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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for marking a substrate. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for applying visual indicia to a substantially cementitious substrate in the form of a cementitious building product. The method comprising the steps of: irradiating a surface of said substantially cementitious substrate for a sufficient time and with sufficient energy to at least partially vitrify said surface thereby marking said substrate.

Abstract: Improved coating formulations for cementitious composite building materials are disclosed herein. The coating formulations provide both sealer and primer functions, particularly for substrates in a high alkaline environment, such as fiber cement composite materials.

Abstract: A cladding reinforcement system and method for attaching a cladding material to a substructure are provided in this disclosure. The cladding reinforcement system utilizes a cladding reinforcement anchor to provide a large surface area for resisting the forces in high wind applications. In some implementations, the cladding reinforcement anchor has a flat front surface that is adapted to be fastened to the cladding panel. The front surface of the cladding reinforcement anchor is sufficiently flat so that it can be sandwiched between two cladding panels without creating any visible space between the cladding panels. In some other implementations, the cladding reinforcement anchor includes a web having first and second spaced apart edges configured to define a predetermined width for locating the cladding reinforcement anchor against an upper edge of a cladding panel. Fixing indicators can be located on the flat front surface to provide targets for nails or other fasteners.

Abstract: A system for attaching finishing elements to building structures without conventional structural sheathing is provided. The system includes attaching at least one thin, flat strip of nailable reinforcement member such as a metal strapping directly to the framing of a building structure. The finishing elements are then attached to the reinforcement members via a plurality of fastening tabs. The reinforcement members are in direct contact with the framing and configured to provide structural support and increase wind load resistance of the finishing element attached thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are low density fiber cement articles, such as fiber cement building panels and sheets, comprised of multiple overlaying fiber cement substrate layers having small and uniform entrained air pockets distributed throughout. Also disclosed herein are air entrainment systems and methods for manufacturing aerated low density fiber cement panels or sheets with consistent air void content and uniform air void distribution. Also disclosed herein are air entrainment technologies adapted to work in conjunction with the Hatschek process to produce aerated fiber cement articles having controlled air void content and distribution.

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: 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: A panelized cladding system including a plurality of battens securable to a building structure, each batten having a structure engaging surface and an integrally formed finish ready panel supporting surface, and fiver cement cladding panels secured to or through the battens such that the finish ready panel supporting surface of each batten forms an external recessed surface of an express joint formed thereon.

Abstract: A frame assembly that includes at least two frame members that are connected to one another. A corner key cavity is formed at the outer sides of adjacent frame members and is shaped to cooperate with a corner key. The corner key cooperates with the corner key cavity to secure adjacent frame members to one another. The corner key cavity is formed at or near the outer perimeter of the joined frame members, and extends across a majority of the depth of the frame members. The frame assembly may include a number of frame members that, when secured to one another, define a window frame assembly.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for providing product information, and in some embodiments to an interface for providing such information. For example, one embodiment includes a computer implemented method for providing product information. This method includes providing an interface for receiving data indicative of a user-selected primary product and data indicative of a set of job requirements for a job using that primary product. The received data is processed thereby to determine a quantity of a primary product required in respect of the job, and quantities of one or more secondary products required to support the primary product in respect of the job. Output is generated thereby to allow the display of a report indicative of quantity of a primary product required in respect of the job, and quantities of one or more secondary products required to support the primary product in respect of the job.

Abstract: A low density material and a method for preparing a low-density material and precursor for forming a low-density material are provided. An aqueous mixture of inorganic primary component and a blowing agent is formed, the mixture is dried and optionally ground to form an expandable precursor. Such a precursor is then fired with activation of the blowing agent being controlled such that it is activated within a predetermined optimal temperature range. The firing conditions are also controlled to provide a low density sphere containing a heterogeneous sphere wall structure comprising a combination of amorphous glass and a crystalline phase or gas phase or both.

Abstract: This invention relates to a formulation with the addition of low density additives of volcanic ash, hollow ceramic microspheres or a combination of microspheres and volcanic ash or other low density additives into cementitious cellulose fiber reinforced building materials. This formulation is advantageously lightweight or low density compared as compared to current fiber cement products without the increased moisture expansion and freeze-thaw degradation usually associated with the addition of lightweight inorganic materials to fiber cement mixes. The low density additives also give the material improved thermal dimensional stability.

Abstract: A frame assembly that includes at least two frame members that are connected to one another. A corner key cavity is formed at the outer sides of adjacent frame members and is shaped to cooperate with a corner key. The corner key cooperates with the corner key cavity to secure adjacent frame members to one another. The corner key cavity is formed at or near the outer perimeter of the joined frame members, and extends across a majority of the depth of the frame members. The frame assembly may include a number of frame members that, when secured to one another, define a window frame assembly.

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: A framed wall construction (10) includes a generally vertically orientated frame (12). A substantially planar layer of a moisture barrier (21) having a generally water-resistant front surface is fixedly attached to substantially cover the frame (12). To complete the wall construction, an outer cladding material (22) is secured to cover the moisture barrier (21).

Abstract: Cementitious formulations and their products with enhanced reactivity are provided. Formulations in certain embodiments may include at least one calcium source, a reactant and a filler in a hydrated environment, wherein the reactant, in one form, is crystalline silica that has been modified for reactivity. Enhancement of a reactant may include one or more modifications to its content, grind and/or the cement to silica ratio, as well as addition of one or more additives in the formulation, additives in the form of at least one alumina source, defoamer, catalyst and/or a clay.

Abstract: Shaped geopolymeric particles, fibers, and articles incorporating at least one geopolymer are provided; the geopolymeric particles, fibers, and articles having a structure that is solid, foamed, hollow or with one or more voids. Geopolymers are formed by alkali activation of an aluminosilicate and/or aluminophosphate material. The end-products are shaped as spheres, flakes, fibers, aggregates thereof or articles. Such products are formed at low temperatures; wherein forming includes processing using techniques such as spray drying, melt spinning, or blowing. The shaped geopolymeric particles and fibers have high chemical durability, high mechanical strength, application-targeted flowability and packing properties, and are specially suited for incorporating into composite materials, articles, and for use in cementitious, polymeric, paint, printing, adhesion and coating applications.