Abstract: A connecting device for a frame structure made of support profiles and crossbars for the arrangement of solar panels, as well as a frame structure with a connecting device, is disclosed. The connecting device has a base element, a receptacle element, and a locking device by which the receptacle element can be fixed relative to the base element on the base element. The base element has a fastening section as well as a support section with a support side facing the receptacle element. The receptacle element has a receptacle for a crossbar of the frame structure as well as an application section with an application side facing the base element. The locking device has a clamping device as well as a bearing device. An application area and at least one depression area are provided between the clamping device and the bearing device.

Abstract: An auxiliary member which is inserted into between a roof material and a fixing member including a base portion which is placed on the roof material and has a placement portion, a fixing portion, and a concave groove portion, an erected portion which extends to the upper side from the base portion, and a blocking portion which extends from an upper end of the erected portion to both sides so as to be in parallel with the placement portion and blocks the first frame from being moved to the upper side, includes an engagement convex portion which engages with the groove portion of the fixing member, a main body on which the engagement convex portion is formed on an upper surface, and a concave engagement concave portion which is formed on a lower surface of the main body and is engageable with the engagement convex portion.

Abstract: A support 40 for supporting a barrier 21 for covering an opening of a building comprises a shock absorbing portion 56. The support 40 is attachable relative to the building and is able to support the barrier 21 such that the barrier 21 substantially covers the opening and such that the shock absorbing portion 56 is able to absorb at least some of the energy of an object that impacts the barrier 21.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and kit adapted for installation over windows or the like. Included is a window film frame assembly that comprises a frame having a plurality of frame segments and a plurality of connector members. Pressure-sensitive adhesive strips are attached to one side of the frame and serve to attach a generally flexible film sheet structure thereto. The film sheet structure is provided so as to conform to the shape of the frame across the frame opening. The film sheet structure does not have an exterior surface coated with an adhesive material.

Abstract: A metal shutter with improved air and light transmission is provided. The shutter comprises a metal top, a metal bottom, and two metal sides, which can be collectively assembled into a frame. The frame can have a metal support column that can be affixed to the top and bottom. A number of metal slats can be affixed between the sides of the shutter, and can either pass through the center column or can be affixed to the center column. A hinge can be affixed to the top of the frame, and can also be affixed to a structure. The top, bottom, sides, support column, slats, hinge, and a lock all comprise the shutter. The hinge allows the shutter to rotate between a first, substantially vertical, position, and a second, non-vertical position. The lock holds the shutter to a structure when the shutter is in the first position.

Abstract: A blast resistant window system includes a plurality of anchor members disposed in a wall and first and second mounting bodies at first and second opposite ends of an opening in the wall secured with the anchor members. The first mounting body has a first pair of spaced brackets connected thereto, and the second mounting body having a second pair of spaced brackets connected thereto. First and second energy dampening devices are disposed between the first and second pairs of spaced brackets. First and second restraining cables extend between the first and second mounting bodies across the inside surface of the window pane. These cables have first and second ends connected to the first and second pairs of spaced brackets. The cables are coupled together at the first and second opposite ends of the opening by the first and second energy dampening devices.

Abstract: An inflatable separation device and method of using the device to form a gas-impermeable barrier in a structural location such as a hallway. The device also provides a safe, effective passage across the barrier to form a concealed region for decontamination protocols. The inflatable separation device includes an inflatable support frame and a cover that envelops the support frame and forms an enclosed interior space when the support frame is inflated. An inflatable perimeter sealing bladder is disposed about the cover and adapted to form a seal between the cover and exterior surfaces of a structural space when the support frame and the sealing bladder are inflated.

Abstract: Described are a new type of storm windows, along with an easy way (and less expensive) of installing the press-fit storm window, on existing frames or windows, without the hassle and expense of replacing the whole window (to save time, cost, and inconvenience), to increase R-value (insulation efficiency) for the windows (i.e. reduce energy waste). This relates to the construction and installation and use of easily installed low cost interior or exterior storm windows, which are attractive and effective in reducing heat and noise transmission. Different approaches and variations to implement this are shown here.

Abstract: A decorative shutter assembly including a plurality of main slats arranged in side-by-side relation, end pieces positioned at each end of the main slats and each including laterally spaced tongues spaced and sized to fit in their respective open ends of the main slats at a respective end of the main slats, and cross slat structures positioned in overlying relationship to seams formed between inboard ends of the end pieces and the respective ends of the main slats. The cross slat structures are removably secured to the end pieces and to the main slats so that, following delivery of the shutter assembly to a building site, the cross slat structures may be removed, the end pieces and main slats may be secured to a building surface utilizing fastener members, and the cross slats may be repositioned over the fastener members to conceal the fastener members.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting solar panels to a roof system surface. The solar panels can be formed flexible or non-flexible solar panels that are at least partially attached to a roofing surface by use of a fastener.

Abstract: A blast resistant window blind system includes a blind system comprising a plurality of parallel blind slats, a plurality of spaced pane engaging members, and first and second mounting bodies coupled to the pane engaging members and anchor members disposed at first and second opposite ends of said opening, wherein the pane engaging members are secured to the mounting bodies and coupled thereby to the structure. At least one energy dampening device is coupled to the pane engaging members, allowing the pane engaging members to extend a selected amount toward the inside of the structure upon impact of the window pane, wherein the blind system and pane engaging members cooperate to restrain the window pane from being blown into the inside of the structure and conform to the inside surface of the window pane during impact therewith to distribute the restraining force across the window pane.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a protective panel over a window includes at least one telescoping retainer bar that is tightly fixed within a window frame, adjacent the panel. Spring-biased locking buttons removably seat within one or more longitudinally-disposed apertures to fix the retainer bar at a desired length. At each end of the bar is a resilient pad that firmly engages one of two opposing sides of a window or door frame. One of the pads is movable relative to the bar to further tighten the bar within the frame once the telescoping bar has been extended as far as possible. The pad at the opposing end includes a biasing means for further anchoring the bar within the frame.

Abstract: This invention refers to a device with protection net and assembly procedure, suitable as a barrier for every kind of opening. It uses profiles especially designed and made up of plastic material (polyamide) with fiberglass, thus allowing mass production and easy handling. It also counts on assembly and tie means integrally related to a safety mesh-like net to be used as a retaining barrier in balconies, terraces, windows, and stairways preferably. It will reduce the risk of children and/or careless people falls in a safe, economical and esthetical manner.

Abstract: The folding storm shutter provides a shutter for protecting a window during inclement weather, and shade similar to that provided by an awning when window protection is not required. The folding storm shutter has an upper shutter panel and a lower shutter panel pivotally attached to the lower edge of the upper shutter panel so that the lower shutter panel can be extended to cover the entire window, and, alternatively, the lower shutter panel can be placed in a folded configuration against the upper shutter panel when not needed for window protection. A latching mechanism is provided for selectively retaining the lower shutter panel in the folded configuration. Hinges pivotally attach the upper shutter panel to the window frame. A rod removably supported by brackets on opposite sides of the window may be used to support the shutter in the folded configuration.

Abstract: Described are a new type of storm windows, along with an easy way (and less expensive) of installing the press-fit storm window, on existing frames or windows, without the hassle and expense of replacing the whole window (to save time, cost, and inconvenience), to increase R-value (insulation efficiency) for the windows (i.e. reduce energy waste). This relates to the construction and installation and use of easily installed low cost interior or exterior storm windows, which are attractive and effective in reducing heat and noise transmission. Different approaches and variations to implement this are shown here.

Abstract: A device for protecting door or window closure elements for roofs or the like against atmospheric precipitation has at least one covering element, which can be connected to the structure of a building by virtue of connection elements. The covering element can be arranged in at least one position for use, in which, at least partially, it is arranged above and faces at least one door or window closure element that is defined substantially parallel to a portion of the cover of the building.

Abstract: A blast-resistant window assembly is provided. The assembly has a window and first and second brackets. The window is fitted within an opening having at least one wall. The first bracket has a brace located adjacent the window and a stop located adjacent the wall. The second bracket is located adjacent the wall and is configured to receive the stop. During an explosion, force created therefrom causes the window to engage the brace of the first bracket to cause the stop of the same to be received by the second bracket.

Abstract: A protecting wall board assembly for houses, including two “?” shaped column and a plurality of hollow flat plates. The “?” shaped column has a guiding slot and corresponding first arm and second arm. The first arm is connected with a bent section. The second arm is connected with a protruding rib. Corresponding first engaging portion and second engaging portion are provided on an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the hollow flat plate. A plurality of hollow flat plates are accommodated in the guiding slot of the two “?” shaped column, and are fixedly joined together with the first and second engaging portions. The hollow flat plates are fixed between the bent section and the protrusion tube. The parts are of simple structure, can be easily manufactured, assembled, and disassembled, and can be used for the windows and doors having different widths and heights.

Abstract: A protection assembly for covering a window/door, said protection assembly comprising at least one rigid protective panel dimensioned to fit against a frame of said window/door; at least one protecting member for supporting said at least one rigid protective panel against said frame of said window/door; and at least one coupling member for coupling said at least one rigid protective panel against said frame of said window/door, and for further securing said at least one protecting member against said at least one rigid protective panel.

Abstract: Weather protection systems, for use in protecting structures and structural elements during severe weather events, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of assembling and installing weather protection systems. Weather protection systems of this invention provide fabric to cover a structural element; the fabric is connected to the structure via a clip. A clip of is invention may include features such as fastening points, anchor points, and engaging members; a clip may also introduce a desirable point of flexibility into a system of this invention. Other features of weather protection systems of this invention may include resin and straps.

Abstract: Weather protection systems, for use in protecting structures and structural elements during severe weather events, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of assembling and installing weather protection systems. Weather protection systems of this invention provide fabric to cover a structural element; the fabric is connected to the structure via a clip. A clip of is invention may include features such as fastening points, anchor points, and engaging members; a clip may also introduce a desirable point of flexibility into a system of the invention. Other features of weather protection systems of this invention may include resin and straps.

Abstract: A window system for installation in a structure is provided. The window system includes a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure. The window system further includes at least one window pane having a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one sash that surrounds the at least one window pane, wherein the sash has a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one window frame comprising at least one head, sill, and jamb; and at least one mounting base integral to the window.

Abstract: A portable skylight replacement safety assembly that includes a first and second support frames releasably connected to each other and having a plurality of support handles and support members which extend substantially perpendicularly from the first support frame for supporting the first support frame on and/or over the skylight on a working surface at a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A flood barrier system for windows for inhibiting a water breach into a residential or commercial structure. The flood barrier is adapted to fit within a retaining wall cavity using an expansion member to assist a mechanical seal so as to stop water intrusion. The barrier operates with an extruded frame having vertical reveal members and high strength glass. A sealing joint is fitted about the retaining wall and the flood barrier's vertical reveal members for inhibition of flood seepage. The sealing joint, having at least three surfaces forming an open end and a tapered end, is anchored at the bottom wall of the extruded frame member and about the glass flood barrier's vertical reveal members at least 12 inches above the base flood elevation level. Alternatively, a flood panel can be installed in front of the windows for additional protection against water intrusion into the residential or commercial structure.

Abstract: A cam-actuated connection device joins rail mounting members of a photovoltaic panel array. The connection device slides within channels of mounting members until the members are in a properly positioned grid. When in position, the connection device is rotated to lock the mounting members in a rigid grid network. The connecting device can be subsequently loosened, repositioned and locked into position. The rail-mounting members create a grid for installation of multiple PV panels. The mounting rail allows the unit to remain relatively compact in nature but still covers a wide range of PV panel thicknesses. The rail system has a hinged connection with the mounting rail that allows an installer to assemble the module in a near perpendicular fashion to the mounting rail, make the required electrical connections and then lower the PV module into its working position. The unit is then locked into its working position.

Abstract: Hurricane protection screening and system including a length of flexible screening material having a substantially uniform continuous cross-section and being sized in length to substantially exceed a height of a building opening and sized in width to exceed or equal a width of the building opening. A plurality of separate spaced, parallel thickened areas are connected to and extend along the entire length of the screening material and are spaced apart over the width thereof, one of the thickened areas extending along each longitudinal side margin of the screening material. The system includes x-shaped buckles each configured for attachment to an upper or lower end of one of the thickened areas of each screen panel, the buckles themselves connectable to a frame of the building opening.

Abstract: An inflatable shutter is provided. The shutter comprises a protective layer and at least one air bladder, and is attached to the outside of a building structure. The shutter is positioned outside the building structure adjacent a window or other opening in order to protect the window or other opening from high velocity winds and flying debris during storms. The shutter may be removed from the outside of the building and compactly stored during periods of nonuse.

Abstract: A wall structure and a method for constructing the wall of a building provide protection for inhabitants of the building against ballistic projectiles impacting the wall. The wall structure includes an outer panel and an inner panel. The inner panel is a composite structure that includes a metal sheet having a first face attached to a wallboard panel. Preferably, a sheet of self-healing material is attached to a second face of the metal sheet. A cavity formed between the outer and inner panels is filled with sand or another granular material. A flexible sheet suspended in the cavity provides additional protection. Preferably, a sheet of woven para-aramid fiber such as Kevlar® brand fiber is loosely attached to the flexible sheet to provide further protection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for window blast protection. The system includes a first material, which is either elastomeric or non-elastomeric, which is bonded to a second material, which is elastomeric when the first material is non-elastomeric, and is non-elastomeric when the first material is elastomeric. The system also includes a cover for protecting the materials, where the cover releases the materials in response to the pressure impact of an explosive blast. The second material is anchored to the inside of the cover. When the system is in use, the system further includes a bonding agent for bonding the first material to a film attached to the inner surface of the window and an anchoring means for anchoring the outside of the cover to a frame or wall surrounding the window.

Abstract: A protecting wall board assembly for houses, including two “?” shaped column and a plurality of hollow flat plates. The “?” shaped column has a guiding slot and corresponding first arm and second arm. The first arm is connected with a bent section. The second arm is connected with a protruding rib. Corresponding first engaging portion and second engaging portion are provided on an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the hollow flat plate. A plurality of hollow flat plates are accommodated in the guiding slot of the two “?” shaped column, and are fixedly joined together with the first and second engaging portions. The hollow flat plates are fixed between the bent section and the protrusion tube. The parts are of simple structure, can be easily manufactured, assembled, and disassembled, and can be used for the windows and doors having different widths and heights.

Abstract: A window film anchoring device is disclosed which comprises a first engagement member and a second engagement member between which a free film portion of a film affixed to a window pane is inserted. The first and second engagement members are attached to a corresponding window frame portion, and film engaging surfaces of the first engagement member are in interlocking and lateral motion preventing relation with complementary film engaging surfaces of the second engagement member so as to maintain a constant pressing force on the free film portion. The anchoring device is adapted to be a retrofit kit, and is able to be easily attached to an existing window frame, in order to increase the impact or impulse resistance of the window pane. The anchoring device may also be factory assembled to a newly produced frame.

Abstract: A frame has a circumferential slot and a circumferential chamber. Each of a plurality of similarly configured clips has a base and a leg. A screen has an attachment region through the slot and within the chamber. The leg of each clip is in contact with the attachment region of the screen. An elongated flexible spline is located within the chamber in contact with the attachment region of the screen. The clip is adapted to hold the screen in position with respect to the frame until the spline is inserted into the chamber in contact with the attachment region of the screen for securement purposes.

Abstract: A Bahama awning-type shutter with functional louvers that is strong enough to withstand all tropical weather and test standards relating to and including hurricane force winds, while incorporating the user-friendly, easy opening mechanism of a jalousie. The opening mechanism is an L-angle structure which is capable of moving all of the louvers in unison, opening them by pulling out on the L-angle and closing them by pushing inward on the L-angle. When the shutter is locked against the structure to which it is attached a portion of the L-angle is positioned between the inner face of the shutter and the structure and cannot move outward, thus locking the louvers in a closed position. In this closed position the louvers have the strength to resist hurricane force winds.

Abstract: A method for deploying a security awning that includes repositioning at least one support device for a security awning on a building, wherein the security awning comprises at least one panel, a pivotable mounting, and at least one security interface, and wherein the security awning is at least partially held in place by the at least one support device; pivoting the at least one panel about the pivotable mounting to cover a portion of the building; and coupling the at least one panel to the building by the at least one security interface.

Abstract: A light transmitting storm shutter for protectively covering building portals, windows and the like from hurricane damage. A corrugated polycarbonate panel is formed having lengthwise corrugations, each of which preferably has radiused side margins and a generally flattened central portion offset from a neutral axis of the panel. A central corrugation extending along the centerline of the panel, preferably has a depth in a range of at lest 10% greater than that of the edge corrugations, the central corrugations also preferably have a width in a range of at least 4% less than that of the edge corrugation wherein impact and wind resistance of the panel are enhanced. Impact resistant film bonded to one panel surface preferably adds impact strength and sputter coating one panel surface with a transparent metallic or ceramic material enhances solar and UV rejection.

Abstract: A structural system that is capable of absorbing high impactive and impulsive loads comprises of the following elements: (a) Main Structure: should be one of certain types of structures such as: containments, reservoirs, tanks, storages, etc. (b) Outer Shield: an outside hardened structure fixed by an anchorage system and resting on a sliding-plane. (c) Anchorage System: a set of anchors that hold the outer shield in place and collapses if the impactive or impulsive load exceeds certain level allowing the outer shield to slide crushing the filling layer and absorbing substantial amount of energy.

Abstract: A storm and hurricane shutter quick release mechanism for permitting quick egress from a building that has storm shutters attached to the doors and windows to allow someone inside the building to leave the building quickly. The system includes a quick release housing mounted at the base of each shutter panel attached to the building that includes removable studs that are actuated by a cam mechanism from the inside of the building that release the attaching studs that hold the shutters in place from the quick release housing thereby releasing the shutter fasteners at the base allowing the shutters to be quickly removed by actuating the cam mechanism from inside the building.

Abstract: A flexible hurricane shutter or barrier to protect buildings from over pressure has inflatable cushions held in place by a fabric material capable of withstanding winds in excess of 100 mph. The barrier can be stored on site in a rolled fashion. Retainers are mounted on a building to guide and secure the longitudinal edges of the fabric to permit ease of deployment. The retainers may be spaced apart over one side of a building and the barrier may be deployed over an entire surface of a multi-story building by raising and lowering the fabric. Inflatable cushions are held between the fabric and the building. The inflated cushions reinforce the material and distribute the force of impact throughout the surface of the cushions and act as spacers to both hold the fabric off the structure and focus the forces onto stranger portions of the structure.

Abstract: A strap to secure bolts at a proper spacing for installing a storm panel to a track using bolts and fasteners. The strap holds the bolts in place, allowing ease of storm panel installation. The storm panels are typically used to protect building openings, such as windows and doors, during periods of bad weather. The storm panels may also be used for security purposes.

Abstract: A storm reinforcing brace for a corrugated polycarbonate plastic hurricane shutter panel, and the combination thereof. The brace includes an elongated bar member extrusion-formed as a single one-piece unit and having a continuous, uniform generally hat-shaped section defining a central portion, leg or side portions, and mounting flange portions thereof. The central portion is preferably flat with an inwardly extending C-shaped channel sized to entrappingly slidably receive a head of a separate threaded fastener from either end of the channel, the threaded fastener being held in the channel in an outwardly extending adjustably slidable orientation along the length of the brace. Each of the mounting flange portions lie in a plane inwardly offset from the central portion and laterally extending from each corresponding leg portion, each of the mounting flange portions for receiving fasteners therethrough anchoring the brace against the upright side members of a window frame.

Abstract: A self-contained system for protecting building penetrations is disclosed. The system can include a housing containing a take-up roll and a screen made from a flexible, strong fabric-like material suitable for resisting high winds, driving rain, and wind-driven missiles. The system can further comprise a deflector or roller to maintain the angle of deployment of the screen. The system can further include a weight bar attached to the end of the screen to assist in deploying the screen. The system can further comprise a dual pulley system to assist in deploying the screen and to hold the screen in the deployed position. The system can include wipers to clean the screen as it is retracted into the enclosure. The system can further comprise an integrated or separate light control, or “black-out” screen. The system enclosures can comprise various hinged covers to facilitate service, repair, and storage.

Abstract: An abatement or protective device (10) is provided for protecting the opening in a structure, such as a window opening, during high winds. The device includes elongate generally vertical slats (22) and elongate generally horizontal slats (24) which are intertwined to form a panel. The device may include one or more panels. Various techniques are available for attaching the device to the structure surrounding the opening before anticipated high winds.

Abstract: A magnetic bird screen for an access opening of a steel structure such as a bridge or the like includes a magnetic sheet sized to cover the access opening and overlap the steel structure entirely about the access opening so that the sheet is magnetically secured to the steel structure. The sheet has a plurality of spaced-apart holes sized sufficiently large to permit the passage of air and water therethrough and sized sufficiently small to prevent the passage of pigeons therethrough.

Abstract: A magnetic bird screen for an opening of a steel structure such as a bridge or the like includes a magnetic sheet sized to cover the access opening and at least partially overlap the steel structure at the opening so that the sheet is magnetically secured to the steel structure. The sheet has a plurality of spaced-apart holes sized sufficiently large to permit the passage of air and water therethrough and to be used as finger holes for installation and removal and sized sufficiently small to prevent the passage of pigeons therethrough. The sheet can be folded or rolled upon itself so that the sheet remains secured at one side of the opening or the sheet can be entirely removed when it is desired to have access through the opening.

Abstract: An internal anchor board-up system for windows is disclosed. The internal anchor board-up system may include an exterior window cover, one or more interior clamping beams, and bolts or fasteners connecting the cover to the beam. The exterior cover is preferably transparent, such as a plexiglass cover, so that the internal anchor board-up system is substantially more esthetically pleasing than traditional board-up systems relying upon plywood. Further, a transparent plexiglass or acrylic cover is stronger and harder to cut through than plywood.

Abstract: A cover for closing an access opening that leads to an infrequently used space within a building, such as an attic, provides thermal and acoustic insulation at the access opening. The cover may be in one or two portions, including a closure alone or a closure and a frame having an aperture that can be closed by engagement between the closure and the frame. When the cover is used alone it engages a frame or a wall circumscribing the access opening. The cover is sized and shaped to close a hatch, a stairwell, the opening at one end of a stairway, or an opening in a generally vertical wall that is not necessarily associated with a stairway. The closure and frame are each made of one or more components.

Abstract: A flood barrier system for temporarily sealing an opening in a wall structure against the inflow of flood waters. The system comprises a plurality of elongated, horizontally disposed barrier elements of a length somewhat greater than the width of the opening. The barrier elements are stacked vertically, one upon the other against the outer face of the wall structure. End clamps engage opposite ends of the individual barrier elements to press them snugly against the outer surface of the wall, providing seals along the opposite vertical side edges of the opening. The barrier elements incorporate a unique interlocking configuration that simplifies and expedites assembly of a flood barrier and strengthens the integrity of the assembled structure. Improved and simplified arrangements are provided for clamping the ends of the barrier elements and for applying downward pressure to the assembled barrier.

Abstract: A corrugated hurricane panel attachment and strengthening strap system and method for enhanced storm protection for a window of a building. A pair of attaching brackets are each entrappingly connectable along opposing upright edges of the corrugated panel and to the corresponding window frame to hold the upright edges of the panel protectively over the outside of the window. An elongated flexible strap is extendable across the front and rear faces of the panel and is supported through and tensioned against spaced slots formed through each of the brackets, the slots being spaced apart a distance similar to a thickness of the panel. The ends of the strap are lockingly engagable one to another under tension wherein the strap bears against an outer surface of the corrugations of the panel for added panel strength.

Abstract: A modular curtainwall system and a method for forming a curtainwall unit are provided. The modular curtainwall system comprises a unit frame and a cassette. The cassette comprises a subframe and an interior portion. The stick unit frame and cassette may be assembled into a curtainwall unit at an offsite facility.

Abstract: The present invention provides an impact resistant sheet material that helps provide exterior walls of a building with resistance to impacts so that the building structure can meet building standards, such as the Miami-Dade County Large Missile Impact Test, for resisting impacts in high wind areas. In one embodiment, sheet material comprises an impact resistant layer that attached to fibrous substrate. The impact resistant layer provides impact resistance to the sheet material so that a wall structure employing the sheet material is able to successfully withstand an impact from a projectile comprising a 9 pound, 7 foot two-by-four (“2×4”) traveling at a speed of at least 34 miles per hour. The impact resistant sheet material may comprise a moisture vapor permeable, water-impermeable barrier layer having a hydrohead of at least 55 cm and a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least 35 g/m2/day. Such a sheet material is particularly useful in barrier applications, such as a house wrap.