Abstract: A simulated brick includes a polymeric core member (20), a mesh layer (30) adhered to the core member, a basecoat layer (43) covering an entirety of the mesh layer, and a finish layer (46) covering an entirety of the basecoat layer. The core member, the mesh layer, the basecoat layer, and the finish layer together define a brick profile portion (11) having first and second lateral sides extending to a planar outer surface to define a first thickness, and an offset portion (12) extending from the first lateral side of the brick profile portion to a lateral end surface and having an outer surface defining a second thickness smaller than the first thickness, the brick profile portion and the offset portion together defining a planar rectangular base surface (16) extending from the second lateral side of the brick profile portion to the lateral end surface of the offset portion.

Abstract: A starter board for a wall cladding system includes a core member and a laminate. The core member defines a board profile portion including parallel, planar base and outer surfaces defining a uniform thickness, the base surface extending from a first lateral surface to a second lateral surface, and a supporting flange portion extending outward from the planar outer surface, at the second lateral surface, to an outer surface of the flange portion. The laminate includes a reinforcing mesh and a basecoat layer covering the reinforcing mesh, and covers the second lateral surface of the board profile portion, the inner and outer lateral surfaces of the supporting flange portion, the outer surface of the supporting flange portion, and portions of the base and outer surfaces of the board profile portion proximate the supporting flange portion.

Abstract: A simulated brick includes a polymeric core member, a mesh layer adhered to the core member, a basecoat layer covering an entirety of the mesh layer, and a finish layer covering an entirety of the basecoat layer. The core member, the mesh layer, the basecoat layer, and the finish layer together define a brick profile portion having first and second lateral sides extending to a planar outer surface to define a first thickness, and an offset portion extending from the first lateral side of the brick profile portion to a lateral end surface and having an outer surface defining a second thickness smaller than the first thickness, the brick profile portion and the offset portion together defining a planar rectangular base surface extending from the second lateral side of the brick profile portion to the lateral end surface of the offset portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are non-cementitious dry finish formulations that are suitable for flexible building materials and that provide a number of advantages. Such advantages include superior flexibility, ability to be pigmented to a custom color, ability to consistently provide a desired texture, increased efficiency of materials and reduction of waste.

Abstract: A method of sealing a construction joint is provided which comprises applying a polymeric sizing to the edges forming the joint, applying a mesh to the joint and applying a further coating of the sizing to said deposited mesh. The sizing material can comprise a styrene-butadiene latex, a filler and at least one of a colorant, an acrylic thickener, dispersant, biocide, defoamer, antifoamer, surfactant and an acid.

Abstract: An exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) is provided for use with associated insulation and substrate layers of a building. The system includes primary and secondary water resistant barriers on first and second surfaces of the associated insulation layer. The secondary water resistant barrier includes a single adhesive and sealing layer defining at least one channel and adhesively securing the second surface of the associated insulation layer to the associated substrate layer. The system is usable with a plurality of associated insulation layers disposed in abutment, the single adhesive and sealing layer defining at least one channel extending from the first insulation panel to the second insulation panel and being adapted to conduct fluid therethrough. Further, a hand tool for working the adhesive and sealing layer is provided.

Abstract: A drainage wall cladding system including a substrate backing assembly, an insulation layer, and elongated adhesive ribbons compressed between the substrate backing assembly and the insulation layer. Prior to compression, the ribbons have a base portion and a top portion formed on the base portion. After compression, the top portion is substantially compressed and the base portion is minimally compressed, wherein the adhesive ribbons are formed such that formation of cavities is minimized. Preferably, the base and top portions are trapezoidal in cross-sectional shape. A trowel or push box may be used to form the adhesive ribbons. An edge of such trowel and a blade of such push box define one or more notches to create ribbons with a trapezoidal base portion and a smaller trapezoidal top portion.

Abstract: An automated device monitors moisture content in exterior sheathing of a building for detecting moisture intrusion into the sheathing walls. A plurality of moisture sensors are embedded in selected exterior walls of the building behind the cladding and are adapted to provide signals representative of the moisture content in the walls at each of the selected locations. A control unit is operatively connected with each of the plurality of moisture sensors for generating an alarm signal when at least one of the signals representative of the moisture content in the plurality of walls is indicative of a moisture content in excess of a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A textured finish composition is disclosed wherein the composition comprises an acrylic latex/binder and an aggregate to form a textured composition. The aggregate is preferably a lightweight expanded mineral that has a density and weight that is less than sand. The expanded mineral is preferably silicone encapsulated in order to avoid the absorption of water. Most preferably, silicone encapsulated perlite is used as an aggregate for the textured finish composition. In one preferred embodiment, the textured finish composition comprises an acrylic binder and silicone encapsulated expanded perlite.

Abstract: A textured finish composition is disclosed wherein the composition comprises an acrylic latex/binder and an aggregate to form a textured composition. The aggregate is preferably a lightweight expanded mineral that has a density and weight that is less than sand. The expanded mineral is preferably silicone encapsulated in order to avoid the absorption of water. Most preferably, silicone encapsulated perlite is used as an aggregate for the textured finish composition. In one preferred embodiment, the textured finish composition comprises an acrylic binder and silicone encapsulated expanded perlite.

Abstract: An automated device monitors moisture content in exterior sheathing of a building for detecting moisture intrusion into the sheathing walls. A plurality of moisture sensors are embedded in selected exterior walls of the building behind the cladding and are adapted to provide signals representative of the moisture content in the walls at each of the selected locations. A control unit is operatively connected with each of the plurality of moisture sensors for generating an alarm signal when at least one of the signals representative of the moisture content in the plurality of walls is indicative of a moisture content in excess of a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A wall of a building comprising cladding having a plurality of interconnecting air pressure and moisture vent channels. The cladding prevents formation of an air pressure differential between the outside atmosphere and the inside atmosphere of a building or the atmosphere in a cavity of the cladding, which reduces moisture ingress.

Abstract: A laminated wall construction for building exteriors comprising a gypsum sheathing having a non woven fiberglass layer covering at least one surface thereof, an acrylic water-based coating completely covering said fiberglass surface, and a cementitious adhesive applied to said coating for receiving and securing an insulating layer.