Abstract: A fastener for securing drywall to a framing member include an elastomeric sleeve that reduces the transmission of sound through the drywall to the framing member and vice versa.

Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods for use in determining the density of insulation in a building cavity are provided. The density of the insulation can then be used for determining the R-value of the insulation. An insulation density measuring apparatus includes a sound wave source and a sound detecting device, such as a microphone, for measuring the sound wave attenuation of a sound wave that moves between the sound wave source and the sound detecting device through the insulation. The sound wave attenuation measurement is correlated with an insulation density.

Abstract: A system for sealing large volumes or gaps includes a flexible envelope that can assume the shape of the volume when filled with a foaming composition that expands the envelope to the boundaries of the volume. The foaming composition may be integral with the envelope or delivered in bulk by an external device. The foaming composition may be one or multiple parts, typically two parts such as a poly isocyanate and a polyols, in which case it is necessary to keep the two parts separate until foaming is desired. Separation may be accomplished by providing multiple compartments that deliver components via a mixing device into the interior. The envelope may include ribs for structural strength and shaping, and leak pores around its perimeter to enhance bonding and sealing. It may also include perforations for bulk, modular seals or for separation of portions of the envelope to seal irregular shapes.

Abstract: An insulation system includes roof sheathing panels, spaced apart structural members, a first insulation material, and a second insulation material. The first insulation material is disposed between pairs of the spaced apart structural members. The second insulation material is disposed across the spaced apart structural members and the first insulation material, such that both the spaced apart structural members and the first insulation material are covered by the second insulation material.

Abstract: An insulation system includes roof sheathing panels, spaced apart structural members, a plurality of pins, insulation support material, and insulation. The plurality of pins are secured to the roof sheathing panels, the structural members, or both. The insulation support material is connected to the pins to form an insulation cavity below the roof sheathing panels and below the structural members. Insulation is disposed on the insulation support material, between the spaced apart structural members and directly under the bottommost surfaces of the structural members.

Abstract: Foams for filling cavities and crevasses and for forming foamed products are provided. The latex foam may include an A-side containing a functionalized latex and a B-side that contains a crosslinking agent and optionally a non-functionalized latex. The A- and/or B-side contain a blowing agent package or components forming the blowing agent package. The blowing agent package may be the combination of two or more chemicals that when mixed together form a gas or a chemical compound that, when activated by heat or light, forms a gas. In an alternate embodiment, the latex foam includes a functionalized latex, an acid, and an encapsulated crosslinking agent and base. Alternatively, the spray latex foam may include a functionalized latex, a crosslinking agent, and an encapsulated dry acid and dry base. The encapsulating agent may be a protective, non-reactive shell that can be broken or melted at the time of application.

Abstract: Stucco support structures and stucco wall systems incorporating the stucco support structures are provided. The stucco support structure includes a structural layer of composite material. The composite material includes a homogenous matrix of a gypsum material and a polymer resin material, and wet-use chopped strand fibers that are filamentized within the homogenous matrix. The stucco support structure also includes a stucco adhesion member interfaced with the structural layer that is configured to receive and bond a stucco material to the structural layer. The stucco support structure eliminates the need for sheathing and wire mesh lath conventionally used in stucco applications.

Abstract: Foams for filling cavities and crevasses and for forming foamed products are provided. The latex foam may include an A-side containing a functionalized latex and a B-side that contains a crosslinking agent and optionally a non-functionalized latex. The A- and/or B-side contain a blowing agent package or components forming the blowing agent package. The blowing agent package may be the combination of two or more chemicals that when mixed together form a gas or a chemical compound that, when activated by heat or light, forms a gas. In an alternate embodiment, the latex foam includes a functionalized latex, an acid, and an encapsulated crosslinking agent and base. Alternatively, the spray latex foam may include a functionalized latex, a crosslinking agent, and an encapsulated dry acid and dry base. The encapsulating agent may be a protective, non-reactive shell that can be broken or melted at the time of application.

Abstract: A system for sealing large volumes or gaps includes a flexible envelope that can assume the shape of the volume when filled with a foaming composition that expands the envelope to the boundaries of the volume. The foaming composition may be integral with the envelope or delivered in bulk by an external device. The foaming composition may be one or multiple parts, typically two parts such as a poly isocyanate and a polyols, in which case it is necessary to keep the two parts separate until foaming is desired. Separation may be accomplished by providing multiple compartments that deliver components via a mixing device into the interior. The envelope may include ribs for structural strength and shaping, and leak pores around its perimeter to enhance bonding and sealing. It may also include perforations for bulk, modular seals or for separation of portions of the envelope to seal irregular shapes.

Abstract: A system for sealing large volumes or gaps includes a flexible envelope that can assume the shape of the volume when filled with a foaming composition that expands the envelope to the boundaries of the volume. The foaming composition may be integral with the envelope or delivered in bulk by an external device. The foaming composition may be one or multiple parts, typically two parts such as a poly isocyanate and a polyols, in which case it is necessary to keep the two parts separate until foaming is desired. Separation may be accomplished by providing multiple compartments that deliver components via a mixing device into the interior. The envelope may include ribs for structural strength and shaping, and leak pores around its perimeter to enhance bonding and sealing. It may also include perforations for bulk, modular seals or for separation of portions of the envelope to seal irregular shapes.

Abstract: A bag of compressed blowing wool is provided. The bag has an end configured as a tear-away portion enabling the end of the bag to be readily torn away from the bag.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for mixing and applying a bead of material. For example, the bead of material can be used to seal gaps cracks and seams of a building. The apparatus includes a supply machine and an applicator. The supply machine provides each of the parts of the material to the applicator at a controlled rate. The applicator mixes the parts of the material at a nozzle. The applicator provides a bead (rather than spraying) of the mixed material through the nozzle. The bead of material may be applied in a precise manner to seal gaps, cracks and seams of an existing building and/or the bead may be provided during new construction of a building between components of the building.

Abstract: An insulation system includes roof sheathing panels, spaced apart structural members, a first insulation material, and a second insulation material. The first insulation material is disposed between pairs of the spaced apart structural members. The second insulation material is disposed across the spaced apart structural members and the first insulation material, such that both the spaced apart structural members and the first insulation material are covered by the second insulation material.

Abstract: An insulation system includes roof sheathing panels, spaced apart structural members, a first insulation material, and a second insulation material. The first insulation material is disposed between pairs of the spaced apart structural members. The second insulation material is disposed across the spaced apart structural members and the first insulation material, such that both the spaced apart structural members and the first insulation material are covered by the second insulation material.

Abstract: A machine for distributing blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end configured to receive the bag of compressed blowing wool. A shredding chamber is positioned downstream from the chute and configured to shred and pick apart the blowing wool. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders configured for rotation. Each shredder includes a plurality of paddle assemblies mounted to a shredder shaft. Each paddle assembly has a plurality of paddles. The paddles have a hardness within the range of 60 A to 70 A Durometer to better grip the blowing wool for shredding and prevent jamming of the blowing wool within the shredder.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for mixing and applying a bead of material. For example, the bead of material can be used to seal gaps cracks and seams of a building. The apparatus includes a supply machine and an applicator. The supply machine provides each of the parts of the material to the applicator at a controlled rate. The applicator mixes the parts of the material at a nozzle. The applicator provides a bead (rather than spraying) of the mixed material through the nozzle. The bead of material may be applied in a precise manner to seal gaps, cracks and seams of an existing building and/or the bead may be provided during new construction of a building between components of the building.

Abstract: Foams for filling cavities and crevasses and for forming foamed products are provided. The latex foam may include an A-side containing a functionalized latex and a B-side that contains a crosslinking agent and optionally a non-functionalized latex. The A- and/or B-side contain a blowing agent package or components forming the blowing agent package. The blowing agent package may be the combination of two or more chemicals that when mixed together form a gas or a chemical compound that, when activated by heat or light, forms a gas. In an alternate embodiment, the latex foam includes a functionalized latex, an acid, and an encapsulated crosslinking agent and base. Alternatively, the spray latex foam may include a functionalized latex, a crosslinking agent, and an encapsulated dry acid and dry base. The encapsulating agent may be a protective, non-reactive shell that can be broken or melted at the time of application.

Abstract: A system for sealing or insulating a large volume is provided. The system includes an envelope having walls defining an interior. The interior is configured to receive a foaming composition. The envelope is initially configured in a retracted configuration. A foaming composition is configured for insertion into the interior of the envelope. The envelope is configured such that the foaming composition expands the envelope such as to fill a large gap.

Abstract: Low rise, user friendly latex foams for sealing insulative cavities of a building are provided. The foams may be applied to the interface of the sheathing and the studs within the insulative cavities to reduce air leaks. The latex foams may also be applied to the face of the studs to obtain an additional seal against air infiltration. The foam can be used to affix fiberglass batts, batt flanges, and vapor barriers to the framing without mechanical fasteners. A tackifier may be added to impart an adhesive quality to the foam. The tacky nature of the foam permits the drywall or vapor barrier to be repositioned without damage. Drywall is held onto the face of the studs by the tacky foam while mechanical fasteners are inserted to permanently affix the drywall to the framing. The compressive nature of the foam permits drywall to be attached without significant bowing or detachment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for mixing and applying a bead of material. For example, the bead of material can be used to seal gaps cracks and seams of a building. The apparatus includes a supply machine and an applicator. The supply machine provides each of the parts of the material to the applicator at a controlled rate. The applicator mixes the parts of the material at a nozzle. The applicator provides a bead (rather than spraying) of the mixed material through the nozzle. The bead of material may be applied in a precise manner to seal gaps, cracks and seams of an existing building and/or the bead may be provided during new construction of a building between components of the building.