Abstract: A drain system includes a support frame installable in a tile floor that has a base portion and a wall portion that forms a seat for a drain cover within the support frame. The wall portion defines a cover-facing surface arranged to interface with the drain cover, and a tile-facing surface arranged to face one or more tiles surrounding the support frame. One or more material locking features are on the tile facing surface to help retain grout between the support frame and the surrounding tiles. During installation of the support frame in the tile floor, the vertical position of the support frame over the drain opening is adjustable and the support frame does not extend downwardly into the drain opening such that the support frame is floatable over the drain opening for lateral and rotational adjustment of the support frame relative to the drain opening.

Abstract: A snap fastener includes releasable connectable first and second fastener sections. The first fastener section has a first section central portion with a pair of upwardly extending first section sidewalls located along opposite first section edges thereof, each sidewall including an inwardly extending engagement arm. The second fastener section has a second section central portion with first and second downwardly extending second section sidewalls located along opposite second section edges thereof, respective first and second engagement portions being connected to the first and second second section sidewalls by inwardly extending first and second legs. The first and second fastener sections are releasably connectable to secure a sheet material therebetween by securing the first and second engagement portions under the first and second engagement arms.

Abstract: Method for constructing enamelled storage tanks and silos, whereby the storage tank is constructed from segments of non-enamelled thick-walled steel that are fastened together on the construction site by welding, and then clad with a double-sided enamelled flexible thin-walled steel plate on the inside and outside of the storage tank, and whereby the enamelling temperature is at least 500° C.

Abstract: A prefabricated flashing product for an opening in an exterior surface of a structure includes a generally planar flange shaped to conform to the exterior surface, the flange extending outwardly from an entire perimeter of an aperture therein that corresponds to the opening, and a return that seals to the flange about the aperture and extends substantially perpendicularly therefrom toward an inward direction of the opening. The flange and the return are monolithically formed of a waterproof material. A method of integrating a fenestration product into an opening of an exterior surface of a structure includes inserting the flashing product described above into the opening, and inserting the fenestration product at least partially into the aperture of the flashing product.

Abstract: A roof vent for supporting a solar panel is provided. The roof vent includes a vent member and a solar panel support element. The vent member is sized and shaped to mimic the appearance of a roof cover element. The vent member includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion separated from the lower portion by a gap. The solar panel support element is attached to the vent member.

Abstract: An unbonded loosefill insulation material including a multiplicity of discrete, individual tufts formed from a plurality of insulative fibers and a plurality of conductive fibers mixed with the insulative fibers is provided. The conductive fibers are configured to dissipate static electrical charges.

Abstract: A structural insulated panel building system comprising panels, corners, ringbeams and boxseams having a molded core of expanded polystyrene sandwiched between, and bonded to, at least two facings. The facings are attached to faces of the core formed by molding. Preferably the core is an expanded polymer molding and the preferred polymer is polystyrene. The building system can be used for residential, commercial and industrial structures.

Abstract: A corner flashing system is provided for sealing the corners of recessed window frames against moisture penetration. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises first and second double-flap members, a half-cube member, and caulking. The first and second double-flap members, and the half-cube member are preferably made of asphalt or petroleum based material. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises one double-flap member, a modified half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a single member that combines a double-flap member and a half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a combination member, a double-flap member, and caulking.

Abstract: A modular system for continuously insulating exterior walls of a structure and cladding the structure walls provides thermally isolated MFI-brackets secured to a structural wall supporting thermally isolated vertical or horizontal rails supporting exterior cladding. Thermal insulation is positionally retained against the structure wall interior of the exterior cladding by the MFI-brackets and a pressure equalized moisture controlling rain screen is maintained between the interior surface of the exterior cladding and an exterior facing surface of the insulation.

Abstract: System and methods for waterproofing a below-grade wall of a structure. The system comprises a waterproof membrane mounted directly or indirectly to an excavation wall within which the wall of the structure is to be constructed. A plurality of elongate waterstops are affixed to the waterproof membrane and arranged to form a plurality of compartments. A plurality of distribution tubes having apertures are affixed to the waterproof membrane to allow an injectable sealing grout to be injected through the distribution tubes and out of the apertures into a corresponding compartment. A plurality of supply tubes are installed in fluid communication with the plurality of distribution tubes with each of the supply tubes extending to a location on the interior of the wall to be constructed.

Abstract: Water vapour control, which is arranged facing the inside of a building, comprising a first layer having a water vapour diffusion resistance (sd-value) of 1-5 meters diffusion-equivalent air space width, measured at a relative humidity of an atmosphere surrounding the layer of 30-50%, and having a sd-value of <1 meters diffusion-equivalent air space width, measured at a relative humidity of 60-80%, and a second layer having a sd-value of >0.6 meters diffusion-equivalent air space width, measured at a relative humidity of 80-100%, and wherein the second layer is located at the side of the vapour barrier facing the inside of the building, relative to the position of the first layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the corrosion protection of tank soil side bottoms is achieved by providing equipment to an existing storage tank as by installing a chime delivery system about the perimeter of the storage tank bottom plate, and introducing an appropriate amount of a corrosion inhibitor into the chime delivery system, whereby the corrosion inhibitor is readily admitted into the spaces between the substrate and the tank bottom plate. The system avoids any refurbishment of the tank and allows for easy introduction and replenishment of inhibitor without interruption of tank operations. The system also does not require any renovation of the tank, and does not require any replacement of the tank bottom plate panels.

Abstract: Method for constructing enamelled storage tanks and silos, whereby the storage tank is constructed from segments of non-enamelled thick-walled steel that are fastened together on the construction site by welding, and then clad with a double-sided enamelled flexible thin-walled steel plate on the inside and outside of the storage tank, and whereby the enamelling temperature is at least 500° C.

Abstract: A device and method for keeping humidity/water away from a main concrete slab sitting on a concrete footing of a building includes a joint entirely covering an intersection of the external side surface of the foundation wall and the top surface of the footing, and typically a structural rod located adjacent and along the intersection. Alternatively, the device and method includes at least one through hole extending through the footing, and sloping downwardly from the internal side surface to the external side surface, and below the top surface of the footing, to drain water away from the area under the slab. A drain pipe may also be inserted into the hole.

Abstract: A method of installing a flooring system including pouring a gypsum underlayment on a substrate, allowing the underlayment to set, but not dry. A water-borne epoxy sealer is provided and applied to the wet, but set, underlayment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vapor retarder membrane, intended to be used for improving the airtightness of a building or of a room, comprising at least one active layer having a water vapor permeability which increases with the surrounding relative humidity, said active layer comprising at least 90% by weight of a blend of ethylene/vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer and of a copolyamide 6-6.6 (PA666), the latter having a melting point below 210° C.

Abstract: A method and system for covering industrial wood plank or wood block floors that can be installed quickly without creating a hazardous environment or hazardous wastes and without the necessity of removing installed equipment. Sand is swept over the wood to fill voids and cracks. Next metal lath is stapled to the wood. A first layer of epoxy is poured onto the metal lath. After this is cured, a second coat of finish epoxy can be installed on the first epoxy layer. When this dries, the job is done and operations can be restarted, or an optional topcoat can be applied. The epoxy material used can be self-leveling for ease of application and the final floor is approximately level. The finished floor is flexible to not crack under heavy loads and to absorb shock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of reducing heat loss and cooling loss from a bank building caused by automatic teller machines, night drop vaults, and cash deal drawers. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A tubular building enclosure system with thermally-broken modules having evacuated air spaces assembled in rows and/or columns to form a structurally self-supporting, thermally insulating, and solar energy collecting facade.

Abstract: A expandable fenestration flashing product for an opening in an exterior surface of a structure includes a generally planar unitary flashing shaped to conform to the exterior surface, the flashing configured to extend outwardly from an entire perimeter of fenestration, and an inner portion configured to flexibly seal to the inner surface of the fenestrations. The expandable fenestration flashing product is formed as a unitary structure of a waterproof, expandable material. A method of integrating an expandable fenestration flashing product into an opening of an exterior surface of a structure includes securing the expandable fenestration flashing product described above onto the exterior of a structure about the fenestration, and pressing and securing the fenestration product at least partially into the fenestration.

Abstract: The invention is a method of roof repair in which a roof component is resurfaced using a bonding agent, granules and a sealing agent to recoat damaged roof covering components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a waterproofing membrane that comprises a carrier sheet (layer A); a waterproofing adhesive (layer B); a protective coating (layer C), wherein the protective coating is substantially free of surfactant and comprises an acrylic or methacrylic polymer or copolymer, an inorganic filler and a white pigment; and a releasable material (layer D), wherein the releasable material comprises amorphous nanoscale silica and a polymeric binder. The waterproofing membrane does not require a release liner, binds strongly to concrete cast against it (even after UV exposure), tolerates foot traffic, and withstands immersion in water over an extended period.

Abstract: A seal assembly (10) is provided for sealing a core hole (52) formed in a concrete slab (54) having opposite first and second surfaces, with the core hole (52) extending between the first and second surfaces. The seal assembly (10) comprises a cover assembly (12) having a cover plate (14) that is configured for engaging the first surface of the concrete slab (54) and seating over and covering the core hole (52). The cover assembly (12) has a lower plate (16) that is configured for being received within the core hole (52). The lower plate (16) is coupled to the cover plate (14) through a support member (20) so that the lower plate (16) is spaced apart from the cover plate (14) when the cover plate (14) is seated over the core hole (52) to define a cavity between the lower plate (16) and the cover plate (14). A locking element carrier (26) is coupled to the cover assembly (12).

Abstract: Systems, methods, and components for the construction and disassembly of raised panel assemblies. These systems, methods, and components may include a flow-limiting structure that is configured to define at least one boundary of a channel that includes at least a portion of a gap between adjacent raised panels and is configured to receive a sealant material. The flow-limiting structure may limit a flow of the sealant material therepast, thereby decreasing an overall volume of sealant material needed for construction of the raised panel assembly and/or limiting undesired adhesion of the raised panels to other structures. These systems, methods, and components also may include an elongate disassembly aid that is configured to sever at least a portion of the sealant material from between adjacent raised panels upon removal from the raised panel assembly, such as to decrease a time needed for disassembly and/or repair of the raised panel assembly.

Abstract: A method for flashing an opening defined by a bottom sill, a pair of side jambs, and a top header includes forming a sill diverter dam at the bottom sill to receive a backside of a door or window frame with an adhesive strip placed along the sill diverter dam. The method further includes applying a sheet of flexible membrane at each intersection of the bottom sill and each side jamb, attaching a strip of weep flashing to the wall overlapping the diverter dam at the bottom sill, applying sealant along an upper edge of the door or window frame, attaching a jamb diverter sheet to the wall at each side jamb, applying sealant to the door or window frame, placing the door or window frame in the opening, applying additional sealant along the top header, and attaching a header diverter sheet to the wall along the top header.

Abstract: A roof panel includes a fascia plate having a pair of vertical legs extending from opposite edges of the fascia plate with a receptacle formed into an upper end of each of the pair of vertical legs so that the receptacle opens outwardly relative to the fascia plate. An insulating foam is bonded to the fascia plate and to a liner plate that has a tongue and groove formed on opposite edges of the liner plate.

Abstract: A gutter debris preclusion device for use with a gutter attached to a building, comprising a screen having a plurality of manipulations, which cause resting debris to be elevated off the surface of the screen. The elevated debris resultingly become more rapidly dried and more easily removed by the wind.

Abstract: A dual stage plug assembly 10 which provides a first sealing stage which is cooperatively provided by the insertion members 12, 14 (including the unexpanded portion 24) and a second sealing stage which is provided by selectively expandable member 24. The plug assembly 10 is selectively inserted into a hole, such as hole 80, which is formed in a tangible entity, such as basement wall 82, and the members 12 and 14 cooperates with member 24 to seal the hole 80, thereby preventing water and/or other liquid from entering and passing through the hole 80.

Abstract: A roof system comprising a roof deck, an insulation layer, a coverboard disposed over said insulation layer, where said coverboard includes a foam core and a facer including a fibrous mat and an interfacial region disposed between said core and said mat, and a layer of asphalt.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for making a surface resistant to frost are disclosed.

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 low cost method for constructing barriers to eliminate a flat or low pitch roof's low spots. Puddles, if allowed to stand there, shorten the roof's life and can do structural damage to the roof deck. Each barrier includes a flexible membrane initially sized and shaped and then positioned to cover at least one low spot and substantially overlap the latter's edges. So positioned, the membrane is heat welded or otherwise joined to form a continuous watertight seal, along its outer periphery, between the membrane and an existing roof deck covering and, when the low spot is next to a parapet, the existing parapet covering as well. Filled with a solidified plastic foam sandwiched between the membrane and the existing covering(s), such barriers, once they have been mechanically fastened to the roof deck and, if necessary, to the parapet, permanently direct storm water away from each of the roof's barrier-covered low spots.

Abstract: External wall insulation system comprising a high efficient insulation layer of rigid polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam provided on at least one side with a facing, preferably a gastight (aluminium) layer, and a base layer provided on at least one of the surfaces of the facing wherein said base layer is a polyurethane layer or a polyisocyanurate layer.

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: An attic stairway insulator assembly configured for placement within a building scuttle is provided. The building scuttle has a length and a width. The attic stairway insulator assembly includes a base configured to cover the building scuttle. The base has a length and a width corresponding generally to the length and the width of the building scuttle. A bag is seated on the base and has insulative material within a jacket. The bag has a length that is longer than the length of the base and a width that is wider than the width of the base such that portions of the bag having the insulative material drape over portions of the base.

Abstract: The invention comprises a product. The product comprises a foam insulating panel, the panel having a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface, wherein the foam insulating panel defines at least one recessed channel in the first primary surface, the at least one recessed channel being sized and shaped to provide a mold for a structural reinforcing member. The product also comprises a concrete panel formed on the first primary surface and filling the at least one recessed channel so as to provide a structural reinforcing member for the concrete panel. The product further comprises an elongate anchor member in the foam insulating panel and extending from the first primary surface of the foam insulating panel into the concrete panel. A method of making a composite reinforced insulated concrete structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for insulating a component of a home or building. An insulated component may include a generally planar surface and a frame positioned atop one side of the generally planar surface. The frame may include a plurality of outer studs coupled together to form an outer periphery and inner studs that divide the frame into one or more sections. One or more of the sections may include a cavity or hollow space. The insulated component may also include a first layer of insulation within one or more of the cavities. The first layer of insulation may include a pour insulation material that transitions from a liquid state or phase to a solid state or phase.

Abstract: High-efficiency thermal insulation products and methods for use thereof for use in insulating buildings, residential homes, and other enclosed environments. In one arrangement, a thermal insulation product includes a substantially gas-impermeable envelope having first and second opposing surfaces and a sealed interior portion between the first and second opposing surfaces, a support material within the sealed interior portion of the gas-impermeable envelope, and at least about 2 grams of a liquid per liter of a total volume of the sealed interior portion within the sealed interior portion. At least a portion of the liquid is operable to cyclically evaporate from adjacent one of the first and second opposing surfaces and subsequently condense adjacent the other of the first and second opposing surfaces depending on temperature differences between the first and second opposing surfaces.

Abstract: A method for creating a feed through construction barrier comprised of a collar defining the form factor of the barrier and a plurality of slidably connected and nested rods creating a continuous barrier conforming to the form factor of the collar. While the collar defines the form factor of the barrier, the slidable rods can be adjusted in their relative positions along the form factor to provide for a barrier that conforms to the contours of the application surface. The barrier may include means to attach the apparatus to the decking and caps to seal the apparatus during construction activities. The rods are interconnected one to another so that the rods can be connected into a continuous barrier. The rods are able to slide relative to each other along the interlocking structure. When the device is set into position, rods may be slid into a barrier structure that conforms to both planar and non-planar surfaces of the application surface.

Abstract: A method for installing a flooring surface on a concrete slab or deck base coated with a sealing material to seal the surface and limit the passage of moisture therethrough comprising pouring concrete to create a poured concrete slab or deck base or obtaining a pre-cast concrete slab or deck base, allowing the concrete slab or deck base to cure, cleaning the cured or partially cured concrete slab or deck base, testing the cured or partially cured concrete slab or deck base to determine at least one of its pH, relative humidity, and vapor emission level, applying a layer of a sealing material , curing the sealing material to form the coated, cured or partially cured concrete slab or deck base, and installing an athletic, commercial, or residential flooring surface on the coated, cured or partially cured concrete slab or deck base.

Abstract: A method for providing at least a part of a building includes the steps of prefabricating a module by assembling four walls extending between a floor and a roof to form a rectangular cuboid shape; providing at least one compartment within the cuboid shape; providing waterproof layers on the interior walls and floor of the compartment for creating a wet area within the module; arranging technical installations within the cuboid shape; and providing interior equipment within the cuboid shape. The method further includes the steps of prefabricating a plurality of panels and slabs; and connecting these panels and slabs to a lateral side of the module for providing a further rectangular cuboid shape forming a panel-built room.

Abstract: A channel drain assembly includes a channel drain and a grate. The channel drain includes a body having at least one sidewall and a bottom wall, a flange extending about a periphery of the body, and a drain pipe. The grate is positionable within the body and includes at least one side wall and a top wall that has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. When the grate is positioned within the body a first flow path and a second flow path are formed that provide a path for fluid to flow into the channel drain and out the drain pipe. The first flow path is formed across the plurality of apertures, while the second flow path is formed between the at least one side wall of the grate and at least one sidewall of the body.

Abstract: A dual stage plug assembly 10 which provides a first sealing stage which is cooperatively provided by the insertion members 12, 14 (including the unexpanded portion 24) and a second sealing stage which is provided by selectively expandable member 24. The plug assembly 10 is selectively inserted into a hole, such as hole 80, which is formed in a tangible entity, such as basement wall 82, and the members 12 and 14 cooperates with member 24 to seal the hole 80, thereby preventing water and/or other liquid from entering and passing through the hole 80.

Abstract: A method of applying a flooring system on a wood subfloor, including providing a sealer for direct application to the wood subfloor; applying the sealer to the wood subfloor; and allowing the sealer to dry and cure, forming a sealed and stable wood subfloor.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an insulated structure includes a frame comprising a plurality of wall studs coupled together and a plurality of foam boards attached to the frame to form a continuous insulative wall. A plurality of fasteners attaches the foam boards to the frame. Each fastener includes an elongate shaft and a cap. The elongate shaft is configured to penetrate through a foam board and into a wall stud to couple the components together. The cap is configured to be positioned atop a foam board to distribute a load relatively evenly to the foam board. A sealing tape is applied across seams between adjacent foam boards and over the fasteners' caps to seal the wall. A sealing caulk is applied to secondary fasteners and penetrations to seal the wall. In some embodiments, the structure has a fastener density of about 1 fastener per 243 in2 of foam board.

Abstract: Low rise, user friendly latex foams for sealing insulative cavities of a building are provided. The foams may be applied to the interface of the sheathing and the studs within the insulative cavities to reduce air leaks. The latex foams may also be applied to the face of the studs to obtain an additional seal against air infiltration. The foam can be used to affix fiberglass batts, batt flanges, and vapor barriers to the framing without mechanical fasteners. A tackifier may be added to impart an adhesive quality to the foam. The tacky nature of the foam permits the drywall or vapor barrier to be repositioned without damage. Drywall is held onto the face of the studs by the tacky foam while mechanical fasteners are inserted to permanently affix the drywall to the framing. The compressive nature of the foam permits drywall to be attached without significant bowing or detachment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sealing a vehicle cargo area to a loading dock. The method includes a step of providing a sealing element. The sealing element includes a mounting surface adapted to sealingly mate against a loading dock, an inner sealing surface at a transverse angle relative to the mounting surface, an outer sealing surface opposing the inner sealing surface and at a transverse angle relative to the mounting surface, and an impact-absorbing surface approximately parallel to the mounting surface. The method further includes the steps of contacting the impact-absorbing surface with a rear face of the vehicle cargo area, deforming the inner sealing surface away from the loading dock, and sealing the inner sealing surface against an inside wall of the vehicle cargo area.

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: This disclosure relates to an insulative system and materials therefor comprising a polymeric composition disposed at the junctions of the framing and exterior sheathing. In particular, an insulative system and materials therefor comprising a polymeric composition in the form of a sealing structure in contact with both the framing and exterior sheathing of a building are described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a protective barrier to a surface, such as a wall, ceiling or floor. The protective barrier can be plastic sheeting or any other suitable, material, which is impermeable by water, dust, debris and related contaminants. The apparatus and method for its installation and use being capable of connecting the protective barrier to a surface so that no dust, debris or other contaminants can pass between the protective barrier and the surface to which it is being attached.