Abstract: A load bearing structure including a first fixed net layer, a second fixed net layer and a non-linear structure in between. The first fixed net layer may include a first layer of flexible fabric and a fixing material that fixes the shape of the first layer of flexible fabric. The second fixed net layer may include a second layer of flexible fabric and a fixing material that fixes the shape of the second layer of flexible fabric. The non-linear reinforcing structure may be in communication with the first and second fixed net layers and may be configured to share with the first and second fixed net layers a load applied to the load bearing structure.

Abstract: An insulating panel structure for application to the exterior of a building, the panel structure having an inner surface to be attached to the building and an outer surface to be attached to an exterior load such as cladding material. The panel structure has external stringers along the outer surface of the panel for attachment of the exterior load, connectors extending perpendicularly from the internal surface to the external stringers to transmit compressive forces from the exterior load to the building, lateral connectors that run diagonally upward from the external stringers to the inner surface to transmit tensile forces from the weight of the exterior load from the external stringers of the panel to the building, and insulating foam embedded in the space defined between the inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a waterproof cladding method for a floor connector. A floor connector is first put between floor panels, a Y-shaped cladded connector is inserted into the floor connector and then glued, and next RC grouting is executed between floor panels. After that, excessive useless parts at an upper opening portion of the Y-shaped cladded connector are cut out, and then a tube unit is inserted, followed by cladding on the upper opening portion of the Y-shaped cladded connector with a waterproof material. By a design of the Y-shaped funnel-like cladded connector, similar to a letter Y in a side cutaway view, an obtuse angle is formed between tubing and floor concrete to increase a contact area among the tubing, floor concrete and waterproof material, thereby having an advantage of easy implementation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building section including a sub-structure and a cladding member connected in fixed relation relative to the sub-structure. A multi-function elongate, flexible insulating element is disposed between the sub-structure and the cladding member for damping energy transfer between the cladding member and the sub-structure, facilitating alignment of the cladding, and creating a rainscreen configured to drive out moisture from the wall cavities. In some implementations, the insulating element has at least one insulating layer which is substantially incompressible and which has a substantially constant density in the range of 200 kg/m3 to 300 kg/m3. In certain preferred implementations, the insulating element can be formed of a foam material such as foam tape or thermal break tape.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a structure from prefabricated panels to be connected mounted on a free-standing supporting framework, each of the panels being made beforehand from a wood framework into which an inner insulation and inner and outer facings are capable of being built, the panels being connected together by a linking mechanism in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction, wherein the method is characterized in that a subassembly is made from a quadrangular wood frame inside of which vertical posts are arranged on which mechanical connectors are placed, enabling the arrangement, support, and prepositioning of a metal reinforcement on the connectors that are in place. The thus-produced subassembly is placed in a mold so as to be overmolded from concrete constituting the inner facing.

Abstract: A covered roof includes a roof deck, an insulation board, and a coverboard. The insulation board includes a polyurethane, a polyisocyanurate, or a mix of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate cellular structure, has a density that is less than 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, and has a first planar surface and a second planar surface, each having a facer positioned adjacent thereto. The coverboard includes a polyurethane, a polyisocyanurate, or a mix of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate cellular structure, has a density greater than about 2.5 pounds per cubic foot and less than 6 pounds per cubic foot, an iso index of at least 175, and a first planar surface and a second planar surface, each having a facer positioned adjacent thereto.

Abstract: An earth retention system constructed with a top-down process that can be used for permanent below-grade structures, similar to a “soldier beam and lagging wall,” consists of vertical soldier piles, drainage and waterproofing, and a finished, reinforced concrete facing. The concrete facing is placed pneumatically (i.e., using so-called shotcrete). The system is well-suited to constructing below-grade portions of buildings where excavation lay back is not practical or cost effective and can incorporate permanent lateral support from tieback anchors. The below-grade structure is constructed by excavating down part way, constructing a waterproof “lift” portion of the ultimate structure, excavating down another part way, constructing another waterproof lift portion in a manner to be tied in with the lift portion immediately above, and repeating these steps until the below-grade structure is constructed to the desired depth.

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 window sill pan flashing or a door sill pan flashing with drain. The sill pan flashing has an inclined base, and window or door continuous or near continuous sill supports which can be extruded as part of the base unit. Sill pan flashing offsets provided in the rear sill pan flashing wall and in the front flange create a flow path for water to drain from the sill pan flashing to the exterior of the building. The base may be solid or hollow with window or door supports extending vertically through the base. Extension couplers are provided to join a plurality of sill pan flashing base sections. The sill pan flashing base sections and extension couplers may be manufactured by extrusion.

Abstract: A modular system for cladding exterior walls of a structure and insulating the structure walls provides thermally isolated vertical girders secured to a structural wall. The thermally isolated vertical girders positionally maintain insulation adjacent the structure and provide a means for mounting exterior wall cladding to the structure. Planar wall panels carrying exterior wall cladding elements mount directly or indirectly to the vertical girders. Corner elements, carrying exterior corner cladding elements interconnect with the underlying system and visually appear to interconnect with adjacent edge portions of the planar wall panels.

Abstract: A method includes substantially filling with joint sealant first and second kerfs in upper and lower ends, respectively, of a curtain wall member. A locating-and-retaining member of a latching member is embedded in the first kerf's sealant. A receiving-and-retaining member of a first bracket is embedded in the second kerf's sealant, the wall member initially extending upwardly and angularly outwardly relative to the first bracket. The wall member is pivoted inwardly such that an end of a nominally horizontally-disposed portion of the latching member slides along a lower surface of a supporting member of a second bracket causing the latching member to rotate downwardly, compressing foam tape beneath the horizontally-disposed portion. The end of the latching member moves past a locking member until a latch comes into latching engagement with the locking member, the foam tape decompressing and maintaining the latching member in engagement with the lower surface.

Abstract: A firestop drain assembly for mounting in a partition to prevent fire on one side of the partition from moving through the firestop drain assembly to the other side of the partition. The firestop drain assembly can achieve an F-rating and a T-rating of at least one (1) hour.

Abstract: A construct for making a drainage device for a basement waterproofing system is made from a sheet of waterproof material with two generally parallel sides. A series of longitudinal slots is provided parallel to one of the sides, and a series of tabs that fit in the slots is provided along the other side. The bottom surface is scored to provide a series of fold lines to facilitate folding the construct into a rectangular tubular shape, with the tabs fitting into the slots to hold the shape. Perforations are provided in the device to allow water to flow easily through three of the sides of the device when folded to its rectangular tubular shape. A portion of the device may be folded upward to cover the lower portion of a building wall, or a separate piece may be used to bridge the gap between the device and the wall.

Abstract: A system and method for insulating a metal roof includes a thermal block arrangement disposed over each of a pair of purlins. A vapor-barrier sheet spans between and is secured over the opposing pair of purlins, the vapor-barrier sheet being secured underneath each thermal block arrangement. A batt insulation receiving cavity is defined by an upper surface of the vapor-barrier sheet and between opposing faces of each of the thermal block arrangements.

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

Abstract: A facade is formed on an upright supporting surface using a plurality of facade elements formed of plastic material having a flat rear side and a decorative front side protruding from the rear side. The flat rear side of the elements can be abutted directly against the upright supporting surface with the elements in spaced relation with one another and secured thereon using nails from an air driven nailer. Grouting in the form of mortar repair or caulking can be used to fill the gaps between adjacent elements on the supporting surface to complete the appearance of a natural stone facade on a building wall.

Abstract: A membrane roofing system for buildings of modular construction includes a reinforced laminate tape that seals the roof joints between adjacent modular building units. The tape includes a tacky elastomeric adhesive layer with a release strip releasably adhered to the underside thereof to expose a tacky underside surface to be adhered to adjacent edges of the membrane sheets of adjacent building modules, a reinforcing scrim embedded in the tacky elastomer layer and bridging across the gap between the adjacent building modules, and a protective layer covering the outer surface of the tacky elastomer.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for waterproofing a basement are disclosed. Cinder or concrete block foundations and poured, solid concrete foundations can be waterproofed. Holes are formed in the foundation wall. A first system has a first plurality of holes through the foundation wall and a second plurality of holes can be partially through the foundation wall. A first side of a drain board is located adjacent the cinder or concrete block foundation wall and a second side located adjacent the top section of the footer so as to cover the first plurality of holes and to cover the second plurality of holes. A bed of stone is adjacent the side section of the footer and below the top section of the footer. A conduit rests in the bed of stone on a slope. The conduit has a plurality of perforations around a top section of the conduit and no perforations in a bottom section of the conduit.

Abstract: A concrete container including a concrete footing including a shear key; a concrete wall inserted in the shear key; a plurality of footing reinforcing members inserted in the concrete footing on a support side of the shear key and extending above the concrete footing; a plurality of wall reinforcing members inserted in the concrete wall on a support side of the concrete wall and extending diagonally towards the concrete footing; a poured concrete moment connection substantially covering the plurality of footing reinforcing members extending from the pre-cast concrete footing and the plurality of wall reinforcing members extending from the wall.

Abstract: A method includes inflating one or more inflatable bags from a first evacuated condition within an attic space to an inflated condition. The inflatable bags are configured such that when they are in an evacuated condition, they take up a relatively small space in the attic space to be ventilated. In the inflated condition, however, the bags have a cumulative volume much larger than the cumulative volume of the bags when in the evacuated condition, and make up a desired fraction of the volume of the attic space to be ventilated. When the bags are inflated from the evacuated condition to the inflated condition, they displace a volume of atmosphere equal to the difference between the cumulative volume of the bags in the evacuated condition and the cumulative volume of the bags in the inflated condition.

Abstract: A box element for use in joining two building elements has a main body having a longitudinal axis, an end which, in a mounted state, is arranged facing out from the building element, a section that allows the box element to be used for joining the two building elements, and a first flange which extends in a direction radial in relation to the longitudinal axis and is connected to an outer side of the main body. The first flange is arranged at a distance from the end and adapted for abutment against a portion of the building element. The relative distance between the first flange and the end is such that the end, in a mounted state, will be located at a distance from the building element. The main body comprises at least one fastening device.

Abstract: A machine (10) for cutting a rebate edge (30) in a building panel (24) has a cutting wheel (12) which can be connected to a source of power for rotating the cutting wheel. There is a planar plate (14) that has a flat surface (16) located parallel to the cutting wheel (12). The flat surface (16) can allow a planar portion of the panel (24) to be slid thereover so that an edge of the panel can engage the cutting wheel (12). The flat surface (16) is spaced apart from the cutting wheel (12) by a distance so that, in use, the cutting wheel causes the removal of a portion of the edge so as to form a rebate edge (30) of the panel. Ideally, building panel (24) is a plasterboard panel which has an edge formed by a core encased between two surface layers.

Abstract: A flashing assembly comprising a base plate, flashing, flashing adapter and O-ring is disclosed. The flashing assembly components fit tightly together, creating a waterproof seal. The flashing assembly has no exposed rubber pieces, which prevents erosion and extends the life of the assembly. The waterproofing and durability of the disclosed flashing assembly make it ideal for enclosing electrical wires and running plumbing needs through the roof or wall membrane. The disclosed flashing assembly is capable of attaching to a number of products, including, but not limited to junction boxes, combiners, and service panels.

Abstract: A flashing tape includes a moisture-impervious nonporous first layer having a drainage plane surface for providing drainage of moisture, the drainage plane surface being textured with embossed or otherwise raised spaced apart projections, the spaces between the projections, in conjunction with an overlay of construction material, defining a nondirectional flow path to permit the drainage of moisture and flow of air along said surface; a moisture-impervious second layer of closed cell polymeric foam which is bonded on a first side to the moisture-impervious first layer; and, a layer of pressure sensitive acrylic based adhesive applied to a second side of the moisture-impervious layer.

Abstract: We form a weather-resistive barrier on a building by applying a flexible and compressible latex foam comprising one or more polymer having a glass transition temperature of less than 25° C. on the gaps between adjacent sheets of construction sheathing and coating the sheets and the foam with an aqueous coating composition. The aqueous coating composition is flexible and can comprise the same one or more polymer as the polymer in the foam.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a method includes applying uncured polyether on the inside perimeter and on a portion of the outside perimeter of the rough opening prior to attaching the sill plate membrane flashing, the left and right jamb membrane flashings, and the head plate membrane flashing to adhere the sill plate membrane flashing, left and right jamb membrane flashings, and head plate membrane flashings to the material forming the perimeter of the rough opening. The method also includes, prior to each step of attaching, forming the sill plate membrane flashing, left and right jamb membrane flashings, and head plate membrane flashing from a precured sheet of polyether material.

Abstract: A method removes moisture from a wall assembly including a supporting wall, an interior finishing layer attached to an interior side of the supporting wall, and an exterior layer disposed opposite the interior finishing layer. The supporting wall supports the interior finishing layer and exterior layer. The method includes sealing, with a moisture seal located between a base of the wall assembly and the supporting wall erected on the base, and providing a water separation plane disposed within the supporting wall so that the water separation plane is located between the interior finishing layer and the exterior layer. The water separation plane provides a substantial barrier to moisture vapor and bulk water. The method includes transporting moisture along an interior side and an opposing exterior side of the water separation plane to a moisture collection area outside of the wall assembly, and removing the moisture from the moisture collection area.

Abstract: The panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop its outward facing surface. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, applying heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting panels to predetermined sizes.

Abstract: A method for the production of a functional layer of a building shell (2), whereby the building shell (2) has a sheathing (11) on the inside of the building and a large number of rafters (12) with roof bays (14) provided between the rafters (12) and the sheathing (11). It is provided, in this case, that the functional layer is applied at least in some places by painting and/or spraying on the outside (15) of the sheathing (11), and an air-tight and/or water-tight foil (10), made especially as a vapor barrier, forms after application.

Abstract: A ventilated structural panel comprising a first sheet, having edges that define a horizontal axis with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge, and vertical axis with a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, a second sheet being of substantially the same planar dimensions as the first sheet and having edges that define a horizontal axis and vertical axis, with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge and a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, the first and the second sheet being parallel in plane and matched in at least one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, a plurality of spacing structural elements, fixedly attaching the first sheet to the second sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the first and the second sheet; and the plurality of spacing structural elements being arranged such that a plurality of unobstructed pathways are created for air to move from at least one edge

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a roofing ventilation system component and methods of installation of the same. In one embodiment, the component includes a fiber matting strip of air-permeable compressible nonwoven fibers and a thermoplastic polymer binding agent. The fibers may be polyester and nylon. The fiber matting may be installed in connection with a ridge vent, roof rafters and a fascia, or hip or ridge shingles.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a deck drainage system has a water-receiving structure locatable under the deck and a gutter connectable to the deck adjacent to an end of the water-receiving structure for receiving water from the water-receiving structure. The water receiving structure comprises a plurality of interconnected troughs. Each trough of the plurality of interconnected troughs includes first and second opposing sidewalls. The first sidewall of a respective trough comprises a tab and a second sidewall of the respective trough comprises a channel. The tab of the first sidewall of a first trough of the plurality of interconnected troughs extends into the channel of the second sidewall of a successively adjacent second trough of the plurality of interconnected troughs.

Abstract: A slip sheet provides a vapor barrier at a location where two siding boards abut after being secured to a wall. This slip sheet includes moisture impervious material having a predetermined thickness. The sheet of impervious material allows the slip sheet to slide between one of the siding boards and the wall. The slip sheet also includes a strip of adhesive that extends only along a top edge of the sheet of moisture impervious material to temporarily secure the sheet of moisture impervious material to the wall until each of the siding boards is secured thereto. The slip sheet is positioned between the wall and the siding boards where the siding boards abut. The slip sheet adheres to the wall until the siding boards are secured to the wall. This creates a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from reaching the wall at the abutment joint.

Abstract: A barrier or dam to contain loose insulation from falling through an attic access hatch or scuttle opening is provided. Embodiments include four pieces that can be assembled together around the perimeter of hatches of varying sizes. Two of the pieces may be male pieces and two may be female pieces. Each piece may have a securing tab on its bottom end to attach each piece to joists that define the hatch opening. A kit comprising the barrier pieces may be utilized by homeowners, contractors or insulation installers for quick and easy installation of the containment dam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for constructing a tower for a wind power installation and to a tower for a wind power installation. In this case, a coating is applied at least partially onto the exterior surface of the tower, wherein the coating is applied such that the coating absorbs tensile stresses which act on the exterior surface of the tower, and that the coating seals the exterior surface of the tower against environmental influences, in particular moisture, which act on the surface from the outside.

Abstract: We form a weather-resistive barrier on a building by applying a compressible latex foam on the joints between adjacent sheets of construction sheathing, with the sheets having been coated with an aqueous coating composition.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing and using modular building blocks. The blocks may include two walls, a course, end conditions, a reinforcing assembly, and vertical and lateral retaining members. The walls may include lateral supports disposed lengthwise on a top and a bottom surface. Lateral retainer members may be disposed into the lateral supports. The walls may also include channels extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. Vertical retainer members may be disposed into the channels. The course may be disposed between and coupled to the walls and characterized by one or more turns. The reinforcing assembly may be set inside the walls and the course. The reinforcing assembly may include wire mesh portions disposed to form interlocks, where the interlocks provide structural support for the channels. The modular building blocks may be coupled together with structurally complimentary end conditions.

Abstract: A multicomponent, in situ foaming system is described for the preparation of interpenetrating polymeric networks of foamed polyurethane and at least one further polymer for in situ construction purposes with a polyisocyanate component (A) and a polyol component (B) for forming the polyurethane, and further components (C) and (D) for forming the further polymer. Components (A) and (B) are present in a reaction-inhibiting, separate form. The components (A), (B), (C) and (D) are present in the form of one or two mixtures, in which the components (A), (B), (C) and/or (D) are contained separately in a micro-encapsulated form in order to inhibit reaction so that the components polymerized with formation of the interpenetrating polymeric network only when the components are brought into contact with one another after destruction or opening of the microcapsules.

Abstract: A roof mounting system can include a roof substrate and flashing supportable on the substrate and including an outwardly extending projection having a concave interior side and an aperture extending through the projection between top and bottom surfaces of the flashing. A seal can extend through the aperture and contact at least a portion of the top surface and at least a portion of the bottom surface. The seal can be conformable with the concave interior side and can define a seal aperture substantially aligned with the flashing aperture. A mounting bracket can be supportable on the flashing and can define an aperture sized to receive at least a portion of each of the seal and the projection. A fastener can extend through the mounting bracket aperture, seal aperture, and flashing aperture to inhibit fluid flow through the flashing aperture.

Abstract: A roof mounting system can include a roof substrate and flashing supportable on the substrate and including an outwardly extending projection having a concave interior side and an aperture extending through the projection between top and bottom surfaces of the flashing. A seal can extend through the aperture and contact at least a portion of the top surface and at least a portion of the bottom surface. The seal can be conformable with the concave interior side and can define a seal aperture substantially aligned with the flashing aperture. A mounting bracket can be supportable on the flashing and can define an aperture sized to receive at least a portion of each of the seal and the projection. A fastener can extend through the mounting bracket aperture, seal aperture, and flashing aperture to inhibit fluid flow through the flashing aperture.

Abstract: A roof/wall structure includes a substantially rigid substrate and a waterproof membrane adhesively joined to an outer surface of the substrate. The membrane includes a layer of thermoplastic or elastomeric waterproof material, a layer of cushion material bound to an inner surface of the layer of waterproof material, and a pressure sensitive adhesive bound to a side of the layer of cushion material remote from the layer of waterproof material and bound to the substrate.

Abstract: A combination through-wall masonry flashing/drainage device having a flashing membrane with at least one reinforcing cloth adhered to at least one side of the flashing membrane. A wicking cloth made of a synthetic wicking material is then adhered to the device. The wicking cloth material is selected for wicking ability, life expectancy, mildew resistance, and strength characteristics.

Abstract: An insulated exterior wall assembly combining insulating material and reflective surface insulation coupled with an air gap. A wall assembly according to this invention includes wall support studs defining insulation cavities between them, sheathing boards facing the building exterior, an insulating material such as cellular plastic material or fibrous insulation applied from the exterior sheathing partly through the depth of the insulation cavities, a foil-backed gypsum-containing wallboard applied to the interior facing portions of the studs, with an air gap between the foil backing of the wallboards and the surface of the foam along the depth of the studs. The wall assembly according to this invention provides comparable thermal resistance compared to a deep layer of insulating material.

Abstract: A unidirectional valve for venting moisture from a window having at least two panes or lights, the panes or lights defining an air space therebetween, is provided. The valve includes: an elongated body having an interior passage formed lengthwise therein, wherein at least a portion of the elongated body is adapted to be inserted directly through a window pane and into the air space formed between the panes; at least one resilient plate pivotally connected to the elongated body; wherein the resilient plate moves in response to changes in fluid pressure within the air space formed between the panes of the window, and wherein the movement of the plate opens the interior passage for allowing moisture-laden air to pass therethrough and out of the air space or closes the interior passage for preventing air from flowing back into the air space between the panes.

Abstract: A roofing system in a building structure having a ridge vent includes strips of composite material having a base material adapted to form a hermetic seal with the top surface of a roofing section and recesses in a top surface in which an air permeable material can be positioned. A strip is applied to roof sections adjacent to each side of a ridge vent so that a ridge cap can overlay the strips in spaced relation from the underlying roof sections and be sealingly secured to the roof sections. The strip material establishes a barrier between the ridge cap and the roof sections through which air can pass, but through which the passage of rain and insects is inhibited.

Abstract: A molded synthetic polymer based shingle is provided as is a roof made up of underlying and overlying of courses of such shingles. The shingles are generally rigid and are provided with upwardly protruding moisture guards on the upper surfaces of their headlap portions, for guarding against wind-blown moisture entering fastener locations at which fasteners are used to attach shingles to a roof. The moisture guards may be of various configurations and by either completely or incompletely surround the fastener locations. Shields having recesses for receiving moisture guards therein, or other downward projections, may be provided at under surface locations of the shingles in cooperative engagement for further protection against moisture penetration and for facilitating alignment of shingles relative to other shingles.

Abstract: A self-sealing attachment assembly, includes a base portion defining a receptacle having an opening at one end and a surface with a through-hole at an opposite end, a sealant material in the receptacle, and a cover secured to the base portion and enclosing the opening, wherein the cover is configured to receive a driving force from a fastener and dispenses the sealant material via the through-hole by displacement through the receptacle when actuated by the driving force. A method is disclosed for installing a building material to a framing that includes mounting a self-sealing attachment assembly onto a fastening member and driving the fastening member through the sealing assembly and the building material toward the framing to dispense a sealant material to seal the penetration hole formed by the fastening member in the building material to form a watertight seal.

Abstract: An adapter for facilitating the installation of finished walls around bathing units, such as bathtubs, shower basins, or one-piece shower units, where the bathing units have a vertical water-retaining flange around at least part of their perimeter. The adapter includes an elongated channel and a sealing strip extending down from the channel. The adapter may be applied to the bottom edge of a section of wall board, so that the wall board enters the channel and the sealing strip points down. The wall board can then be secured to a wall adjacent the bathing unit with the sealing strip extending over the flange and abutting against a surface of the bathing unit, such as a tub deck, where it forms a water-resistant seal. The adapter forms a substantially planar surface to which finished walling materials may be applied without requiring the use of furring strips.

Abstract: A thermally insulated building brick (1) and a method for production thereof, wherein the brick comprises a structural body (2) with at least one cavity (8) and an insulating filling (3) arranged in the cavity. To provide a brick with high insulation value suited for mass production, the insulating filling comprises an insulating material arranged in a leading-in sheath.