Abstract: A cladding system configured to be installed on a building substrate includes a plurality of fiber cement cladding elements and at least one trim element. The plurality of fiber cement cladding elements includes at least a first and second cladding element, each having a front face with a textured pattern, a rear face, first and second mating edges configured to allow mating between the first and second cladding elements, and a plurality of intermediate grooves recessed from the front face. The at least one trim element includes one or more channels configured to receive a portion of at least one of the first and second cladding elements. Each of the plurality of grooves includes a first curved surface, a second curved surface, a third curved surface, a fourth curved surface, and a planar surface positioned between the second and fourth curved surfaces and substantially parallel to the front face.

Abstract: A soffit panel attachment device includes a central portion, an attachment surface, a plurality of flanges, and a plurality of openings extending through the central portion. The attachment surface extends perpendicularly from the central portion at a first end of the central portion. First and second flanges extend parallel to the central portion to form a U-shaped channel sized and shaped to receive a soffit covering material. Two soffit panel attachment devices may be installed in opposing configurations such that the U-shaped channels are positioned to support opposite ends of a soffit panel material. The plurality of openings may be a grid of hexagonal or circular openings that provide airflow paths across the soffit panel material such as from an exterior space into an attic space above the soffit.

Abstract: Structural furring systems having enhanced drainage functionality are described. Furring strips can include a substantially planar face, substantially planar webs extending from edges of the face, and substantially planar legs extending from opposite edges of the legs. The face and/or legs include a row or array of protrusions configured to accommodate drainage and ventilation between the furring strip and an attached exterior cladding and/or building substrate. Furring strips can be manufactured by rolling a sheet metal such as steel. Additional embodiments include a furring tape configured to be affixed to a substantially flat face of a commercially available furring strip to provide similar drainage features.

Abstract: Structural furring systems having enhanced drainage functionality are described. Furring strips can include a substantially planar face, substantially planar webs extending from edges of the face, and substantially planar legs extending from opposite edges of the legs. The face and/or legs include a row or array of protrusions configured to accommodate drainage and ventilation between the furring strip and an attached exterior cladding and/or building substrate. Furring strips can be manufactured by rolling a sheet metal such as steel. Additional embodiments include a furring tape configured to be affixed to a substantially flat face of a commercially available furring strip to provide similar drainage features.

Abstract: A soffit panel attachment device includes a central portion, an attachment surface, a plurality of flanges, and a plurality of openings extending through the central portion. The attachment surface extends perpendicularly from the central portion at a first end of the central portion. First and second flanges extend parallel to the central portion to form a U-shaped channel sized and shaped to receive a soffit covering material. Two soffit panel attachment devices may be installed in opposing configurations such that the U-shaped channels are positioned to support opposite ends of a soffit panel material. The plurality of openings may be a grid of hexagonal or circular openings that provide airflow paths across the soffit panel material such as from an exterior space into an attic space above the soffit.

Abstract: A fiber cement soffit comprising a first major face, a second major face, an intermediate portion positioned between the first and second faces and an edge portion surrounding the intermediate portion such that the first and second faces, intermediate portion and edge portion together form a panel of predetermined thickness; and a plurality of apertures extending between the first and second major faces of the soffit through the predetermined thickness forming a vented portion wherein the apertures comprise between approximately 8% and 28% of the total surface area per linear foot of each of the first major face and second major face of the vented portion such that the net free ventilation provided per linear foot of the fiber cement soffit is between 10 and 16 square inches.

Abstract: A fiber cement soffit comprising a first major face, a second major face, an intermediate portion positioned between the first and second faces and an edge portion surrounding the intermediate portion such that the first and second faces, intermediate portion and edge portion together form a panel of predetermined thickness; and a plurality of apertures extending between the first and second major faces of the soffit through the predetermined thickness forming a vented portion wherein the apertures comprise between approximately 8% and 28% of the total surface area per linear foot of each of the first major face and second major face of the vented portion such that the net free ventilation provided per linear foot of the fiber cement soffit is between 10 and 16 square inches.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes 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 includes an air filtration assembly for storing and disposing the dust.

Abstract: Structural furring systems having enhanced drainage functionality are described. Furring strips can include a substantially planar face, substantially planar webs extending from edges of the face, and substantially planar legs extending from opposite edges of the legs. The face and/or legs include a row or array of protrusions configured to accommodate drainage and ventilation between the furring strip and an attached exterior cladding and/or building substrate. Furring strips can be manufactured by rolling a sheet metal such as steel. Additional embodiments include a furring tape configured to be affixed to a substantially flat face of a commercially available furring strip to provide similar drainage features.

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.