Abstract: A method of making a plurality of composite granules can include: forming green body granules comprising an aluminosilicate; heating the green body granules to form sintered granules; cooling the sintered granules according to a cooling regime, wherein the cooling regime comprises a temperature hold between 700° C. and 900° C. for at least one hour. In a particular embodiment, the aluminosilicate for making the composite granules can have a particle size less than 150 ?m. The composite granules are particularly suitable as roofing granules and can have a desired combination of high solar reflectance SR and low lightness L*, a low bulk density, good weather resistance and strength.

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: An insulation system for hanging insulation in a truss is disclosed and includes a first rail configured to be installed on a first truss and a second rail configured to be installed on a second truss spaced apart from the first truss. A first cavity is established between the first rail and the second rail. Further, the first cavity is configured to receive and engage a first insulation batt.

Abstract: A building board, particularly a gypsum board, can have a high fastener sealability if protected by the combination of thin layers of an extruded polymer film and a thermoplastic coating layer. The combination of extruded polymer film and thermoplastic coating layer is designed such that the gypsum board can also tolerate overdriven fasteners, thus exceeding the requirements of ASTM D1970-15.

Abstract: An area separation wall (ASW) may include gypsum liner panels and structural elements located between adjacent ones of the gypsum liner panels. A sealing material may be located between the gypsum liner panels and the structural elements, and between adjacent ones of the structural elements. The sealing material may form seals therebetween, such that the ASW is substantially airtight when assembled. In addition, the ASW may include a fire rating of at least 2 hours in compliance with ANSI/UL 263.

Abstract: A thermal bridge-free insulation assembly may include hangers to support insulation in an attic. The hanger may include an axis, a proximal end coupled to a rafter, and a distal end coupled to a barrier. The hanger also may include at least two components that are axially movable relative to each other to selectively adjust a depth of an insulation space.

Abstract: An insulation product may include a container, a first insulation material forming a first layer inside the container, and a second insulation material forming a second layer inside the container, and the first layer is compressed by the second layer. A structure in a building may include studs, first and second claddings mounted to opposite sides of the studs, and structure spaces defined between the studs and the opposing claddings. A first insulation material may include first layers on and substantially covering a first one of the claddings inside the structure spaces. In addition, a second insulation material may have second layers inside the structure spaces. The first layers are compressed and substantially covered by the second layers, and the second layers substantially cover a second one of the claddings inside the structure spaces.