Abstract: An insulated ceiling is provided for a metal building, an includes a plurality of spaced apart metal purlins with upper and lower flanges, a metal roof attached to the upper flanges of the purlins, insulated panels attached to the bottom flanges of the purlins so as to define a space between the roof and the panels, and insulation in the space. The panels are mechanically attached to the purlins with a plurality of clips and support members such that penetrating fasteners are unnecessary.

Abstract: An insultated wall system comprises a plurarity of foldable blocks, each having two panels of rigid insulated foam, multiple inserts embedded in the panels, and ties between pairs of inserts. Each insert has one or more connectors, each with an end hole that swivelably receives the end leg of a tie in a manner that enables the block to fold. Each connector further has a top opening that releaseably captures the middle leg of the tie and rigidly locks the block against folding. The connectors are double-ended, and the inserts are invertible in the panels. Corner and T-walls are made by simple cuts in the standard blocks. Plates and ties are used to hold together the blocks of a main wall and an intersecting T-wall. The connectors of a panel may contact either the connectors of the other panel, or the other panel itself, when the block is folded.

Abstract: Building element having two parallel welded wire grid mats (1, 2), of straight web wires (7) which hold the wire grid mats at a predetermined distance apart and are joined at each end to the two wire grid mats. An insulating body (8) is arranged between the wire grid mats, through which the web wires pass. At least one of the wire grid mats is in the form of a grid reinforcement mat which possesses a minimum strength of the weld nodes which complies with the static requirements applicable to the building element, corresponding mechanical strength of the grid mat wires (3, 4) and also corresponding diameters and mutual spacings of the grid mat wires. The web wires are arranged in predetermined directions relative to the wire grid mats, and the insulating body is held at a predetermined distance from each of the wire grid mats.

Abstract: A roofing system for a roof deck able to retain mechanical fasteners includes a layer of roof insulation boards overlaying the roof deck and a plurality of spaced apart hold-down straps overlaying the roof insulation boards. The hold-down straps have pre-formed mechanical fastener openings therethrough on preselected center to center spacings and mechanical fasteners pass down through the mechanical fastener openings in the hold-down straps, through the roof insulation boards, and into the roof deck to secure the roof insulation boards to the roof deck. Preferably, the roof insulation boards each have guidelines thereon for placement of the hold-down straps relative to the roof insulation board.

Abstract: An attachment plate for securing a roof membrane to a roof deck comprising a generally planar contact surface, at least one aperture for receiving a fastener for securing the plate to the deck with the membrane therebetween, a first reinforcing rib formed by a continuous portion of the plate being raised upward from the contacting surface of the plate and extending at least around the perimeter of the plate, and a gripping edge extending downwardly at the perimeter of the plate from the first reinforcing rib to a plane below the plane in the contacting surface. The plate may be generally square with the aperture located at the center of the plate, and may include a second reinforcing rib which intersects the first reinforcing rib at about the center of each of the sides of the first reinforcing rib.

Abstract: A seam plate or membrane plate implement assembly comprises a support strip or substrate having a longitudinal extent and upon which a plurality of seam plates or membrane plates are fixedly disposed at predetermined uniformly spaced longitudinal positions which correspond to the transverse spacing defined between the crest portions of an underlying corrugated roof decking substructure. In this manner, when a particular one of the membrane plates or seam plates is fixedly secured to one of the crest portions of the underlying corrugated roof decking substructure by suitable threaded fasteners, the remaining membrane plates or seam plates will be automatically properly aligned with the other crest portions of the underlying corrugated roof decking substructure so as to automatically ensure proper and secure fixation of the seam plates or membrane plates upon the roof decking assembly.

Abstract: A two-piece fastener plate and fastener assembly and method of securing a roof membrane to a roof deck wherein the fastener is reinforced with concentric dome-shaped ribs separated by concentric depressions or dimples. The concentric depressions or dimples are provided with pairs of barbs for gripping the roof membrane when the fastener secures the roof membrane to the roof deck.

Abstract: Two-piece fastener assembly for securing thermoplastic roof membranes to an underlying roof deck having: a batten bar coated with a thermoplastic coating on its top surface; a plurality of openings in the batten bar; and fasteners positioned in the plurality of openings for securing the batten bar and one thermoplastic roof membrane to the underlying roof deck.

Abstract: A seam plate for use in connection with securing membrane sheets to underlying roof decking substructure comprises a substantially rectangular plate having a central aperture for receiving a bolt fastener. Upstanding rib structure is provided upon the plate so as to provide different regions thereof with different rigidity, flexibility, and bendability properties. The rib structure can have, for example, a substantially diamond-shaped configuration or an X-shaped configuration for respectively providing corner regions of the plate with increased or decreased flexibility. A plurality of downwardly extending projections, having substantially V-shaped cross-sectional configurations, are provided upon the underside of the seam plate so as to engage the membrane sheets and retain the same at their desired locations upon the underlying roof deck substructure assembly.

Abstract: The present invention includes connectors that are configured for securing an insulating layer to existing structures. The connectors are composed of a thermally insulating material to prevent undesired thermal bridging through the insulating layer. The connectors include enlarged contact surfaces and stems that are configured to prevent the connector from undesirably compressing, passing entirely through, or otherwise damaging the insulating layer. The connectors are configured to mount to the existing structure or to be coupled with embeds that are placed within the structural layer of a composite wall. The connectors may also include structure for interconnecting other wall layers to the composite wall and structure for slidably engaging a flat concrete tie.

Abstract: Building element having two parallel welded wire grid mats (1, 2), of straight web wires (7) which hold the wire grid mats at a predetermined distance apart and are joined at each end to the two wire grid mats. An insulating body (8) is arranged between the wire grid mats, through which the web wires pass. At least one of the wire grid mats is in the form of a grid reinforcement mat which possesses a minimum strength of the weld nodes which complies with the static requirements applicable to the building element, corresponding mechanical strength of the grid mat wires (3, 4) and also corresponding diameters and mutual spacings of the grid mat wires. The web wires are arranged in predetermined directions relative to the wire grid mats, and the insulating body is held at a predetermined distance from each of the wire grid mats.

Abstract: An attachment plate for securing a roof membrane to a roof deck comprising a generally planar contact surface, at least one aperture for receiving a fastener for securing the plate to the deck with the membrane therebetween, a first reinforcing rib formed by a continuous portion of the plate being raised upward from the contacting surface of the plate and extending at least around the perimeter of the plate, and a gripping edge extending downwardly at the perimeter of the plate from the first reinforcing rib to a plane below the plane in the contacting surface. The plate may be generally square with the aperture located at the center of the plate, and may include a second reinforcing rib which intersects the first reinforcing rib at about the center of each of the sides of the first reinforcing rib.

Abstract: An exemplary primer/membrane package system comprises (a) a membrane comprising a carrier sheet and a pressure-sensitive adhesive thereon; and (b) an aqueous dispersion primer composition operative to promote adhesion between a construction surface and the membrane. The primer composition comprises at least two of an acetate, maleate, and acrylate, and has a viscosity of 200-2000 cp and more preferably 400-800 cp (Brookfield/#5 spindle/50 rpm, 25° C).

Abstract: A roof decking membrane welding system and method comprises first and second roof decking membranes having edge portions thereof welded to each other so as to define a seamed connection therebetween. The edge portion of a first one of the membranes is disposed beneath a seam plate and folded over the top of the seam plate so as to be secured upon itself either at a location adjacent to the seamed connection with the second membrane or between the first membrane and the edge portion of the second membrane. In either case, the folded edge portion of the first membrane forms a closed loop portion which presents multiple regions for load-sharing in resisting uplifting wind load forces. Alternatively, the edge portion of the first membrane is folded over itself but disposed beneath the seam plate so as to present dual plies of the first membrane for engagement with the seam plate so as to again provide load-sharing characteristics under uplifting wind load forces.

Abstract: A roofing system for a roof deck able to retain mechanical fasteners includes a layer of roof insulation boards overlaying the roof deck and a plurality of spaced apart hold-down straps overlaying the roof insulation boards. The hold-down straps have pre-formed mechanical fastener openings therethrough on preselected center to center spacings and mechanical fasteners pass down through the mechanical fastener openings in the hold-down straps, through the roof insulation boards, and into the roof deck to secure the roof insulation boards to the roof deck. Preferably, the roof insulation boards each have guidelines thereon for placement of the hold-down straps relative to the roof insulation board.

Abstract: A stress plate or seam plate for use in connection with securing membrane sheets to underlying roofing decking substructure comprises a circular disk having a central aperture for receiving a screw fastener. A plurality of concentric ribs are defined between the central aperture and the peripheral edge of the plate for providing reinforcing and bending or flexibility characteristics to the stress plate or seam plate, and in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, a plurality of circumferentially spaced, downwardly extending projections having substantially V-shaped cross-sectional configurations are provided upon the underside of the seam or stress plate so as to engage the membrane sheets and retain the same at their desired locations upon the underlying roofing deck substructural assembly.

Abstract: A concrete construction block includes a pair of opposing spaced apart concrete side panels, a plurality of fasteners carried by the concrete side panels and arranged in pairs, and a plurality of panel couplers extending between respective opposing pairs of fasteners for holding the concrete side panels in an opposing spaced apart relation. Each panel coupler includes a pair of support plates secured to respective fasteners and an attachment member extends between the support plates. The support plates strengthen the concrete construction block under load conditions.

Abstract: An anchor plate for securing a membrane to a sub-structure such as a roof, tunnel, tank etc. The plate has an elevated bonding platform and a enlarged central countersink, sufficiently deep to accommodate the head of a fastening screw, without the screw head protruding above the top profile of the anchor plate when the screw secures the plate to the underlying substructure. The height difference between the bonding platform and the base of the countersink together with the fact that the countersink area is wider than the head of the screw ensures that when the screw is fastened to the underlying substructure, the bonding platform does not flex. The bonding platform carries a heat activated adhesive which is inductively heated to secure an overlying membrane to the substructure.

Abstract: A stress plate or seam plate for use in connection with securing membrane sheets to underlying roofing decking substructure comprises a circular disk having a central aperture for receiving a screw fastener. A plurality of concentric ribs are defined between the central aperture and the peripheral edge of the plate for providing reinforcing and bending or flexibility characteristics to the stress plate or seam plate, and in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, a plurality of circumferentially spaced, downwardly extending projections having substantially V-shaped cross-sectional configurations are provided upon the underside of the seam or stress plate so as to engage the membrane sheets and retain the same at their desired locations upon the underlying roofing deck substructural assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roofing shingle, which can surely prevent water such as rainwater from leaking through a roof. A roofing shingle has a rectangular plate (11) provided with first through fourth seam portions (11a-11d). The first and second seam portions (11a, 11b) are positioned in a pair along opposite side edges of said plate and folded in opposite directions with respect to a plane of said plate. The third and fourth seam portions (11c, 11d) are positioned in a pair along opposite end edges of said plate and folded in opposite directions with respect to the plane of said plate. The roofing shingle comprises a waterproofing sheet member (20) having a sheet (21) with its configuration greater than that of said plate and adhesive layers (22a, 22b) provided on both sides of the sheet.

Abstract: A roof decking membrane welding system and method comprises first and second roof decking membranes having edge portions thereof welded to each other so as to define a seamed connection therebetween. The edge portion of a first one of the membranes is disposed beneath a seam plate and folded over the top of the seam plate so as to be secured upon itself either at a location adjacent to the seamed connection with the second membrane or between the first membrane and the edge portion of the second membrane. In either case, the folded edge portion of the first membrane forms a closed loop portion which presents multiple regions for load-sharing in resisting uplifting wind load forces. Alternatively, the edge portion of the first membrane is folded over itself but disposed beneath the seam plate so as to present dual plies of the first membrane for engagement with the seam plate so as to again provide load-sharing characteristics under uplifting wind load forces.

Abstract: Elementary module (21) for forming a thermal bridge break (1) between a wall (2) and a concrete slab (3).

Abstract: The invention provides a fastening plate for securing a membrane to a substrate. The membrane has an inner side to be positioned adjacent to the substrate and an outer side disposed opposite to the inner side, and the membrane also has a dimpled portion including an array of dimples and a substantially smooth top portion. The dimples form depressions on the outer side and corresponding projections from the inner side. The fastening plate has a mating portion including a contact side to be positioned adjacent to the outer side of the membrane, a biasing portion extending from the mating portion. The mating portion includes an array of locator elements projecting inwardly from the contact side for cooperating with a corresponding number of the dimples to position the mating portion on the dimpled portion. The mating portion is adapted to receive at least one fastener.

Abstract: A stress plate or seam plate for use in connection with securing membrane sheets to underlying roofing decking substructure comprises a circular disk having a central aperture for receiving a screw fastener. A plurality of concentric ribs are defined between the central aperture and the peripheral edge of the plate for providing reinforcing and bending or flexibility characteristics to the stress plate or seam plate, and in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, a plurality of circumferentially spaced, downwardly extending projections having substantially V-shaped cross-sectional configurations are provided upon the underside of the seam or stress plate so as to engage the membrane sheets and retain the same at their desired locations upon the underlying roofing deck substructural assembly.

Abstract: A seam plate for use in connection with securing membrane sheets to underlying roof decking substructure comprises a substantially rectangular plate having a central aperture for receiving a bolt fastener. Upstanding rib structure is provided upon the plate so as to provide different regions thereof with different rigidity, flexibility, and bendability properties. The rib structure can have, for example, a substantially diamond-shaped configuration or an X-shaped configuration for respectively providing corner regions of the plate with increased or decreased flexibility. A plurality of downwardly extending projections, having substantially V-shaped cross-sectional configurations, are provided upon the underside of the seam plate so as to engage the membrane sheets and retain the same at their desired locations upon the underlying roof deck substructure assembly.

Abstract: A spacer for use for mounting of spacing fillets on a underlayment with a distance between the underlayment and the spacing fillets, where tie spacer has a bottom plate with an upper side for abutting the underside. A spacer for use for the mounting of spacing fillets on an underlayment with a space between underlayment and the spacing fillets, where the spacer has a bottom plate with an upper side for abutting the underside of the spacing fillet, and the spacer on the opposite side of this bottom plate is provided with a spacing unit for abutting the surface of the underlayment.

Abstract: The following disclosure describes a wood-product based door or window component including a wood-product based core having opposing first and second surfaces and at least a first side edge. Overlaying at least part of the first surface is a first overlay structure that includes a resin-impregnated paper, and overlaying at least part of the second surface is a second overlay structure that includes a resin-impregnated paper. The wood product based core has an edge band attached to the first side edge, and the edge band includes a resin-impregnated paper. The edge band is attached so that a portion of the wood-product based core is between the resin-impregnated paper of the edge band and the resin-impregnated paper overlaying the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: A composite roofing material includes a final condition underlayment material having bonded thereto appropriate rows of nail tabs preferably made of thermoplastic-based material, such as low density polyethylene material, and of a contrasting color to the underlayment material. A process is used to make the nail tabs by conveying the saturated underlayment material in a continuous process past appropriate sets of nozzles that are coordinated with the speed of conveyance to deposit the tabs while in a liquid state and to form tabs of appropriate size and appropriately patterned across the underlayment surface. Each nozzle can include multiple orifices to control the width and thickness of the formed tabs. A similar process is disclosed for making other building cover materials having rows of nail tabs coinciding with standard stud spacing.

Abstract: A replacement edging for gravel stop edging for use on flat roof buildings is disclosed. The unit features an inverted L-shaped, the terminal area of the vertical section thereof being bent and formed around to retain the edge of an overlaid layer of APR, attactic polypropylene rubber. During the roof construction process, the balance of the APR is torched into place onto the metal member. The rest of the roof construction process is otherwise conventional. The process of on site application of the new edging is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching roof membranes to roof decks. A bridge is placed on flaps created by overlapping portions of roofing material. The bridge is comprised of two end portions which engage the roofing material. A screw is preferably installed through the bridge and into the roof deck. When wind applies force to the roofing membrane, the bridge creates a fulcrum-like effect which helps secure the roof membrane to the roof deck.

Abstract: A fastener for securing insulation panels to a structural substrate. The fastener comprising an integral cover and a brim connected to a funnel terminating in a hole. The hole allows a screw to pass through so as to connect the fastener to the structural substrate. The cover in the closed position creates a reservoir which facilitates bonding of the fastener to a surface coating applied over the fastener. The funnel has at least one hole which secures the fastener to the insulation panels and helps prevent rotation of the fastener.

Abstract: A flexible disk for securely holding insulation to an air duct made from a resilient material, and having a convex upper surface and a diameter of from 1.5 inches to 4.0 inches. A washer for receiving a disk fastener is centrally positioned in the disk top, which is thicker than the top. A rim is located at the circumference of the top which has a planar bottom for contacting the insulation. When the disk is properly attached to an air duct by a fastener, it deforms to a concave configuration by which it resiliently exerts force on the underside surface of the disk and the rim which in turn presses downward on the insulation, securely holding the insulation in place without crushing the insulation.

Abstract: An attachment implement, for use in connection with the mounting of a relatively thin, highly dense insulation panel upon an underlying structural substrate, comprises a washer plate portion and an integral lower body portion which has a substantially inverted dome-shaped or bell-shaped configuration. The axial depth dimension of the implement is relatively shallow or small, and the inverted dome-shaped or bell-shaped configuration advantageously distributes or disperses the compressive forces attendant the mounting of the insulation panel upon the underlying structural substrate whereby desired compression of the insulation panel, and its rigidifying or strength-enhancing membrane, occurs without tearing or cutting of the insulation panel and its membrane so as not to adversely affect the strength, rigidity, and structural integrity of the insulation panel.

Abstract: A batten for securing sheeting to a substrate is comprised of a lengthwise strip having fastening surfaces thereon. The fastening surfaces are spacially related along the length of the strip to coincide with the spacial relationship present between structural members of a standard wall structure. The fastening surfaces thus serve as indicators of the locations of such structural members. Each fastening surface includes a moisture barrier that forms a moisture-tight seal around a fastener when driven through the fastening surface and sheeting and into the substrate.

Abstract: A waterproof sheet fixing member for fixing a waterproof thermoplastic resin sheet on a structure to be waterproofed, includes a plate-like main member made of thermoplastic resin, and a conductive multi-aperture sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface. The conductive multi-aperture sheet has a plurality of joining apertures each communicating the upper surface with the lower surface, and is integrally provided in the main member. A method of fixing the waterproof thermoplastic resin sheet includes the steps of fixing the fixing member on a surface of the structure, spreading the waterproof thermoplastic resin sheet on the surface of the structure, and induction heating the conductive multi-aperture sheet via the waterproof thermoplastic resin sheet to melt a portion where the main member contacts the waterproof thermoplastic resin sheet. Thus, the main member is integrally welded to the waterproof thermoplastic resin sheet.

Abstract: The present invention is a roofing fastener assembly. The assembly includes a fastener, a barbed washer, and a screw. The screw projects through the fastener and exits the free end of the fastener. Upon installation of the screw and fastener, the barbs of the washer penetrate into the roof membrane and insulation layer. An extending rim on the washer receives the head of the fastener to resist the relative lateral movement of the washer and fastener. Stabilizing fingers project from a free end of the fastener and hold the screw in place during assembly.

Abstract: A steel roof deck diaphragm to provide structural rigidity to a building wherein loads of varying intensity can cause movement of structural members, which tends to generate noise when two members rub or work against each other. Corrugated sheets of high tensile steel are supported from below and span the distance between purlins, the corrugated sheets having over-lapping side edges and end edges and upper and lower surfaces. Non-metallic strips of felt form spacers positioned between the over-lapping side edges and end edges to prevent generation of noise resulting from relative movement of the corrugated sheets.

Abstract: An articulating plate assembly for retaining sheets of roofing material on a roof surface includes a plate defining (i) a generally hemispherically-shaped recess in a central portion of a first surface thereof, and (ii) an aperture disposed in the recess and extending through the plate, and a fastener having (i) a shank portion configured to pass through the aperture and to engage the roof surface, and (ii) a head portion having an underside of a curved configuration generally complementary to the recess.

Abstract: Building element including of two parallel welded wire grid mats (1, 2), of straight web wires (7) which hold the wire grid mats at a predetermined distance apart and are joined at each end to the two wire grid mats, and of an insulating body (8) which is arranged between the wire grid mats and through which the web wires pass, wherein at least one of the wire grid mats is in the form of a grid reinforcement mat which possesses a minimum strength of the weld nodes which complies with the static requirements applicable to the building element, corresponding mechanical strength of the grid mat wires (3, 4) and also corresponding diameters and mutual spacings of the grid mat wires, and wherein the web wires are arranged in predetermined directions relative to the wire grid mats, and the insulating body is held at a predetermined distance from each of the wire grid mats.

Abstract: An improved membrane plate for attaching a membrane to a roof is disclosed. The improved membrane plate includes a plate body portion having a bottom surface for disposing the bottom surface against the membrane and an opening to permit a fastening device to pass therethrough for securing the membrane plate and the membrane to the roof. A plurality of spaced apart lances joined to said plate body portion by a hinged lance edge and extending downwardly from the plate body portion wherein the spaced apart lances are disposed upon the plate body portion to define an oval shape having a longitudinal oval axis. The hinged edges are aligned parallel to the longitudinal oval axis. The membrane plate is subjected to a shear force when attached to the roof and is disposed such that the longitudinal oval axis of the membrane plate is perpendicular to the shear force.

Abstract: A method of applying a roof membrane assembly to a roof deck. The method includes the steps of providing a roof membrane assembly including a first roof membrane and a second roof membrane. The first roof membrane has at least one longitudinally extending edge and the second roof membrane overlaps the first roof membrane and is bonded along at least one longitudinally extending edge of the first roof membrane to define a membrane flap having a longitudinally extending edge. The roof membrane assembly is then positioned upon the roof deck and at least one roof membrane fastening device is positioned over the first roof membrane and beneath the longitudinally extending membrane flap and secured through the first roof membrane and into the roof deck. The longitudinally extending edge of the membrane flap is then bonded to the first roof membrane.

Abstract: A roofing plate for securing a roofing membrane to a roof includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a generally oblong peripheral edge having two major sides and two minor sides. An opening is located generally centrally on the plate in a central portion for receiving a fastener for securing the plate to the roof, and a plurality of gripping formations are formed on the peripheral edge for preventing slippage of the roofing membrane relative to the plate. Also included are a pair of first rib portions which project from the top surface respectively along at least each of the two major sides between the peripheral edge and the central opening, and a pair of transverse ribs which project from the top surface for enhancing torsional stability and reinforcing the central portion of the plate.

Abstract: A joist locating device includes a screw having a head at one end, and a threaded portion at and adjacent to an opposing end, which is oppositely disposed from the head, with a long smooth barrel between the head and the threaded portion. A washer may fit over the barrel and threaded portion, but not the head in order to provide for the screw to be pulled from the floor.

Abstract: An insulated wall includes first and second spaced apart layers of concrete having a layer of insulating material sandwiched therebetween. Extending through the insulative layer are a plurality of spike connectors having their opposite ends protruding into the two concrete layers and having their central portions extending through the insulating material. On of the opposite ends of the spike connectors is pointed so as to permit it to be punched through the insulative layer. The opposite ends of the spikes each include a holding surface facing at least partially toward the central insulative layer and holding the concrete layers against movement away from the insulative layer. C-shaped connectors may also be used in a similar fashion with hook ends hooked over elongated cables extending within the two concrete layers so as to tie them together.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing highly insulating connector rods and highly insulating composite wall structures using such connector rods. The connector rods are highly insulating and are injection molded in a single step from an appropriate resinous material or moldable plastic. Discontinuous fibers may be impregnated within the resinous material or other moldable plastic. The single-step molding method yields connector rods having pointed ends for facilitating entry through an insulating layer and a first structural layer not yet cured, and also an enlarged head for receiving an impact from a hammer or mallet or for facilitating gripping by the installer. The enlarged head also provides an anchoring effect within a second structural layer upon curing. The connector rods are manufactured to include a ridge or flange to limit the depth of penetration by the connector rod when inserted into the insulating material when forming the composite wall structure.

Abstract: A roof includes a deck, an insulating layer over the deck and a base sheet comprising a laminate of aluminum and unwoven polyester overlaying the insulating layer such that the unwoven polyester layer faces the insulating layer. The base sheet and insulating layer are fastened to the deck by a plurality of mechanical fasteners. A conventional built-up roof composite, or a conventional single-ply membrane, is then formed over the base sheet.

Abstract: An anchor nail for use with gypsum and other cementitious or composite materials used in roofing which includes a tapered tubular shank having openings therein through which ends of an insert wire staple are deflected to provide an anchoring for the nail within the material and wherein the legs of the staple are formed so as to prevent fastener withdrawal.

Abstract: A roofing system for use with a cooled building. A first layer of insulation is attached to the roof deck using fasteners. A vapor barrier is formed over the fasteners. A second layer of insulation is formed over the vapor barrier. A board weighs down the second layer of insulation and a waterproof layer is formed over the board. The roofing system prevents thermal conduction into the refrigerated building while allowing the roof to be vented.

Abstract: A self-sealing furring nail has a nail and a furring wad assembly. The furring wad assembly includes a plunger friction fit on the nail and a housing friction fit on a shaft of the plunger at one end of the housing, and at the other end of the housing there is a gap between the housing and the nail. The activating surface of the plunger is located within the housing, and the plunger's shaft extends from within the housing outside of the housing towards the nail head. The housing has a package of sealant material inside. The package has a sealant encased within a burstable bag. When the furring nail is driven through building paper into a frame of a building, the head of the nail contacts the plunger's shaft causing the plunger's activating surface to compress the bag of sealant. The bag bursts and the sealant passes through the gap between the nail and housing and seals the penetration hole between the nail and the building paper.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a method of localizing leaks in roof structures and novel penetrating devices utilized for that purpose. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing roof structures and methods of repairing roofs. The penetrating devices also have the capability of leak detection when used in conjunction with a barrier layer in a roof structure.