Abstract: A panel having a panel surface and an edge pair of mutually opposite complementary panel edges provided with complementary locking elements. The complementary locking elements are configured such that, when two panels are assembled, both a locking action of the panel edges in a direction perpendicular to the panel surface and a locking action preventing the panels from moving apart is achieved underneath a visible joint by the assembled complementary locking elements. The panel edges with the locking elements have an upper portion and a lower portion, relative to thickness of the panel. The locking elements are arranged and configured in the lower portion. The upper portion forms the upper joint region, including the visible part of the joint. The upper portion on each panel edge of the edge pair has a chamfer which, when two panels are assembled, forms a depressed joint. The chamfers of the complementary panel edges are different sizes in the upper portion.

Abstract: A connecting system for boards, and a connecting device and a support element for boards are disclosed. The connecting system includes the support element configured to support at least one board and the connecting device configured to releasably fasten the at least one board to the support element. The support element includes at least one lateral surface with at least one locking member arranged on the lateral surface. The connecting device includes at least one arm with a locking member configured for engagement with the locking member of the support element. At least one of the locking member of the support element and the locking member of the connecting device includes a plurality of protrusions forming a plurality of locking positions of the connecting device relative the support element.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to systems, assemblies, and methods for the installation of insulation on the outside surface of exterior metal stud walls. In such systems, assemblies, and methods, an insulation framing element comprises an insulation support member configured to support an edge of one or more insulation layers, a frame coupling member extending from the insulation support member and configured for coupling to one or more frame elements of a structural support wall, and an insulation retention member extending from the insulation support member and configured to retain the edge of the one or more the insulation layers in a desired position with respect to the insulation support member.

Abstract: A fastener and an assembly for making space and adding support between external and internal building components, both serving as and creating a thermal barricade between building components, where the fastener saves time and significant cost in the construction process.

Abstract: A child part to be connected to a parent part is provided. The child part includes a main panel, and a clip tower on a surface of the main panel. The clip tower includes a base to hold a clip and a retention member extending from the base at a direction away from the main panel and bending to form a sloped portion with an angle to the surface of the main panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a deck connector for aligning adjacent decking members, such as deck boards, at a set distance from each other and for attaching the decking members to a support member, such as a joist.

Abstract: A magnetic conveyance system comprising a support structure having a ferromagnetic capacity and a trolley moveable upon the support structure in a plurality of directions. The trolley may include a trolley frame and at least one attractor cell disposed on the trolley frame. The at least one attractor cell may comprise a housing and at least one magnet, at least one friction reducing load spreading device, and a load transfer member disposed within the housing. The magnet may provide a magnetic attraction force between the trolley and the support structure. The friction reducing load spreading device may comprise a plurality of bearing balls circulating within a reservoir and a channel formed by the load transfer member disposed within the housing. The load transfer member may also include a bearing surface wherein a portion of the plurality of bearing balls is disposed between the bearing surface and the support structure.

Abstract: A system secures adjacent edges of a first metal-backed wallboard panel and a second metal-backed wallboard panel on a wall structure having spaced-apart metal studs. The system includes a strap having a first surface and a second surface. The strap has a length selected to extend at least between a first metal stud and a second metal stud. The strap includes a plurality of partial cutouts. Each partial cutout includes a transverse portion and a stem portion. The transverse portion has a proximal edge. The stem portion has a first end connected to the proximal edge of the transverse portion and has a second end connected to the strap. The second end extends from the first surface of the strap such that the proximal edge of the transverse portion is parallel to the surface and is spaced apart from the surface by a selected gap distance.

Abstract: A system for fastening a covering on a surface includes a first assembly comprising a first retaining element; and a second assembly comprising a second retaining element; the first and second retaining elements being configured to engage each other so as to form a reversible bond; the system being characterized in that the first retaining element comprises an array of retaining elements comprising hooks having a height (Hc) lying in the range 0.05 mm (0.0020 in) to 1 mm (0.039 in), and the second retaining element comprises an array of retaining elements comprising loops having a height (Hb) lying in the range 0.1 mm (0.0039 in) to 3.0 mm (0.12 in).

Abstract: A concrete wall formwork module is provided in which the lateral and longitudinal opposite side edges of the modules are provided with complementary shapes that lock in place two adjacent modules when they are both deployed. The opposite side edges of adjacent modules interlock in one direction and are configured for adjoining according to a shiplap arrangement in the other direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting assembly for attaching solar panels to a rooftop. The assembly allows for convenient installment and adjustment of the panels.

Abstract: A magnetic conveyance system comprising a support structure having a ferromagnetic capacity and a trolley moveable upon the support structure in a plurality of directions. The trolley may include a trolley frame and at least one attractor cell disposed on the trolley frame. The at least one attractor cell may comprise a housing and at least one magnet, at least one friction reducing load spreading device, and a load transfer member disposed within the housing. The magnet may provide a magnetic attraction force between the trolley and the support structure. The friction reducing load spreading device may comprise a plurality of bearing balls circulating within a reservoir and a channel formed by the load transfer member disposed within the housing. The load transfer member may also include a bearing surface wherein a portion of the plurality of bearing balls is disposed between the bearing surface and the support structure.

Abstract: A magnetic conveyance system comprising a support structure having a ferromagnetic capacity and a trolley moveable upon the support structure in a plurality of directions. The trolley may include a trolley frame and at least one attractor cell disposed on the trolley frame. The at least one attractor cell may comprise a housing and at least one magnet, at least one friction reducing load spreading device, and a load transfer member disposed within the housing. The magnet may provide a magnetic attraction force between the trolley and the support structure. The friction reducing load spreading device may comprise a plurality of bearing balls circulating within a reservoir and a channel formed by the load transfer member disposed within the housing. The load transfer member may also include a bearing surface wherein a portion of the plurality of bearing balls is disposed between the bearing surface and the support structure.

Abstract: Described herein is a mounting system and slider clips that support simplified installation of photovoltaic structures. The mounting system comprises a support structure which can be mounted to support columns via an optional tilt table. The support structure comprises a plurality of parallel spaced beams and a plurality of parallel spaced rails that are mounted approximately perpendicular to the beams. Disclosed embodiments describe a collapsible support structure in which the rails are pivotally mounted to the beams. Rails are preassembled with prefabricated slider clips for holding edge portions of the photovoltaic structures. Rails can also be integrally formed with slider clips. Described herein are also methods of installing one or more photovoltaic structures using the mounting system and methods for manufacturing slider clips and a photovoltaic structure mounting system.

Abstract: A reinforcement system includes a structural member such as a concrete wall including a pair of holes formed therein. A fiber reinforcement strip is adhered to the structural member between the pair of holes. A U-shaped bracket includes a pair of legs being adhered in the pair of holes and a bridge portion that overlaps the fiber reinforcement strip, wherein the first end of the fiber reinforcement strip is wrapped around the bridge portion and adhered to an intermediate portion of the fiber reinforcement strip.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an outdoor flooring such as a lightweight deck surface, employs a fiber reinforced polymer structural panel with internally tapered plural grid openings therein. A connector is driven into selected openings to enable the panel to be secured to a deck frame, or in the case of an impenetrable deck frame, a series of plates are used with or without pipe stanchions to make a floating or raised floating planar surface. A surfacing material, such as a quarried stone, is attached to the top of the panel, providing a stone deck surface without requiring substantial structural support.

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: At least one embodiment of the invention describes roofing batten snap spacers that elevate a roofing batten from a roof. In one or more embodiments, the roofing batten snap spacer includes a base element having a first vertical height and having a first side, an opposing side, a first end and an opposing end. According to at least one embodiment, the base element couples with a roofing batten and elevates the roofing batten. The roofing batten may comprise an elongated portion of material having a top surface, a bottom surface and a portion therebetween of a second vertical height, such that the material couples with a roofing material. In at least one embodiment, the base element elevates the roofing batten from a roof by the first vertical height. This enables the roofing material to be offset from the roof by a sum of the first and second vertical heights.

Abstract: A panel mounting system and method of securing a panel to a vertical surface. The panel mounting system, which may be used in a point of sale (POS) display, includes a panel having a channel open to a rear surface of the panel. The channel has a top surface configured to engage a portion of a horizontal cleat and a bottom surface. A channel access opening allows a security cleat to be inserted into the channel through the rear surface of the panel. The security cleat is then repositioned laterally along the axis of the channel, thereby engaging the top and bottom surfaces of the channel and securing the horizontal cleat to the panel. The panel may be decoupled from the horizontal cleat by simply repositioning the security cleat to the channel access opening and removing the security cleat.

Abstract: An attachment system for a ventilated rain screen cladding system that is ASHRAE 90.1 compliant eliminating thermal breaks where anti-crush brackets have threaded horizontal apertures which engage threaded horizontal fasteners that are secured by threads into the wall studs and where anti-crush brackets have threaded diagonal apertures which engage threaded diagonal fasteners that are secured by threads into wall studs.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic (PV) module on a surface, including a support with an upper surface, a lower surface, tabs, one or more openings, and a clip comprising an arm and a notch, where the apparatus resists wind forces and seismic forces and creates a grounding electrical bond between the PV module, support, and clip. The invention further includes a method for installing PV modules on a surface that includes arranging supports in rows along an X axis and in columns along a Y axis on a surface such that in each row the distance between two neighboring supports does not exceed the length of the longest side of a PV module and in each column the distance between two neighboring supports does not exceed the length of the shortest side of a PV module.

Abstract: A closure system for a memorial product, such as a columbarium, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the closure system is configured to be mounted to a niche compartment such that an opening of the niche compartment is covered. In one embodiment, the closure system includes a face plate hanger and a face plate. The face plate hanger may include first and second rails that are generally directed towards each other. The face plate may be provided with a first channel constructed to receive the first rail and a second channel constructed to receive the second rail. The face plate hanger may also include a cover panel that is configured to cover the niche opening. A columbarium is also disclosed in which a cabinet structure is provided that defines a plurality of niche compartments wherein each of the compartments has an opening that is covered by the above described closure system.

Abstract: The invention of this model refers to an assembly to build preferably wood floors or veneers, that which consists of three elements: a metallic profile with a design that allows supporting a wood or similar material plate, a coupling staple that supports a sloping wall of the profile and fits its base on a slot in the width of the wood plate and that allows the adjacency of other floor or veneer plates.

Abstract: A building array (800, 900, 902) comprising at least one building element (100, 200) having a first face (102, 202), a second face (104, 204) and a peripheral edge member (108, 208), the first face and second face being spaced apart to define an intermediate portion (106, 108), the peripheral edge member extending around the intermediate portion whereby at least a portion of the peripheral edge member comprises an edge profile (112, 212); and at least one boundary element (300, 400, 500, 600) comprising a planar base member (304, 404, 504, 604) removably attachable to a structural support element (802), at least one flange (306, 406, 506, 606) extending substantially orthogonally from the planar base member and an edge restraining formation (310, 410, 510, 610) extending laterally from the flange remote from the planar base member. The edge restraining formation is configured for releasably engaging with the edge profile of the building element.

Abstract: A clip for attaching and supporting wall panels to a building (such as for an exterior building envelope), a wall panel system, and systems and methods for supporting wall panels is provided. The clip includes a main body portion, a first extension portion, a second extension portion, and a face portion. The clip is used with a system of interlocking vapor barrier wall panels to support the wall panels and affix them to a building frame without compromising the vapor barrier. Exterior façade panels can also be affixed to the clip and building frame without compromising the vapor barrier.

Abstract: An elongated generally rectangular ceiling plank formed of wood or plastic composition and has opposite elongated side edges with a length that is between nine and ten times the width of the opposite end edges. The ceiling plank includes complementary tongue and groove engagement portions formed at the sides and ends for side-by-side or end-to-end engagement with other similar planks. In a ceiling plank installation a ceiling plank securement clip secures the side groove portion of one plank to a ceiling. The secured plank can be joined to another plank in side-by-side or end-to-end engagement at a ceiling by interengagement with the tongue portion at the side or end of the other plank. The ceiling plank is approximately forty-eight inches long and five inches wide and can thus be easily handled and installed by one person.

Abstract: A tile system, comprising: —a mounting unit, e.g. a rail fixed to a wall; —a tile unit, e.g. a frame holding a decorative tile; —a tile unit-fastening device configured to fasten the tile unit to the mounting unit, e.g. a pin engaging recesses formed on the mounting and the tile unit, the tile unit-fastening device preferably comprising a repositioning mechanism configured to allow the tile unit to move in one or two directions parallel to the wall after the tile unit is fastened to the mounting unit, e.g. the pin having ribs on its outer surface and the recesses being elongated and having cooperating ribs on their elongated inner faces.

Abstract: A solar panel securing system is provided. In another aspect, a solar or photovoltaic panel assembly is mounted to a building roof in a screw-free manner. Another aspect employs a snap-in connection between a member pre-assembled to a solar panel and a roof-mounted bracket. A further aspect adhesively bonds a bracket directly to a glass surface of a solar panel. A method of securing a solar panel is additionally provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a set of panels, preferably of floor panels, consisting of a first panel and at least a second panel with, in each case, a top side and an underside, wherein the first panel comprises at an edge a first retaining profile with a hook directed towards the top side, the second panel comprises at an edge a second retaining profile with a hook directed towards the underside, the first retaining profile and the second retaining profile can be connected by a relative movement directed perpendicular to a plane of laying, and wherein a separate clip is provided, which comprises a clip head, a clip body and a clip base. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for inserting the clip into a retaining profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a set of panels, preferably of floor panels, consisting of a first panel and at least a second panel with, in each case, a top side and an underside, wherein the first panel comprises at an edge a first retaining profile with a hook directed towards the top side, the second panel comprises at an edge a second retaining profile with a hook directed towards the underside, the first retaining profile and the second retaining profile can be connected by a relative movement directed perpendicular to a plane of laying, and wherein a separate clip is provided, which comprises a clip head, a clip body and a clip base. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for inserting the clip into a retaining profile.

Abstract: A panel mounting system includes a support frame having at least one longitudinal frame member with a recess and a catch. A panel has a gripping member extending along a substantial length of the panel, the gripping member having a resiliently deflectable cross-section for engaging the longitudinal frame member. In a first position the gripping member engages the recess so as to hold the panel to the frame. In a second position the gripping member engages the catch, the catch holding the gripping member in the second position, so as to free the panel from the frame.

Abstract: Barriers for flood defense and other purposes are often constructed using sand bags. The strength of these barriers is limited and the invention seeks to address this problem. The invention provides a tie formed as a single injection moulded item placed between layers of sandbags to help to hold them together. The tie has two rigid triangular end plates (4) and (5) linked by a flexible arm (11). The end plates are formed with protruding spikes (6) shaped with a barb so that they will easily penetrate the fabric of a sandbag but are difficult to pull out. In use, each tie is placed between layers of sandbags so that spikes of respective plates (4) and (5) become anchored to adjoining bags. The bags of the barrier are thus held together and any irregularities in it are accommodated by the flexibility of the arm (11). Slots (14) and lugs (15) allow a plurality of ties to be linked together as may be required when oversize sandbags are employed.

Abstract: An improved deflection clip for connecting metal stud walls to a structural building member, which accommodates relative compensating vertical movement, is disclosed. Some embodiments of the present invention allow for the deflection mounting clip to be set into place by metal barbs, eliminating the need for screwing the stud to the ceiling track runner, then subsequently removing the screws when the wallboard is installed. A deflection clip in accordance with the present invention has a flat base with left and right flanges substantially perpendicular to the base. Each flange has a number of triangular barbs facing externally to secure the deflection clip to the track without the need for temporary fixation.

Abstract: A clip for coupling and mounting courses, such clip comprising a longitudinally extending upper support member coterminous with a longitudinally extending lower support member. The clip further comprises a longitudinally extending cavity formed between a front side and a rear side of the lower support member, wherein a top edge of a second course is secured within the cavity. The clip further comprises a longitudinally extending tongue member coterminous with a front side of the upper support member and separated therefrom by a groove. At least a portion of the tongue member fits within a groove of a first course. Additionally, a tongue member of the first course fits within the groove of the clip.

Abstract: A square-shaped wooden deck fastening device connected to a lower surface of a wooden deck includes: a plurality of first projecting surfaces formed to extend upwards from corners on one side of the fastening device in a width direction; a plurality of second projecting surfaces formed to extend upwards from corners on the other side of the fastening device in the width direction; a plurality of fastening parts formed to be cut away and extends in the width direction to be parallel to the first projecting surfaces; and a first extending part that is formed opposite the fastening parts, extends on the other side in the width direction to be parallel to the second projecting surfaces, and has a plurality of insertion parts formed in the width direction to protrude upwards. The fastening parts are fixed by being inserted into the insertion parts of the first extending part.

Abstract: A concealed fastener is formed in situ during attachment of a first grooved sheathing member to an underlying support member. The concealed fastener rigidly attaches the first sheathing member, and permits subsequent installation of an adjoining sheathing member while providing for proper spacing between adjacent sheathing members.

Abstract: This present invention relates generally to deck fasteners for securing deck boards together and to a supporting member, and more particularly with a deck fastener which does not protrude from the deck surface.

Abstract: A modular office partition that can be joined together to form dividing wall structures in which the partition has a skeleton frame with opposed faces covered by a plurality of covers with each cover being removably coupled to the frame in either a remote position or in a proximate position such that the partition will have a first width when the covers are connected to the frame in the proximate position and a second width greater than the first width when the covers are connected to the frame in the remote position. Preferably, the covers are removably mounted to the frame via cover retaining clips with the clips being removable from the frame and the clips being provided as wider and narrower clips so as to mount each cover in either the remote position or the proximate position.

Abstract: A cladding and drywall construction system is based on a load-bearing structure (11), large-surface flat constructive elements (1) which have joining pieces including male elements (6), anchoring pieces of the male elements to the load-bearing structure and fixed profiles (20) which are anchored to the load-bearing structure (211) and sliding profiles (14) which are mounted on the fixed profiles (20), which can move along them. The fixed profiles (20) and the sliding profiles (14) have, respectively, opposite holes (7) and openings (5), through which the male elements (6) are inserted for their blocking by the openings (5), through the sliding movement of the sliding profiles (14).

Abstract: Deck planks with undercut side grooves can be attached to underlying joists by hidden fasteners with leading wings and trailing feet engaged into the side grooves of the deck planks. The bodies of the hidden fasteners space the deck planks so as to provide adequate drainage gaps between the top faces of the deck planks. A power driver tool can be used for rapidly positioning the hidden fasteners and for attaching the hidden fasteners to the joists.

Abstract: A wall mounted panel system wherein panels are permitted three directions of expansion and contraction since each of panel is affixed to the wall at a single point. For example, the system includes a first and second panel adjacent to one another. An upper bracket and a lower bracket are affixed to the back of each panel, wherein the upper brackets are affixed to the wall and wherein the lower bracket of the first panel is movably engaged with the upper bracket of the second panel. The panels do not communicate with any sealing members, thereby allowing for air to flow freely behind the panels for providing a means of removing moisture from behind the panels. A brace member in communication with the interior surface of each panel has an upper end affixed to the upper bracket and a lower end affixed to the lower bracket.

Abstract: A suspension system secures thin, light-weight, monolithic panels which appear as adjacent courses of brick to be suspended adjacent a substrate in a manner permitting sliding movement in the x-direction while inhibiting motion in the y- and z-directions, and, such that air can circulate behind the panel to prevent mold growth. The primary suspension hardware is an H-shaped channel with two vertically extending arms which secure the panels at the desired spaced position from the substrate.

Abstract: A wall panel system includes at least one wall panel, each edge of the panel having a flange. At least one flange, and preferably two opposing flanges, have at least one slot therein. Each slot is mated with a clip having two extensions laterally spaced from one another, one of said extensions having a latch member protruding in a direction toward the other of said extensions, such that the clip is secured to the flange by virtue of the latch member mating with the slot. The clip may then be attached to a building surface or intermediary mounting apparatus by a fastener to secure the wall panel thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a masonry support system and method, suitable for bearing the load of a course of brick-work or defined brickwork panels, comprising a horizontal support section (2) in the X-plane for supporting said load; a vertical support section (3) in the Y-plane for affixing to a support structure; characterized in that there is provided integrated Z-axis adjustment means (61) for adjusting said relieving angle system forward or backwards relative to the support structure. The advantage of the present invention is that the system provides integrated Z-axis adjustment. This feature provides a unique level of tolerance compensation for unforeseen site variances. The invention provides a uniquely adjustable and easy to install angle brick masonry support system.

Abstract: An insulated siding panel comprises a foam insulation layer, an attachment member, and optionally a veneer layer. The foam insulation layer comprises a front face, a rear face, a tongue along a first end edge, a groove along a second end edge, and a slot defined in the rear face. The attachment member comprises an attachment rail and a member extending transversely from the attachment rail. The member of the attachment member is inserted into the slot of the foam insulation layer. When present, the veneer layer is attached to the front face of the foam insulation layer. When joined with other insulated siding panels, the interlocking occurs along the foam insulation layers to form an unbroken layer of insulation.

Abstract: A support bracket (10) for anchoring cladding tiles (40) to a support wall structure (54), the support bracket (10) comprising: a substantially elongated base plate portion (12) attachable to the support wall structure (54), the base plate portion (12) defining a base first end edge (20) and a substantially opposed base second end edge (18), the base plate portion (12) also defining a base first side (22) and a substantially opposed base second side (24); and a substantially elongated flange portion (30) extending from the base first side (14), the flange portion (30) having a substantially T-shaped lateral cross-section, the flange portion (30) defining a flange first end edge (64) and a substantially opposed flange second end edge (56), the flange portion (30) being substantially longitudinally offset relatively to the base plate portion (12) such that the flange portion (30) is protruding from the base first end edge (20) substantially adjacent the flange first end edge (64); the base plate portion (12) an

Abstract: The deck track is a steel track having a series of formed receivers and fasteners. The deck track will allow a deck system to be installed without the use of any mechanical fasteners such as screws, nails or individual fasteners. The upper fasteners and receivers, referred to as tangs, maintain the desired gap between composite deck boards for the life of the deck.

Abstract: The present invention is a hidden fastener for securing deck boards to supporting joists. The fastener consists of a head shaft; one or more blades attached to the head shaft oppositely, if there are two blades, at the top outer surface of the head shaft and being formed to penetrate into deck boards, whether wood or composite, when rotated therein to; a driver attachment being located in the upper portion of the head shaft and shaped to fixedly hold a driver for turning the head shaft and one or more blades; and a fastening device in a lower portion of the head shaft. The fastening device may be an integral part of the head shaft or a screw mounted in lower port of the head shaft. After the location of the fastener is defined on the joist, the fastening device is driven into the joist to hold the head shaft thereto. One or more adjacent boards are butted against the head shaft.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a fastening member excellent in strength of fastening a decorative external panel and capable of constructing an external wall surface excellent in design appearance, and an external wall structure. The fastening member 1 is used for fastening the decorative external panel 6 to a plurality of the underlying panels 5 disposed in front of the construction frame 3 of a building. This fastening member 1 has a base plate portion 11, a supporting portion 13, an upper panel engaging portion 131, and a lower panel engaging portion 132. The base plate portion 10 has, at its portion above the supporting portion 13, a first screw hole 110 and a second screw hole 120 differing in the distance from the supporting portion 13.

Abstract: Deck Track (new invention) consisting of a steel self fastening, concealed track system. Manufactured of various environmental resistant coatings. Comprising a series of formed recievers and fasteners spaced equally to receive 5.5?inch composite deckboards with pre-formed slots (grooved) on two sides. The new invention (Deck Track) will allow patios, walkways and marine decking materials to be installed without use of nails, screws, or individual fasteners (prior art). The installation time of deckboards being reduced by upwards of 50% from any existing (prior art) concealed fastening systems. The integrated fasteners and recievers of the steel self fastening system (new invention) maintains appropriate gaps between composite deckboards after fasteners are secured, for the life of the deck.