Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

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: A shaped insulating board is disclosed for enabling lining of fiber cement boards and simultaneously enabling attachment of the insulating board on the building studs. Furthermore, the shaped insulating board provides a water drainage panel that allows water to drain downward on both sides of the board. The shaped insulating board also provides aeration between the board and the building surface.

Abstract: A framed wall construction (10) includes a generally vertically orientated frame (12). A substantially planar layer of a moisture barrier (21) having a generally water-resistant front surface is fixedly attached to substantially cover the frame (12). To complete the wall construction, an outer cladding material (22) is secured to cover the moisture barrier (21).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of providing water protection to roof structures as well as the improved roof structures formed by the methods. The methods comprise providing one or more water resistant roof sheathing panels and installing the roof sheathing panel(s) on a roof structure of a building. Each of the roof sheathing panels comprises a wood sheet product and a nonwoven fabric mat adhered to at least one side of the wood sheet product.

Abstract: An underlayment with improved drainage is disclosed. Particularly, the invention relates to an underlayment board having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the board further includes a top edge and a bottom edge and includes at least one channel defined in the first surface with each of the at least one channel extending from the top edge to the bottom edge to form a drainage path therebetween. More particularly, the underlayment board can include at least one funnel defined proximate at least the top edge or the bottom edge, wherein the at least one funnel is in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the at least one channel. A method of finishing an exterior of a structural substrate and a building assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transparent or translucent modular upstanding seam flange panel unit comprising opposed seam flange panels mounted in metal male and female engagement members designed to interlock and provide an internal gutter for collecting infiltrating water and for accommodating lateral expansion and contraction of the panels as well as a method for erecting an architectural structure for passing sunlight into an interior region of a building using such panel units.

Abstract: A system adapted to remove radon gas and drainage liquid from a subterranean chamber or basement having a floor and an ambient environment. The system has a drainage channel forming a drainage portion and a venting portion. A valve is located between the drainage portion and the venting portion. Drainage liquid flows into the drainage portion and from the drainage portion through the valve into the venting portion. A pressure gradient is between the drainage portion and the venting portion. The valve substantially prevents the ambient environment from entering the venting portion while allowing drainage liquid to flow from the drainage portion into the venting portion.

Abstract: The roofing installation system comprises a plurality of metal battens mounted horizontally onto a plurality of parallel wooden battens, which are mounted vertically over a slope roof. A plurality of link channel brackets having a hook is fastened vertically between a pair of the plurality of metal battens using a latch. A plurality of slate modules is mounted on the plurality of metal battens. Each slate module slides through the plurality of link channel brackets till a bottom portion of the slate module fits into the plurality of hooks. A central grooved portion on the link channel bracket, may act as a drainage channel for the water falling on the slate modules.

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 fascia vent for a roof structure includes a fascia board for attachment along the lower ends of roof rafters that support a roof deck above an attic space. The fascia vent has an exposed outside face and an inside face at least partly exposed to the attic space. In one embodiment, a plurality of slots are formed along the inside face of the fascia board with a lower end of the slots communicating with ambience along the bottom edge of the fascia board and an upper end of the slots communicating with the attic space. In another embodiment, a plurality of spaced vent pockets are formed in the inside face and a slot is formed along the bottom edge of the fascia vent communicating with the vent pockets. In use, hot air vented from the attic is replaced by fresh air that flows through the fascia vent and into the attic space.

Abstract: Rainwater diverter comprises a base member and a sleeve member. The base member includes a tubular conduit having an upper end and a lower end sized to closely fit within an upper end of a lower downspout section. Surrounding the tubular conduit is a fluid chamber having an open upper end and a closed bottom, and a discharge opening adjacent the bottom. The sleeve member has a lower end sized to have a close sliding fit inside the open upper end of the chamber, and an upper end sized to have a close sliding fit over a lower end of an upper downspout section. The sleeve member is shaped to provide a narrow gap between the sleeve member and the upper end of the tubular conduit leading into the chamber surrounding the tubular conduit.

Abstract: A water diverting system for diverting water from a building's foundation, where the foundation has a basement footing having an interior face oriented towards an interior of the foundation, a basement wall having an interior face oriented towards the interior of the foundation, and a basement floor slab. The system includes a channel for collecting water and configured to be installed adjacent the basement footing. The channel is overlaid with a corrugated track for directing water to the channel. A vertical water guide extends perpendicularly from the track and is positioned adjacent the interior face of the basement wall. The guide includes a plurality of spaced projections for directing water trickling down along the wall to the channel.

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: A fascia vent for a roof structure includes a fascia board for attachment along the lower ends of roof rafters that support a roof deck above an attic space. The fascia vent has an exposed outside face and an inside face at least partly exposed to the attic space. A plurality of slots are formed along the inside face of the fascia board with a lower end of the slots communicating with ambience along the bottom edge of the fascia board and an upper end of the slots communicating with the attic space. In use, hot air vented from the attic is replaced by fresh air that flows through the lower ends of the slots and into the attic space.

Abstract: An insulating plate/studded plate with moisture absorbing/capillary absorbent properties is described, where the plate comprises a layer of a waterproof material such as a plastic material whereon an absorbing material, such as a felt material is adhered.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of foam backing panels for use with lap siding and configured for mounting on a building. Also disclosed are lap siding assemblies and products of lap sidings. One such embodiment of the foam backing panel comprises a rear face configured to contact the building, a front face configured for attachment to the lap siding, alignment means for aligning the lap siding relative to the building, means for providing a shadow line, opposing vertical side edges, a top face extending between a top edge of the front face and rear face and a bottom face extending between a bottom edge of the front face and rear face.

Abstract: A fastening system for a plate-shaped structural element on a pitched roof is provided. The plate-shaped structural element is bordered in a water-tight manner in a frame and fully replaces the roof covering, and the eaves-side and ridge-side cross beams of the frame which run transversely to the ridge-eaves direction have profiles which are matched to each other and engage in each other. The top side of the eaves-side cross beam has a mounting that surrounds the edge of the plate-shaped structural element, and the bottom side thereof has a support for fastening to the roof structure. The support includes a web that extends from the mounting to the support, a protrusion extending beneath the mounting and receives an extension that extends from the ridge-side cross beam thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of making cornice assemblies and other trim members utilizing the process of pultrusion. The cornice assemblies and the other trim members made by the method of the present invention exhibit superior strength to weight ratios, low expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity, as well being less labor intensive to install.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of foam backing panels for use with lap siding and configured for mounting on a building. Also disclosed are lap siding assemblies and products of lap sidings. One such embodiment of the foam backing panel comprises a rear face configured to contact the building, a front face configured for attachment to the lap siding, alignment means for aligning the lap siding relative to the building, means for providing a shadow line, opposing vertical side edges, a top face extending between a top edge of the front face and rear face and a bottom face extending between a bottom edge of the front face and rear face.

Abstract: A greenhouse shelf structure with modularized solar power facility includes a greenhouse shelf set between two neighboring standing pillars. The greenhouse shelf is a wave form shelf or a ridge form shelf. The standing pillar connects to a connector, and the side end of the connector connects the greenhouse shelf. The top of the connector connects a solar panel support. Accordingly, the solar panel support and the greenhouse shelf are integrated into a whole assembly by the modularized combination, and the place where the greenhouse situated can also be provided with a solar panel to receive the solar power to generate the electricity, which further fulfills the electricity requirement of the greenhouse or other devices.

Abstract: A series of parallel V-grooves are formed on the top surface of a new or existing top coat of lightweight insulating concrete of a roof deck. A slurry coat of formulated concrete is then applied to the top coat of lightweight insulating concrete at locations in between the parallel V-grooves, to repair cracks and holes and attach a base ply roof membrane, thereby eliminating the need for a base sheet and mechanical fasteners when installing a roof membrane system on the lightweight concrete deck of a roof structure. The formulated concrete slurry comprises a mixture of Portland cement (type I), cellulose, poly vinyl alcohol, and water. A base ply (modified or single ply) roof membrane having a sanded or fleece bottom side is set into a ¼ inch thick slurry coat of the formulated concrete to effectively attach the base ply roof membrane to the lightweight concrete deck.

Abstract: This new design assembly consisting of two brackets with a round tube, that is mounted on to the roof fascia, the bracket with a single one side round tube is mounted at the far end of the fascia, and the bracket with the double sided tube is mounted on the fascia approx. 10 feet apart. Using the hole in the end cap install the gutter assembly over the round tube on the bracket so that it rotated freely. Install a rain cover over the bracket. The pin is then removed from the bracket and the gutter assembly rotates from a horizontal location to a down position to clean out leaves and debris. After cleaning, the gutter is rotated back to its horizontal location and the pin is reinserted. The rain water will flow trough the bracket tube and out the downspout.

Abstract: A studded plate (1) of layer (2) of a polymeric material where an adhesive material (3,4) in the form of a woven or non-woven material is attached on each side of the layer (2).

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 modular system for cladding exterior walls of a structure and insulating the structure walls provides thermally isolated vertical girders secured to a structural wall. The thermally isolated vertical girders positionally maintain insulation adjacent the structure and provide a means for mounting exterior wall cladding to the structure. Planar wall panels carrying exterior wall cladding elements mount directly or indirectly to the vertical girders. Corner elements, carrying exterior corner cladding elements interconnect with the underlying system and visually appear to interconnect with adjacent edge portions of the planar wall panels.

Abstract: A water diverting system for diverting water from a building's foundation, where the foundation has a basement footing having an interior face oriented towards an interior of the foundation, a basement wall having an interior face oriented towards the interior of the foundation, and a basement floor slab. The system includes a channel for collecting water and configured to be installed adjacent the basement footing. The channel is overlaid with a corrugated track for directing water to the channel. A vertical water guide extends perpendicularly from the track and is positioned adjacent the interior face of the basement wall. The guide includes a plurality of spaced projections for directing water trickling down along the wall to the channel.

Abstract: A vent baffle can be arranged so as to direct air near an underside of a roof. The vent baffle can feature bending structures, which can allow the vent baffle to transition from a substantially columnar orientation to a bent orientation.

Abstract: A system for blocking an edge of a building roof structure, e.g., roof structures of cementitious material poured over a corrugated deck or roof structures of rigid insulative panels supported on a corrugated deck, comprises an elongate U-shaped base member for affixation to the deck along the roof edge, an elongate cover member of inverted U-shape for affixation over the base member, the base and cover members being made of galvanized steel or other suitable non-wood material and, as assembled together, forming an auxiliary perimeter structure on the roof structure for border containment of the roofing material.

Abstract: A flood vent for mounting in a building structure subject to flooding includes a frame and a buoyant door. The frame has an external surface configured to be inserted into an opening in the building structure and has an upper wall and a lower wall longitudinally displaced from the upper wall and a pair of displaced sidewalls extending between the upper wall and lower wall on respective ends thereof. The buoyant door is pivotally mounted between the sidewalls proximate the upper wall of the frame. The door is mounted to be longitudinally movable a float distance between a first position and a second position, closer to the upper wall than the first position. When the door is in the first position it is not substantially rotatable and when the door is in the second position it is free to pivot.

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 preformed hinged foam sump for use on a flat roof includes two mirror image sides connected along the hinge which folds from an 8×8 structure to a 4×8 structure. Each of the mirror image panels includes a central panel which is a right isosceles triangle which slopes to the 90 degree angle of the right isosceles triangles. Each side includes two side panels which are sloped to the same point as the central panel and are also right isosceles triangles. The panels are bonded together to form each side which is connected by a flexible material or tape along the bottom side to allow the two sides to fold relative to each other to change from an 8×8 structure to a 4×8 structure and open up to an 8×8 structure for use on a roof surface.

Abstract: A sub-floor panel and system using the sub-floor panel is disclosed. A sub-floor panel, includes a base, at least one support structure coupled to the base, and at least one ventilation channel adjacent to the support structure.

Abstract: An insulating construction panel having a top end, a bottom end, a first end, a second end, a front side and a rear side, the panel for constructing a single or multi-cavity concrete form. The panel includes regularly spaced coplanar passages extending through the panel from the top end toward the bottom end and at least one angular passage perpendicularly intersecting each coplanar passage at the top end and bottom end of the panel and extending toward and through at least a portion of the back end of the panel.

Abstract: A casing (1; 50) for openings of buildings with enhanced thermal insulation capacity comprising a first tubular section (2; 51) which is fixed to the perimetrical wall delimiting the opening, and a second tubular section bar (3; 52), cooperating with the first section bar (2; 51) in order to hermetically close the opening and capable of supporting one or more front panels (4, 5) of interface between the inner environment and the outer environment of the building. At least one of the first section bar (2; 51) and the second section bar (3; 52) presents a plurality of through openings (6; 53) which create within at least one of the tubular section bars (2, 3; 51, 52) a continuous flow of circulating air which, due to the temperature difference between the inner environment and the outer environment, forms a natural thermal barrier in any astronomical season.

Abstract: A method of the production of a composite roof batten includes forming a substantially rigid low-density lower reinforcing element with cup-shaped depressions defining moisture-passing channels therebetween and providing an upper reinforcing element. The cup-shaped depressions of the lower reinforcing element have introduced therein a low density closed cell foam material and the upper reinforcing element is positioned in overlying relationship to the lower reinforcing element. The foam material is allowed to fill the space defined between the lower reinforcing element and the upper reinforcing element and bond the elements together to form a composite roof batten.

Abstract: A ventilated roofing structure includes a modular roofing panel unit adapted to form part of an outermost layer of a roof, a wall unit which is secured to the roofing panel unit, and which extends downwardly to terminate at an anchored end to partition a space under the roof into outside and inside spaces, and which has a ventilation opening communicating the inside and outside spaces, and a modular drainage-route forming panel unit which is fastened to an overhanging eave of the roofing panel unit to form a gap therebetween. The drainage-route forming panel unit extends downwards to separate the outside space into an airflow transit chamber and an outdoor space, and has an anchoring edge secured to the anchored end, and a drainage port communicating the airflow transit chamber with the outdoor space.

Abstract: A method removes moisture from a wall assembly including a supporting wall, an interior finishing layer attached to an interior side of the supporting wall, and an exterior layer disposed opposite the interior finishing layer. The supporting wall supports the interior finishing layer and exterior layer. The method includes sealing, with a moisture seal located between a base of the wall assembly and the supporting wall erected on the base, and providing a water separation plane disposed within the supporting wall so that the water separation plane is located between the interior finishing layer and the exterior layer. The water separation plane provides a substantial barrier to moisture vapor and bulk water. The method includes transporting moisture along an interior side and an opposing exterior side of the water separation plane to a moisture collection area outside of the wall assembly, and removing the moisture from the moisture collection area.

Abstract: A drainage system comprising a frame and a plurality of drainage basins. The frame has at least three pairs of frame engaging elements. Each drainage basin has an outer and an inner surface. Additionally each has a central region with first and second side ends, as well as, first and second frame engaging structures. The first frame engaging structure is positioned at the first side end and includes an inwardly directed leg having a retention lip engagement flange configured to engage one of the frame engaging elements. The second frame engaging structure is positioned at the second side end and includes an inwardly directed leg having an inboard retention lip engagement nub and an outboard retention lip engagement flange configured to engage opposing adjacent frame engaging elements. A slot covering flange extends over the first frame engaging structure.

Abstract: A construct for making a drainage device for a basement waterproofing system is made from a sheet of waterproof material with two generally parallel sides. A series of longitudinal slots is provided parallel to one of the sides, and a series of tabs that fit in the slots is provided along the other side. The bottom surface is scored to provide a series of fold lines to facilitate folding the construct into a rectangular tubular shape, with the tabs fitting into the slots to hold the shape. Perforations are provided in the device to allow water to flow easily through three of the sides of the device when folded to its rectangular tubular shape. A portion of the device may be folded upward to cover the lower portion of a building wall, or a separate piece may be used to bridge the gap between the device and the wall.

Abstract: A pre-cast siding panel for mortarless application to a building structure is disclosed, which includes a structure for capturing and draining infiltrated water away from the building structure. In a preferred embodiment, the siding panel includes a cast facing panel made of settable 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 partially embedded in the rear surface of the facing panel, the spacer including a mounting portion for fastening the siding panel to the building structure and a water management portion for managing infiltrated water away from the building structure, by capturing infiltrated water which has seeped past the front face along one or more of the edges and draining the captured infiltrated water away from the building structure.

Abstract: A water diverting system for diverting water from a building's foundation, where the foundation comprises a basement footing having an interior face oriented towards an interior of the foundation, a basement wall having an interior face oriented towards the interior of the foundation, and a basement floor slab. The system comprises a channel for collecting water and configured to be installed adjacent the basement footing. The channel is overlaid with a corrugated track for directing water to the channel. A vertical water guide extends perpendicularly from the track and is positioned adjacent the interior face of the basement wall. The guide includes a plurality of spaced projections for directing water trickling down along the wall to the channel.

Abstract: A permanently installed wall cavity and filtration system provides molded base dry block members that install along the base of a wall between the floor and a bottom edge of drywall, gypsum board or other conventional interior wall construction material. The base block members have connection ports at opposite ends that communicate with an interior airflow channel on an inner facing side of the block members. The air flow channel communicates with the wall interior. A forced flow of dry air is directed through one of the ports, thereby allowing the forced dry air to circulate into the interior wall cavities in order to remove moisture and dampness. The damp, contaminated air can also be pulled out through any one of the connection ports by vacuum force, and filtered to avoid contamination of the surrounding interior living environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for holding at least one photovoltaic panel on a roof, characterised in that it comprises: a base plane extending between two fixation wings; holding means for said photovoltaic panel(s) extending vertically relative to said base plane in order to define an air volume between said base plane and said photovoltaic panel(s), said holding means including air inlet/outlet means that permit air circulation in said air volume.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an effective manufactured insulation and ventilating assembly that can insulate a structure, usually in roofing or exterior wall applications, from conductive, convective and radiant heat. The radiant insulating and venting assembly is comprised of an upper layer of a synthetic roof underlayment style partially flexible material that is moisture resistant. The bottom layer of the assembly is made up of a radiant reflective surface. Between the upper moisture resistant layer and the radiant reflective layer are air spacer columns, approximately ?ths to 1 inch in length, that create the needed air space for effective radiant heat reflection and air and moisture venting.

Abstract: A removable downspout system for use with conventional gutter systems includes a spout mated with a gutter of the gutter system, a box mated with a downspout for the gutter system, and components for removably mating the downspout fitted with the box to the gutter fitted with the spout. The spout and the box mate with one another, as nested structures, to prevent leakage at the junction between the spout and the box. A base is provided for attaching the downspout to the receiving structure, and a clip cooperates with the base for removably retaining the downspout to the base. As an alternative, a support structure is provided for mating the downspout with an underground system of pipe, and is fitted over the entrance to the underground system of pipe. A clamp is also provided for attaching the downspout to the receiving structure, in cooperation with a clip for removably retaining the downspout to the clamp.

Abstract: An under deck drainage system for use with a deck. The system includes at least one starter strip mounted to one or more joists of the deck, a plurality of clips coupled with the starter strip, where the clips are slidable along the starter strip. The system further includes an elongate channel member coupled with at least one of the plurality of clips, and the elongate channel member has at least one channel therein.

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 building construction method for controlling moisture in a building attic and improving the energy efficiency of the building achieved by installing a breathable membrane directly above the roof rafters thereby providing the presence of an air gap between the breathable membrane and the roof deck and sealing the membrane to the peripheral walls of the building, such that energy that normally passes from the living space into the attic and out the top of the building is conserved.

Abstract: The invention is a structural element including an elongate member having a first end and second end and defining a cross-section. The structural element further includes a sensor, secured to the elongate member, for detecting at least one pre-selected indicator. Advantageously, the elongate member is responsive to the pre-selected indicator.