Abstract: A method and kit for installing siding panels to an exterior surface of a structure. The method and kit are directed to the positioning of a mending plate between the ends of horizontally adjacent siding panels. Lines of an adhesive are applied to the mending and the mending plate is disposed approximately midway between the ends of each of the adjacent first and second siding panels. Pressure is applied to the ends of the siding panels that are disposed over the respective portions of the mending plate thereby uniformly spreading the adhesive across the back surface of the siding panel and the mending plate to enhance the chemical bond of the adhesive once fully cured.

Abstract: A magnetically attachable window screen for attachment to a window frame. The window screen includes a plurality of screen frame members. Each frame member includes a first end and a second end wherein the first and second ends are operable to receive a flange member. The window screen also includes a screen corner key with a central magnetic member and two orthogonally opposed flanges extending outwardly in a single plane from the central magnetic member. The flange members of the screen corner key are inserted into the first and second ends of orthogonally opposed adjacent screen frame members to form a fully assembled screen frame. The window screen also includes a plurality of corner key mates inserted into each corner of the screen channel of the window frame. The central magnetic member of the inserted corner key is operable for magnetic attraction to respective corner key mates.

Abstract: A building product for application to the exterior of a building. The front face of the product utilizes a first fiber sheet partially embedded within a thermoset polymer coating resin. A foamed closed cell admixture composition core with an inorganic filler overlays the thermoset polymer coating resin with the embedded fiber sheet. The admixture composition infiltrates and bonds to the portion of the fiber sheet that is not embedded within the thermoset polymer coating resin mechanically bonding to the thermoset polymer coating. A second fiber sheet overlays the admixture core and the admixture and second fiber sheet form the rear surface of the building product that is mounted adjacent the building surface.

Abstract: A building product for application to the exterior of a building. The front face of the product utilizes a first fiber sheet partially embedded within a thermoset polymer coating resin. A foamed closed cell admixture composition core with an inorganic filler overlays the thermoset polymer coating resin with the embedded fiber sheet. The admixture composition infiltrates and bonds to the portion of the fiber sheet that is not embedded within the thermoset polymer coating resin mechanically bonding to the thermoset polymer coating. A second fiber sheet overlays the admixture core and the admixture and second fiber sheet form the rear surface of the building product that is mounted adjacent the building surface.

Abstract: A sash lock for a sash window assembly is disclosed. The sash window assembly includes an upper sash window and a lower sash window. Each of the sash windows is mounted within opposed guide rails on a master frame. At least one of the sash windows is slidable within the frame relative to the other sash window. The sash lock comprises either a keeper, with a keeper opening, for mounting on a rail of one of the sash windows or a recess in the lower rail of the upper sash. The sash lock disclosed herein includes a housing having a hole, an actuator arm, and a cam having a cam element for receipt into the keeper opening or the recess. The locking assembly also includes a shaft extending through the housing hole and operably coupling the actuator arm to the cam.

Abstract: A novel roof shingle tile and method of installation is presented. The roof shingle may include a first side opposite a second side, a top edge opposite a bottom groove, a top gutter, and a side gutter. The bottom groove may extend along a bottom edge of the tile that includes a bottom edge of the side gutter, and the top edge may include a tongue portion sized to fit within the bottom groove of a vertically adjacent tile. The second side may also include an overhang portion sized to overlap the side gutter of a horizontally adjacent tile. When installed, the shingle tiles may create a water resistant roof surface.

Abstract: A method and kit for installing siding panels to an exterior surface of a structure. The method and kit are directed to the positioning of a mending plate between the ends of horizontally adjacent siding panels. Lines of an adhesive are applied to the mending and the mending plate is disposed approximately midway between the ends of each of the adjacent first and second siding panels. Pressure is applied to the ends of the siding panels that are disposed over the respective portions of the mending plate thereby uniformly spreading the adhesive across the back surface of the siding panel and the mending plate to enhance the chemical bond of the adhesive once fully cured.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a siding member for covering an exterior of a structure. The siding member comprises a siding panel having a nail hem and a rear face, wherein the rear face is generally shaped to provide a receptacle capable of retaining a liquid material. In addition, the siding member includes an extension located at an upper edge of the siding panel and a channel located at a lower edge of the siding panel. The channel is of a shape and size to receive the extension of an adjacent panel. A stiffening material is poured or sprayed into the receptacle generally filling the receptacle.

Abstract: A novel roof shingle tile and method of installation is presented. The roof shingle may include a first side opposite a second side, a top edge opposite a bottom groove, a top gutter, and a side gutter. The bottom groove may extend along a bottom edge of the tile that includes a bottom edge of the side gutter, and the top edge may include a tongue portion sized to fit within the bottom groove of a vertically adjacent tile. The second side may also include an overhang portion sized to overlap the side gutter of a horizontally adjacent tile. When installed, the shingle tiles may create a water resistant roof surface.

Abstract: A removable balance system for a sash movable vertically between a pair of window jambs. The balance system includes a U-shaped balance channel member and a double block and tackle system disposed within the U-shaped balance channel with a locking feature selectively operable between extending laterally outwardly from the shoe for engagement with an opening in the jamb channel and recessed within the shoe. In operation the locking feature is inserted into an upper most opening in the jamb channel and the cord of the double block and tackle is withdrawn to an extent sufficient for the locking feature to engage a second opening in the jamb channel thereby securing the balance system in place within each jamb providing a seat for the sash atop the two laterally disposed shoes.

Abstract: A window operator for repositioning a window sash within a window frame. The window operator includes a crank handle for rotating a shaft with a pinion gear. The pinion gear operably engages with a rack containing cutouts, the rack having oppositely disposed first and second ends. The rack is translatable within a track disposed within the window frame. The window operator also includes an operator arm connectable between a first end of the rack and the sash wherein rotation of the shaft by the handle imparts movement to the rack and the operator arm, the rack and operator arm movement capable of transitioning the sash between a window open and a window closed position.

Abstract: A sash latch for engagement with a side jamb of a window includes an upper member with a spring cavity and a stop wall, a forward slot for engagement with an upper surface of a sash and a latch extension. The latch extension includes a substantially planar surface and an inclined planar surface extending at an acute angle relative to the substantially planar surface. The inclined planar surface includes a notch at a proximal end thereof, wherein the notch receives an edge of a wall of the side jamb when a heavy wind load is applied to an outer facing surface of the sash to restrain the sash relative to the side jamb.

Abstract: A connection system comprising an anchor connected to the window frame, a meeting rail having ends that may be snap fit to the anchor, and a single screw to tighten and true-up the connection once it is installed in the anchor. The connection system allows the meeting rail to be removed and replace from inside the building. In an alternative embodiment the disclosure details a kit for detachably securing a meeting rail to a frame jamb. The kit comprises separate anchors that are removably secured to the first and second side of the jamb frame and a profiled pin for insertion into the anchor for securing the meeting rail to the anchor and upon manual rotation of the pin the meeting rail and frame jambs are secured together.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a weatherproof electrical box for protecting an electrical connection from the elements. The electrical box includes a housing comprising four side walls and a base forming an interior space, a pivotal cover that latches onto the housing, a circumferential flange extending outwardly from the upper end of the housing, and an outer flange. The outer flange can be releasably attached to corrugations on the housing.

Abstract: A sash latch for retractable engagement with a side jamb of a window includes a lower member, which is fixed to a sash of the window, and an upper member with an extension. The upper member and extension slide relative to the lower member so that the extension can extend beyond the sash and can retract into the sash. In use, the extension extends beyond the sash and into the side jamb. A planar surface of the extension locks the sash to the side jamb. The extension also has a notch located opposite the planar surface. The notch prevents the extension from retracting into the sash when a heavy wind load is placed on the sash. Advantageously, this inhibits the sash from swinging dangerously inward under such a condition and reduces the possibility of damage or death.

Abstract: A method for installing and securing a trim system adjacent an edge of a building penetration, the trim system including at least one bracket that is attachable to a wall. The bracket having a center channel having opposed first and second side walls, at least one locking wedge located along each opposed side wall, and at least one tab extending outwardly from a side wall for gauging bracket distance from the edge of the penetration. The trim system also including at least one trim piece that is attachable to the bracket, the trim including at least two longitudinally extending slots disposed within the hidden surface of the trim for receiving the at least one locking wedge located along each opposed side wall of the bracket.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a weatherproof electrical box for protecting an electrical connection from the elements. The electrical box includes a housing comprising four side walls and a base forming an interior space, a pivotal cover that latches onto the housing, a circumferential flange extending outwardly from the upper end of the housing, and an outer flange. The outer flange can be releasably attached to corrugations on the housing.

Abstract: A system for installing trim installations at external corners of a building includes trim and a bracket. The trim serves both an aesthetic purpose in adding a decorative feature to building envelopes and also adds an additional weatherproofing purpose in allowing for more complete weatherproofing of building envelope corners and openings. The disclosed system relates to a concealed fastening building finishing element system that enables concealed fastening of finishing trim.