Abstract: A siding product is disclosed and includes a panel comprising a front with a simulated wood grain, a hollow back opposite the front, a longitudinal length extending in an x-direction, a lateral width extending in a y-direction, and a transverse depth extending in a z-direction. The panel includes a hanger clip on the front that has a hanger clip length that extends longitudinally in the x-direction, the hanger clip length is at least about 50% of the longitudinal length of the panel, and a butt leg on the hollow back. Moreover, the butt leg of the panel is configured to engage the hanger clip of a lower panel without interlocking, such that they do not engage each other with positive snap action engagement.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: Solar-reflective roofing granules having improved solar heat-resistance are formed by coating colored mineral particles with a coating composition including titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

Abstract: A roofing material includes a fire-retardant particulate material on its upper surface. A solar-reflective surface coating encapsules the fire-retardant particulate.

Abstract: A solar heat-reflective roofing product includes a base sheet, and solar heat-reflective roofing granules on top of the base sheet. The granules have a base particle with a flake-like geometry covered by a uniform coating layer. The coating layer has a thickness of at least one mil and includes a coating binder and at least one solar heat-reflective pigment. The solar heat-reflective pigment provides a solar heat reflectance of greater than 70 percent to the granules and the roofing product. Roofing products including roofing shingles and roofing membranes are described.

Abstract: A system for rendering a building material comprising a database including an adjustable parameter relating to a characteristic of a contemplated building material, wherein the system is adapted to provide a rendered image of the contemplated building material, wherein the system is adapted to be used in conjunction with manufacturing of the building material, and wherein the rendered image has a ?E, as measured according to a Color Test with respect to the building material, of less than 10, less than 8, less than 6, less than 5, less than 4, less than 3, less than 2, or even less than 1.

Abstract: A composite material includes, in an exemplary embodiment a polyurethane foam and a plurality of inorganic particles dispersed therein. The polyurethane foam is formed from a reaction mixture that includes a first polyether polyol having a first molecular weight and a functionality of about 3 or less, a second polyether polyol having a second molecular weight less than the first molecular weight and a functionality of greater than about 3, and at least one isocyanate. The ratio of an amount of the first polyol in the reaction mixture to an amount of the second polyol in the reaction mixture is between about 1:1 to about 5:1.

Abstract: An insulation system and method comprising an insulation layer, an atmospheric regulation layer, a structural support, and an external surface; wherein the atmospheric regulation layer is supported by the structural support, wherein the insulation layer is located between the atmospheric regulation layer and the external surface, wherein the atmospheric regulation layer has a water vapor permeability of not greater than 3 perms at a relative humidity of 25% as measured by ASTM E96 Procedure A Dry Cup, and a water vapor permeability of at least 6 perms at a relative humidity of 75% as measured by ASTM E96 Procedure B Wet Cup, wherein the atmospheric regulation layer has a fire class A rating as measured by ASTM E84, and wherein the continuous atmospheric regulation layer has a ACH50 value of not greater than 10, wherein ACH50 represents an air exchange at 50 Pascals.

Abstract: Solar-reflective roofing granules having deep-tone colors are formed by coating base mineral particles with a coating composition including an infrared-reflective pigment. Color is provided by a colored infrared pigment, a light-interference platelet pigment, or a metal oxide.

Abstract: A roofing product has a substrate having a binder layer and roofing granules on a majority of the binder layer, such that an exposed portion of the binder layer does not have the roofing granules. In addition, reflective particles may be located on the exposed portion of the binder layer. The reflective particles are smaller in size than the roofing granules, and the reflective particles have a solar reflectance of greater than 40%.

Abstract: A coating composition including an inorganic sol material and an organic colorant is applied to mineral particles and cured at a temperature less than 200 degrees Celsius provides roofing granules with improved luster.

Abstract: Solar reflective roofing granules include a binder and inert mineral particles, with solar reflective particles dispersed in the binder. An agglomeration process preferentially disposes the solar reflective particles at a desired depth within or beneath the surface of the granules.

Abstract: A roofing membrane with high solar heat reflectance includes a bituminous base sheet, a tie-layer with a reinforcement material, and a solar heat-reflective upper layer.