Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate roofing membranes that may include at least one first layer including a first plurality of protrusions; at least one second layer including a second plurality of protrusions; and a plurality of inner regions disposed between a raised protrusion of the first plurality of protrusions and a raised protrusion of the second plurality of protrusions. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods of forming roofing membranes. The methods may include applying a blowable ink onto at least one porous layer; sandwiching the at least one porous layer between the at least one first layer and the at least one second layer; and expanding the blowable ink, so as to form the first plurality of protrusions, the second plurality of protrusions, and the plurality of inner regions.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an article comprising a reinforced glass mat. In some embodiments, the reinforced glass mat includes a glass mat and a reinforcement material. In some embodiments, the glass mat includes a web of glass fibers. In some embodiments, the reinforcement material is embedded into the web of glass fibers of the glass mat. In some embodiments, the reinforced glass mat includes a sufficient amount of the reinforcement material, so as to result in a nail shank shear resistance of 13 lbs to 17 lbs, when the article is tested according to ASTM 1761 at 140° F. Methods of making the article, specific embodiments of the reinforcement material in the form of a polymeric binder, and methods of forming a roofing shingle from the article are also disclosed.

Abstract: Nail sealable materials comprising a matrix material and bentonite embedded within the matrix material are described herein in accordance with non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the nail sealable material comprises a sufficient amount of bentonite, such that the nail sealable material passes ASTM D1970 at a specified nail sealable material test thickness. Some embodiments relate to systems and methods utilizing the nail sealable materials described herein.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides systems and methods enabling unmanned vehicle navigation and delivery including an integrated roofing accessory integrated into a roof, the integrated roofing accessory including at least one antenna and a computing module in communication with the at least one antenna, where the computing module, when software is executed, is configured to transmit, via the at least one antenna: electronic operating instructions to at least one unmanned vehicle, and network messages related to the at least one unmanned vehicle to at least one additional integrated roofing accessory. A landing member is on the roof and the electronic operating instructions comprise: at least one landing instruction configured to cause the at least one unmanned vehicle to land on the landing member, and at least one take-off instruction configured to cause the at least one unmanned vehicle to take off from the landing member.

Abstract: A high speed granule delivery system and method is disclosed for dispensing granules in intermittent patterns onto a moving asphalt coated strip in the manufacture of roofing shingles. The system includes a granule hopper and a rotationally indexable pocket wheel in the bottom of the hopper. A series of pockets are formed in the circumference of the wheel and the pockets are separated by raised lands. A seal on the bottom of the hopper seals against the raised lands as the wheel is indexed. In use, the pockets of the pocket wheel drive through and are filled with granules in the bottom of the hopper. As each pocket is indexed beyond the seal, it is exposed to the moving asphalt coated strip below and its granules fall onto the strip to be embedded in the hot tacky asphalt.

Abstract: A water barrier system to protect a roof surface from environmental conditions is disclosed. In one embodiment, the water barrier system includes an underlayment layer and a liquid applied coating. In use, the underlayment is coupled to the roof surface. Thereafter, the liquid coating is applied to the underlayment to form a barrier layer. The underlayment may be manufactured from a porous material so that the liquid applied coating is at least partially absorbed by the porous underlayment. In this manner, direct application of the liquid coating to the roof surface is eliminated. In one embodiment, the underlayment may be provided with a load bearing component/layer and a coating absorbing component/layer. For flat roof applications, the load bearing component/layer may be provided with increased rigidity for dimensional and installation stability.

Abstract: A multi-layer cap shingle for installation along a ridge, hip, or rake of a roof includes a forward exposure area and a rear headlap area. The multi-layer cap shingle includes at least two layers of shingle material, a top layer and a bottom layer each having opposed edges. The layers are bonded together with patches of lamination adhesive adjacent their opposed edges. The bottom layer is configured with a deformation-absorbing mechanism such as a pair of slots extending from a forward edge reawardly inboard of the lamination adhesive patches. When the multi-layer cap shingle is bent over a roof ridge, the slots of the bottom layer of shingle material narrow in width to account for the fact that the bottom layer must bend around an arc of slightly smaller radius than the top layer of shingle material.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and roofing systems including a hybrid layered structure. In some embodiments, the hybrid layered layer structure, method, and system are used for waterproofing at least one steep slope roof substrate. In some embodiments, the at least one steep slope roof substrate at least one protruding member protruding from the at least one steep slope roof substrate. In some embodiments, the hybrid layered structure comprises a first coating layer, a roofing membrane, and a second coating layer.