Abstract: A metal building includes a joist system having upper and lower longitudinally extending chords, the upper and lower chords being substantially parallel, and a plurality of web members interposed between the parallel chords. Each of the chords includes an upper chord segment, opposed parallel side walls, inwardly extending lower chord segments, the lower chord segments being parallel to the upper chord segment, and a pair of flanges extending downwardly from the innermost edges of lower chord segments, the flanges defining a longitudinally extending continuous web receiving aperture traversing the length of the chord, the upper chord segment, lower chord segment, parallel side walls and flanges, the web receiving apertures of the upper and lower chords being positioned in opposed relationship.

Abstract: A metal building includes a joist system having upper and lower longitudinally extending chords, the upper and lower chords being substantially parallel, and a plurality of web members interposed between the parallel chords. Each of the chords includes an upper chord segment, opposed parallel side walls, inwardly extending lower chord segments, the lower chord segments being parallel to the upper chord segment, and a pair of flanges extending downwardly from the innermost edges of lower chord segments, the flanges defining a longitudinally extending continuous web receiving aperture traversing the length of the chord, the upper chord segment, lower chord segment, parallel side walls and flanges, the web receiving apertures of the upper and lower chords being positioned in opposed relationship.

Abstract: A spring tensioning mechanism incorporating a frame having a substantially-planar main panel and a bore passing therethrough, and an axle disposed orthogonally to the substantially-planar main panel and passing through the bore. A spring is disposed around the axle. An outboard plate, disposed about the axle, is secured to the frame. The outboard plate incorporates a clocking feature. An inboard plate, having a clocking feature mated to the clocking feature of the outboard plate, is connected to the end of the spring.

Abstract: A metal building includes a joist system having upper and lower longitudinally extending chords, the upper and lower chords being substantially parallel, and a plurality of web members interposed between the parallel chords. Each of the chords includes an upper chord segment, opposed parallel side walls, inwardly extending lower chord segments, the lower chord segments being parallel to the upper chord segment, and a pair of flanges extending downwardly from the innermost edges of lower chord segments, the flanges defining a longitudinally extending continuous web receiving aperture traversing the length of the chord, the upper chord segment, lower chord segment, parallel side walls and flanges, the web receiving apertures of the upper and lower chords being positioned in opposed relationship.

Abstract: A metal building includes a joist system having upper and lower longitudinally extending chords, the upper and lower chords being substantially parallel, and a plurality of web members interposed between the parallel chords. Each of the chords includes an upper chord segment, opposed parallel side walls, inwardly extending lower chord segments, the lower chord segments being parallel to the upper chord segment, and a pair of flanges extending downwardly from the innermost edges of lower chord segments, the flanges defining a longitudinally extending continuous web receiving aperture traversing the length of the chord, the upper chord segment, lower chord segment, parallel side walls and flanges, the web receiving apertures of the upper and lower chords being positioned in opposed relationship.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a metal roof formed of overlapping R panels having major ribs and panel flats spaced therebetween includes the steps of removing fasteners disposed along the overlapping margins of adjacent R panels; plugging the holes formed when the fasteners are removed from the R panels; positioning a RETRO R panel having dual-tiered major ribs and panel flats spaced therebetween over the metal roof; aligning the major ribs of the RETRO R panel with major ribs of the underlying R panel; and fastening the major ribs of the RETRO R panel to the major ribs of the underlying R panel. An apparatus for retrofitting a metal roof includes a plurality of dual-tiered major ribs and a plurality of panel flats spaced therebetween, such that when installed over an existing metal roof, the major ribs of the new roof panel are aligned with the major ribs of the underlying roof panel.