Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel has a precast body including at least one decorative design element. In addition, the wall panel includes a mounting element having a first end embedded in the precast body and a second end projecting from the precast body. A groove is formed between the precast body and the second end of the mounting element along a first edge of the precast body. A tongue is formed along a second edge of the precast body opposite the first edge. The tongue and groove cooperate to allow prefabricated wall panels to be more easily installed on a support substrate.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel has a precast body including at least one decorative design element. In addition, the wall panel includes a mounting element having a first end embedded in the precast body and a second end projecting from the precast body. A groove is formed between the precast body and the second end of the mounting element along a first edge of the precast body. A tongue is formed along a second edge of the precast body opposite the first edge. The tongue and groove cooperate to allow prefabricated wall panels to be more easily installed on a support substrate.

Abstract: A lath and rain screen assembly for fastening to an exterior building surface or the like is provided. The lath and rain screen assembly comprises (a) a rain screen having a first side and a second side and defining a first plane, the first side including a plurality of first side spacer elements extending outwardly in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the first plane; and (b) a lath defining a second plane spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first plane, the lath being operatively attached to an outermost surface of each of the first side spacer elements positioned adjacent the second plane. In certain embodiments, the lath and rain screen assembly further comprises a plurality of second side spacer elements extending outwardly in a second direction. A method of applying the lath and rain screen assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A trim kit for trimming an opening such as a door or window opening in a building structure or the like is provided. The trim kit comprises a starter strip including a securing leg, a trim panel abutment flange and a first groove and a trim panel including a pre-cast body. The pre-cast body includes at least one decorative element, a tongue, a projecting nose and a channel between the tongue and projecting nose. When installed the tongue of the trim panel is received in the first groove of the starter strip and the abutment flange of the starter strip is received in the channel of the trim panel with the projecting nose overlying the abutment flange.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to form masonry siding products is provided. The apparatus includes a mold having a mold bottom and a plurality of mold walls defining a mold cavity. A mold carrier is configured to support the mold bottom and the mold walls. The mold carrier has a first member that extends upwardly from a base member and a second member that extends upwardly from the base member. The first member forms an internal first angle of about 90° with the base member. The second member forms an internal second angle in a range of from about 100° to about 110° with the base member. The internal first angle formed by the first member and the base member and the internal second angle formed by the second member and the base member are configured to allow for easy removal of the mold from the mold carrier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discharging a dose of castable building material into a mold include introducing a supply of castable building material into a hopper. The castable building material in the hopper is spread evenly within the hopper. A mold configured to form a molded building product is positioned beneath the hopper, and the castable building material is discharged from the hopper into the mold. In one embodiment a discharge gate is configured to discharge the castable building material evenly into the mold while substantially reducing the need for lateral movement of the castable building material in the mold.

Abstract: A method and package for shipping and curing manufactured masonry panels utilizes a package including sets of spaced slotted rails securing groups of masonry panels there between. In use, multiple sets of masonry panels are retained between first and second sets of slotted rails, with pairs of the masonry panels being retained back-to-back, with air flow channels being established between both main body portions and manufactured facial portions of the masonry panels, allowing for further curing of the masonry panels. The masonry panels can be stacked between sets of slotted rails until the desired package size is obtained. Optionally, one or more braces may be attached to the package.