Abstract: A weep hole screen and method for installing the same in the exterior wall of a masonry building in order to prevent small animals such as insects and rodents from entering the building through the weep hole. A weep hole screen in accordance with the present invention preferably comprises a rectangular mesh screen with an angle bracket attached to each end. The weep hole screen is sized such that the angle brackets sandwich the bricks that form the weep hole, preferably on the interior faces of the bricks. The interfaces between the weep hole screen and the bricks are preferably sealed with mortar or another suitable sealant. The weep hole screen may be installed easily during original construction of the wall without the need for any mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: An insulation system of a building having a plurality of spaced-apart support members has an insulator with a plurality of ribs are formed thereon. A concave portion of each rib receives one of the support members. A panel covers, and is secured to the support members. An exterior covering element is secured to an exterior side of the panel. A radiant heat barrier is bonded between the insulator and the panel. The insulator defines air ventilation channels between the foam insulator and the panel for venting air from building. An insulator assembly for a building has a sheet of foam insulation with a plurality of channels intermittently formed in the sheet of insulation. Each channel has a concave side and a convex side. The concave side is adapted to receive a support member of the building. A radiant heat barrier is bonded to a surface of the foam insulation.

Abstract: A drainage tile used on a footing of a foundation to promote drainage of water along the footing and away from a foundation wall. The drainage tile comes in lengths that are less than the length of the footing. The drainage tile can be secured together with other drainage tiles to span the length of the footing.

Abstract: A mortar and debris collection device for use within a cavity wall to prevent the blockage of weep holes at the base of the wall. The cavity wall assembly includes a masonry wall, an adjacent inner wall, a wall cavity therebetween, and a free-standing elongate strip of openwork material located within the cavity forming a debris collection surface a spaced distance above a base surface of the cavity. Preferably, the openwork material is inserted and positioned within the cavity after the inner wall and only a base portion of the outer masonry wall is constructed. Thereafter, the upper portion of the outer masonry wall is constructed and any mortar or debris falling into the cavity is caught and supported on the debris collection surface.

Abstract: Perimeter and transverse troughs, possibly 3-5 inches wide and deep, can be formed in an existing building subterranean concrete floor, with the perimeter trough being immediately adjacent and extended along the foundation wall and the traverse trough connecting the perimeter trough to a nearby sump pit formed in the floor. Each trough can be formed by cutting narrow shallow grooves outlining its desired location, and then breaking away the concrete there between. Water seepage through the wall will collect in the perimeter trough and drain away via the transverse trough to the sump pit, eliminating water pooling on the building floor itself. The troughs can be covered by separate metal or plastic covers, secured by adhesives, sealants and/or nails relative to the floor and/or foundation wall.

Abstract: A ventilated quarter round molding or shoe molding can be used, in combination with a water impervious underlayment to dissipate water vapor which is often generated from subfloors. Such water vapor can damage certain flooring, and the invention allows for the installation of devices to limit or eliminate such damage without significant cost.

Abstract: An adjustable height drain has an elongate base element and an elongate drain element. The elongate base element has walls extending upwardly from the elongate base element. The elongate drain element has a top surface supported by downwardly extending walls, and the top surface has a plurality of apertures enabling water to drain through the top surface. First interlocking elements are vertically spaced from each other on the upwardly extending walls, and second interlocking elements are spaced apart from each other on the downwardly extending walls, enabling the elongate drain element to engage the elongate base element in either a first position or a second position, adapting to change in surface elevation.

Abstract: Smokehouses (20) or other similar thermal processing cabinets or houses are provided with improved floor assemblies (22) which eliminate fluid collection and provide a high degree of structural integrity. The smokehouses (20) include upright walls (24, 26) supported on the floor assemblies (22). Each floor assembly (22) has one or more weldment frame assemblies (38) including a peripheral frame assembly (46) with opposed wall receiving channel segments (52) and frame elements (54). Drainage structure such as one or more tubular drain units (44) are also preferably secured to the weldment frame assemblies (38) and are positioned to effect proper liquid drainage. Tread plates (42) are secured to the weldment frame assemblies (38). In order to construct a floor assembly (22), an appropriately sized recess (66) is formed and the weldment frame assemblies (38) and drain units (44) are installed. A monolithic pour of concrete (40) is then placed within the weldment frame assemblies (38) and allowed to cure.

Abstract: A sill flashing and method for installing a window or other portal in a wall opening are provided. The flashing includes a sill portion, at least one jamb portion at an angle relative to the sill portion, and a front face plate. The flashing is configured to be disposed in the opening with the sill portion disposed against a sill of the opening, an outer surface of the jamb portion disposed against one of the jambs of the opening, and a front face plate at an outer surface of the wall. The sill portion defines a plurality of support portions and a rear dam which can support the portal in the opening. The sill portion also includes one or more integral housing, configured to overlap an adjacent support portion when the flashing is cut and disposed multiple parts defining an interface therebetween.

Abstract: A modular enclosure, such as a shed, may include sidewalls and a roof. The roof, for example, may include first and second roof panels that are separated by a seam. The roof may also include a truss that is sized and configured to support the roof panels. The truss may include a channel that allows any moisture entering the shed from between the roof panels to be removed from the shed. In particular, a portion of the first roof panel and a portion of the second roof panel may be at least partially disposed within the channel. Advantageously, the truss may be constructed from metal, which may allow a strong and sturdy shed to be constructed, and the roof panels may be constructed from blow-molded plastic, which may allow a lightweight and generally weather resistant shed to be produced.

Abstract: Spacers and a spacing strip for use in an outer wall of a building between the outer vertical surface of its underlying structure and the inner surface of siding through which the siding is nailed to the underlying structure to provide a ventilation space between the rear surface of the siding and the outer surface of the underlying structure. Ventilation channels can be provided at both the lower and upper ends of the ventilation space to facilitate movement of air to the atmosphere from such a ventilation 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: The invention relates to a venting band with at least two side strips extending parallel to one another and a center strip. Parallel to the side strips extend venting bands formed by continuously connected walls or webs. The venting bands can therein have diverse forms. At least one venting channel is provided; however, it is also possible to provide several venting channels. Through the use of certain materials with restoring forces for the venting band, the at least one venting channel can open automatically during the rolling out of the venting band. However, it is also possible, to bring about an opening of the at least one venting channel by pulling on the side strips.

Abstract: A cladding system, intended to exclude water from within a building having a cavity wall structure, includes passive means (a) for minimising any flow of water from the exterior that may reach the interior, and (b) open guides or enclosed channels for diverting such water so that it flows by gravity down the cavity to be drained outwardly. One implementation provides impervious battens modified to have water-diverting sides, and another provides solid slabs including channels connected by drainage cuts along their length to a surface to be drained.

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 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 hanger members are attached to the lengthwise support. The ventilation strip is secured to 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 is secured to one side of the bracket spacers and the rear plate is secured to the other side thereof. The ventilation strip is secured to the bracket spacers. The fascia plate is secured to the bracket spacers.

Abstract: A preferred example of a pre-assembled, moisture, water, and gas impermeable fire-barrier system for use in expansion-joint spaces includes a fire-barrier having a first multi-layer of outermost protective cloth layer overlain by an insulation blanket overlain by stainless steel foil, a second multi-layer, overlaying and fixedly attached to the first multi-layer, containing an insulation blanket, overlain by a limited layer of intumescent material, overlain by impermeable silicon cloth to completely or partially surround the barrier, and a first attachment apparatus for attaching a first long edge of the fire-barrier to a building unit and a second attachment apparatus for attaching the opposing second long edge to an opposing spaced building unit, which attachment apparatus may be fixedly attached to the barrier, and where the barrier system may be fitted with a drain aperture and a drainage hose emanating from the aperture, the hose protected from the heat of a fire.

Abstract: A siding panel product is provided comprising a first polymeric siding panel having a butt end and a top end, a front surface comprising a plurality of front faces defined between the top and butt ends and separated by at least one shoulder surface to define a stepped contour, and a rear surface. An insulation backing is coupled to the rear surface of the siding panel. The insulation backing comprises at least first and second insulation members coupled to the rear surface of said siding panel. The first insulation member has a bottom edge thereof coupled proximate to the stepped contour and the second insulation member has a top edge thereof coupled proximate to the stepped contour.

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

Abstract: What is described is an extruded ceramic facade panel (20) for a ventilated curtain-type facade structure, comprising at least one preferably rear head rebate (25) and one preferably rear foot rebate (26) and also at least one core running in the direction of extrusion, in which panel the wall between the core hole (24) and the rear of the facade panel has at least one elevation (22e) and the thickness of the wall between the highest point of the elevation (22e) and the rear of the facade panel is identical to the thickness of the head rebate (25) and/or to the thickness of the foot rebate (26). A method of producing such a facade panel is also described.

Abstract: A panel attachment system (10) comprising a plurality of covering panels (12), a plurality of retaining members (16) to hold the panels (12), and a plurality of mounting structures (18) to secure the retaining members (16) to a surface (20). The panels (12) are held to the retaining members (16) through the use of protruding locking members (32) formed on the panels (12) which interlock with a slot (48) formed on the retaining member (16). The panels (12) may be coupled to the retaining members (16) without the need for precise alignment, thereby expediting the installation of the surface (20). The retaining members (16) additionally contain a drainage channel (50) to carry water and other debris away from the surface (20).

Abstract: In a precast cladding panel system requiring no cast-in mounting hardware, each panel has a continuous notch along its upper edge, forming a ledge adjacent the panel's front face, and an upstand adjacent the panel's rear face. Each panel is mounted to a supporting structure using fasteners installed through openings formed in the upstand. The panels are configured such that their lower edges fit into the notches of underlying panels, with the front faces of all panels being substantially co-planar, aided by spacer means fastened to the supporting structure adjacent to the lowermost panel course. Air circulation behind the installed panel assembly is facilitated by spaced bumpers fastened to the supporting structure so as to space the panel upstands away therefrom. Alternatively, the panels may be mounted with the upstands directly against the supporting structure, with the panels having vertical air channels formed into the upstands and rear panels faces as appropriate.

Abstract: A vented panel connector for a decorative panel system includes a front plate, a pair of spaced-apart vent plates carried by the front plate, a pair of spaced-apart panel flanges extending from each of the pair of spaced-apart vent plates and a plurality of vent openings extending through each of the pair of vent plates between the front plate and the pair of spaced-apart panel flanges.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a floor tile includes a body having a top side, a bottom side, and multiple lateral sides, and an integrated flow control element extending down from the bottom side, the flow control element being configured to control the flow of air below the floor tile.

Abstract: A precast under floor air delivery construction is provided which includes a plurality of precast concrete system having an upper base floor surface and a lower surface, a plurality of floor panel support means bearing directly to the upper base floor surface capable of an under floor air delivery between the floor panels and the upper surface, a plurality of access floor panels connected to the support means, and a fire protection barrier applied between the concrete slabs.

Abstract: A is provided for constructing a jump pit with a sand area. The form is constructed in sections. Each section has an inside wall and an outside wall. A support member is located between the outside wall and the inside wall. The sections are secured together onsite. Caps are mounted on the support members. The caps include an inclined surface which slops upwardly and away from the sand area forming the inclined surface. A cover over the sand area is supported by the inclined surface. Optionally, a chamber is located adjacent the outside wall. A grate covers the chamber and the grate is supported by a brace. A mat covers the grate. Openings in the grate and in the mat permit sand through them, thrown from the sand area to drop into the chamber.

Abstract: A water drainage component comprises a foundation engaging member, a structural wall engaging member, a gutter, and at least one water drainage channel. The foundation engaging member is configured to abut a substantially planar portion of a foundation of a building structure. The structural wall engaging member is substantially perpendicular to the foundation engaging member, and at least a portion of the structural wall engaging member is configured to abut a structural wall of a building structure. The gutter defines a water collection area configured to collect water flowing along at least a portion of the structural wall engaging member in the direction of the foundation engaging member, and the water drainage channel defines a conduit in fluid communication with the water collection area extending along a portion of the foundation engaging member, and the water drainage channel is configured to drain water collected in the gutter.

Abstract: A siding system for efficiently increasing the longevity of an outer wall structure (i.e. siding, etc.) of a building. The siding system generally includes a siding assembly which includes a venting structure including a first support member and a second support member, wherein the first support member is attached to the second support member. A plurality of first passageways and a plurality of second passageways extend between the first support member and the second support member, wherein a first perimeter of the plurality of first passageways varies from a second perimeter of the plurality of second passageways. The venting structure is positioned between a first layer and a second layer of an outer wall structure to allow the layers to efficiently dry and prevent moisture from building up between the layers.

Abstract: A floor drain with a bottom part having at least one discharge opening, a front part that is integral with the bottom part and which has a first part inclined to the bottom part at an angle of at least 30°, and a flange part that is horizontal or inclined to horizontal at an angle of less than 20°, two side walls integral with the bottom part and first part, and a back part that is integral with the bottom part. The back part extends vertically from the bottom part, through and above the plane defined by the flange part.

Abstract: A building drainage system includes one or more of an interior located bleeder line cleanout incorporating a one-way flow valve, an exterior drainage and tile cleanout having concentrically disposed pipes with an end accessible from ground surface level, having apertures allowing the ingress of water through the pipes and to the drain tile system, and an exterior drainage system including a horizontal drain member located below soil surface level and spaced from the building foundation wall and a drainage path from the horizontal drain member to a reservoir also located below soil surface level. A discharge path is formed from the reservoir to the surrounding soil or through a pipe to a remote located pop-up discharge valve.

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 structural vent assembly comprising a back member having a forward surface and a rear surface; a mount member adapted to be secured to the support structure between the roof deck and the support structure, the mount member having a proximal end fixedly attached to the rear surface; a front member having an outer surface and an inner surface; and means for connecting the forward surface to the inner surface in spaced apart relationship to form a passage for air flow therebetween, the passage having an upper end and a lower end communicating with the air space of the roof deck.

Abstract: An elongate channel insert configured for installation between elongate structural members to prevent water from flowing through an overlying structure into the area beneath the structural members includes a U-shaped hook on a first side of the insert that goes over the top and both sides of a joist, an L-shaped ledge on the other side of the channel insert prevents the inserts from becoming off center as they are placed side by side on joists across the entire width of a deck with the base of the insert angled along its length such that water captured within the channel will drain from one end of the insert to the other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for waterproofing interior surfaces of parapet walls disposed on a roof, wherein the parapet walls include an interior surface counter flashing and a surface cap. The system includes at least one waterproofing membrane configured to allow moisture to escape from a space between the at least one waterproofing membrane and the interior surfaces of the parapet walls, wherein the at least one waterproofing membrane is disposed to extend at least a portion of a distance along the interior surfaces from the surface cap to the roof from which the parapet walls extend. The system also includes a flap valve defined by the at least one waterproofing membrane, the flap valve being positioned between the surface cap and the roof.

Abstract: A drain system for draining water from a lanai floor to eliminate rainwater build-up on lanai floors and speed-up draining time on such floors. The device is attached to the edge of the Lanai floor and acts as a scupper.

Abstract: A one-piece water-closet gasket (21) comprises an outer gasket (39) for the stand (41) and an inner gasket (43) for sealing the outlet of the water-closet drain-duct (29) to the sewage inlet duct (37). The latter gasket comprises a tube (51) having a lower span (53) for plugging into the sewage inlet and is provided with means (55, 57) elastically bearing and sealing against the inner wall surface of the sewage duct.

Abstract: A spacer panel is incorporated into building walls to drain accumulated moisture from the wall structure. The spacer panel is formed with spacer members that project on opposing sides of a central planar web member. Each spacer member is formed independently and has a planar portion extending around the spacer member to provide a location for the insertion of apertures to allow moisture to pass from one side of the panel to the other. Each spacer member includes a planar surface that facilitates an application of adhesive for attachment of a barrier member thereto. The spacer members can be oriented in a herringbone pattern alternating on opposing sides of the central web member. The spacer members can be formed as a circular projection extending on one side of the central web with a truncated conical member projecting to the opposing side of the central web from the circular projection.

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 so as to define a pair of uncovered areas on opposite sides of each of the plurality of wall panels such that when a first of the plurality of wall panels is mounted adjacent a second of the plurality of wall panels a vertically extending seam is created which is filled with a seam tape made from the mold resistant nylon yarn wall covering. A method of assembling the modular basement wall finishing system is also provided.

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 wall and roof venting system comprising a wall having an outer layer disposed outwardly of an inner layer with a plurality of spacers disposed therebetween to provide a wall air flow channel between the wall layers. Exterior air enters at the bottom of the wall and vented air is discharged near the top of the wall to reduce heat transfer into the building. Preferably, vented air flows into a roof air flow channel disposed between a first roof layer and a second roof layer maintained in spaced apart relation by a plurality of roof spacers therebetween. A vent component is disposed in a gap in the upper roof layer at or near the top end of the roof to beneficially disperse and/or utilize the vented air from the air flow channels. The wall and roof spacers have openings therein to permit vented air to flow through the respective channels.

Abstract: A drainage tile used on a footing of a foundation to promote drainage of water along the footing and away from a foundation wall. The drainage tile comes in lengths that are less than the length of the footing. The drainage tile can be secured together with other drainage tiles to span the length of the footing.

Abstract: An inter-panel ventilation apparatus is installed in a building wall between rows of siding, for providing air flow to and from an interstitial space between exterior and interior building wall layers. The inter-panel ventilation apparatus has a hood for carrying away water to an exterior of the building wall, and upper and lower apertured venting components respectively engaged with adjacent upper and lower siding panels. A plurality of inter-panel ventilation apparatus may be connected together with couplers to form a ventilation trim extending along a length of the building wall.

Abstract: A building panel subject to interior condensation of moisture and exterior wind-driven moisture includes a sheet having an inner surface onto which condensed moisture forms. An open upper reservoir is positioned proximate a bottom portion of the inner surface of the sheet to receive the condensed moisture. A lower chamber having at least one drain port is positioned below the upper reservoir. A wicking port connects the upper reservoir to the lower chamber. The wicking port weeps the condensed moisture from the upper reservoir to the lower chamber to drain the upper reservoir. The condensed moisture drains from the lower chamber via the drain port. The wicking port blocks the upward flow of wind-driven moisture that enters the lower chamber via the drain port.

Abstract: A wall system is provided, comprising: a frame comprising at least one frame member; a cladding material disposed at an external side of the frame member; a drainage mat disposed between the frame member and the cladding material; and an insulation layer disposed at an internal side of the drainage mat.

Abstract: A flashing and drainage system for use in cavity wall construction, including a flashing member is sized and shaped to be received within a cavity of the wall and over a base member. The flashing member includes a lower flashing portion and an upper flashing portion. The system includes a water permeable body disposed on the flashing member including a plurality of weep tabs extending on the lower flashing portion and spaced apart to correspond to weep holes formed through the wall and a plurality of porous bodies positioned on the upper flashing portion. The water permeable body has a porosity sufficient to permit water to pass therethrough but substantially insufficient to permit mortar and debris to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A flashing and drainage system for use in cavity wall construction, including a flashing member is sized and shaped to be received within a cavity of the wall and over a base member. The flashing member includes a lower flashing portion, which is oriented generally horizontally when atop a foundation portion of the wall, and an upper flashing portion, which is oriented generally vertically within the cavity of the wall. A plurality of weep tabs are positioned on the lower flashing portion and spaced apart to correspond to weep holes formed through the wall and a plurality of porous bodies are positioned on the upper flashing portion. Each of the plurality of porous bodies have a porosity sufficient to permit water to pass therethrough but substantially insufficient to permit mortar and debris to pass therethrough, each of the plurality of porous bodies being positioned to protect a corresponding one of the plurality of weep tabs.

Abstract: A form assembly for use with a rough-in floor drain line, extending from a ground location prior to the pouring of a concrete aggregate. A body is constructed of a plasticized material and exhibits a three-dimensional outline with a height, width and depth and an open interior. The body further includes a bottom-most extending and encircling lip and an upper rim edge. The body is positioned so that the open interior surrounds the exposed floor drain line and a volume of a sand aggregate is filled into the open interior over and around the exposed drain. A lid is secured over the rim edge and a plurality of elongated and ground-securing stakes are engaged through apertures associated with the bottom extending said lip, in order to secure the body upon the ground location and to isolate the floor drain line from a volume of encircling and poured concrete.

Abstract: A mortar and debris collection device for use within a cavity wall to prevent the blockage of weep holes at the base of the wall. The cavity wall assembly includes a masonry wall, an adjacent inner wall, a wall cavity therebetween, and a free-standing elongate strip of openwork material located within the cavity forming a debris collection surface a spaced distance above a base surface of the cavity. Preferably, the openwork material is inserted and positioned within the cavity after the inner wall and only a base portion of the outer masonry wall is constructed. Thereafter, the upper portion of the outer masonry wall is constructed and any mortar or debris falling into the cavity is caught and supported on the debris collection surface.

Abstract: A baseboard for covering an expansion gap located at an intersection of a vertical wall and a floor. The baseboard is formed of thermoplastic elastomer and has an L-shaped body having a toe portion and a wall portion. The back side of the wall portion has a plurality of spaced-apart ventilation channels extending from the upper end of the wall portion to the lower end thereof. Each ventilation channel has a substantially rectangular shaped cross-section. The back side of the wall portion further includes a plurality of wall contact surfaces extending between each ventilation channel and a plurality of adhesive gripping grooves formed therethrough that function as a catch element when the baseboard is adhesively secured to the wall.

Abstract: A method and structure are disclosed for causing water seeping through a crack in a basement wall to be directed behind a tape applied to the wall, such tape having edges bonded to the wall and a hydrophobic coating on the rear side of the tape for repelling water flowing therebehind for quicker drainage.