Abstract: The disclosure provides, among other things, a paver that includes a body having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a peripheral side. The peripheral side is defined about a perimeter of the paver and joins the bottom and top surfaces. The peripheral side defines a peripheral edge displaced from the top surface and the bottom surface that traverses the perimeter of the body along the peripheral side. The edge is adapted to engage a complementary edge on a peripheral side of an adjacent paver, such that the pavers interlock when a vertical force is applied to the paver. In another aspect, a masonry wall unit is provided for building walls similar in concept to the paver.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention includes a retrofitting system for the insulation of existing interior walls such as basements; a retrofitting system for the insulation of exterior walls of a structure such as a home needing further insulation without a convenient or economical method to do so within the interior walls. The insulated wall systems of those embodiments provide an economical and efficient method of providing the installation of insulation panels to each of the walls described. The insulation panels are generally of a foam structure supported by horizontal connecting and/or horizontal multi-purpose channels. The horizontal connecting channels and horizontal multi-purpose channels are of a unique design that are easily fastened to an existing wall. In addition to supporting the insulation panels, the channels are structured to provide a moisture gap between the insulation and the existing wall to which they are mounted.

Abstract: A water-resistant apparatus is provided. This water-resistant apparatus is positioned near a photovoltaic module. The water-resistant apparatus includes hollow, elongated conduits, and each conduit can hold water with surface tension based on exposure of the conduit to water. The surface tension causes a formation of a meniscus that inhibits a flow of water through the conduit.

Abstract: A masonry flashing for use in a cavity wall is disclosed. The flashing has channels for draining water from the cavity while permitting entry of air into the cavity. The top surface of the flashing is covered by a protective member. The protective member is a scrim or, in the extruded form, an overarching portion of the flashing material. The protective member prevents the clogging of channels from mortar droppings and other construction debris. The flashing is shown with a drip edge is formed by extending the flashing beyond the external surface of the outer wythe and, with the edge being foil lined, manually forming the drip edge. A peel-and-stick embodiment described herein utilizes clear, nondrooling adhesives. Flashing accessories, namely, an end dam, an inside corner and an outside corner are also described.

Abstract: A roof panel, roof or structure comprising a roof panel body having an edge comprising a fascia water deflection system, said fascia water deflection system comprising a chamfer having at least one sharply angled ridge. In some embodiments, said roof panel body is provided with a trough adjacent to said edge, so that when said roof panel body is installed on a structure, said trough runs at a downward angle and water entering said trough flows by force of gravity through said trough. In other embodiments, the roof panel body is coated with a waterproof roofing material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a building roof structure formed by a skeleton, hollow assemblies, a waterproof layer and a heat insulation plate. The hollow assemblies are installed on the skeleton, the waterproof layer is paved on the hollow assemblies and the heat insulation plate is disposed above the waterproof layer. Hot air rising up inside the building and heat accumulated on the roof by being exposed to sun can all be circulated out through cooling spaces formed by the hollow assemblies, which achieves the cooling effect of natural air circulation to reduce temperature inside the building without using external fans or air drafting equipment. Therefore, the green building concept that saves energy and reduces CO2 emission is complied with, thereby improving the living quality of building.

Abstract: Some embodiments of masonry blocks can be used to form a wall system that provides an improved resistance to moisture penetration that might otherwise advance to an interior surface of the wall. In particular embodiments, some or all of the masonry blocks in the wall system may be equipped with one or more moisture drainage elements formed in a surface of the respective masonry block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof drainage for trucks (I). In order to prevent damage to the loaded goods by water dripping from the roof edge, an adjustable gutter (II) underneath the roof edge is proposed.

Abstract: A cover structure for an outdoor casing includes a top cover and an inner cover-brow. A side wall is formed on the periphery of the top cover. The inner cover-brow has a first brow plate and a second brow plate. An inclined plate interconnects the first brow plate and the second brow plate. The inclined plate has a plurality of through holes. The second brow plate is connected to the side wall. The interior included angle of the first brow plate and the inclined plate is an acute angle. The cover structure not only helps the outdoor casing to ventilate and dissipate heat, but also enhances the outdoor casing's water repellency.

Abstract: Floor systems comprising at least one elongated channel which engages with subfloor and/or floor materials, and which includes at least one slot through which a bracket engages to movably anchor the channel to a concrete floor. The subfloor and/or floor materials are supported underneath by resilient, shock-absorbing material.

Abstract: A method of constructing an inhabitable underground structure is disclosed that comprises the steps: creating a cutout in the earth at a desired location to generally match a desired shape of an interior of the underground structure; applying a reinforcement structure to an outer perimeter of the cutout; and applying shotcrete over the reinforcement structure to create a monolithic underground structure.

Abstract: A dwelling assembly that has a continuous sidewall and an opening for a door and a window. A roof assembly is provided with first and second roofs that are spaced apart such that the outer roof acts as a heat shield for the inner roof to ensure the interior of the dwelling is a minimum temperature. In addition, ballast boxes are utilized in order to provide additional weight to the dwelling and a planting area in association with the dwelling assembly.

Abstract: A safety line anchor securable to a roof drain is disclosed. The anchor provides a secure tie down location for people working on the roof of a building. The anchor is portable so that users can carry it with them to the roof and secure it in a roof drain with minimal modification of the drain. When the worker is finished on the roof, the device can be removed and carried away. The safety line anchor comprises a body, a drain coupling assembly, and an expansion assembly. The drain coupling assembly securely fastens the anchor to the roof drain. The expansion assembly expands in the neck of the drain or the roof drain system piping to minimize wobbling of the anchor. A safety line may be attached to the body of the anchor.

Abstract: A ventilated structural panel comprising a first sheet, having edges that define a horizontal axis with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge, and vertical axis with a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, a second sheet being of substantially the same planar dimensions as the first sheet and having edges that define a horizontal axis and vertical axis, with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge and a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, the first and the second sheet being parallel in plane and matched in at least one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, a plurality of spacing structural elements, formed integrally with at least one of the first and the second sheet, fixedly attaching the first sheet to the second sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the first and the second sheet; and the plurality of spacing structural elements being arranged such that a plurality of u

Abstract: Insulation spacer devices, methods and related construction techniques are provided. An exemplary device may include a body having a plurality of openings defining an openwork, to allow the passage of air therethrough when placed in contact with insulation material. The device may further include a plurality of spacer struts and/or spacing depressions fixedly attached to the body. The struts may be configured to maintain a predetermined distance between a first side of the insulation material and a building surface. The body and struts act together to define and maintain a space between the first side of the insulation material and the building surface, for example, for ventilation. The building surface can be the bottom face of a roof, an insulated attic floor, wall sheathing or a soundproofed demising wall, for example. The spacer device can be capable of being transported and stored together with, or as a separate item from, the insulation material, and can also be stored in nested layers.

Abstract: The wall serves for separating the inside of a building from the outside. According to a first aspect, the wall has a water vapor diffusion resistance of at most 20 meters, wherein the heat transfer coefficient amounts to at most 1.5 W/(m2·K), and the moisture storage capacity amounts to at least 2 kg/m2. According to a second aspect, the wall has a bearing layer (10) as well as an outer layer (9) and an inner layer (11), which include moisture-buffering materials.

Abstract: A panel member (110) is provided for a wall structure (105) including a first surface (112) and a second surface (114) spaced from the first surface, at least one rib member (116) extending between the first and second surfaces, a first end member (120) and a second end member (122) each extending between the first and second surfaces, substantially parallel with the at least one rib member, so as to form at least two channels (118) between the first and second surfaces. The first end member has a male connector (150) extending therefrom and the second end member has a female connector (152) formed therein. The male and female connectors are each configured to be complementary, such that the male connector of the panel member is able to be received within a female connector of another panel member to facilitate connection of adjacent panel members to form the wall structure.

Abstract: A strainer assembly for use with an indirect waste receptor comprising an internally threaded, expandable gasket member sized to be insertable into the indirect waste receptor discharge tube operatively connected to a building drain system drain pipe; a rigid support structure forming an externally threaded wall to operatively mate with the gasket member in a manner to expand the gasket member body into sealing contact with the discharge tube or drain pipe and having a spoke member extending across a rigid support structure passageway with a vertical opening in its center section; a strainer having a screw opening alignable with the spoke member center section opening; and a screw seatable in the screw opening and having a length to operative attach to the center section opening for affixing the strainer to the rigid support structure.

Abstract: Novel joint devices and systems are disclosed. In one aspect, a joint member for an exterior floor covering can include a body portion, at least one tongue portion extending from the body portion, and at least one opening extending through the body portion.

Abstract: A ventilated exterior wall or roof system comprises frame including a plurality of frame members, and a double envelope structure attached to the exterior of the frame. The double envelope structure comprises a water resistant membrane, an exterior sheathing material disposed on the exterior side of and spaced from the water resistant membrane, and one or more air channels between the water resistant membrane and the exterior sheathing.

Abstract: A mortar and debris collection device for use in a masonry wall assembly includes a water permeable body made of an open-space defining array of polymer filaments that twist and turn between filament intersections where adjacent filaments are bonded to each other. The water permeable body comprises a shell having a hollow interior and includes an elongated base and extensions upwardly projecting from the base.

Abstract: A multi-plenum structural panel comprising a top sheet, a middle sheet, and a bottom sheet, all three sheets being parallel in plane; a first plurality of spacing structural elements, fixedly attaching the top sheet to the middle sheet, and a second plurality of spacing structural elements fixedly attaching the middle sheet to the bottom sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the top, the middle, and the bottom sheets; an upper plenum defined by a spacing between the top sheet and the middle sheet; a lower plenum defined by a spacing between the middle sheet and the bottom sheet; a plurality of unobstructed pathways are created in each plenum for air to move from at least one edge of the panel to at least one of an opposite and an adjacent edge of the panel.

Abstract: A structural design is proposed, comprising rear-ventilated cladding elements (1), in particular plates or boards, which can be hung in front of a supporting framework (2), in particular consisting of vertical support elements and horizontal bearing elements, wherein the cladding elements are each assigned a frame (3) which spans a rear-ventilation cross-section (4) and the upper and lower frame leg profiles (5, 6) of which have ventilation openings (8) leading to the front (7) of the cladding. In order to provide advantageous rear-ventilation conditions it is proposed that at least the upper frame leg profile interior (12) is assigned a splash guard (13) which is arranged in the manner of a labyrinth seal, adjoins the frame leg profile below the ventilation openings (8), covers the ventilation openings (8) and preferably faces with the free end thereof towards the front (7) of the cladding.

Abstract: One embodiment of a safety surfacing tile comprises a top surface; a plurality of series of first members supporting the top surface and extending continuously across a transverse length of the safety surfacing tile; a plurality of series of second members supporting the top surface and extending continuously across a length of the safety surfacing tile perpendicular to the transverse length; and a grid of voids formed by the intersecting first and second members on an underside of the top surface, wherein the grid of voids absorbs impact energy from an object impacting the top surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a high-visibility roof-drain cover comprising a roof-drain cover, a marked, reversible, elongated flag, and coupler means for mounting the flag to the roof-drain cover, wherein the flag extends upwardly from the roof-drain cover a sufficient distance that a top portion of the flag will remain visible above an accumulation of wind-blown debris and snow. The invention provides a first group of high-visibility roof-drain cover embodiments, each of which includes a novel roof-drain cover. The invention provides a second group of high-visibility roof-drain cover embodiments for retrofit, each of which includes a prior art roof-drain cover. The invention provides a third group of sub-assemblies for retrofit.

Abstract: A storage unit which is substantially water proof is provided. The storage unit may comprise a shell having lower edges which mate into a groove formed in a top surface of a base to provide a substantially waterproof barrier therebetween. The junction between the lower edge of the side walls and the first groove may be sealed with a water proof sealant. A front side wall of the shell may have an aperture therethrough to allow users to move items into and out of the storage unit. A door may be attached to the storage unit to prevent water from entering into the storage unit through the aperture. Moreover, a lower edge of the door body may be inserted into a second groove formed in the top surface of the base to prevent water from entering into the storage unit from under the door.

Abstract: An anchoring clip system that includes an anchoring clip that has a top flange portion and a base flange that can be connect to a substructure, and a cap member designed to be inserted over a portion of the roof panels so as to secure the roof panels to the anchoring clip. The anchoring clip system can optionally be designed to allow for fluid flow through or on one or more components of the anchoring clip system. The anchoring clip system can optionally include a locking crown that improves the wind uplift resistance of the panels.

Abstract: An insulated roof assembly includes at least one support structure having a main body portion, a first insulation material generally disposed around the main body portion and a roof panel supported by the at least one support structure. A second insulation material is disposed between the roof panel and the at least one support structure. A third insulation material is disposed between the second insulating material and the at least one support structure. Thus, in a final assembly, the third insulating material is disposed a first distance apart from the roof panel and a second distance apart from the first insulation material.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the drainage of water around subterranean structures and is a modular system of modular panels connected by double standing seams. The modular panels can be interconnected and drain water away from a foundation and can be connected to each other to extend endlessly the length and width of the modular panels.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the insulation value of a window system with a weep hole includes a flapper valve with a buoyant flap articulating relative to a non-moving portion. The flap is positioned on the window frame over the weep hole proximate the inside of the structure in which the window system is installed and the non-moving portion is attached to the window frame. The flap may be held against the frame around the weep hole by gravity and/or by the elastic memory of a portion of the flap, such as a plastic hinge. The flapper valve is closed when dry to diminish the flow of ex-filtration through the weep hole, but opens in response to being flooded with water due to the buoyancy of the flap, opening the weep hole and allowing the water to drain.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved sub-structural wall construction component which provides support for exterior building cladding materials, allows for air ventilation to aid in drying the exterior wall cavity, and allows for drainage of incidental moisture that may infiltrate into the exterior wall cavity.

Abstract: Some embodiments of masonry blocks can be used to form a wall system that provides an improved resistance to moisture penetration that might otherwise advance to an interior surface of the wall. In particular embodiments, some or all of the masonry blocks in the wall system may be equipped with one or more moisture drainage elements formed in a surface of the respective masonry block.

Abstract: An improved lath is disclosed having a water drainage layer provided in association with the lath. The water drainage layer serves to remove water that might otherwise build up between the lath and wall structure.

Abstract: A water vapor release and moisture seal device for use in association with brick, wood, stone, and cement or concrete masonry unit (CMU) buildings is provided. The device has a first layer metal housing and second layer metal housing which are inserted over the top of the parapet walls of a flat or slightly slanted-roofed building. A water resistant cloth and mesh material layer is inserted between the metal housings. A fastener secures the second layer metal housing to parapet wall of the building in two places, once each on the exterior and interior of the parapet wall. The housings interlock with each other on the exterior side of the wall and with a fastener on the interior side of the wall. The device is secured to the top of a wall of a building and allows the wall to breathe properly and eliminate moisture.

Abstract: A baffle vent incorporates an integral drift blocker portion that is connected to the main body portion of the baffle vent by a generally planar transition portion to allow the drift blocker portion to move relative to the main body portion. The main body portion is formed with transversely extending stiffening ribs, while the drift blocker portion is formed with longitudinally extending stiffening ribs with the transition portion being devoid of stiffening ribs to maintain flexibility in the transition portion. The baffle vent structure can be formed in large sheets that span several roof rafters with multiple integral drift blocker portions formed to be positioned between the roof rafters. A deck baffle panel is also provided in a configuration similar to the main body portion to be installed beneath attic flooring in manufactured housing to allow an air flow to remove moisture from beneath the attic flooring.

Abstract: A finishing arrangement for an exterior wall of a building includes a weather or water barrier against at least the exterior of the wall; an outer hardboard panel; an insulating foam panel between the weather or water barrier and the outer hardboard panel, the insulating foam panel attached to the outer hardboard panel and having drainage channels therein; and a drainage guide that extends from the weather or water barrier to at least the outer hardboard panel, for guiding moisture away from the wall.

Abstract: A barrier element for forming a component of a floor covering of a floor in a data center includes a substantially laminar part, the laminar part having a cross member attached to one surface. The cross member mounts a plurality of filaments which can form a layer impervious to air flow.

Abstract: A fitting (1) for a cavity wall within a building comprises elongate member adapted to be supported within the cavity wall, two adjacent limbs being formed with a plurality of holes (4) extending along the length of the fitting so as to allow insulation into the fitting (1) the other adjacent limbs form a V-shape channel top of the fitting when installed, to collect water and to direct it to the ends of the fitting and out through the boundary wall of the cavity wall. The fitting (1) is of Cruciform cross-section. The fitting is placed in the cavity retrospectively. The Cruciform is provided almost flat from a reel when entering the cavity, then springs into the cruciform cross-section when the elongate member is straitening in the cavity, and fit tightly within the cavity. Further, the fitting can be inserted into the cavity wall from inside the building or outside the building.

Abstract: A building structural component, such as a wall, roof, ceiling, floor, or the like, is resistant to weather and moisture while facilitating the drying and elimination of water vapor and liquid water. The component includes a vapor-permeable membrane that resists penetration of liquids including water, but that permits gases including water vapor to pass through the membrane to resist buildup of moisture in the building component. A batten, such as an insulated batten, forms a cavity in the building component to facilitate air circulation, and reduces heat flow through structural studs of the building component to increase the overall insulation value of the finished component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lath furring strip having a height not exceeding 0.365 inches which has a flexible elastic water resistive barrier (e.g. rubber) to minimize water seepage from the plaster on the lath to a structure behind the lath furring strip and a hemmed mounting leg to increase the strength of the mounting leg near the lath attachment hole. By incorporating a flexible elastic water resistive barrier into the lath furring strip, when the flexible elastic waterproof barrier on the lath furring strip is squeezed by the force of a screw or nail that secures the lath furring strip to a sheathing or moisture barrier (such as building paper), any holes in the sheathing or moisture barrier which might have allowed water to seep from the plaster to the sheathing will be sealed due to the properties of the flexible elastic water resistive barrier covering those holes.

Abstract: Pedestaled roof underlayment systems and methods are disclosed herein. A pedestaled roof underlayment system comprises a pedestaled sheet including a plurality of regularly spaced pedestals on one side and a generally flat surface on the other side. The system includes a multi-layer roofing underlayment including a slip resistant top layer, a UV protection layer and a strength layer. A reflective barrier layer may be included with the multi-layer roofing underlayment. The pedestaled sheet may be conical and/or tapered, and may have a top shape and cross section that may be circular, triangular, hexagonal and square.

Abstract: A system for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof supported by a roof supporting structure. The system has a barrier isolating the roof supporting structure from an interior space of the attic. The barrier is sized to substantially cover an interior surface of the roof, the barrier isolating the interior surface of the roof from the interior space of the attic. A venting region is formed between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region venting air from an outside of the building through the venting region and wherein the barrier substantially covering the interior surface of the roof prevents migration of air between the interior space of the attic and the venting region.

Abstract: An air seal assembly is provided. The air seal assembly includes a plurality of segments configured to form a cavity. The cavity is configured to engage an edge of a construction material. A gasket material is applied to an exterior surface of one of the segments. In an installed position, the air seal assembly is configured to substantially seal gaps formed between the construction material and other materials forming a wall.

Abstract: A roof load support structure supports a load on a roof such that substantially all of the load is conveyed through rails, which are mounted on roof panel ribs, thence through roof panel ribs, and to underlying building support structure. The panel flat between the rails can be unobstructed such that water can flow freely down the panel flat between the rails; or end closures can close off access to the respective panel flat between the end closures and the rails. One such end closure can be an upper diverter at an up-slope end of the support structure. A lower edge of such upper diverter, e.g. at the panel flat, can slope downwardly across a width of the respective roof panel thereby to direct water laterally across the respective roof panel.

Abstract: An air distribution apparatus for mounting with respect to an air conditioning port in a ceiling surface is provided. The air distribution apparatus includes at least one bracket and an air distribution device. The at least one bracket includes a body portion and a protrusion extending from the body portion. The protrusion includes an abutment surface configured to abut a ceiling surface while the body portion at least partially extends into an air conditioning port of a ceiling surface. The air distribution device is configured to be mounted to the bracket to distribute air from an air conditioning port in a ceiling surface.

Abstract: A ventilated structural panel comprising a first sheet, having edges that define a horizontal axis with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge, and vertical axis with a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, a second sheet being of substantially the same planar dimensions as the first sheet and having edges that define a horizontal axis and vertical axis, with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge and a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, the first and the second sheet being parallel in plane and matched in at least one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, a plurality of spacing structural elements, formed integrally with at least one of the first and the second sheet, fixedly attaching the first sheet to the second sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the first and the second sheet; and the plurality of spacing structural elements being arranged such that a plurality of u

Abstract: A flooring panel is provided which is configured for being supported by a sub-floor. The flooring panel includes a flooring material including a flooring surface configured for receiving human traffic when the flooring panel is being supported on the sub-floor, and a moisture barrier co-operatively disposed relative to the flooring material such that, when the flooring panel is being supported on the sub-floor, the moisture barrier is disposed between the sub-floor and the flooring material and an insulator interposed between, and connected to both of the flooring material and the moisture barrier. The flooring panel further defines a sub-floor opposing surface configured for co-operating with the sub-floor, when the flooring panel is being supported on the sub-floor, to define a space between the sub-floor opposing surface and the sub-floor for providing a fluid passage for receiving flow of water disposed between the sub-floor opposing surface and the sub-floor.

Abstract: The thermal energy venting system includes an insulation board disposed in the cavity between adjacent studs and other areas of a domicile or building to form venting channels directing excess heat through a roof/ridge vent. The insulation board is a non-porous laminate formed by a rigid foam core covered or sheathed with a reflective polymeric facer or plastic. The insulation board provides a thermal barrier for conduction, convection and radiation aspects of thermal energy transfer. The installation of the insulation board forms an envelope that reflects exterior thermal energy and interior thermal energy to maintain comfortable interior temperatures with minimal heating/cooling energy expenditure and costs.

Abstract: A laminate system for use in building construction adapted to be positioned between a substrate material and an exterior material to avert the passage of water between the exterior material and the substrate material. The laminate system includes any combination of a rigid backer, a gasket, one or more substantially waterproof/water-resistant membrane, and one or more peel away sheets entirely covering the one or more membranes.

Abstract: An insulating member is disposed between the top of a wall and the underside of a roof to more effectively insulate the structure and prevent condensation fostering growth of mold and mildew occurring along the surfaces of the wall, ceiling and roof. A first surface of the insulating member overlies the top plate of the wall extending inward between the ceiling joists a distance of at least 1.5 feet. A second surface overlies the outside surface of the wall extending downward along the exterior of the wall a distance of at least 0.5 feet. A third surface is shaped to substantially conform to the opposing underside of the roof deck such that the space between the roof deck and the wall top plate is sealed off by the insulating member. Multiple air flow pathways extend through the insulating member providing continuous air flow from soffit area into the attic space.