Abstract: An insulating structure comprises a board of insulating material having two major surfaces, two side edges and top and bottom edges, and facing sheets on each of the major surfaces, and a generally rectangular closure strip having two equal and integral side portions. One side portion is bonded to one of the facing sheets and extends over said facing sheet from the top edge to the bottom edge and inwardly a short distance from one of the side edges of the board. The other side portion extends outwardly away from the board a short distance from said side edge. A plurality of the insulating structures are positioned in abutting relationship to form an insulating envelope covering a wall or roof of a building.

Abstract: A method for continuously producing a rigid polymer foam in rolled form comprising (a) continuously conveying a carrier along a production line, (b) depositing on the carrier a foam-forming mixture, a regulating means being located on the production line to ensure deposition of only enough of the foam-forming mixture for production, after foaming and curing, of a rigid foam having a maximum thickness of less than 1 inch, (c) foaming and curing the deposited foam-forming mixture to produce a rigid foam, and (d) rolling the rigid foam.

Abstract: An exterior wall assembly comprising an outer weather-resistant layer, a heat insulating panel situated interiorly to the outer layer, a wall situated interiorly to the insulating panel, and a drainage track. The drainage track includes a clog-resistant drainage channel so that water collecting behind the insulating panel may drain from the assembly. The drainage track, in a preferred form, is extruded from PVC and defines a substantially L-shaped configuration in cross-section. An elongated, relatively tall flashing leg is provided for attachment of the drainage track to the wall such that all water-resistant material and insulation laps over the flashing leg to direct water into the drainage channel. Finish apertures are provided through a portion of the drainage track so that exterior finish such as, for example, stucco, will readily adhere and bond to the drainage track.

Abstract: A method for continuously manufacturing an insulation board by facing a foam-forming composition with one or two facing sheets to form a singly or doubly faced composite, at least one sheet comprising either a tough polymeric layer or a laminate of a tough polymeric layer with at least one other facing material, the tough polymeric layer of at least one sheet facing to the outside of the composite, and foaming and curing the faced foam-forming mixture to produce an insulation board having an exceptional hardness and puncture resistance.

Abstract: A process of producing an asphalt-impregnated fiberboard comprises the steps of forming an aqueous slurry of a fibrous material and asphalt, the solids content of the slurry being less than about 8 weight percent, mixing the slurry to uniformly distribute its components, dewatering the slurry to form a wet mat, pressing the wet mat to consolidate it, and drying the consolidated wet mat. Fiberboards made by the process can be employed as durable resilient expansion joints between various types of structural members.

Abstract: A method for continuously manufacturing a plastic foam reinforced by at least one fibrous material comprising continuously conveying a carrier along a production line, supplying on top of the carrier a foam-forming mixture and at least one continuously moving fibrous material, the fibrous material being non-expansible and having holes penetrable by the mixture, the mixture being supplied above both the fibrous material and the carrier or below the fibrous material and between the fibrous material and the carrier, passing the carrier, mixture and fibrous material between two spaced opposed constricting members which lie one above the other and form therebetween a metering gap for distributing the mixture over the carrier and fibrous material, and allowing the mixture after passing through the gap to freely expand and penetrate the holes of the fibrous material to form a reinforced plastic foam which has an exceptionally flat surface.

Abstract: A process for continuously manufacturing gypsum board having a gypsum core and at least one fibrous cover sheet comprising: (A) applying a defoaming agent to the top surface of the fibrous sheet as it advances along a production line; (B) depositing a foamed gypsum slurry onto the treated surface of the sheet; and (C) forming the composite of the foamed gypsum slurry and fibrous sheet into a gypsum board having a strong bond between the gypsum core and the fibrous cover sheet. The gypsum core-to-fibrous facer bond is highly resistant to failure upon humidification.

Abstract: Closed cell, rigid polymer foams are prepared by (a) continuously conveying a carrier along a production line, (b) supplying on the carrier a foam-forming mixture comprising a polyisocyanate, a catalyst, a hydrogen-containing blowing agent or a mixture of the hydrogen-containing blowing agent and at least one co-blowing agent, and an isocyanate-reactive component comprising (i) a high acid polyester polyol having an acid number greater than 1, or (ii) a mixture of the high acid polyester polyol and at least one other isocyanate-reactive compound, (c) passing the carrier and mixture between two constricting members forming therebetween a metering gap, and (d) allowing the mixture after passing through the gap to freely expand to form a plastic foam, wherein the acid number and amount of the high acid polyester polyol in the mixture are sufficiently high to result in a superior resistance to cold temperature shrinkage.

Abstract: A plastic foam-forming mixture, e.g. a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam mix, deposited on a carrier, is metered through two spaced opposed members forming therebetween a metering gap. At least one of the members is malleable through changes in temperature so that the profile of the metering gap can be variously defined. Foam boards having a highly uniform thickness are thereby continuously and expeditiously producible.

Abstract: Closed cell, rigid polymer foams are prepared by (a) continuously conveying a carrier along a production line, (b) supplying on the carrier a foam-forming mixture comprising a polyisocyanate, a catalyst, a hydrogen-containing blowing agent or a mixture of the hydrogen-containing blowing agent and at least one co-blowing agent, and an isocyanate-reactive component comprising (i) a high acid polyester polyol having an acid number greater than 1, or (ii) a mixture of the high acid polyester polyol and at least one other isocyanate-reactive compound, (c) passing the carrier and mixture between two constricting members forming therebetween a metering gap, and (d) allowing the mixture after passing through the gap to freely expand to form a plastic foam, wherein the acid number and amount of the high acid polyester polyol in the mixture are sufficiently high to result in a superior resistance to cold temperature shrinkage.

Abstract: A plurality of insulating panels for installation between and insulation of the metal furrings of a wall system. Preferred panels have a plastic foam core. The vertical side edges of the panels are provided with kerfs for enclosure of the metal furrings and reduction of the thermal bridging conventionally caused by the furrings.

Abstract: A closed cell, rigid polymer foam which comprises the reaction product of a polyisocyanate and an isocyanate-reactive component in the presence of a catalyst and a hydrogen-containing blowing agent or a mixture of a hydrogen-containing blowing agent and at least one co-blowing agent wherein the isocyanate-reactive component comprises (a) a hydroxy terminated polyester having an equivalent weight greater than about 350, or (b) a mixture of the hydroxy terminated polyester with at least one other isocyanate-reactive compound. Foams prepared with the hydroxy terminated polyester have superior shrinkage resistance, strength and long-term insulating efficiency.

Abstract: A closed cell, rigid polymer foam which comprises the reaction product of a polyisocyanate and an isocyanate-reactive component in the presence of a catalyst and a hydrogen-containing blowing agent or a mixture of a hydrogen-containing blowing agent and at least one co-blowing agent wherein the isocyanate-reactive component comprises (a) a hydroxy terminated polyester having an equivalent weight greater than about 350, or (b) a mixture of the hydroxy terminated polyester with at least one other isocyanate-reactive compound. Foams prepared with the hydroxy terminated polyester have superior shrinkage resistance, strength and long-term insulating efficiency.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a closed cell, rigid, polymer foam from polymer foam-forming ingredients containing a filler which comprises:(a) dispersing the filler in at least a portion of the foam-forming ingredients to form a filled dispersion, a fluorochemical surfactant being incorporated in the foam-forming ingredients either before, during or after the dispersing operation to form a dispersion containing a filler and a fluorochemical surfactant,(b) mixing the dispersion formed in step (a) with any remaining foam-forming ingredient or ingredients, and(c) foaming and curing the resultant foam-forming composition.The fluorochemical surfactant improves the stability, flowability and mixing of the dispersion during the foam production.

Abstract: Rigid, closed cell polyisocyanurate foams are prepared by reacting together a polyisocyanate and a polyester polyol or a mixture of a polyester polyol and at least one other isocyanate-reactive compound in the presence of (a) a hydrogen-containing blowing agent or a mixture of a hydrogen-containing blowing agent and at least one co-blowing agent and (b) a catalyst mixture comprising (i) a carboxylate salt of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal or mixtures thereof, (ii) a quaternary ammonium carboxylate salt, and (iii) optionally a tertiary amine, wherein the mole ratio of carboxylate metal salt: tertiary amine is a value greater than about 2:1, and the total moles of quaternary ammonium carboxylate salt are less than the combined moles of the carboxylate metal salt and the tertiary amine.

Abstract: A water-resistant, fiberboard for use in making panels and tiles for building construction is disclosed. The fiberboard contains primary components which include mineral fiber, low density, nonfibrous inorganic filler and organic fiber. The fiberboard includes about 0.1-2 wt % of silicone fluid, preferably polymethylhydrogensiloxane, which improves water resistance without adversely affecting other physical properties.

Abstract: Rigid, closed cell polyisocyanurate foams are prepared by reacting together a polyisocyanate and a polyester polyol or a mixture of a polyester polyol and at least one other isocyanate-reactive compound in the presence of (a) a hydrogen-containing blowing agent or a mixture of a hydrogen-containing blowing agent and at least one co-blowing agent and (b) a catalyst mixture comprising (i) a carboxylate salt of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal or mixtures thereof, (ii) a tertiary amine, and (iii) a quaternary ammonium carboxylate salt, wherein the mole ratio of carboxylate metal salt: tertiary amine is a value less than about 2:1, and the total moles of quaternary ammonium carboxylate salt are less than the combined moles of the carboxylate metal salt and the tertiary amine.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling assembly is provided with its metallic runners covered with magnetic articles, which may be discrete or continuous members. The magnetic articles comprise an outer facing layer and an inner magnetic layer, and are conformed to fit over and embellish the runners. Preferably, the outer facing layer comprises a plastic material and the inner magnetic layer comprises a ferromagnetic material and a binder.

Abstract: Rigid, closed cell polyisocyanurate foams are prepared by reacting together a polyisocyanate and a polyester polyol or a mixture of a polyester polyol and at least one other isocyanate-reactive compound in the presence of (a) a hydrogen-containing blowing agent or a mixture of a hydrogen-containing blowing agent and at least one co-blowing agent and (b) a catalyst mixture comprising (i) a carboxylate salt of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal or mixtures thereof, (ii) a tertiary amine, and (iii) a quaternary ammonium carboxylate salt, wherein the mole ratio of carboxylate metal salt: tertiary amine is a value less than about 2:1, and the total moles of quaternary ammonium carboxylate salt are less than the combined moles of the carboxylate metal salt and the tertiary amine.

Abstract: A method for continuously producing an insulation board comprising a rigid plastic foam core having two major surfaces and a facing material on one or both of the major surfaces, the method including conveying a facing material along a production line, depositing a partially expanded froth foam of a plastic mixture, which contains at least one frothing agent, on the facing material, and further expanding and curing the froth foam in contact wiht the facing material to form the insulation board. The board is particularly useful as roof insulation.