Abstract: Composite materials including at least partially cured cement-containing particles dispersed through a polymeric matrix and applications utilizing such composite materials such as a floor tile, decking profile, roof profile, stair tread, railings, siding, and interior and exterior trim. Methods of fabricating the composite materials and products are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to siding installation apparatus and methods of using such siding installation apparatus to install siding pieces on a structure. A siding installation apparatus includes a body having a first and second ends spaced apart from each other by a first dimension. The siding installation apparatus further includes a plurality of projections projecting outwardly from the body and spaced apart from each other along the first dimension of the body. Each of the projections is spaced apart from an adjacent projection by a first distance.

Abstract: Siding installation apparatuses and methods for engaging a first siding piece and supporting a second siding piece are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support member having a support surface to support the second siding piece, an engagement member projecting from the support member, and a securing assembly coupled to the support member to releasably restrict the support member from moving relative to the first siding piece. The engagement member is configured to engage the bottom portion of the first siding piece by contacting the back surface.

Abstract: Waste ejecting blade assemblies for hand-held cutting tools and methods for cutting fiber-cement materials are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the blade assembly includes first and second fingers attachable to the cutting tool, and a reciprocating cutting member between the first and second fingers. The cutting member includes a body pivotally coupled to the first and second fingers and a blade projecting from the body. The blade includes a top surface between opposing side surfaces and a waste ejection member at a rear portion of the top surface. The waste ejection member includes a ramp having a front edge, a back edge, and an inclined portion between the front and back edges. The inclined portion is canted toward the first or second finger and configured to direct a waste portion of the workpiece away from the blade toward the first or second finger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a fiber-cement material. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a blade assembly having an alignment member with a first finger portion and a spaced apart second finger portion. Each finger portion has a guide surface and the two guide surfaces define a guide plane. A reciprocating cutting member is pivotably coupled between the finger portions and is moveable relative to the finger portions transverse to the guide plane between a first position and a second position. The cutting member has a blade portion with outwardly facing side surfaces that have a first axial dimension when intersected by the guide plane with the blade in the first position and a second axial dimension, approximately equal to the first axial dimension, when intersected by the guide plane with the blade in the second position.