Abstract: A surface is insulated by applying an elastomeric foam material. In one embodiment, the elastomeric foam material comprises a polyurethane foam that is formed on-site by reacting an isocyanate with a polyol. In one embodiment, the polyol may include a polyol chain extender and/or a plasticizer. In one embodiment, the elastomeric foam material forms an air barrier against a surface. After the elastomeric foam material is installed, a fibrous insulation material may be then placed over the foam layer.

Abstract: A reflective insulation system. The reflective insulation system includes a reflective layer such as aluminum, a layer of fiberglass, and a layer of vapor retarding material. A first side of the layer of fiberglass is bonded to the reflective layer by a deposit of hot melt glue. The second side of the layer of fiberglass is bonded to the layer of vapor retarding material by a second deposit of hot melt glue. The vapor retarding layer may be a plastic material, such as polypropylene or a reflective material, such as aluminum. In an alternate construction, the reflective layer has a transverse dimension that is narrower than the vapor retarding material such that edge portions of the reflective layer are spaced inwardly with respect to edges of said vapor retarder material. A strip of adhesive tape, preferably foil tape, overlies and secures edge portions of the reflective and vapor retarder layers.

Abstract: A connector for securing a roofing band to a roofing beam by a threaded fastener may include a circumferential flange portion, first and second recess extending within the circumferential flange portion sized to accept a roofing band, and a central portion extending within the circumferential flange portion between the first recess and the second recess, a middle area of the central portion being offset laterally from the circumferential flange portion by a distance enough to permit the roofing band to be slid through the first and second recesses so that the circumferential flange portion is located on a first side of the roofing band and the middle area of the central portion is located on a second side of the roofing band opposite the first side. A single fastener opening defined through the central portion, the fastener opening sized for receiving a threaded fastener therethrough for fastening the roofing band to a roofing beam. Related roofing assemblies and methods of construction are disclosed.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure a method for making a composite wood product is provided. The method includes extruding a mass having fiber material and thermoplastic resin to form a composite wood base. The method further includes heating the composite wood base and laminating a sheet of surface material onto the composite wood base with a film application device to form a composite wood product, the film application device capable of wrapping a single sheet of the surface material onto the top, bottom, and side surfaces of the composite wood base.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a storm shutter assembly clip used for stitching together multiple storm shutter panels in making a storm shutter system, and/or assembly method for accomplishing the same. The clip includes upper and lower portions, with the upper portion having at least one arm extending therefrom, and the lower portion having a housing including a nut. A hole is formed in the lower portion. The upper and lower portions of the clip may be angled so as to correspond with an angle formed by intermediate portions of the storm shutter panels. The at least one arm of the clip is slipped over an end of the first shutter panel so that the hole of the clip aligns with holes of the inner and outer shutter panels. A screw is fed through the holes of the first and second shutter panels and the clip so as to engage with the nut, the shutter panels tightening together via the screw being received by the nut in forming the storm shutter system.

Abstract: A connector for securing a roofing band to a roofing beam by a threaded fastener may include a circumferential flange portion, first and second recess extending within the circumferential flange portion sized to accept a roofing band, and a central portion extending within the circumferential flange portion between the first recess and the second recess, a middle area of the central portion being offset laterally from the circumferential flange portion by a distance enough to permit the roofing band to be slid through the first and second recesses so that the circumferential flange portion is located on a first side of the roofing band and the middle area of the central portion is located on a second side of the roofing band opposite the first side. A single fastener opening defined through the central portion, the fastener opening sized for receiving a threaded fastener therethrough for fastening the roofing band to a roofing beam. Related roofing assemblies and methods of construction are disclosed.

Abstract: A composite material having numerous uses is disclosed. The composite material contains an insulating media combined with a foam. In one embodiment, the foam comprises a polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam holds the insulating media together and allows for the product to be molded as desired. The resulting composite product can be used as insulation or, alternatively, can be molded into various useful articles.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure a laminated composite product is provided. The product comprises a composite base, the composite base including filler material and a thermoplastic material. The product further comprises a surface layer extruded on at least a portion of the base, the surface layer being non-adhesively joined to the composite base and including about 0.1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent pigment.

Abstract: A method and/or system is provided that compensates for the flow of air through fiberglass insulation. In certain example embodiments, a dynamic heat flow meter or the like is provided for measuring and/or determining any detrimental effects of air flow through insulation such as fiberglass insulation. Once the possible detrimental effects are recognized, an insulation system is adapted (e.g., by providing a foam based insulation in a wall cavity in addition to the fiberglass insulation) to compensate, or substantially compensate, for the effects of air flow through the fiberglass. For instance, a sufficient amount of foam insulation may be provided in a cavity adjacent fiberglass, where the foam blocks or substantially blocks air from flowing through the cavity, thereby compensating for the effects of air flow through fiberglass and permitting the intended R-value to be maintained or substantially maintained.

Abstract: A surface is insulated by applying an elastomeric foam material. In one embodiment, the elastomeric foam material comprises a polyurethane foam that is formed on-site by reacting an isocyanate with a polyol. In one embodiment, the polyol may include a polyol chain extender and/or a plasticizer. In one embodiment, the elastomeric foam material forms an air barrier against a surface. After the elastomeric foam material is installed, a fibrous insulation material may be then placed over the foam layer.

Abstract: An insulation product is comprised of a fibrous layer pre-assembled with a flexible foam layer. The layer containing the fibrous material may comprise a fiberglass layer or a layer containing cellulosic fibers. The foam layer, on the other hand, may comprise any suitable flexible foam, such as an elastomeric polyurethane foam, that creates an air barrier. The two materials are laminated together and the resulting product is delivered to a building or structure for installation.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a reflective insulation product is provided. The product includes a first outer layer having reflective material, a second outer layer, and an inner layer. The inner layer includes polyurethane foam and adhesive, the inner layer being positioned between the first outer layer and second outer layer such that the first outer layer is adhered to a first side of the inner layer by adhesive and the second outer layer is adhered to a second side of the inner layer by adhesive.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a reflective insulation product is provided. The product includes a first outer layer having reflective material, a second outer layer, and an inner layer. The inner layer includes fiberglass and urethane, the urethane being present in an amount of at least about 5% by weight. The inner layer is positioned between the first outer layer and second outer layer such that the first outer layer is adhered to a first side of the inner layer by the urethane and the second outer layer is adhered to a second side of the inner layer by the urethane.

Abstract: A foam material is made through a spray process by combining a polyol with a pre-reacted isocyanate. The pre-reacted isocyanate contains an isocyanate pre-reacted with a prefoaming agent, such as a second polyol. The second polyol might be the same or different than the first polyol. Once combined in the presence of a blowing agent, the polyol and the pre-reacted isocyanate form a foam material, such as a polyurethane foam. The foam material is particularly well suited for insulating surfaces. In one embodiment, for instance, the foam is formed and applied on site.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a storm shutter assembly clip used for stitching together multiple storm shutter panels in making a storm shutter system, and/or assembly method for accomplishing the same. The clip includes upper and lower portions, with the upper portion having at least one arm extending therefrom, and the lower portion having a housing including a nut. A hole is formed in the lower portion. The upper and lower portions of the clip may be angled so as to correspond with an angle formed by intermediate portions of the storm shutter panels. The at least one arm of the clip is slipped over an end of the first shutter panel so that the hole of the clip aligns with holes of the inner and outer shutter panels. A screw is fed through the holes of the first and second shutter panels and the clip so as to engage with the nut, the shutter panels tightening together via the screw being received by the nut in forming the storm shutter system.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to composite siding panels, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a method of making a siding panel is provided. A first cover is provided. A fiberglass based substrate is provided. Urethane is applied to at least some of the fiberglass before at least some of the fiberglass reaches the first cover. The fiberglass is provided so as to be supported by the first cover. A second cover is provided so that the fiberglass is provided between at least the first and second covers. The fiberglass, wetted with the urethane, is flattened and/or densified between at least the first and second covers to form at least part of the siding panel. The siding panel may have a specific gravity of between about 0.5 and 1.2. The compressed siding panel may comprise from about 5-30% urethane by weight and from about 75-95% fiberglass by weight.

Abstract: A dynamic heat flow meter is provided which introduces a measured air flow into the system adjacent the test sample (e.g., insulation product), for which thermal properties are to be measured. The heat flow meter then measures thermal properties (e.g., thermal conductivity and/or heat capacity) of the test sample taking into account air flow through and/or adjacent the test sample.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a composite lumber product include from about (i) 38-46% wood fiber, (ii) 0.2-5.0% foaming agent, and (iii) 46-60% polymer such as homopolymer polypropylene. Optionally, the lumber product may also include one or more of from about: (iv) 0.5 to 5% lubricant, (v) 0.5 to 6% pigment, and/or (vi) 0.4 to 5.0% coupling agent. Surprisingly, it has been found that such a composite lumber product is surprisingly less subject to moisture absorption thereby leading to a more stain resistant product and a product less likely to absorb moisture (less weight gain) during wet environmental conditions. Moreover, such a composite lumber product is easier to cut/saw, and easier to screw into, thereby leading to a more user-friendly product.

Abstract: A fastening system is provided for securing decking boards to underlying joists for decking applications. In certain example embodiments, substantially U-shaped mounts are provided over the top of respective joists of a deck, and at least double-sided tape is used to adhere overlying composite decking boards to the U-shaped mounts and thus on the joists.