Abstract: A solar panel roof surface effectively uses solar panels supported by an open roof support substructure having a series of parallel hollow support beams. These hollow beams support the solar panels on a top surface and accommodate drainage along the beams. The solar panels are secured to an upper surface of the hollow support beams and in combination therewith define a closed sloped roof surface. The series of solar panels are positioned on the beams to define elongate segments of abutting panels. The abutting panels include a sealing arrangement between panels to allow flow of water along the length of the elongate segments. The hollow support beams include a top surface with a central securing slot positioned between panel segments and panel segment support surfaces either side of said securing slot for supporting edges of the solar panels. Fasteners engage the securing slot and the upper edge of the panels to secure the panels to the upper surface of the support beams.

Abstract: A ceiling drainage system disposed beneath an outdoor deck wherein the deck includes a frame structure supporting multiple parallel deck floor panels and the drainage system includes a U-shaped frame structure secured to the deck frame with multiple interlocking drain trays having one end secured to the drainage system U-shaped frame structure, a gutter extending between the free ends of the U-shaped frame structure, and the opposite ends of the drain trays interlocked with the gutter.

Abstract: A housing assembly for mounting to a wall of a building is disclosed. The housing assembly includes a front plate attached to a back plate. The back plate defines an axis and has a flange extending radially away from the axis for coupling to the wall. An insert is disposed between the front plate and the back plate. The insert includes a central body having a fluid diverter extending outwardly from the central body for guiding a fluid away from the wall. The housing assembly further includes a locking device for selectively coupling and uncoupling the insert from one of the front plate and the back plate.

Abstract: An elongate drainage conduit section comprises a channel portion having at least one perforated surface allowing liquid to flow into the channel, and at least one lower surface for directing the flow of water in a lengthwise direction. The conduit further comprises an elongate, movable cover for sealing at least a portion of the top of said channel portion.

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: An assembly for reducing ice damming along a roof using solar energy is provided including at least one tabular solar collection panel having an upper surface and an opposing lower surface shaped in a rectangular shape. Each panel includes a plurality of holes extending entirely through the panel. A plurality of pads is attached to the opposing surface of said tabular panel for spacing the entire tabular panel from a substrate such as a roof surface. Each panel further includes a “U” shaped offset member attached to an interconnecting member which in turn is attached to the assembly.

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 still another embodiment for installing along the longer rafter tails of wider rafters, the fascia board is wider and plunge cuts are made along the bottom edge of the fascia board to form a flow path to the vent pockets and thus to an attic space.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a system, methods and compositions for attaching architectural panels to a building surface, such as a wall. In certain embodiments, the system comprises panels, each with upper, lower and side interlocking members. In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower interlocking members form a modified tongue and groove joint, with a 45 degree angle interface, while the side interlocking members form a ship lap joint. The upper and lower interlocking members may be designed to press the panels against the building surface and to hide the locations of screws or other attachment devices when the interlocking members are engaged. The system provides a stronger and more secure attachment of panels to a building surface, while eliminating the problem of having to disguise the location of the attachment devices where such devices are inserted directly through the surface of the panel.

Abstract: An improved wall structure for HVAC enclosures utilizing thermoplastic standoffs to form an air space and to separate the exterior wall structure of the enclosure from the interior wall structure. The position of the thermoplastic standoffs and the selection of the design for the standoffs insure that metallic fasteners would secure the exterior walls of the enclosure to the enclosure do not transmit thermal energy from the external wall to the internal wall.

Abstract: A method of draining water entering a building having a foundation wall with no footing by removing a portion of the slab floor adjacent to the foundation wall and digging a trench and a divot trench, placing a cove base against felt and against the foundation wall with the cove base extending from above the slab floor and down into the trench divot. The trench divot is lined with felt, and a drain conduit is placed into the trench having apertures aligned with apertures formed in the cove base to direct water coming from the foundation wall behind the cove base, through the aligned apertures to be directed into the conduit to a remote location, such conduit being covered by fill and a vapor barrier and with concrete poured thereover and leveled to the height of the slab floor.

Abstract: A temperature and humidity controlled building houses sensitive telecommunications equipment in operation. A secure outdoor shelter within a closed perimeter abutting the building utilizes the exterior of one wall of the building as a portion of its perimeter. The outdoor shelter contains outdoor-hardened telecommunications equipment, also in operation, which dissipates large quantities of heat to the atmosphere. There are coax cable and waveguide operative interconnections between the sensitive telecommunications equipment and the outdoor-hardened telecommunications equipment, the interconnection being made through the one wall without affecting control of the temperature and humidity in the building. There is a further coax cable and waveguide connection from the outdoor equipment to a cell tower where wireless transmission takes place. The outdoor shelter can be expanded modularly.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a starter course for an exterior insulation panel application. The starter course has an outer surface, an inner surface, a lower edge, an upper edge and side edges. The outer surface is generally planar. The inner surface is provided with raised structures to provide drainage channels there between, the raised structures being provided over at least the upper half of the inner surface of the starter course. The raised structures extend across the starter course from one side edge to the other and from the upper edge to at least half way to the lower edge. The portion of the inner surface from the lower edge upwardly to about half way to the upper edge is free of the raised structures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a waterproof ceiling. The waterproof ceiling includes a hanger unit secured at an upper end thereof to an existing ceiling to support a load on a lower end. A carrying channel is connected to the lower end of the hanger unit so as to be at right angles with the hanger unit. A drain module bar is connected and secured to a predetermined portion on the carrying channel and forms a predetermined angle with the ground to create a flow passage for leaked water. A waterproof panel is fitted to each of both sides of the drain module bar, thus closing a space between drain module bars. A water collecting pipe is provided horizontally on an end of the drain module bar, thus collecting the leaked water and discharging the water to the outside.

Abstract: An enclosed structure includes a base perimeter structure with a plurality of base plates, an exterior wall structure and a roof structure. The exterior wall structure includes a plurality of sidewall panels. The roof structure includes a plurality of roof panels. The enclosed structure has a substantially enclosed interior structure space. The enclosed structure can be prepared using plastic molding methods and may be used as a temporary emergency structure, such as a temporary emergency dwelling.

Abstract: A drain support plate adapted to fasten to a receptacle body of a drain. The support plate includes a body having an inner surface and an outer surface and defining a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the body defines a peripheral edge and the second portion of the body is attached to the peripheral edge of the first portion and axially extends therefrom. The inner surface of the first portion and the second portion of the body define an interior cavity. The first portion of the body defines a center passageway spaced radially apart from the peripheral edge and is adapted to receive a pipe. The first portion of the body defines at least one slot adapted to be aligned with the receptacle body for receiving a member for attaching the receptacle body to the body of the support plate.

Abstract: A device for supporting a suspended ceiling includes a section that is able to support the suspended ceiling and spacers disposed between the section and the walls of the building. A removable panel is mounted on a section, the panel being able to reduce a space provided between the wall and the section at least at the location of the section bearing the aforementioned panel. At least one of the spacers may simultaneously include means for fixing the spacer to the section and means for fixing the spacer directly to a wall or to a ceiling of the building, in such a way that the spacer may be secured to the wall or the ceiling and the section may not be secured to the wall or the ceiling without a spacer.

Abstract: A roofing system includes a plurality of roofing panel assemblies. Each roofing panel assembly includes a base having a substantially planar surface, a plurality of I-joists having an upper flange and a lower flange, wherein the base is attached to the lower flanges of the plurality of I-joists, and a cap having a substantially planar surface, wherein the cap is attached to the upper flanges of the plurality of I-joists. The plurality of I-joists includes a first edge most I-joist and a second edge most I-joist. A first edge of the cap is attached to the upper flange of the first edge most I-joist such that a portion of the upper flange of the first edge most I-joist is not covered by the cap. A second edge of the cap extends beyond an edge of the second edge most I-joist for a distance less than a width of the upper flange of the second edge most I-joist.

Abstract: A sheet is provided for placing a brick or tile facing on a support structure that has an arrangement of apertures for the passage of fluids such as water. The sheet has an approximately rectangular conformation that includes a front and a back. The sheet defines channels between longitudinally aligned parallel partitions that are separated by a wall. Each channel receives the thin bricks or tiles. The structure of the partitions varies and can include an upward facing first portion that has an arrangement of apertures and a downward facing second portion. A liquid, such as water, that drains down the front of the sheet passes through the apertures in the first portion to the sloped second portion and is then redirected to the back of the sheet. The apertures also provide for the circulation of air.

Abstract: It is disclosed a floor covering on a substrate with wooden floors, a method for covering a substrate with a wooden floor, and the use of a studded plate for covering of a substrate with a wooden floor, wherein: a substrate is covered with a bonding adhesive, the substrate and bonding adhesive is covered with studded plates, the studded plates covered with an adhesive on which a wooden floor is fixed.

Abstract: The invention, Solar Attic Pressurizer is a unique and simple approach to a residential energy problem. The first and main purpose for the invention is to actively move air through the attic space in the most efficient means possible. The Department of Energy through their Energy Star program have stated that traditional active attic fans, solar and conventional can draw air out of your living space into your attic and out of your house. This increased the losses in energy both in cooling and heating which not only costs more in energy but also overworks the air conditioning equipment. This invention not only ventilates the attic space but uses pressure to reduce or eliminates losses from the living space to the attic that can occur with or without an active attic ventilation system.

Abstract: An assembly type wall structure is disclosed. The assembly type wall structure may be used as a vertical wall in an interior space and includes a plurality of wall units. Each wall units together to form a wall and may connect this wall with the corresponding ceiling, walls and floor of the interior space. Hence, the assembly type wall structure may be used as a vertical wall in an interior space and has the advantages of fast and simple implementation.

Abstract: Panels that provide structural integrity to building structures and enhance the insulation and heat dissipation capacity of a structure. The panels include an inner imperforate rigid layer of a first material, an outer rigid layer of a second material, and at least one intermediate rigid layer of a third material. The layers are positioned in a spaced relationship so that there are a first air space between the inner layer and the intermediate layer and a second air space between the intermediate layer and the outer layer. At least one pair of upper and lower openings are provided in the outer layer so that the second air space communicates with ambient air. Likewise, the intermediate layer includes at least one pair of upper and lower openings that communicate with the openings in the outer layer so that the first air space is also in fluid communication with the ambient air.

Abstract: A sump system for use in basement waterproofing systems. A sump liner may be generally rectangular in geometry, and may include two side elements with apertures to exchange groundwater while blocking debris. An adjustable inlet may be provided in another side element to fluidly connect other elements of a basement waterproofing system to the sump liner. The sump liner may further include a base configured to provide a built-in stand for a sump pump. The pump stand may contain a lip with notches to allow debris to fall and collect in a trough around a periphery of the base. The base may further provide an underside cavity for accommodating an obstruction in the floor of a sump hole. A removable lid may facilitate access to the sump liner interior, and may contain a break-away feature to accommodate discharge piping, as well as a groove to lodge a pump power cord. The sump liner may be strategically oriented within the sump hole to protect the basement foundation from erosion.

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: An replacement floor panel is provided for a raised floor, and includes a top plate with corner-forming sections and leveling legs for height adjustment. Foot-print-expanding brackets engage the leveling legs for extending their foot print outwardly so that the floor panel can be used on different raised floor systems without misalignment problems with stanchion supports. A handle is pivotally mounted in the top plate between a flush position and a raised position for grasping to lift the replacement floor panel, the handle having a decor matching the top plate for aesthetics.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a drainage system of an exterior wall of a building comprising insulation having a rear face for contact with the exterior wall of the building and a drainage plane positioned on the rear face for removal of water from the exterior wall.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a deck drain vent system is disclosed. The deck drain vent system includes at least one panel disposed below a lower surface of a deck. The panel is substantially planar and has a bottom side and a top side facing and spaced apart from the lower surface. At least one vent penetrates the panel to allow fluid communication between the cavity and the bottom side. The deck drain vent system further includes a shaft lock secured to the vent. The shaft lock hinders liquids and debris from entering the vent, yet allows air to freely circulate between the cavity and a surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A wall assembly includes a wall frame, a trough, a moisture transport spacer coupled to the wall frame and providing a substantial barrier to the passage of air and moisture vapor through the wall assembly, a moisture wicking sheet disposed at a bottom of the wall frame and extending from the moisture transport spacer to the trough, and an air seal disposed between the moisture wicking sheet and the bottom of the wall frame. The trough communicates with a dynamic ventilation system configured to remove moisture collected in the trough.

Abstract: A vented gutter system includes a gutter hanger and a ventilation strip. The gutter hanger preferably includes a lengthwise support, a plurality of hanger members and a plurality of mounting plates. Each hanger member includes a roof attachment leg and a fascia attachment member. Each mounting plate is attached to a single fascia attachment member. The plurality of mounting plates may be replaced with a single lengthwise mounting plate. The plurality of hanger members are attached to the lengthwise support. The ventilation strip is retained at a bottom of the plurality of hanger members. A vented fascia system preferably includes a rear plate, a roof flange, at least two bracket spacers, a fascia plate and a ventilation strip. The roof flange and rear plate are secured to the bracket spacers. The ventilation strip and the fascia plate are also secured to the bracket spacers.

Abstract: A transparent or translucent modular upstanding seam flange panel unit comprising opposed seam flange panels mounted in metal male and female locking 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 roofing panel assembly is made of a base and a cap as well as a plurality of I-joists having an upper flange, a lower flange and a web. The base is attached to the lower flanges of one or more of the plurality of I-joists and the cap is attached to the upper flanges of one or more of the plurality of I-joists.

Abstract: A roofing system, including at least one composite roof batten structured and arranged to support roof tile over a roof structure. The composite roof batten includes a substantially rigid low-density core, an upper reinforcing layer structured and arranged to reinforce the substantially rigid low-density core, and a lower reinforcing layer structured and arranged to reinforce the substantially rigid low-density core. The composite roof batten having at least one channel structured and arranged to assist the passage of moisture and air therethrough under the roof tile.

Abstract: An insulating panel includes a first sheet, a second sheet, and a body of insulating foam between the sheets. The foam has a plurality of longitudinally extending conduits through which a heat exchange medium such as air is circulated. A barrier is used to create an enlarged void space for air circulation. The barrier is located below profile crowns to prevent foam from entering the crowns and to create additional foam-free voids below the crown. Heat transfer efficiency is increased.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a window which treats effectively dew-water generated on a window glass to prevent dust, stain and bad smell from being generated and capable of storing dew water in a means for treating dew-water for a certain time to maintain properly an indoor humidity and enhance the air-tightness, water-tightness and adiabatic property. The window according to the present invention comprises a window frame including a vertical frame for supporting a vertical side of a window glass and a horizontal frame for supporting a horizontal side of the window glass; and a dew-water treating means including a dew-water flow passage provided on the horizontal frame and a drainage trap provided on the window frame for discharging dew water introduced from the dew-water flow passage and stored therein to an outside.

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: An exterior wall assembly includes a wall frame supporting an interior wall layer and an exterior wall layer opposite the interior wall layer, a flexible sheet disposed within the exterior wall assembly, and a seal attached to the flexible sheet and configured to prevent ingress of water toward the wall frame. The flexible sheet is configured to transport moisture from between the interior wall layer and the exterior wall layer to a location outside of the exterior wall assembly.

Abstract: A floor drain support plate for mounting and securing a floor drain to a floor structure. The support plate includes a body defining a first portion and a second portion, wherein the body has an inner surface and an outer surface. The first portion of the body defines a peripheral edge and the second portion of the body is attached to the peripheral edge of the first portion and axially extended therefrom. The inner surface of the first portion and the second portion of the body define an interior cavity. The first portion of the body defines a center passageway spaced radially apart from the peripheral edge and is adapted to receive a pipe. The first portion of the body also defines at least one slot adapted to be aligned with the receptacle body for receiving a member for attaching the receptacle body to the body of the support plate.

Abstract: A vent strip has a generally rectangular vent strip body having a width that is greater than an aperture width of an aperture through a soffit board. A plurality of apertures through the vent strip enabling air circulation. A pair of resilient board engaging elements extend upwardly and outwardly from the vent strip body for engaging the aperture. A plurality of board engaging notches or fingers, of each of the resilient board engaging elements, are adapted for engaging the soffit board regardless of the thickness of the soffit board.

Abstract: A unitary single piece fascia and gutter is extruded from plastic material or a composite and is formed with a relatively flat fascia portion sized to cover the ends of rafters along an edge of a roof. A gutter portion projects upwardly and outwardly from the fascia portion and the gutter portion and fascia portion together bound and define a gutter trough for receiving rainwater and directing the rainwater to a drainage location. The fascia and gutter is installed along an edge of a roof by being positioned along the edge with the fascia portion covering the edge and the gutter portion projecting outwardly from the edge, and securing the fascia and gutter to the edge of the roof with appropriate fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components for use in building construction. The invention provides wall components and systems which have fire-retardant characteristics, as well as wall components which allow for needed ventilation in a building throughout times when no fire is present. Embodiments include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving intumescent material. When the intumescent material becomes hot, it expands rapidly and fills its surrounding area, blocking fire, heat, and smoke from traveling to other areas of a building.

Abstract: A housing assembly for mounting to a wall of a building is disclosed. The housing assembly includes a front plate attached to a back plate. The back plate defines an axis and has a flange extending radially away from the axis for coupling to the wall. An insert is disposed between the front plate and the back plate. The insert includes a central body having a fluid diverter extending outwardly from the central body for guiding a fluid away from the wall. The housing assembly further includes a locking device for selectively coupling and uncoupling the insert from one of the front plate and the back plate.

Abstract: A method for insulating and ventilating a space between rafters for supporting a roof includes, an elongated insulation mat having an integral baffle, at least one channel on a roof facing side of the baffle for passage of ventilating air, and at least one vapor permeable membrane covering at least a portion of the insulation mat facing the channel, wherein each vapor permeable membrane transmits water vapor emanating from the insulation mat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a watertight sub-floor system for balcony or roof, in the form of a semi-rigid rollable plank of corrugated polymeric type installed in juxtaposition to form a waterproof flooring between boards and beams. Under-plank are unwrapped and cut at a desired length to avoid transverse junction with respect to water flow. Under-planks overlap parallel to water flow without loss of sealing. The corrugated under-plank has a design of crests and dips, crests widened and sloping to make possible the receiving of screws from deck board, thereby permitting the descent of water trickling from around the damaging screwing of the under-plank, and dips which bear no perforations from screwing and merely allow water to run off to protect wood structures of patios, balconies or terraces against moisture causing premature rot and to protect objects (bike, mowers . . . ) under a deck.

Abstract: The present invention is related to spacers that can create fluid flow space at a variety of structural interfaces, particularly in building construction. The spacers of the present invention include unique hinges that can physically couple one panel of the spacer to another panel of the spacer in a manner that substantially distortionally separates the two panels. Preferred embodiments include a folded hinge having at least two folds. The spacers of the present invention also include unique panel dimples that help control the rigidity of the panel. In preferred embodiments, elongated dimples are used to help control rigidity.

Abstract: A seamless wall finishing system has a plurality of wall panels which are spaced apart from an exterior wall. The spacing creates an air gap which provides an airflow passage between the exterior wall and the second surface of the wall panels. The wall panels have a mold resistant non-organic thread or yarn wall covering which is adhered to a central portion of a first surface of each of the wall panels. The wall panels define a pair of uncovered areas on opposite sides of each of the plurality of wall panels. A vertically extending seam is created between adjacent wall panels which is filled with a seam tape made from the mold resistant nylon yarn wall covering. An air circulation system is provided for circulating air behind the wall panels. A method of assembling the modular basement wall finishing system is also provided.

Abstract: A wall shoe includes a generally rectangular body that is placed beneath a wall covering to protect the wall covering from water damage; the wall shoe providing access to the interior of a wall. A method of extracting moisture from the interior components of a wall includes interposing a wall shoe between a lower edge of a wall covering and a floor, the wall shoe being a rectangular body with a number of channels passing through the thickness of the rectangular body; following exposure of the wall to water, utilizing the wall shoe to provide access to the interior components of the wall; and providing an air flow; the air flow drying the interior of the components of the wall through access provided by the wall shoe.

Abstract: A flashing assembly includes a member extending between a first end and a second end. The flashing member includes a top portion and a flange at an angle to the top portion. The top portion extends from a rear edge to the flange. The top portion includes a mounting surface substantially level from the top portion rear edge toward the flange. The top portion includes at least one channel and at least one cross channel in communication with the channel. In one option, the cross channel is separated from the coupling portion. The channels facilitate trimming of members to desired sizes such that the assembly is used with windows and doors of various sizes.

Abstract: An improved weep vent for use in brick and masonry wall construction includes an adjustability feature that provides a superior vent. The vent includes an outer inverted U-shape casing having an inner smaller inverted U-shape member slidably retained in the casing, and an open mesh insert type plug that fits in front of the casing to keep out insects while allowing water to drain outwardly. During installation, the casing is positioned adjacent the side of bricks of the first course above a foundation or at other locations. The sliding member is extending out the back of the casing until it contacts the balloon frame or masonry, flashing or other obstructions. Then mortar is positioned over the vent. Excessive mortar does not clog the vent.

Abstract: A vent baffle assembly provides air ventilation in a cathedral ceiling having rafter beams and roof sheathing. The vent baffle assembly includes a first vent sheet and a second vent sheet. The first vent sheet has first and second ends, first and second longitudinal ribs and a first lateral stiffener extending generally perpendicularly to the ribs. The second vent sheet includes third and fourth ends, third and fourth longitudinal ribs, and a second lateral stiffener extending perpendicularly to the ribs. The first vent sheet is positioned between adjacent rafters with the ribs oriented parallel to the rafters. The second vent sheet overlaps the first vent sheet with respective ribs interengaged to limit lateral movement of the first vent sheet relative to the second vent sheet. The first lateral stiffener engages the second lateral stiffener to limit longitudinal movement of the first vent sheet relative to the second vent sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a condensation inhibition system for structural waterproofing. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a waterproofing system is provided within a dwelling having a wall and a foundation. The wall having a first surface for defining an interior of the dwelling and an exterior in communication with graded soil. The waterproofing system further including a waterproofing panel having a front vapor diffusion retarder portion, a back vapor diffusion retarder portion, and an insulator carried between said front portion and said back portion. Additionally, a collection channel is provided for collecting water entering into the dwelling from the exterior.