Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure is a plaster board having a first edge and an opposed second edge, and a third edge and an opposed fourth edge. The plaster board includes a first layer of hardened plaster material including a first surface and an opposed second surface, and a second layer of hardened plaster material including a first surface and an opposed second surface. The second layer of hardened plaster material is stacked against the first layer such that their first surfaces face one another. The first layer and the second layer together define the first, second, third, and fourth edges of the plaster board. The plaster board also includes a viscoelastic polymer disposed between the first surfaces of the first and second layers of hardened plaster material. The viscoelastic polymer does not extend substantially to the first, second, third, and fourth edges of the plaster board.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared-transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure is a plaster board having a first edge and an opposed second edge, and a third edge and an opposed fourth edge. The plaster board includes a first layer of hardened plaster material including a first surface and an opposed second surface, and a second layer of hardened plaster material including a first surface and an opposed second surface. The second layer of hardened plaster material is stacked against the first layer such that their first surfaces face one another. The first layer and the second layer together define the first, second, third, and fourth edges of the plaster board. The plaster board also includes a viscoelastic polymer disposed between the first surfaces of the first and second layers of hardened plaster material. The viscoelastic polymer does not extend substantially to the first, second, third, and fourth edges of the plaster board.

Abstract: A system for rendering a building material comprising a database including an adjustable parameter relating to a characteristic of a contemplated building material, wherein the system is adapted to provide a rendered image of the contemplated building material, wherein the system is adapted to be used in conjunction with manufacturing of the building material, and wherein the rendered image has a ?E, as measured according to a Color Test with respect to the building material, of less than 10, less than 8, less than 6, less than 5, less than 4, less than 3, less than 2, or even less than 1.

Abstract: Roofing granules having a color coating layer are covered with a clear, transparent or translucent outer coating composition including a functional material, such nanoparticles of anatase titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared-transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.

Abstract: A method of forming an asphalt mixture can include mixing a bio-source material and a bitumen source to form a bitumen mixture. The bitumen mixture can be mixed with a catalyst to form the asphalt mixture. Particles can be added to the asphalt mixture to form a roofing-grade asphalt mixture. In an embodiment, the bitumen source material can have a softening point of at least approximately 93° C. and a penetration distance no greater than approximately 25 dmm. In another embodiment, the roofing-grade asphalt mixture can have a softening point of at least approximately 104° C., a penetration distance no greater than approximately 12 dmm, a viscosity of at least approximately 3000 cps at a temperature of 204° C., or any combination thereof. The asphalt mixture can be applied to a base material to form a roofing product. The asphalt mixture can be applied as a pavement product.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to roofing products, for example, shingles suitable for covering and protecting the roofs of houses, buildings, and other structures. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a roofing shingle including an upper edge, a lower edge, a first end, a second end, a headlap section, and an exposed section. A nail zone extends across the roofing shingle from the first end to the second end within the headlap section. The roofing shingle includes a top shingle layer including a top surface and a bottom surface. A reinforcement strip is secured to the bottom surface of the top shingle layer and overlaps with the nail zone. Further, a self-sealing material is disposed within the nail zone and is configured to form a seal around a mechanical fastener that punctures the roofing shingle in order to secure the roofing shingle to an underlying roof structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: Roofing granules having a color coating layer are covered with a clear, transparent or translucent outer coating composition including a functional material, such nanoparticles of anatase titanium dioxide.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure is a shingle including a first bituminous sheet at the bottom surface of the shingle, the first bituminous sheet having a lower edge disposed at the lower end of the shingle, the first bituminous sheet having one or more slits extending from the lower edge of the first bituminous sheet toward the upper end of the shingle; and a second bituminous sheet at least partially laminated to a top surface of the first bituminous sheet, the second bituminous sheet having a lower edge disposed adjacent the lower end of the shingle, the second bituminous sheet having one or more tabs being defined by one or more notches formed in the second bituminous sheet, each notch extending away from the lower edge of the second bituminous sheet.

Abstract: A roofing product can include a heater. In an embodiment, the heater can have different areas that have different heat flux capacities, different portions having heater elements of different lengths or a combination thereof. The roofing product can be installed so that an area of the roof that has a higher heat load, such as near an eave and a valley of the roof, can receive more heat. In another embodiment, the roofing product includes an overhang section that includes at least a portion of the heater. The roofing product can be installed, and the overhang section can be coupled to an object that extends beyond an edge of the roof or over a plane defined by a roof. Many different manufacturing techniques can be used to form the heaters.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared-transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to roofing elements and methods for making them. In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a roofing element in the form of a roofing shingle that includes a body of a foamed cured cross-linked polymer, the body having a top surface and a bottom surface, the body extending substantially in a plane and having a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 35 mm; and a layer of weather-resistant roofing granules disposed on and adhered at the top surface of roofing element. The roofing element can be made by providing a body of wet foamed curable composition, and allowing the curable composition to cure to provide the body of foamed cured cross-linked polymer.

Abstract: A method of forming an asphalt mixture can include mixing a bio-source material and a bitumen source to form a bitumen mixture. The bitumen mixture can be mixed with a catalyst to form the asphalt mixture. Particles can be added to the asphalt mixture to form a roofing-grade asphalt mixture. In an embodiment, the bitumen source material can have a softening point of at least approximately 93° C. and a penetration distance no greater than approximately 25 dmm. In another embodiment, the roofing-grade asphalt mixture can have a softening point of at least approximately 104° C., a penetration distance no greater than approximately 12 dmm, a viscosity of at least approximately 3000 cps at a temperature of 204° C., or any combination thereof. The asphalt mixture can be applied to a base material to form a roofing product. The asphalt mixture can be applied as a pavement product.

Abstract: A roofing shingle including a lower layer including a headlap and a plurality of tabs extending from the headlap, and an upper layer including one or more fingers, wherein the one or more fingers are disconnected from one another, and wherein each of the one or more fingers is disposed on one tab of the plurality of tabs, wherein a number of the plurality of tabs is different than a number of the one or more fingers. In an embodiment, the lower layer is a lowermost layer of the roofing shingle. In another embodiment, the roofing shingle further includes an alignment feature disposed in an exposure zone of the roofing shingle, wherein the alignment features is adapted to permit alignment of adjacent roofing shingles during installation on a roof.

Abstract: An insulation system and method comprising an insulation layer, an atmospheric regulation layer, a structural support, and an external surface; wherein the atmospheric regulation layer is supported by the structural support, wherein the insulation layer is located between the atmospheric regulation layer and the external surface, wherein the atmospheric regulation layer has a water vapor permeability of not greater than 3 perms at a relative humidity of 25% as measured by ASTM E96 Procedure A Dry Cup, and a water vapor permeability of at least 6 perms at a relative humidity of 75% as measured by ASTM E96 Procedure B Wet Cup, wherein the atmospheric regulation layer has a fire class A rating as measured by ASTM E84, and wherein the continuous atmospheric regulation layer has a ACH50 value of not greater than 10, wherein ACH50 represents an air exchange at 50 Pascals.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared-transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.

Abstract: A roofing shingle including a lower layer including a headlap and a plurality of tabs extending from the headlap, and an upper layer including one or more fingers, wherein the one or more fingers are disconnected from one another, and wherein each of the one or more fingers is disposed on one tab of the plurality of tabs, wherein a number of the plurality of tabs is different than a number of the one or more fingers. In an embodiment, the lower layer is a lowermost layer of the roofing shingle. In another embodiment, the roofing shingle further includes an alignment feature disposed in an exposure zone of the roofing shingle, wherein the alignment feature is adapted to permit alignment of adjacent roofing shingles during installation on a roof.