Abstract: A framing assembly has at least one rafter vent assembly having a connecting member with a plurality of vent tubes for providing supplemental ventilation and additional structural support to a frame of a building structure. The at least one rafter vent assembly may be an interior rafter vent assembly or an exterior rafter vent assembly. The interior rafter vent assembly has at least one brace member and a connecting member, with the connecting member having a connecting plate, two end plates, and the plurality of vent tubes. The exterior rafter vent assembly has the connecting member that has a connecting plate and the plurality of vent tubes. The framing assembly also preferably has a plurality of modified structural insulated panels (SIPs) and modified rafter splines.

Abstract: A kit includes a plurality of wall members. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of wall members includes an exterior surface material. In some embodiments, the exterior surface material passes an accelerated weathering test simulating damage caused by outdoor weathering. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of wall members include an interior surface material. In some embodiments, the interior surface material passes an environmental quality test. In some embodiments, the exterior surface material is different than the interior surface material. In some embodiments, the kit includes a plurality of brackets. In some embodiments, the plurality of brackets is configured to join a first of the plurality of wall members and a second of the plurality of wall members. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of brackets includes the exterior surface material and the interior surface material. In some embodiments, the kit includes a door.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for draining groundwater away from a substantially vertical foundation wall that extends beneath the surface of the ground, and which has an exterior surface in contact with the ground. The drainage system includes a drainage structure that extends longitudinally along an entire interior foundation wall footing. The drainage structure is fabricated from a plurality of foldable polypropylene panels that are secured to and are adjacent to the foundation footing. The drainage structure forms a drainage channel that facilitates the flow of infiltration water to a sump pump or other means for ejecting water, and extracted radon, from proximate the foundation.

Abstract: A sump overflow protection system for use in a building having a floor and a drainage field for collecting water from the perimeter of the building. The sump overflow protection system includes a portion of the floor proximal an opening of a sump crock having a first level defining a base and wherein the rest of the bottom floor generally has a second level higher than the first level of the basin surface of the floor and communicates water overflowing the sump crock to an outlet coupled to a building drainage outlet separate from the sump crock and to be located in the basin surface of the floor and spaced a predetermined distance from the sump crock.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a pressure equalized rainscreen (PER) and for mounting the same to a building. A PER system includes a panel disposed over an exterior wall that defines a cavity adjacent to the building for pressure equalization. Moisture is drained out of the cavity via a first opening(s), and air flows into and out of the cavity for pressure equalization via a second opening(s). The panel is configured to hinder flowing air via the first opening(s) and hinder draining moisture via the second opening(s). The PER system is mounted using a plurality of mounting strips that demarcate wall portions corresponding to panels for covering those wall portions. Each panel is movably engaged with a mounting strip for support and to allow deformation of the panel once fastened to the exterior wall.

Abstract: A sump overflow protection system for use in a building having a floor and a drainage field for collecting water from the perimeter of the building. The sump overflow protection system includes a portion of the floor proximal an opening of a sump crock having a first level defining a base and wherein the rest of the bottom floor generally has a second level higher than the first level of the basin surface of the floor and communicates water overflowing the sump crock to an outlet coupled to a building drainage outlet separate from the sump crock and to be located in the basin surface of the floor and spaced a predetermined distance from the sump crock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor panel 10, in particular for the outdoor area or wet areas, with a carrier plate 11 having a front face and rear face, wherein the carrier plate 11 is provided on its front face with a décor and/or protective layer 16. For drainage of liquids and in particular of water, on the rear face of the carrier plate 11 drainage protrusions 22, 24, 26, 32 are applied.

Abstract: A passive ventilation control system and method. The system includes passive vents throughout a building. The vents may be arranged in multiple sets, with each set being substantially vertically aligned through multiple floors or the entire height of the building. Sensors are positioned inside and/or outside the building for sensing different environmental parameters or atmospheric conditions. The sensors send signals to a controller, which automatically adjusts airflow through the vents in response to the signals from the sensors.

Abstract: Provided are a mounting member and a building wall structure that allow a mounting operation to be performed with ease. A mounting member 10 can be equipped with an abutment member 30. The mounting member 10 includes a substrate portion 11, a wall portion 12, a protruding portion 13, a supporting portion 14, a first locking portion 15, and a second locking portion 16. The wall portion 12 protrudes from one side edge 11A of the substrate portion 11 relative to the substrate portion 11. The protruding portion 13 protrudes from the other side edge 11B side of the substrate portion 11 to the same side as the wall portion 12, and has a length L13 of protrusion from the substrate portion 11 shorter than the length of protrusion of the wall portion 12 from the substrate portion 11.

Abstract: A building is constructed by providing a subfloor and forming a hole in the subfloor. A hole protector includes a cylinder, a skirt disposed around the cylinder, and a cap disposed on the cylinder. The hole protector is disposed over the hole with the cylinder extending into the hole. The hole protector is fastened to the subfloor. The cap is removed from the hole protector. An MPE is disposed through the cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention is an assembly of parts and a new utility to repair the detached or damaged screen or mesh of a foundation ventilator. The repair kit consists of a novel repair frame, a mesh or barrier, and an attachment means to attach the mesh or barrier to the frame after the frame has been installed into a ventilator. The open repair frame is made of corrosion resistant malleable material, and has a plurality of bendable tabs cut into the perimeter of the frame that can be crimped against the edges of a foundation ventilator in need of repair thereby holding the repair frame in place effecting a permanent repair once secured and a new barrier such as a mesh attached with any suitable attachment means.

Abstract: A material including a metal sheet, a first plurality of raised and pointed structures, and a second plurality of raised and pointed structures is provided. The metal sheet includes first and second opposed sides, and a thickness between the first and second opposed sides. The first plurality of raised and pointed structures are gouged out of the first side of the metal sheet. The sheet is not perforated, and the raised and pointed structures of the first plurality have a height of between 150% and 300% of the thickness. The second plurality of raised and pointed structures are gouged out of the second side of the metal sheet.

Abstract: A ventilation screed comprising: a perforated attachment flange portion that is substantially vertical and has a top end and a bottom end and at least one perforation between the top end and the bottom end; a three sided cavity portion having a first side that is substantially horizontal having a left portion and a right portion, a second side that is substantially vertical having a top portion and a bottom portion and the top portion is in communication with the left portion of the first side at a substantially 90 degree angle to the first side and a third side that is between the bottom portion of the second side and the top end of the perforated attachment flange portion at an angle that slopes downwardly, wherein the third side has at least one ventilation opening; and a ventilation spacer along an underside of the three sided cavity portion.

Abstract: A system comprising an inner cement wall board, an outer cement wall board, and a cement or concrete compatible adhesive formed between the fluid-applied water-resistive barrier and the outer cement wall board, wherein the cement or concrete compatible adhesive forms drainage channels between the inner cement wall board and the outer cement wall board.

Abstract: A water drainage edging segment includes a horizontally-extending bottom portion, a vertically extending top portion, and an angled intermediate section spanning between the bottom and top portions. The bottom portion defines a plurality of longitudinally spaced bottom channels that are oriented at one or both of a perpendicular angle and an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the edging segment. Each of the plurality of bottom channels are raised above a lowermost plane of the bottom portion to define an open passageway from a backside of the edging segment and laterally through the edging segment. The top portion defines a longitudinally extending upper rib portion that projects rearwardly from a front plane of the top portion to define a forward offset of the front plane and an upward facing contact surface.

Abstract: A vented and water control paneling has improved drainage and integrated ventilation air space. The water control paneling may be fabricated with an omnidirectional relief pattern formed on its back surface. The relief pattern spaces the vented and water control paneling away from a structure to which it is secured, thereby providing an omnidirectional drainage plane between the back surface of the paneling and the structure. The omnidirectional drainage plane provides an unimpeded ventilation and drainage path of water and/or water vapor.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an insulation and ventilation system for a building envelope (e.g. a building wall and/or a building roof). The system includes: one or more first building envelope layers; an insulation panel having a first side abutting against at least one of the one or more first building envelope layers and a second side having a plurality of transversely spaced and continuously longitudinally extending grooves interspaced between a plurality of transversely spaced and continuously longitudinally extending protrusions; and one or more second building envelope layers located exterior to the insulation panel to provide a plurality of transversely localized venting channels defined at least in part by an interior surface of the one or more second building envelope layers and the grooves of the second side of the insulation panel.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, device, method, and/or composition of matter configured and/or adapted to manage water received upon a raised pedestal paver system, the raised pedestal paver system comprising an array of elongate pedestals, the raised pedestal paver system further comprising substantially planar array of pavers, each pedestal from the array of elongate pedestals configured to partially vertically support at least two substantially adjacent pavers from the array of pavers.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an insulation and ventilation system for a building envelope (e.g. a building wall and/or a building roof). The system includes: one or more interior building envelope layers; an insulation panel having an interior side abutting against at least one of the one or more interior building envelope layers and an exterior side having a plurality of transversely spaced and continuously longitudinally extending grooves interspaced between a plurality of transversely spaced and continuously longitudinally extending protrusions; and one or more exterior building envelope layers located exterior to the insulation panel to provide a plurality of transversely localized venting channels defined at least in part by an interior surface of the one or more exterior building envelope layers and the grooves of the exterior side of the insulation panel.

Abstract: A vented and water control paneling has improved drainage and integrated ventilation air space. The water control paneling may be fabricated with an omnidirectional relief pattern formed on its back surface. The relief pattern spaces the vented and water control paneling away from a structure to which it is secured, thereby providing an omnidirectional drainage plane between the back surface of the paneling and the structure. The omnidirectional drainage plane provides an unimpeded ventilation and drainage path of water and/or water vapor.

Abstract: A vented and water control paneling has improved drainage and integrated ventilation air space. The water control paneling may be fabricated with an omnidirectional relief pattern formed on its back surface. The relief pattern spaces the vented and water control paneling away from a structure to which it is secured, thereby providing an omnidirectional drainage plane between the back surface of the paneling and the structure. The omnidirectional drainage plane provides an unimpeded ventilation and drainage path of water and/or water vapor.

Abstract: A venting method and arrangement for a roof includes a plurality of venting stacks each having a first open base end open to an area on top of the roof insulation layer and below the roof outer membrane, the venting stacks arranged spaced apart around a perimeter of the roof. A venting path grid of air permeable material is arranged between the roof membrane and the insulation layer. The grid is in air flow communication with the first open base ends. Centrally located wind-driven turbine ventilators can also be in air flow communication to the grid.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an insulation and ventilation system for a building envelope (e.g. a building wall and/or a building roof). The system includes: one or more interior building envelope layers; an insulation panel having an interior side abutting against at least one of the one or more interior building envelope layers and an exterior side having a plurality of transversely spaced and continuously longitudinally extending grooves interspaced between a plurality of transversely spaced and continuously longitudinally extending protrusions; and one or more exterior building envelope layers located exterior to the insulation panel to provide a plurality of transversely localized venting channels defined at least in part by an interior surface of the one or more exterior building envelope layers and the grooves of the exterior side of the insulation panel.

Abstract: A composite cladding panel building system includes composite cladding panels, each panel having an interior layer made of an insulating material which is enclosed by an exterior layer made of a waterproof material; at least one support extrusion configured to be fixed to a supporting structure via at least one fixing surface and support an interior side of the composite cladding panel; and at least one corner extrusion configured to attach to the supporting structure in a gap formed between the exterior edges of two adjacent like composite cladding panels via a fixing extrusion attached to the supporting structure and to overlap the exterior edge of the adjacent panels to seal the gap.

Abstract: A venting arrangement for a roof includes a plurality of venting stacks each having a first open base end open to an area on top of the roof insulation layer and below the roof outer membrane, the venting stacks arranged spaced apart around a perimeter of the roof. A venting path grid of air permeable material is arranged between the roof membrane and the insulation layer. The grid is in air flow communication with the first open base ends. Centrally located wind-driven turbine ventilators can also be in air flow communication to the grid.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a roofing, cladding or siding product which is light weight, easy to install, durable and resistant to environmental wear. One embodiment relates to a module that can be used to form a weatherproof covering over top of a building surface. Another embodiment is a module which can, in additional to forming a weatherproof covering, be used as part of a thermal energy recovery or removal system. Yet another embodiment is a module which can, in addition to forming a weatherproof covering, and optionally in addition to being useful as part of a thermal energy recovery system, bears an array of solar cells to generate electrical energy. Assemblies, systems, uses, and methods of manufacture are also described.

Abstract: Hollow core door apparatus for preventing the build up of pressure in a room having a register through which air flows into the room and the door includes an inside door skin and an outer door skin, and the door skins includes openings in which a box is disposed. The box includes a center panel and at least a single opening in or through the center panel; the box also includes an inside panel and an outside panel, both of which panels are secured to and spaced apart from the center panel. The inside and outside panels have peripheral openings and which peripheral openings define areas at least as great as the area of the opening in the center panel and are offset from the opening in the center panel to provide for a non-linear flow of air through the door to prevent the build up of pressure in the room. An embodiment combining a noxious gas absorbent material with the pressure build up prevention capability is also illustrated.

Abstract: Provided is a method of forming an architectural concrete wall. The method includes conveying a concrete mixture onto a base surface and floating the concrete mixture. The method further includes providing an elongate irregular surface forming tool having a gripping portion and a distressing portion defining an irregular configuration. The exposed surface is repeatedly struck with the distressing portion of the irregular surface forming tool to define an irregular surface.

Abstract: A vented and water control paneling has improved drainage and integrated ventilation air space. The water control paneling may be fabricated with an omnidirectional relief pattern formed on its back surface. The relief pattern spaces the vented and water control paneling away from a structure to which it is secured, thereby providing an omnidirectional drainage plane between the back surface of the paneling and the structure. The omnidirectional drainage plane provides an unimpeded ventilation and drainage path of water and/or water vapor.

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 lightweight structural panel which comprises a planarly extended outer skin having a thickness and stiffening elements which are connected to the outer skin and arranged at a distance from one another. The outer skin is formed by component layers which are each extended in the planar direction of the lightweight structural panel and complement one another to form the thickness of the outer skin and are interconnected, the stiffening elements being formed in one piece with one of the component layers.

Abstract: A fitting for a cavity wall within a building includes an elongate member adapted to be supported within the cavity wall. The fitting has two adjacent limbs formed with holes along its length, to allow insulation to pass into an interior of the fitting. Two adjacent limbs form a V-shape channel extending along the top of the fitting when installed, to collect and direct water to the ends of the fitting and out through the boundary wall of the cavity. The fitting has a cross-shaped cross-section, and can be placed in the cavity retrospectively. The cross-shape of the fitting is provided almost flat when dispensed from a reel and when entering the cavity, then springs into the cross-shaped cross-section when the elongate member is straightened in the cavity, to fit tightly within the cavity. The fitting can be inserted into the cavity wall from inside or outside the building.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface covering system intended for a surface in the form of a wet room floor, a roof or another substantially flat, delimited surface which is exposed to water and needs drainage, and to methods for preparing such a system. The surface covering system comprises at least one plate with a mark showing a drainage point and a substantially flat lower surface and an upper surface with a first decline towards the mark. The invention is characterized by that the first decline is circular and has a radial slope (?) directed towards the mark from every point on the at least one plate. The decline creates a cavity in the plate in the shape of at least a part of a blunt virtual cone with the apex of the cone directed towards the mark, achieving a modular surface covering system with an even circular decline.

Abstract: A steel support profile for support structures for facades or conservatories, in which a receiving channel for receiving mounting screws for the fixation of retaining profiles is formed by an outward-facing side wall of the steel support profile, and a support structure for facades and conservatories with a steel support profile, on which at least one facade element is fixed by a retaining profile fixed by mounting screws on the steel support profile in a sealed manner via inner and outer seals. An easily producible steel support profile and a support structure that allow greater opportunities for design, by a steel support profile in which the side wall is welded to a base profile, and a support structure with such a steel support profile.

Abstract: A modular siding panel for mortarless application to a building structure is disclosed, which includes a structure for capturing and draining infiltrated water within the panel. In a preferred embodiment, the siding panel includes a rigid facing panel made of weather resistant material and having a front face exposed in an installed condition of the panel and top, bottom and side edges for engagement with like panels positioned adjacent thereto; and a supporting spacer fastened to the rear surface of the facing panel, the spacer including a mounting portion for attachment of the siding panel to the building structure and a water management portion for capturing infiltrated water which has seeped past the front face along one or more of the edges and draining the captured infiltrated water while sealed within the modular siding panel and away from the building structure.

Abstract: A method for creating a feed through construction barrier comprised of a collar defining the form factor of the barrier and a plurality of slidably connected and nested rods creating a continuous barrier conforming to the form factor of the collar. While the collar defines the form factor of the barrier, the slidable rods can be adjusted in their relative positions along the form factor to provide for a barrier that conforms to the contours of the application surface. The barrier may include means to attach the apparatus to the decking and caps to seal the apparatus during construction activities. The rods are interconnected one to another so that the rods can be connected into a continuous barrier. The rods are able to slide relative to each other along the interlocking structure. When the device is set into position, rods may be slid into a barrier structure that conforms to both planar and non-planar surfaces of the application surface.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a home includes providing a structural base on a ground surface adjacent to and outside the outer walls, the structural base comprising one or more air passages; installing insulation adjacent to an outer surface of the outer walls, the insulation being supported by the structural base; and installing siding material on an outer surface of the insulation, the siding material and the existing outer walls enclosing the insulation and defining a flow path, a top of the flow path comprising one or more air passages into the attic space such that air flows along the insulation in the flow path between the structural base and the attic space. A plurality of new trusses may be supported at an apex of the existing roof that overhanging the existing outer walls and the insulation, the trusses sloping direction of the slope of the existing roof.

Abstract: System and methods for waterproofing a below-grade wall of a structure. The system comprises a waterproof membrane mounted directly or indirectly to an excavation wall within which the wall of the structure is to be constructed. A plurality of elongate waterstops are affixed to the waterproof membrane and arranged to form a plurality of compartments. A plurality of distribution tubes having apertures are affixed to the waterproof membrane to allow an injectable sealing grout to be injected through the distribution tubes and out of the apertures into a corresponding compartment. A plurality of supply tubes are installed in fluid communication with the plurality of distribution tubes with each of the supply tubes extending to a location on the interior of the wall to be constructed.

Abstract: A reversible portable moisture removal system for drying a structure or wall cavity without creating holes in the structure or wall cavity. The system has a moisture removal housing, which comprises an intake means, a blower, an air heater, a pressure controller and an outlet port. The system also has a docketing station connected to a flexible conduit for flowing pressurized heated air at a targeted location and for creating a vacuum to withdraw moist air from the structure or wall cavity to the moisture removal housing.

Abstract: A structural support system with a means for capturing and channeling elements originating from an exterior surface is disclosed. More specifically, the support system not only creates a dry area under a deck but is also a load bearing component of the deck. The support system is multifunctional in that it alleviates the need for traditional joist-dependent construction methods while simultaneously providing an efficient and aesthetically pleasing structure for maintaining a useful, dry area under the deck. Advantageously, embodiments are scalable in that the system comprises a repeatable series of interlocking components operable to be customized to any foreseeable deck footprint or load bearing application.

Abstract: A retrofit airfoil for attachment to at least one of the girder members of an open-box load bearing frame supporting an air-grate raised access floor panel is provided. The open box flame includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart vertical girder-plate members and a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart transverse vertical reinforcing rib-plate members. The airfoil includes a sheet. The sheet has an upper edge, a lower edge, and a horizontal bend formation positioned along a longitudinal axis established therebetween. The bend formation defines an upper vertical face, and a lower inclined face. The upper vertical face includes a plurality of tongue and groove formations adapted for interlocking fitment with the vertically extending transverse reinforcing rib-plate members, so that the sheet is capable of being slidably attached to at least one of the girder members with the upper edge being positioned adjacent to the lower surface of the top plate.

Abstract: A ventilated roof features an elongated vent having a vent opening and an elongated vent shingle supporting surface. The vent opening is in fluid communication with a slot defined by the top surface of a roof deck and communicating through the roof deck. An end cap has an end cap shingle supporting surface and is located adjacent to an end of the elongated vent. The vent and the end cap adjacent to the vent are supported in an equivalent spaced-apart relation to the top surface of the roof deck. The elongated vent shingle supporting surface, the end cap shingle supporting surface and the top surface of the roof deck provide a substantially continuous support to a shingle overlapping any two of those elements.

Abstract: A modular fire prevention flooring system includes a plurality of fire prevention flooring planks. Each plank is generally tubular and forms a drain channel. Fluids spilled onto the upper surface of the flooring system may drain through a plurality of drain holes formed in the upper surface of the planks. The planks may further include a metal filler positioned within the drain channels to stop combustion of burning fluids spilled into the drain channels. The metal filler may break up burning liquids and remove heat therefrom. In some embodiments, a purging fluid may be flowed through the planks to purge any spilled fluids therefrom.

Abstract: A prefabricated rain screen wall panel is provided comprising inner and outer concrete panels secured together by shear connectors. Intermediate members provide insulation, a drainage channel and a vapor barrier.

Abstract: A wall system including one or more vented panels configured to be coupled to one another to form one or more wall structures and/or a roof structure of a building. Each vented panel may include a semi-hollow body portion defining one or more passageways therein. The one or more vented panels may be configured to fluidly communicate with one another at least by way of the one or more passageways defined therein, so as to provide continuous flow pattern of air throughout the wall and/or roof structure. The vented panels may be configured to provide a free flow of ventilation air between adjacent walls structures and/or the roof structure, thereby providing adequate ventilation of a building.

Abstract: A channelized rainscreen framework for making a stucco wall by attaching a back side of the channelized rainscreen framework to a front side of a sheathing of a building and applying mortar to a front side of the channelized rainscreen framework. The channelized rainscreen framework comprising a lath sheet and a channel sheet, the channel sheet having a channel sheet front and a channel sheet back, the channel sheet front coupled to the lath sheet, the channel sheet having alternating troughs and peaks, the troughs and peaks running a length of the channel sheet, the peaks forward of the troughs, the channel sheet defining a plurality of channels behind the peaks. The channel sheet has a plurality of holes sized to allow enough mortar to penetrate through the channel sheet to embed it in the mortar, but not to fill the channels.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided herein for spacing an outer skin of a roof from the supporting structure of the roof such that the roof shields against weather elements, admits light, and allows advantageous air circulation. In one embodiment, a wedge-shaped device for spacing panels on a roof includes a bottom surface, a top surface inclined at an angle relative to the bottom surface, and an integral support structure connecting the top surface and the bottom surface, the support structure including a plurality of ribs and a plurality of nail boxes.

Abstract: Facilities for storing large quantities of potatoes, other tubers, vegetables, produce, and/or other crops are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a facility configured in accordance with the present technology circulates air from a pile of potatoes into one or more ceiling cavities above the potatoes to warm ceiling panels. Aspects of this embodiment can reduce undesirable water formation on the potatoes.

Abstract: A pitch adjustable ridge ventilator preferably includes a plurality of adjustable pitch members, a pair of perforated members, a pair of perforated support members and a pair of U-shaped drip members. The adjustable pitch members are bendable to a particular angle. A first perforated support member is attached to a bottom of a first perforated member and a first side of the plurality adjustable pitch members. A second perforated support member is attached to a bottom of a second perforated member and a second side of the plurality adjustable pitch members. The first and second perforated support members are attached to a roof. Roof sheathing is attached to a top of the plurality of adjustable pitch members. A U-shaped drip member is attached over the roof sheathing and located under the perforated member. Each end of the pitch adjustable ridge ventilator is terminated with an end plate.

Abstract: An energy-efficient ventilated roofing system and method provides a deck protected from the weather by shingles and a sub-deck in a spaced apart relationship below the deck. The sub-deck is covered by a barrier fabric that is permeable to water vapor but that is substantially impermeable to liquid water. The deck and sub-deck define ventilation channels. The barrier fabric allows water vapor to escape from the building while acting as a secondary barrier to liquid water that may penetrate the shingles and deck. The ventilation channels allows the flow of ventilation air under the deck, avoiding damage to the deck and preventing blinding of roof ventilation due to building insulation or structural members or building debris.