Abstract: A system for acoustical performance enhancement, where combinations of component solutions are tested or modeled and given performance ratings. A builder desiring an sound control upgrade forwards project information, such as building plans and the desired performance level, to a design department. The project information is reviewed and a combination of component solutions is determined to increase the performance level of the home to the desired level. The project information is then modified according to the selected combination and presented to the builder. Because the combination of component solutions has been tested and addresses all possible acoustical weak links in the project, confidence of obtaining the final desired performance level in the project is high.

Abstract: A system suitable for conducting an on-site measurement of the density and/or R-value of a gas-permeable material, comprising: a device comprising: a chamber comprising a first port and a second port; a diffuser in fluid communication with the second port of the chamber, wherein the diffuser comprises a diffuser port for conveying a gas flow to or from a gas-permeable material, and wherein the area of the diffuser port is greater than the area of the second port; and a pressure sensor arranged to measure the pressure in the chamber; and an analyzer for determining the density and/or R-value of the gas-permeable material based on pressure measurements obtained by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A device suitable for conducting an on-site measurement of the density and/or R-value of a gas-permeable material is provided. The device comprises a chamber comprising a first port and a second port; a diffuser in fluid communication with the second port of the chamber, wherein the diffuser comprises a diffuser port for conveying a gas flow to or from a gas-permeable material, and wherein the area of the diffuser port is greater than the area of the second port; and a pressure sensor arranged to measure the pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: A device suitable for conducting an on-site measurement of the density and/or R-value of a gas-permeable material is provided, comprising: a chamber comprising a first port and a second port; a diffuser in fluid communication with the second port of the chamber, wherein the diffuser comprises a diffuser port for conveying a gas flow to or from a gas-permeable material, and wherein the area of the diffuser port is greater than the area of the second port; a pressure sensor arranged to measure the pressure in the chamber; a temperature sensor arranged to measure the temperature of a gas in the chamber; and a relative humidity sensor arranged to measure the relative humidity in the chamber.

Abstract: A wallcovering system, composite wallcovering and method for providing a smooth finished surface to wall substrate are provided. The wallcovering system comprises a composite wallcovering consisting essentially of a decorative wallcovering layer bonded to a base sheet having sufficient stiffness, thickness and compressibility to conceal surface irregularities on a wall surface of a wall substrate. In one aspect of the invention, the composite wallcovering comprises a layer of woven glass fiber adhesively bonded to a nonwoven fiber glass mat. The composite wallcovering can be installed in one step to provide a smooth finished wall surface on the wall substrate.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a substantially smooth surface on a wall substrate having a wall surface with surface irregularities. The method comprises applying an adhesive substantially uniformly to the surface of the wall substrate, and attaching to the wall surface a base sheet having sufficient stiffness, thickness and compressibility to conceal the surface irregularities and provide a substantially smooth surface on the wall substrate. In one aspect of the method, the base sheet is a nonwoven fiber glass mat.