.5 W/(m2·K), and the moisture storage capacity amounts to at least 2 kg/m2. According to a second aspect, the wall has a bearing layer (10) as well as an outer layer (9) and an inner layer (11), which include moisture-buffering materials.

Abstract: An integrated fiber cement and foam cladding system is provided that incorporates foam or similar light weight material to improve the insulation capacity of the cladding system. The system includes at least a fiber cement layer and a foam layer disposed on the backside of the fiber cement layer. The system improves the R-value of the building, a measure of the building's resistance to transferring heat or thermal energy.

Abstract: A device raises drywall off of a flooring surface. The device cooperates with a track which is connected to the flooring surface, the track having a side wall. The device includes a rod to which are connected a plurality of spaced apart clips. The clips are shaped and dimensioned to connect to the side wall of the track so that the rod resides outside the track and rests upon the flooring surface. The drywall is then placed upon the rod and thereby is spaced apart from the flooring surface.

Abstract: The building heat exchange system is suited for installation in areas having warmer seasonal climates. The system can include an external solar heated water supply, and an indoor water heater. An enclosure extends around the water heater, with indoor air flowing between the enclosure and water heater to a duct for distribution. During cooler conditions the water heater heats incoming water from the relatively cool external water supply, with the warmth of the water heater warming the air for distribution into the bathroom or other area as desired. In warmer times, the water supplied from the water supply can be sufficiently hot that additional heating is not needed, and can be hotter than desired. In such warmer conditions, the water heater can serve as a radiator, with heat radiated from the water heater being absorbed by air flowing past the water heater and expelled to the external environment.

Abstract: The composite log module can have an elongated structural shell having a first set parallel walls rigidly interconnected with a second set of parallel walls perpendicular to the first set of parallel walls, the interconnected walls enclosing an elongated cavity housing a core having thermal insulation material, and two opposite mating outer surfaces associated with the first set of parallel walls for stacking identical ones of the composite log, and two sides associated with the second set of parallel walls, the walls each having a structural engineered material.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a plurality of curtain wall members positioned in a horizontal array, a first curtain wall member separated from an adjacent second curtain wall member by a gap. The system further includes a gap-filling member positioned in the gap separating the adjacent first and second curtain wall members, the gap filling member comprising one or more vents.

Abstract: A deck drainage system includes a bracket. The bracket has three parts selectively separable from each other. These parts include a first portion, a second portion, and a central portion joining the first and second portions. The first portion has a first leg and a first arm disposed at an angle to the first leg. The second portion has a second leg and a second arm disposed at an angle to the second leg. The central portion is generally flat.

Abstract: A moisture isolating reveal system includes a vertical trim piece having a fastening base configured for vertical coupling along a wall. A reveal flange extends from the fastening base. The fastening base and the reveal flange form a panel reception recess, and the panel reception recess is configured to receive a siding panel. A moisture isolation assembly extends along one or more of the reveal flange or the fastening base. The moisture isolation assembly includes: a nozzle ridge provided along the reveal flange, a moisture dam interposed between the nozzle ridge and the fastening base, the moisture dam prevents the ingress of moisture to the fastening base, and the nozzle ridge accelerates moisture moving between the nozzle ridge and an installed siding panel and decelerates moisture between the nozzle ridge and the moisture dam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat exchange conduit formed between pre-fabricated building panels and a daylighting section integral within pre-fabricated, structural panels. The daylighting section has the capability to take ceiling air (or air below free-standing arrays) and either return it to the building during heating months, reject the heat, or shunt it for other uses after being warmed through a dual pane glazing assembly with infrared rejection. During summer days, this allows for dramatic reduction in building cooling demand. Heat exchange surfaces within the conduit are thermally tied to the exterior components of the panels to allow heating by solar insolation or cooling to night sky or air. An advanced insulation system adds to thermal performance and sealed insulation cavities prevent moisture degradation of R-Values. Passage through the heat exchange conduit allows for active whole roof solar collection in spring/fall and night cooling capability during summer night operation.

Abstract: Fire block devices for application to a wall component. The fire-block device can be a wall component that includes a fire-resistant material strip that expands in response to sufficient heat to create a fire-resistant barrier. In some applications, the fire-block wall component is positioned to extend lengthwise along and across a gap between wallboard members. The fire-block wall component may have a U-shaped central portion and a pair of side portions extending in opposite directions from the central portion. The fire-resistant material may be positioned on the central portion of the fire-block device. The central portion may be positioned within the gap such that the fire-resistant material expands in response to sufficient heat to create a fire-resistant barrier.

Abstract: Support panels for masonry objects and associated methods of use are disclosed herein. A support panel for masonry objects may include an inner surface, an outer surface, at least one stiffening channel formed longitudinally along the support panel, and a plurality of substantially C-shaped tabs extending from the outer surface, the tabs being disposed in spaced apart relation to one another to form a grid, wherein the tabs are configured to contactingly support at least a portion of a masonry object.

Abstract: An air mixing system includes a building superstructure having an open space therein and an attic. An air mixing unit mounted to the ceiling draws air from the open space and the attic, mixes the air and discharges the mixed air outwards from the fan.

Abstract: Structural panels, components and assemblies are described. The structural panel system comprises one or more panels having interlocking profile features providing convenient assembly of multiple panels to provide pre-assembled panels or structures, or components that are easily shipped and assembled at a site to satisfy a variety of building requirements, transport requirements, structural panel requirements, and the like. An integrated raceway gutter system may be provided for evacuation of moisture in conjunction with end-caps having a coordinating structure. Insulation components may be positioned at an interior side of panels and may be separated from the capillary break by a moisture impervious and/or heat reflective layer. Cladding panels may be pre-assembled, along with additional structural building components, to provide pre-assembled structural insulative (and non-insulative) panels.

Abstract: A cooling roof construction comprising a substantially horizontal roof having a weatherproof membrane, and where a perforated tile layer is arranged a distance above said membrane, where the space between the membrane and the perforated tile layer is connected by at least one conduit to an outside ambient space.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an insulation and ventilation system for a building envelope (e.g. a building wall and/or a building roof). The system includes: one or more interior building envelope layers; an insulation panel having an interior side abutting against at least one of the one or more interior building envelope layers and an exterior side having a plurality of transversely spaced and continuously longitudinally extending grooves interspaced between a plurality of transversely spaced and continuously longitudinally extending protrusions; and one or more exterior building envelope layers located exterior to the insulation panel to provide a plurality of transversely localized venting channels defined at least in part by an interior surface of the one or more exterior building envelope layers and the grooves of the exterior side of the insulation panel.

Abstract: A cladding system for cladding a supporting wall is disclosed. The cladding system includes a plurality of building blocks, each having a body and a facing; and a plurality of support brackets for mounting the blocks on the supporting wall in a plurality of adjoining horizontal rows. The body of each block includes engagement means for engaging at least one of the support brackets such that, in use, at least a part of the body of each block abuts at least a part of the body of a neighbouring block in an adjoining row so as to guard against water penetration between the rows.

Abstract: An insulation element and a structural system including such an element, wherein the insulation element includes: pedestals, the top surface of which is suitable for bearing a floor panel to be placed on top of the pedestals; and a substantially continuous surface between the pedestals. The continuous surface and the pedestals are fabricated in one piece in the same process from at least one heat insulating material. The mutual layout of the pedestals and the continuous surface is implemented in such a way that onto the substantially continuous surface, through spaces between the pedestals, at least on top of the substantially continuous surface can be pulled installation cables and, in addition, possibly also installation hoses or tubes across the support foundation.

Abstract: Novel devices, systems, and methods for providing exterior flooring that can be installed over existing exterior surfaces, such as surfaces of an outdoor deck, are provided herein. In some aspects, a joint device or joint member for an exterior floor covering can include a body portion and at least one tongue portion extending from the body portion. The joint device can be adapted to connect adjacent floor panels and secure the floor panels to an underlying surface. The joint device can, but is not required to pass liquid therebetween. The joint device and adjacent floor panels can be made of water resistant materials. The joint device can further include an optional opening adapted to receive an attachment member for attaching portions of the joint member to an underlying surface.

Abstract: A system for management of a roof having first and second decks covering an unconditioned space in a building and a peak, the system having a first channel extending from proximate a lower end of the first deck towards the peak and a second channel extending from proximate a lower end of the second deck towards the peak. The system further includes a router positioned proximate the peak, the router enabling air flowing to the peak from the first channel to be selectively routed to one of a plurality of directions.

Abstract: A roofing system and article for installation on a roof deck. The roofing article includes a body having an upper portion and an underside. A first channel is defined within the upper portion. The first channel includes an inlet. A second channel is defined intermediate the underside of the body and the roof deck. The second channel is operably connected to the first channel through an orifice, such that the outside air can enter the second channel through the orifice.

Abstract: A building envelope assembly including a first structural wall frame, a flexible sheet, a drain assembly, and a seal. The flexible sheet is disposed along a surface of the first structural wall frame. The flexible sheet configured to transport moisture along two opposing surfaces. The flexible sheet includes an upper portion and a bottom portion having a moisture wicking sheet. The drain assembly is configured to receive moisture from the flexible sheet. The seal is attached to the bottom portion of the flexible sheet and is configured to prevent ingress of water, water vapor, and air toward the upper portion of the flexible sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exterior finish system for building structures that includes a water pervious adhesive for securing an insulation layer to a water resistive barrier applied to a building wall substrate. Also disclosed is a building structure such as a building column or wall that includes the finish system and a method of using the finish system to assemble a building structure such as a column or wall.

Abstract: A roof tile installation assembly having a plurality of battens, each having a front end portion and a back end portion, and defining a channel between the front end portion and the back end portion, and at least one roof tile having a front end and a back end, the back end having a downwardly protruding flange. In use, the plurality of battens are preferably arranged parallel to one another on a rooftop so that the front end portion of each batten is toward the eave of the rooftop and the back end portion of each batten is toward the peak of the rooftop, and each roof tile flange is preferably arranged to be received by a batten channel so that the roof tile is substantially constrained from moving forward or backward relative to the batten so that the front end of each roof tile is arranged to be supported by the next adjacent batten.

Abstract: A roof vent and a roof structure are described. A roof vent can include a baffle with a cross-section where a first portion extends upward from a bottom plate and a second portion extends from the first portion to define a space between the bottom plate and the second portion. A roof structure may or may not have a roof deck, and comprises a plurality of roof cover elements with a radiant barrier layer underneath the top surfaces of at least some of the roof cover elements. In another embodiment, a roof structure may comprise more sheathing layer vent members than roof cover layer vent members. In yet another embodiment, a roof structure may comprise a layer of roof tiles with at least one vent member, the vent member comprising lateral end portions of a base member with a non-planar profile to engage a similar profile of an adjacent roof cover element.

Abstract: A water management system installation including framing, a jamb liner, a head liner, and a sill liner. The jamb liner having a cross-section and including a first landing and first and second walls defining an elongated channel, and a second landing extending from the second wall and vertically offset from the first landing, the second landing positioned toward a first jamb member with the first wall disposed toward the exterior side of the building structure. The head liner having a cross-section that is substantially the same as the cross-section of the jamb liner, the second landing of the head liner positioned toward a head member with the first wall disposed toward the exterior side of the building structure. The sill liner having a cross-section and including a first landing positioned toward a sill member with a wall disposed toward the interior side of the building structure.

Abstract: A floor drain includes a head having a top surface, a leveling member, and a frame having a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the frame is positioned adjacent the top surface of the head. The leveling member is positioned between the head and the bottom surface of the frame and is displaceable relative to the head in a first direction. A method of leveling a floor drain with a floor surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fixture mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket for attaching, via a flange, to the outside wall of a building under construction. A mounting block for holding the fixture in place against the wall fits within the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a flashing component extending from the front face of the mounting bracket such that the mounting block is held in place by being at least partially surrounded by the flashing component. The fixture mounting assembly is useful but not limited to construction in which fiber cement siding will surround the outside wall and the associated fixture.

Abstract: A span type greenhouse has structural units installed parallel to one another over an entire length of a bay defined under a span. The ratio of a distance between a top of the greenhouse and a horizontal straight line passing through top ends of side posts over the bay width is less than 1/5. This greenhouse also has central double opening windows. In a transverse profile of the greenhouse, and angle formed between a straight line tangential to an arch segment in a transverse plane of the greenhouse at a side lintel, and a straight line intersecting a hinge axis and the end of a closed side window in the transverse plane of the greenhouse is non-zero in the direction of a concave side of the greenhouse profile, this break in slope procuring a slope for the closed window that is at least 15°.

Abstract: A lightweight, raised roof edge segmented to accommodate narrow openings for scupper-fed downspouts. The edge's segments include at least one pair of elongated, inflatable or otherwise fillable, membrane-covered barriers, each of which spans about 20 feet, making it compatible with typical spacings between industrial building downspouts. Retrofitted onto a flat or low pitch roof at the latter's joint with an exterior wall, the barrier, still in its flattened state, is secured and sealed not only to the roof but also to the wall. So secured, the barrier straddles the joint between them longitudinally. Subsequently filled with gas or solids, the barrier functions as a check dam, collecting and temporarily storing storm water and/or funneling it, via scupper, into a downspout. Barriers with rigid, longitudinally extending, angular peaks also tend to break up and lift high winds, further reducing potential roof damage.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exterior finish system for building structures that includes a water pervious adhesive for securing an insulation layer to a water resistive barrier applied to a building wall substrate. Also disclosed is a building structure such as a building column or wall that includes the finish system and a method of using the finish system to assemble a building structure such as a column or wall.

Abstract: Insulation spacer devices, methods and related construction techniques are provided. An exemplary device may include a body having a plurality of openings defining an openwork, to allow the passage of air therethrough when placed in contact with insulation material. The device may further include a plurality of spacer struts and/or spacing depressions fixedly attached to the body. The struts may be configured to maintain a predetermined distance between a first side of the insulation material and a building surface. The body and struts act together to define and maintain a space between the first side of the insulation material and the building surface, for example, for ventilation. The building surface can be the bottom face of a roof, an insulated attic floor, wall sheathing or a soundproofed demising wall, for example. The spacer device can be capable of being transported and stored together with, or as a separate item from, the insulation material, and can also be stored in nested layers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of foam backing panels for use with lap siding and configured for mounting on a building. Also disclosed are lap siding assemblies and products of lap sidings. One such embodiment of the foam backing panel comprises a rear face configured to contact the building, a flat front face configured for attachment to the lap siding, alignment means for aligning the lap siding relative to the building, means for providing a shadow line, opposing vertical side faces, a top face extending between a top edge of the front face and rear face and a bottom face extending between a bottom edge of the front face and rear face.

Abstract: A method of providing a removable building structure containing computing equipment. The method comprises providing an array of cabinets. The cabinets are formed from vertical support pillars wherein at least some of the vertical support pillars are hollow and have apertures formed along their length and arranged to enable air flow through the posts to control the temperature within the building. A roof is supported by using the array of cabinets as a modular constructional element of the building structure to provide support providing outer walls for the building. Computing equipment is placed in the cabinets.

Abstract: Exterior opaque hidden frame wall units and systems combining facing plates and composite insulated panels in a pressure-equalized Airloop system, permitting an opaque hidden frame wall unit without the need for intermediate stiffeners for resisting wind load, without exterior aesthetic problems associated with composite insulated panels, without a separate interior wall, and without interior condensation problems. Also provided are exterior opaque hidden frame Airloop wall units and systems with the air seal being isolated from the water seal on an offset vertical plane and away from the interior surface of the facing plate.

Abstract: An article of flashing for a deck includes a channel with a back leg, a first side leg, and a second side leg and further includes an attachment flange fixedly connected to the channel where the channel is adapted to receive decking. A deck flashing system includes a deck with a surface and at least one edge, decking forming the surface of the deck, and flashing extending along the at least one edge, the flashing having a channel adapted to receive the decking. A method of trimming a deck includes erecting deck framing, installing decking on the framing, and installing flashing on at least one edge or the entire perimeter of the deck.

Abstract: A solar heat pump building preferably includes a building, an air barrier insulation layer, a material insulation layer and a plurality of ducts. The air barrier insulation layer includes a ceiling air barrier insulation layer and a wall air barrier insulation layer. The ceiling air barrier insulation layer is a ceiling air gap created between a ceiling sheet and a roof panel. The wall air barrier insulation layer is a wall air gap created between the ceiling sheet and two opposing lengthwise wall panels, and two inner end wall sheets and two opposing end wall panels. Two lengthwise wall insulation layers are attached to vertical portions of the ceiling sheet. Two end wall insulation layers are attached to the two inner end wall sheets. A plurality of ducts include lengthwise ducts and end ducts, which are retained in the wall air barrier insulation layer to channel air.

Abstract: One embodiment of a safety surfacing tile comprises a top surface; a plurality of series of first members supporting the top surface and extending across a transverse length of the safety surfacing tile; a plurality of series of second members supporting the top surface and extending across a length of the safety surfacing tile perpendicular to the transverse length; and a grid of voids formed by the intersecting first and second members on an underside of the top surface, wherein the grid of voids absorbs impact energy from an object impacting the top surface.