Abstract: An exterior elevated assembly with a walking surface is described which has features for facilitating inspection of the interior support frame of the assembly. The assembly includes a support frame for the walking surface, which defines an interior space and a soffit covering an underside of the support frame. The soffit provided with an opening. A vent panel is provided for covering the opening and a vent panel retention mechanism is provided for reversibly holding the vent panel in place over the opening. Methods and kits for installing a vent panel in a soffit of an exterior elevated assembly with a walking surface are also described.

Abstract: An air vent for a vehicle includes a housing with an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air channel between the air inlet and the air outlet; at least one rigid air directing body arranged within the air channel; and an actuator arranged within the housing in order to act on the rigid air-directing body to determine a direction of an air stream exiting the air outlet, where the actuator includes a shape memory alloy element, and the rigid air-directing body is pivotably arranged within the housing by being affixed to a first axis which runs parallel to a second axis to which the actuator is affixed to be pivotably arranged within the housing.

Abstract: A mounting system for a solar module that uses a resilient clip to locate and secure the solar module in a desired location.

Abstract: A corrugated plate assembly includes at least two corrugated plates each having a crest portion. The crest portion is asymmetric and includes first and second arcuate ends, two longitudinal lateral sides connected between the first and second arcuate ends and two indentations indented from the first and second arcuate ends. The second arcuate ends of the corrugated plates are interconnected in such a manner that the indentations of the second arcuate ends are intersected each other and that the second arcuate ends overlap with each other. Ventilation gaps are formed between overlapping parts of the second arcuate ends.

Abstract: A method for forming a variably sized wall panel by supplying a face panel of a first material, the face panel having a front face and a back face, the back face having a plurality of crosspieces extending therefrom. The face panel is placed in a mold such that the front face of the face panel abuts a bottom of the mold and the back face of the face panel faces away from the bottom of the mold. A flowable second material is layered on top of the face panel and the flowable second material is allowed to harden such that the back face of the face panel and the crosspieces are frictionally bound to the hardened second material.

Abstract: An insulated vent chute and blocking assembly which can be inserted between adjacently disposed roof rafters of a building construction having a pitched or flat roof, the roof supported by a building wall. The assembly comprises: a generally flexible insulated body having a roof facing surface, an attic space facing surface, the surfaces spaced apart from each other to define a pair of longitudinal rafter facing sides, a top and a bottom transverse end, the ends connecting the sides; and a reflective substrate covering the attic space facing surface, the substrate for reflecting heat away from the attic space facing surface and back into attic insulation. The assembly is fabricated from a flexible insulated material, and can assume an arcuate form in embodiments when the body is inserted between adjacently disposed roof rafters in the building construction with a pitched or flat roof such that the bottom transverse end can contact the top of the building wall.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation well with hurricane-resistant function for a building comprising an inclined roof (11), intended to be adapted to said building in such a way as to extend over its entire height, communicating towards the exterior of the building at the peak of the roof, and having at least one lateral opening (3, 4) communicating with the inside volume of the building, characterized in that it further comprises a cap (5) which may be adjustable in height and/or removable at the top of the well.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of making cornice assemblies and other trim members utilizing the process of pultrusion. The cornice assemblies and the other trim members made by the method of the present invention exhibit superior strength to weight ratios, low expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity, as well being less labor intensive to install.

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

Abstract: A rainwater head, including: a dome, a drainage pipe, a siphon, and a ball cock mechanism. The drainage pipe includes a drainage exit and a wall including a water outlet hole. The ball cock mechanism includes a floating ball, a connecting bar, a fulcrum, and a stopper. The drainage pipe is connected to the lower part of the dome. The drainage exit is arranged on the top of the drainage pipe. The drainage exit is adapted to be between 5 and 10 cm higher than the roof. The water outlet hole is arranged on the wall of the drainage pipe at a position having the same height as the roof or is lower than the roof. The siphon is disposed on the upper part of the drainage pipe. The inlet of the siphon faces the roof; and the outlet of the siphon extends inside the drainage pipe.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of making cornice assemblies and other trim members utilizing the process of pultrusion. The cornice assemblies and the other trim members made by the method of the present invention exhibit superior strength to weight ratios, low expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity, as well being less labor intensive to install.

Abstract: A roof structure and a vented eave riser are described. A vented eave riser can include a barrier wall with one or more air flow openings, and an ember impedance structure positioned proximate to the barrier wall. A roof structure may comprise a roof deck and a layer of roof cover elements spaced above the roof deck to form an air layer between the roof deck and the roof cover elements. The roof structure may also comprise one or more vent members each replacing and mimicking an appearance of one or more roof cover elements of the layer of roof cover elements, and/or at least one vented eave riser positioned at an eave between the roof deck and the layer of roof cover elements. The vent members and/or the vented eave riser may further include an ember impedance structure, such as a fire-resistant mesh material or a baffle structure.

Abstract: A sealed attic insulating and roof ventilating system has a receiver (lath) material attached to adjacent pairs of rafters and an insulation material secured to the lower surface of the receiver material. This arrangement creates an uninterrupted plenum between the receiver, rafters and roof decking through which air can circulate from the lower roof vents to the upper roof vents. The circulation of air through the plenum prevents moisture from accumulating or condensing under the roof decking and warping the decking, which ultimately leads to deterioration of the decking and failure of the roof covering. This air circulation also eliminates ice damming on the top surface of the roof covering.

Abstract: A vented soffit panel is provided. The soffit panel includes a first panel section, a second panel section and a vent channel. The vent channel is positioned between the first and second panel sections and extends along a width of the soffit panel. The vent channel has a generally dove-tailed shape defined by a first sidewall extending from the first panel section at an acute angle relative thereto, a second sidewall extending from the second panel section at an acute angle relative thereto and a top wall extending between the first and second sidewalls. The top wall has at least one row of openings extending substantially along the width. The row of openings in the top wall being positioned such that when the panel is installed the row of openings are obscured from a view of an ordinary observer by at least one of the first and second panel sections.

Abstract: A roof structure and a vented eave riser are described. A vented eave riser can include a barrier wall with one or more air flow openings, and an ember impedance structure positioned proximate to the barrier wall. A roof structure may comprise a roof deck and a layer of roof cover elements spaced above the roof deck to form an air layer between the roof deck and the roof cover elements. The roof structure may also comprise one or more vent members each replacing and mimicking an appearance of one or more roof cover elements of the layer of roof cover elements, and/or at least one vented eave riser positioned at an eave between the roof deck and the layer of roof cover elements. The vent members and/or the vented eave riser may further include an ember impedance structure, such as a fire-resistant mesh material or a baffle structure.

Abstract: A roof assembly for covering a building includes a first structural layer coupled to the framework of the building, a second structural layer positioned above the first structural layer, and an insulating layer including a roof insulation panel positioned between the first and second structural layers. A ventilating purlin extends between and contacts the first and second structural layers along at least one edge of the roof insulation panel. The ventilating purlin transfers loads from the second structural layer to the first structural layer without using the insulating layer for structural support. The ventilating purlin also includes at least one ventilation opening positioned to enable air flow through the ventilating purlin into a ventilating layer of air space formed between the insulating layer and the second structural layer. Thus, the ventilating purlin permits full ventilation of the roof assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a building roof structure formed by a skeleton, hollow assemblies, a waterproof layer and a heat insulation plate. The hollow assemblies are installed on the skeleton, the waterproof layer is paved on the hollow assemblies and the heat insulation plate is disposed above the waterproof layer. Hot air rising up inside the building and heat accumulated on the roof by being exposed to sun can all be circulated out through cooling spaces formed by the hollow assemblies, which achieves the cooling effect of natural air circulation to reduce temperature inside the building without using external fans or air drafting equipment. Therefore, the green building concept that saves energy and reduces CO2 emission is complied with, thereby improving the living quality of building.

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

Abstract: A baffle for use in an attic is installed between adjacent roof rafters to substantially block the flow of ventilating air through an opening located between the top surface of the wall plate and the underside of the roof deck. The baffle is formed from extruded cellular plastics material which is cut to define two parallel grooves by cutting through the first wall to define first and second side flaps hingedly connected to the rectangular panel by bending said sheet at said grooves for attaching the side flaps to the inner face of said roof rafters. The first and second grooves are formed in the sheet at right angles to the webs so that the grooves cut through the first sheet also cut at least partly through the webs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a venting band with at least two side strips extending parallel to one another and a center strip. Parallel to the side strips extend venting bands formed by continuously connected walls or webs. The venting bands can therein have diverse forms. At least one venting channel is provided; however, it is also possible to provide several venting channels. Through the use of certain materials with restoring forces for the venting band, the at least one venting channel can open automatically during the rolling out of the venting band. However, it is also possible, to bring about an opening of the at least one venting channel by pulling on the side strips.

Abstract: An insulating member is disposed between the top of a wall and the underside of a roof to more effectively insulate the structure and prevent condensation fostering growth of mold and mildew occurring along the surfaces of the wall, ceiling and roof. A first surface of the insulating member overlies the top plate of the wall extending inward between the ceiling joists a distance of at least 1.5 feet. A second surface overlies the outside surface of the wall extending downward along the exterior of the wall a distance of at least 0.5 feet. A third surface is shaped to substantially conform to the opposing underside of the roof deck such that the space between the roof deck and the wall top plate is sealed off by the insulating member. Multiple air flow pathways extend through the insulating member providing continuous air flow from soffit area into the attic space.

Abstract: A method for installing a roof vent includes the steps of providing a base component having an outer flange having a bottom surface and surrounding a central opening; providing a top cover; mounting the top cover on the base component over the central opening to permit the air to flow through the central opening, but to exclude water from entering the central opening; and welding a riser box on the bottom surface of the base component around the central opening, the riser box being sized and shaped to fit around the curb of the roof. The base component is then mounted onto the curb such that the base component covers the building venting aperture and the riser box fits around the curb.

Abstract: An adaptable vent baffle mountable to an underside of a roof deck and to a wall plate of a building structure between a pair of roof rafters having a rafter spacing for permitting ventilation between a soffit and an attic space of the building structure. A main body portion has a longitudinal axis and is positioned generally on a main body place. A spacer extends from the main body portion and a tail portion is hingedly mounted to the main body portion. The main body portion and tail portion include first and second side edges and a baffle width is defined between the first and second side edges. At least one line of weakness extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis for modifying the baffle width to adapt to the rafter spacing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation well with hurricane-resistant function for a building comprising an inclined roof (11), intended to be adapted to said building in such a way as to extend over its entire height, communicating towards the exterior of the building at the peak of the roof, and having at least one lateral opening (3, 4) communicating with the inside volume of the building, characterised in that it further comprises a cap (5) which may be adjustable in height and/or removable at the top of the well.

Abstract: A baffle vent incorporates an integral drift blocker portion that is connected to the main body portion of the baffle vent by a generally planar transition portion to allow the drift blocker portion to move relative to the main body portion. The main body portion is formed with transversely extending stiffening ribs, while the drift blocker portion is formed with longitudinally extending stiffening ribs with the transition portion being devoid of stiffening ribs to maintain flexibility in the transition portion. The baffle vent structure can be formed in large sheets that span several roof rafters with multiple integral drift blocker portions formed to be positioned between the roof rafters. A deck baffle panel is also provided in a configuration similar to the main body portion to be installed beneath attic flooring in manufactured housing to allow an air flow to remove moisture from beneath the attic flooring.

Abstract: A roof system is secured to a roof deck on a building. The roof system has a thermal energy absorbing product including a desiccant located between the roof deck and a roof barrier. The desiccant reversibly absorbs moisture, and in response thereto, heat is released and absorbed by the desiccant to effect a thermal management of the roof system.

Abstract: An attic soffit ventilator for a dwelling having a removable filter. The soffit ventilator includes a frame having a plurality of louvers on one side, wherein the frame is fixed to the underside surface or soffit structure of a roof. The frame includes a side openings or slot for receiving a filter media. The filter media is inserted into the frame by sliding it into the frame from the side opening or slot. Further, the filter media can be removed, cleaned, and re-inserted into the frame.

Abstract: A trim piece that encapsulates the roof, soffit and fascia of a building is described in addition to methods of making and installing the trim piece. The trim piece member provides, among other things, wind protection for buildings. The single piece of shaped trim is installed over roof members, fascia and soffit, and is attached to the wall. The trim member includes among other things, drip edges, ventilation holes, and a features that allows for condensation to collect and drip out of the inside of the installed trim. The trim is preferably comprised of a corrosion resistant aluminum-zinc alloy applied on steel by a continuous hot-dip process.

Abstract: The thermal energy venting system includes an insulation board disposed in the cavity between adjacent studs and other areas of a domicile or building to form venting channels directing excess heat through a roof/ridge vent. The insulation board is a non-porous laminate formed by a rigid foam core covered or sheathed with a reflective polymeric facer or plastic. The insulation board provides a thermal barrier for conduction, convection and radiation aspects of thermal energy transfer. The installation of the insulation board forms an envelope that reflects exterior thermal energy and interior thermal energy to maintain comfortable interior temperatures with minimal heating/cooling energy expenditure and costs.

Abstract: A multi-module vent cover system for installation onto a roof ventilation vent is provided, including both a solid module and a screen module that are cooperatively useable to cover a roof vent. The screen module is designed to permanently cover the ventilation vent and is designed with a mesh sized to exclude the animal or animals of interest from access into the roof and/or attic. The solid module is configured with holes adapted to receive fastening studs extending from the screen module, allowing for removable mounting of the solid module over the screen module when needed. The solid module is designed to removably cover the ventilation vent to prevent a pressure differential, flying debris damage and water intrusion during hurricanes, to prevent airborne embers from entering during a firestorm, and to protect the screen module against accidental paint splatters.

Abstract: A fascia vent for a roof structure includes a fascia board for attachment along the lower ends of roof rafters that support a roof deck above an attic space. The fascia vent has an exposed outside face and an inside face at least partly exposed to the attic space. In one embodiment, a plurality of slots are formed along the inside face of the fascia board with a lower end of the slots communicating with ambience along the bottom edge of the fascia board and an upper end of the slots communicating with the attic space. In another embodiment, a plurality of spaced vent pockets are formed in the inside face and a slot is formed along the bottom edge of the fascia vent communicating with the vent pockets. In use, hot air vented from the attic is replaced by fresh air that flows through the fascia vent and into the attic space.

Abstract: A fascia vent for a roof structure includes a fascia board for attachment along the lower ends of roof rafters that support a roof deck above an attic space. The fascia vent has an exposed outside face and an inside face at least partly exposed to the attic space. A plurality of slots are formed along the inside face of the fascia board with a lower end of the slots communicating with ambience along the bottom edge of the fascia board and an upper end of the slots communicating with the attic space. In use, hot air vented from the attic is replaced by fresh air that flows through the lower ends of the slots and into the attic space.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of making cornice assemblies and other trim members utilizing the process of pultrusion. The cornice assemblies and the other trim members made by the method of the present invention exhibit superior strength to weight ratios, low expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity, as well being less labor intensive to install.

Abstract: A vent baffle can be arranged so as to direct air near an underside of a roof. The vent baffle can feature bending structures, which can allow the vent baffle to transition from a substantially columnar orientation to a bent orientation.

Abstract: The present device a soffit vent section for mounting onto a soffit includes a left and a right wall including vented sections, the walls connected at a lower end apex to form a V shaped section aligned along a longitudinal direction. A longitudinal baffle is centrally disposed between the walls and includes a bottom edge which makes contact with the walls at the apex. The soffit vent section includes a left and right flange projecting horizontally from an upper end of the left and right wall respectively wherein the flanges for fastening the soffit vent section to the soffit. Preferably the soffit vent section is fastened to a soffit and is in combination with a fascia having a fascia lip. The fascia includes a fascia portion F and a lip portion L, wherein the lip portion L being at least of equal length or greater length than the fascia portion F such that the combination of the soffit vent section and the fascia portion channeling air into the soffit vent section.

Abstract: A radiant barrier rafter vent defining an elongate radiant heat reflective panel formed from a sheet of aluminum or other heat reflective material having longitudinal creases that permit compressing the panel a selected amount in a direction transverse to its length and panel strengthening spaced apart formations on the remainder of the panel. The panel have a high reflectivity and are installable in various buildings between the rafters or roof supports spaced apart from the roof and optionally coated with a sound absorbing material or include small perforations therein.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of making cornice assemblies and other trim members utilizing the process of pultrusion. The cornice assemblies and the other trim members made by the method of the present invention exhibit superior strength to weight ratios, low expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity, as well being less labor intensive to install.

Abstract: A ridge ventilation system includes a plurality of ridge vent sections configured to be arranged end-to-end along the ridge of a roof covering a vent slot formed therealong. Each ridge vent section has an elongated longitudinally flexible top panel with a central portion, edge portions terminating at extreme edges of the top panel, and ventilation grids extending beneath and along the edge portions spaced from extreme edges thereof. The space between the extreme edges of the top panel and the ventilation grids forms or defines an overhang configured to receive edges of shingles in a course of shingles installed next to the vent section and to inhibit the edges of the shingles from rising up. The ridge vent sections also have depending deflectors for deflecting blowing rain and snow that might enter through the ventilation grids and filter fabric may be affixed to the bottom of the ridge vent sections to provide additional deflection of rain and snow.

Abstract: A ventilated roofing structure includes a modular roofing panel unit adapted to form part of an outermost layer of a roof, a wall unit which is secured to the roofing panel unit, and which extends downwardly to terminate at an anchored end to partition a space under the roof into outside and inside spaces, and which has a ventilation opening communicating the inside and outside spaces, and a modular drainage-route forming panel unit which is fastened to an overhanging eave of the roofing panel unit to form a gap therebetween. The drainage-route forming panel unit extends downwards to separate the outside space into an airflow transit chamber and an outdoor space, and has an anchoring edge secured to the anchored end, and a drainage port communicating the airflow transit chamber with the outdoor space.

Abstract: An eaves protector includes a soffit receiver and a soffit/fascia lock which are fastened to the eaves. A fascia plate and a soffit panel are engaged to the soffit receiver and the fascia/soffit lock. Some versions of the eaves protector require no fasteners to keep the soffit and fascia plate in place. The eaves protector can be simply and inexpensively manufactured from single pieces of folded material, and may be manufactured to standard dimensions that will fit any building, or custom-cut on site.

Abstract: A roof vented closure strip 200 comprises profile piece 210, filter material 220, and top layer 230, the strip manufactured with at least two different materials combining to fill the space between a ridge cap 140 and a sloped roof 112. The profile piece includes a lower surface 213, side surfaces 215, a front exterior surface 216, a rear interior surface 217. The strip is disposed on the sloped roof such that a lip is formed between strip rear interior surface, and the ridge slot. Filter material fills between the profile piece, the top layer, the front exterior surface, and the rear interior surface wherein the rear interior surface slopes at an angle 206 toward front exterior surface, and one or more moisture channel 250 extends laterally across the width of the strip, such that moisture flows from the lip down and drains through the moisture channel exiting the structure.

Abstract: A method and a device for installing a rigid panel parallel to a flat building structure and between rafters while providing a ventilation gap between the rigid panel and the flat building structure.

Abstract: A multi-layered roofing system and method of construction which replaces standard sloped or flat roof surfaces is herein disclosed. The system comprises a roof surface having a dual layer construction provided by two (2) layers of roof sheathing material which are separated by vented spacing members. A top layer of sheathing material is covered with a top layer of roofing felt, shingles, rolled roofing, or the like. The system utilizes various vented spacing channels, vented drip edge elements, and a vented ridge vent that provide for a ventilating gap within the roof. The ventilating gap runs the entire length of the roof and helps to moderate interior building temperatures, thereby improving energy efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus for permitting venting through eaves and foundation walls at low temperature and which closes at high temperature includes a shape-memory alloy spring that has a first expanded state at the low temperature and a second contracted state at the high temperature. At high temperature the shape-memory alloy spring contract which, in turn, closes a pivoting louver thereby obstructing the passage of air. At low temperature, after overcoming hysteresis, the shape-memory alloy spring expands and a counterforce type of spring is then able to urge the louver back into the open position. This process can be repeated, if necessary, thereby eliminating the need for replacement of the apparatus after experience of the high temperature event has occurred.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of making cornice assemblies and other trim members utilizing the process of pultrusion. The cornice assemblies and the other trim members made by the method of the present invention exhibit superior strength to weight ratios, low expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity, as well being less labor intensive to install.

Abstract: A roof assembly for a building which includes a roof, a roof space in heat exchange relationship with at least a section of the roof, and at least one opening for airflow from the roof space.

Abstract: A beaded soffit panel and related method for buildings and the like includes a plurality of generally flat, imperforate base portions shaped to enclose at least a portion of the soffit when the soffit panel is mounted in a generally horizontal orientation under the eave. A plurality of generally M-shaped, contoured beads extend between the base portions, and have oppositely inclined sidewalls with center walls therebetween to create a decorative appearance on the soffit panel. A plurality of narrow vent slits extend through the exterior faces of the bead sidewalls at a predetermined acute angle to define angled tabs that extend inwardly, whereby when the soffit panel is installed, vision through the vent slits from a position generally underneath the eave is substantially blocked by the angled tabs.

Abstract: A fascia vent for a roof structure includes a fascia board for attachment along the lower ends of roof rafters that support a roof deck above an attic space. The fascia vent has an exposed outside face and an inside face at least partly exposed to the attic space. In one embodiment, a plurality of slots are formed along the inside face of the fascia board with a lower end of the slots communicating with ambience along the bottom edge of the fascia board and an upper end of the slots communicating with the attic space. In another embodiment, a plurality of spaced vent pockets are formed in the inside face and a slot is formed along the bottom edge of the fascia vent communicating with the vent pockets. In still another embodiment for installing along the longer rafter tails of wider rafters, the fascia board is wider and plunge cuts are made along the bottom edge of the fascia board to form a flow path to the vent pockets and thus to an attic space.

Abstract: A raceway extends along an edge of roof of a structure and is adapted to house a cable, such as an industry standard ice and snow melt heating cable designed, listed and approved for the purpose. An open side of the raceway exposes the cable and allows for the insertion, replacement and inspection of the cable per industry practice. A side of the raceway may have a radiused edge providing added resiliency to springably retain and/or removably secure the cable in raceway. In the case of a heating cable, heat is transferred to the surrounding structure, and may be concentrated at the drip edge to maximize ice melt efficiency. Methods of installation of the raceway are applicable to new construction and retro-fitting existing structures, including drainage systems, bridge structures and other outdoor enclosures, and may be used with many types of roofing materials including asphalt, wood and metal.