Abstract: Disclosed herein are fiber reinforced cement composite materials incorporating a 3-mode fiber blend that includes cellulose pulp and synthetic fibers in a ratio selected to provide the composite material with improved water absorption characteristics and the same or improved mechanical properties as compared to equivalent composite materials reinforced with predominantly or all cellulose fibers. Also disclosed herein are fiber blends comprised of a combination of cellulose fibers and polypropylene fibers adapted to reinforce cementitious composite articles manufactured by the Hatschek process and autoclave cured.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a low density monolithic fiber cement article that incorporates controlled air entrainment evenly distributed throughout the article to improve various physical properties of the article. In some implementations, air entrainment agents are used to create voids in the article, thereby lowering the density and weight of the boards while maintaining adequate strength. In some implementations, the air entrainment agents can be added in solution to create a foam, or can be used to generate a pre-foam, which can be added to a cementitious paste. The cementitious paste incorporating the air entrainment agent can proceed through an extrusion process, experiencing high pressures, where the voids remain in the final monolithic fiber cement board.

Abstract: A building array (800, 900, 902) comprising at least one building element (100, 200) having a first face (102, 202), a second face (104, 204) and a peripheral edge member (108, 208), the first face and second face being spaced apart to define an intermediate portion (106, 108), the peripheral edge member extending around the intermediate portion whereby at least a portion of the peripheral edge member comprises an edge profile (112, 212); and at least one boundary element (300, 400, 500, 600) comprising a planar base member (304, 404, 504, 604) removably attachable to a structural support element (802), at least one flange (306, 406, 506, 606) extending substantially orthogonally from the planar base member and an edge restraining formation (310, 410, 510, 610) extending laterally from the flange remote from the planar base member. The edge restraining formation is configured for releasably engaging with the edge profile of the building element.

Abstract: A structural connection arrangement and method for connecting at least two sash, stile, mullion, or frame members of window and/or door frame assemblies that are oriented in crossing orientations when connected to one another. The connection arrangement includes at least two elongate members that each extend along a respective longitudinal axis. A pair of openings are formed in one of the elongate members and oriented to face in a crossing direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the respective member. A pair of connection members is secured to the other of the elongate members of the frame assembly and extends beyond the elongate member so that each connection member cooperates with one of the pair of openings and overlaps an interface between the two elongate members.

Abstract: An improved fastener comprising: a screw element (1) and a cover member (11). The screw element (1) comprising a shank member (2) having comprising a piercing tip (6) at a first end of the shank member and a head (7) at a second end of the shank member. The head of the screw comprising a first recess (9) for releasably engaging an instrument of rotation and a second recess (10) extending from the first recess into the shank member for releasably engaging a shank portion (14) of a cover member (11). The cover member (11) comprising a capping portion (12) having a first face (13), a second face (17) and a shank portion (14) extending substantially orthogonally from the first face (13) of the capping portion (12), the shank portion (14) being releasably engagable with the second recess (10) of the screw element (1).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are coating agents and methods of manufacturing coated products with such coating agents. The disclosed coating agents may include at least one resin, at least one filler selected from the group comprising natural mineral and synthetic mineral, and at least one chemical agent, wherein the at least one chemical agent is at least one pigment selected from the group comprising inorganic pigment and organic pigment.

Abstract: An integrated fiber cement and foam cladding system is provided that incorporates foam or similar light weight material to improve the insulation capacity of the cladding system. The system includes at least a fiber cement layer and a foam layer disposed on the backside of the fiber cement layer. The system improves the R-value of the building, a measure of the building's resistance to transferring heat or thermal energy.

Abstract: An acoustic dampener (100) comprising a base member (101) having a first surface (102) and a second surface (103), the first surface (102) and the second surface (103) are spaced apart from each other defining a thickness (104) therebetween. The acoustic dampener (100) further comprising a pair of side arms (105), each having a first end (109) and a second end (110). Each side arm (105) is attached to the base member (101) at its first end (109) at a predetermined angle. The side arm (105) extends from the base member (101) to form a channel formation (119) to receive a batten. A flange (106) extends substantially orthogonally from the second end (110) of each side arm (105) for retaining a batten within the channel formation (119).

Abstract: A cutting apparatus comprising a cutting tool and a collection assembly designed for diverting, collecting and disposing dust generated during the cutting process. The apparatus includes a cutting tool, a collection assembly together with an optional dust separator and/or collection container. The air stream generated around the blade of the cutting tool during operation diverts the generated dust particulates into the collection assembly of the cutting tool. The air stream can also transport the dust into the dust separator which transfers the dust into the collection container, when present. Optionally, the collection container further comprises an air filtration assembly for storing and disposing the dust.

Abstract: A cladding element (100), for use in a building envelope, comprising a first face (101), a second face (102) and a peripheral edge member, the first face and second face being spaced apart to define an intermediate portion of predetermined thickness (t), the peripheral edge member extending around the intermediate portion. The first face (101) comprises a profiled portion (106) simulating a masonry weather joint aesthetic thereby minimizing dirt and debris accumulation on the profiled portion of each cladding element in a constructed wall section. In addition the profiled portion provides a self-cleaning functionality. The profiled portion also provides an improved shadow zone contrast when arranged in a building array.

Abstract: Multifunctional primer formulations are disclosed for composite building materials, such as materials that are generally cementitious, gypsum, or of another inorganic building material, including those containing cellulose, glass, steel or polymeric fibers. The multifunctional primer formulations provide multifunctional action to the primer including an ability to function as a primer and sealer in only a single coating. Such formulations when applied to a suitable substrate provide excellent adhesion to the substrate and improve paint adhesion and performance when applied thereto. Superior properties over commercial products is particularly notable when the formulations herein are applied to substrates, such as fiber cement, that have been manipulated or sized by cutting (e.g., by saw or water jet), sanding, punching, and/or shearing.

Abstract: A building element (1) that is suitable for use as a structural element in wet areas or external docking. The building element (1) comprises a rigid substrate (2) having an upper face (3). Over the first face (3) lies a radiation curable resin (4) into which a layer of reinforcing material (5) is at least partially embedded. The reinforcing material (5) and resin (3) can be applied separately or together onto the first face (3) of the rigid substrate (2) or in some cases can be applied to both faces. An apparatus and method for producing the building sheet are also disclosed.

Abstract: A concealed fastening system that utilizes a slide and receiver interlocking mechanism for attaching building finishing elements to a building structure is provided. In some implementations, the system includes a slip tab and a receiver that are configured to slidably engage and interlock with each other upon application of a linear motion. The system facilitates installation of building finishing elements such as trim components, fascia boards, frieze boards, belly band boards, and the like to an underlying structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building section including a sub-structure and a cladding member connected in fixed relation relative to the sub-structure. A multi-function elongate, flexible insulating element is disposed between the sub-structure and the cladding member for damping energy transfer between the cladding member and the sub-structure, facilitating alignment of the cladding, and creating a rainscreen configured to drive out moisture from the wall cavities. The flexible insulating element includes a bond breaker disposed on the external surface of the insulating element. The bond breaker prevents externally applied joint sealant compound from adhering to the insulating element. The bond breaker can act as a safeguard to prevent joint sealant deterioration or adhesion to undesired surfaces.

Abstract: An engineered composite building material, such as fiber cement, having one or more engineered sub-surface regions designed to provide the building material with improved moisture ingress resistance, paint adhesion, and other mechanical properties is provided. The sub-surface region has a cement-polymer matrix formed by introducing an impregnating agent into the pores of the substrate. The composite building material may be formed by applying impregnating agents to the subsurface regions of the substrate to form chemical and/or mechanical bonds with the matrix of the building material, the reinforcement fibers, and/or the surface coatings applied to the material. The thickness of the sub-surface regions may be controlled by varying the viscosity and porosity of the building material substrate. The cement-polymer building material has enhanced durability, weather resistance, strength, and stiffness.