Abstract: A low cost method and device for diverting water away from a flat roof's low spots, thus preventing it from puddling there during a rainstorm. Such puddles, if allowed to stand, can damage a roof deck structurally. The device includes a flexible membrane, an air valve mounted thereon, and mechanical fasteners for attaching the membrane along its periphery, to both the roof deck and its existing covering. Ideally, the membrane can be heat welded, taped or glued to the roof covering and joined thereto to form an airtight seal, thus simplifying construction of inflatable barriers for the roof's low spots. For each such barrier, a membrane, sized and shaped to cover at least one low spot, substantially overlaps the latter's edges and defines, in combination with the roof covering, an air pocket which, when inflated via the air valve, causes the membrane to protrude upwardly, effectively elevating the covered spot.

Abstract: A structural assembly (20) providing both a surface (21) and an insulating stratum associated with the surface. The assembly (20) can comprise structural members (23-24) and pods (30) associated with the structural members (23-24). The pods (30) contribute to structural integrity, thermal insulation, and/or sound attenuation. The pods or pod-like material can be used in or on horizontal or vertical cavities, in or on horizontal or vertical surfaces, and/or incorporated into a structural assembly or equipment housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for providing a concrete crack repair system that is capable of providing a pressurized seal that continues to resist the ingress of water even as the crack continues to open and close over time. A compressible seal is provided that may be inserted into and adhesively joined to a machined groove that follows the contour of the crack in the concrete surface. After its installation in the machined groove, grout may be injected into the machined groove below the compressible seal so as to fill the space between the compressible seal and the bottom of the machined groove, which grout may also flow into the groove that is adjacent the bottom of the machined groove, thus allowing pressurized grouting of the crack itself. The compressible seal may also include an interior, hollow chamber that may allow inflation of the compressible seal within the machined groove, thus forming a permanent pressurized seal above the crack.

Abstract: A constructional building material, such as a brick, with at least one base section and a vane extending from the base section. The vane defines, at least in part, a volume of space within an envelope boundary that facilitates fluid flow, such as airflow, through a wall system formed at least in part from one or more constructional building materials. Adjacent vanes, either of the same constructional building material or of different constructional building materials, may operate to provide or define one or more common volumes of space and corresponding fluid flow channels and associated fluid flow paths. A wall system, formed in accordance with the present invention, allows fluid to pass from one side to the other through the wall system while also providing up to complete visual obstruction through the wall depending upon how the wall system is constructed.

Abstract: A solar heat pump building preferably includes a building, an air barrier insulation layer, a material insulation layer and a plurality of ducts. The air barrier insulation layer includes a ceiling air barrier insulation layer and a wall air barrier insulation layer. The ceiling air barrier insulation layer is a ceiling air gap created between a ceiling sheet and a roof panel. The wall air barrier insulation layer is a wall air gap created between the ceiling sheet and two opposing lengthwise wall panels, and two inner end wall sheets and two opposing end wall panels. Two lengthwise wall insulation layers are attached to vertical portions of the ceiling sheet. Two end wall insulation layers are attached to the two inner end wall sheets. A plurality of ducts include lengthwise ducts and end ducts, which are retained in the wall air barrier insulation layer to channel air.

Abstract: A building insulation system for roofs and walls supported from the interior side of the building, which eliminates thermal bridges and bottom side ceiling fasteners to support the insulation system materials during the insulation and exterior sheeting process of the building construction. The insulation system creates an air gap space layer in roofs and in walls between the exterior wall and roof sheeting panels and the interior sheet material, which supports the insulation material layer. An air gap space enables active solar energy collection and its use to reduce the overall purchased energy for operation of the building. The insulation system preferably includes a support sheet material, a sheet material tensioning devices, an insulation material layer, insulation hanger retention devices, heat and air collection and distribution ducts, dampers, louvers, pipes, dehumidification and condensate collection devices used in the air gap layers of the building to improve the building energy efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates safing insulation and, particularly, to safing insulation with pre-applied smoke sealant and methods for using the same. In one exemplary embodiment, safing insulation sheets are formed from individual safing insulation sections having a layer of smoke sealant applied to the upper surface of the safing insulation sections. In order to form the safing insulation sheets, individual safing insulation sections are arranged with the fibers of each individual section extending in a vertical direction and a smoke sealant is applied thereto. The smoke sealant acts to mechanically secure the individual sections of safing insulation to one another and also eliminates the need to apply smoke sealant to the safing insulation after installation. Advantageously, by pre-applying the smoke sealant to the safing insulation, the need to use spraying equipment to apply the smoke sealant to the safing insulation at a job site is eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a window sill flashing comprising a base having a substantially rectangular shape. A front flange projects perpendicularly downward from a front edge of the base and at least one side flange extends vertically from a side edge of the base. The side flange includes a front surface. The window sill flashing is made from a rigid homopolymer vinyl film.

Abstract: A data center includes a floor that supports rack computing systems and walls that enclose a computing room. The computing room holds the rack computing systems. One of the walls is a movable wall. The movable wall translates relative to the other walls to increase or decrease the size of the computing room.

Abstract: A corner flashing system is provided for sealing the corners of recessed window frames against moisture penetration. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises first and second double-flap members, a half-cube member, and caulking. The first and second double-flap members, and the half-cube member are preferably made of asphalt or petroleum based material. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises one double-flap member, a modified half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a single member that combines a double-flap member and a half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a combination member, a double-flap member, and caulking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermal insulation materials made of hollow oxide particles. Use of hollow oxide particles having an overall thermal conductivity of less than 0.026 W/(mK) is for example suitable for the building sector or other areas where thermal insulation is required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a fire safe penetration in a building element, especially in a ceiling, floor or in a lightweight wall comprising a framework of profile elements and at least one outer covering being fixed to said profile elements.

Abstract: Disclosed are a lightweight stone insulating panel and a construction method for insulating a building exterior using the same, in which an insulating board and a reinforcing board are integrally formed in a stone plate, so that the construction work is simple as a stone plate attaching process and an insulating process can be carried out all at once, and the stone plate can be prevented from falling from the building exterior wall even if the insulating board is completely destroyed by fire.

Abstract: A prefabricated flashing product for an opening in an exterior surface of a structure includes a generally planar flange shaped to conform to the exterior surface, the flange extending outwardly from an entire perimeter of an aperture therein that corresponds to the opening, and a return that seals to the flange about the aperture and extends substantially perpendicularly therefrom toward an inward direction of the opening. The flange and the return are monolithically formed of a waterproof material. A method of integrating a fenestration product into an opening of an exterior surface of a structure includes inserting the flashing product described above into the opening, and inserting the fenestration product at least partially into the aperture of the flashing product.

Abstract: A system for assembling a pre-engineered building with a monolithic vapor retarder to control the formation of condensation on the walls. The system allows for numerous different combinations of insulation thickness, different kinds of walls, inside vapor retarders in different rigid panels, different facings or membranes. The system further provides for finished inside surfaces with high thermal quality.

Abstract: A fiberglass material contains glass fibers having graphite evenly distributed thereon. The graphite provides a coating that makes the fiberglass material substantially free of static electricity. Suitable graphite content of the fiberglass material is about 0.25 wt % to about 0.50 wt %, or about 0.25 wt % to about 1.0 wt %, or about 0.8 wt % of dry weight of the glass fibers. The graphite used may be synthetic material or natural material substantially free of silica. Other components of the fiberglass material may include de-dusting oil.

Abstract: An exterior panel system is disclosed. The exterior panel system has at least one panel having a main surface and at least one panel side wall. The system has at least one gutter having gutter surface and at least one gutter side wall. The system has a lower receiver configured to join the panel and the gutter to an exterior wall. The panel is located adjacent the gutter and the at least one panel side wall located adjacent to the gutter surface and adjacent to at least one gutter side wall. The exterior panel system is capable of providing water proofing or water resistance to the exterior of a building utilizing dry joins that do not require the use of seals or expandable sealant during installation.

Abstract: A mounting system for a roof-mounted structure comprises: a roof having a surface; a shaft having a first end opposing a second end, and including a roof fastening portion at the first end and secured within the roof, an anchor portion for securing the roof-mounted structure at the second end, a drive part and a radially projecting shoulder surface oriented toward the roof fastening portion; and a washer positioned on the surface of the roof and disposed on the shaft such that the shoulder surface urges the washer into watertight sealing contact with the surface of the roof.

Abstract: An insulation system includes a panel having a major surface, a layer of fibrous insulating material and at least one securing clip affixed to the panel and securing the insulation layer to the major surface. Each clip includes first and second connectors. Each connector includes a head, two diametrically-opposed resilient latching elements projecting from the head and a first locking shoulder extending at least partially between the latching elements. Each latching element includes a latching shoulder adjacent a distal end opposite the head.

Abstract: An insulation system and method of insulation suitable for thermally insulating commercial buildings without the need to modify the building being insulated during installation of the insulation system. The insulation system includes a plurality of boards, at least two rails secured to supporting members of the building and adapted to secure opposite ends of each of the boards between the supporting members, and a plurality of trim pieces between adjacent boards and adapted to connect the adjacent boards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound-insulating and vibration-isolating rubber pad and a method for installing a sound-insulating and vibration-isolating floor using same in which lower pad protrusions can be inserted into a plurality of insertion holes formed in a lower water-proof plywood because the lower pad protrusions are formed in the center of an upper surface of a lower pad body of a sound-insulating and vibration-isolating rubber pad, so that the lower water-proof plywood and an upper pad are integrally connected above a lower pad, and a vibration-isolating function may be achieved in a stable manner because the lower pad, the lower water-proof plywood, and the upper pad are integrally connected, thereby providing a sound-insulating effect that can remarkably reduce inter-floor noise.

Abstract: A high thermal resistant vertical wall on a base foundation in which stacked ICFs define an interior wall space that is filled with foam and concrete membranes coat the exteriors of the ICFs.

Abstract: A flooring system is constructed on a base. The flooring system includes a permeable barrier layer, a porous underlayment, an impermeable sealing layer, and a flooring. The barrier layer is configured to cover the base. The underlayment overlies the barrier layer, with the barrier layer preventing binding of the underlayment to the base while permitting fluid to pass between the base and underlayment. The underlayment presents a top face, and the sealing layer coats the top face of the underlayment. The flooring is fixed relative to the top face of the underlayment.

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

Abstract: An improved skylight system comprises a unitary light transmitting skylight lens having a main lens body, an outwardly projecting horizontal support flange, a surrounding downwardly and outwardly extending skirt panel, and a horizontal lower attachment lip extending from the skirt panel. The attachment lip is held in a channel formed by an upper hold-down flange and a cooperating lower flange of a mounting frame. The lens is fitted over a roof curb and attached thereto by driving fasteners through a vertical attachment collar that depends from the inner edge of the lower flange of the mounting frame into the curb.

Abstract: Wall systems and methods for making such wall systems are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a wall system comprises a plurality of vertically displaced horizontal support members, and a wall panel having at least one inwardly-extending ridge. The wall system also includes at least two foam insulation blocks. Each block has a surface that is adapted to conform to the shape of the inwardly-extending ridge of the wall panel. The blocks are spaced apart along each of the horizontal support members and are fastened between the panel and the support member. The spacing created by the blocks allows for a blanket of insulation between the blocks and the support members to expand, improving the system's insulative properties.

Abstract: The present system and method enables water entering a dwelling or structure to be contained and removed, while preventing evaporation of the water into the interior of the dwelling. Embodiments of the present invention can comprise a waterproofing system comprising a waterproofing form, affixable to a first surface of a wall at a mounting angle, and comprising a vapor barrier retainer for detachably affixing a vapor barrier to the waterproofing form, and a gutter channel, disposed at a pitch angle, and in fluid communication with the first surface of the wall, the vapor barrier, and a collection area, where the pitch angle and the mounting angle are the same angle, and where the pitch angle causes the water to flow through the gutter channel to the collection area for removal.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly includes a housing and a platform disposed within the housing. The platform is rotatably moveable about a vertical axis. A partition is attached to and moveable with the platform, and includes a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The first lateral edge and the second lateral edge of the partition are spaced from an exterior wall of the housing to define a gap therebetween. A sealing mechanism is moveable between a sealing position and an open position. The sealing mechanism is moveable into the sealing position to seal the gap between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge and prevent light from passing through the gap. The sealing mechanism is moveable into the open position to vacate the gap and allow rotational movement of the platform and the partition about the vertical axis relative to the exterior wall of the housing.

Abstract: A roof pipe flashing with a raised boot and elongated opposite extensions extending therefrom which roof pipe flashing is used to cover and weatherproof an existing but damaged roof pipe flashing on the pitched roof of a building. The roof pipe flashing can be made manually by cutting or tearing along pre-marked lines on the flat base of a roof pipe flashing.

Abstract: A modular methane digester facility includes prefabricated portable concrete panels and a flexible membrane roof sealing an interior space of the methane digester. A separator-conveyor dewatering device, integratable into the front end of the methane digester facility, separates a semi-solid liquid manure into a liquid portion and a solid portion. A method of dual-stage methane digestion includes stacking a solid stage in a methane digester and supplying a liquid stage to the top of the solid stage. The liquid stage percolates by gravity through the solid stage, the solid stage acts as a filter for the liquid stage, and the liquid stage acts as a methanogenic buffer for the solid stage. A method of pre-heating a mass of solids in a methane digester to a mesophilic temperature includes supplying oxygen to the mass of solids in the form of ambient air supplied to the methane digester by a reverse-air pump.

Abstract: Composite face panels for use with structural insulated panels (SIP) are provided to form a suitable replacement for structural insulated panels that employ oriented strand board or plywood. The structural insulated panel has a sandwich structure with a generally planar, insulating core. A composite face panel is disposed on each of the opposed surfaces of the insulating core. The insulating core composition includes an insulating material that is formed of an expanded polystyrene or a rigid polyurethane foam. Each composite face panel includes a core and face sheets on each surface of the core. The core composition includes mixture of a resin binder and a fire retardant. The resin binder can be formed of a methacrylate modified urethane, and the fire retardant can be formed of alumina trihydrate.

Abstract: An energy generating system for placement on a roof structure is disclosed including one or more solar panels being secured to roof system components. The solar panels are secured thereto with hook and loop fasteners that may be integral with the roof system components.

Abstract: In the method for sealing of replacement windows a sealing tape with a first layer of flexible foam and a second layer of stiff material is inserted into a channel-shaped recess in masonry so that the first layer of the sealing tape is oriented toward the bottom of the recess and is at least partially compressed. The expansion of the first layer is temporarily limited by clamping the second layer directly or indirectly against the side walls of the recess, or by use of retaining elements, which exert a retaining function on the second layer. A window frame is installed in an area of the recess during the temporary limitation of the expansion of the first layer of the sealing tape, whereupon the first layer expands further or is allowed to expand further until the sealing tape rests against the window frame.

Abstract: A snow barricade mounting system for use with a membrane roof system is provided. The system includes a bracket having a base plate and an upstanding arm, and a means for securing the bracket to membrane roof. The system further comprises a membrane patch comprised of a material corresponding to the membrane layer. In one embodiment, bracket is coated with a material corresponding to the membrane layer and the membrane patch, such that when membrane patch is secured a complete seal between both the membrane patch and the base plate, and between the membrane patch and the membrane layer, is achieved. In an alternative embodiment, a sheet of material corresponding to the membrane layer material is secured to the top side of the base plate. A method of securing a snow barricade mounting system to a membrane roof system is also provided.

Abstract: The slab edge forming and insulating system includes edge members and support braces. The edge members include an elongated shell having an upright portion with an insulated inside surface, an upper portion and a lower portion. Each of the upper and lower portions has formed edges. Open cross sectioned support braces having upper and lower formed edges for engaging the formed edges of the elongated shell are fixed to a footing and connected to the edge members. The edge members form and insulate the edges of the poured concrete of the slab while the open cross sectioned support braces receive the poured concrete of the slab and thus anchor the edge members to the edge of the slab.

Abstract: A chemically coated roofing membrane assembly includes a membrane and a chemical coating on at least a portion of one surface of the membrane. In one or more embodiments, the chemical coating may be provided along the top surface of the membrane adjacent to a longitudinal edge of the membrane, and along the bottom surface of the membrane adjacent to a second longitudinal edge of the membrane. The chemical coating is cured, and may be formed from acrylic or urethane chemical compositions. The chemically coated roofing membrane eliminates the need for in-field priming of the membrane.

Abstract: A strip for use in sealing one or more roof penetrations comprising a strip including a plurality of panels positioned in a side-by-side manner, a plurality of flanges positioned in a side-by-side manner, a plurality of first hinges interconnecting the panels, and a plurality of second hinges interconnecting the panels with the flanges. The flanges being bendable relative to the panels. At least a portion of the strip configured to be disposed about the roof penetration to form a container for receiving sealant with the panels of said at least a portion of the strip extending generally perpendicular to the roof and the flanges of said at least a portion of the strip being bent relative to the panels to extend generally parallel to the roof. The remaining portion of the strip may be used to seal one or more other roof penetrations in a similar manner. A kit for sealing one or more roof penetrations including the strip, a container of adhesive and a container of sealant.

Abstract: The panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop its outward facing surface. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, applying heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting panels to predetermined sizes.

Abstract: A baffle for use in an attic defined by a vertical exterior wall having a top wall plate, parallel ceiling joists supported by the top wall plate, and spaced apart, inclined rafters securely connected to the top wall plate and the ceiling joists is disclosed. The rafters typically have a roof deck fastened to their top surface. The baffle is installed between adjacent roof rafters to substantially block the flow of ventilating air through an opening located between the top surface of the wall plate and the underside of the roof deck. The baffle is formed from extruded cellular plastics material which is cut to define two parallel grooves by cutting through the first wall to define first and second side flaps hingedly connected to said rectangular panel by bending said sheet at said grooves for attaching said side flaps to the inner face of said roof rafters.

Abstract: In the method for sealing of replacement windows, a sealing tape with a first layer of flexible foam and a second layer of stiff material, which are bonded to each other, is used. The sealing tape is inserted with the second layer facing forward into a channel-shaped recess in the masonry, which is bounded by a bottom and two side walls and comprises an open access section, wherein the first layer of the sealing tape is at least partially compressed when in the inserted state. The second layer of the sealing tape is clamped against the side walls of the recess at a predetermined distance from the open access section. After the window frame has been placed opposite the open access section of the recess, the first layer of the sealing tape expands until it rests against the window frame.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for applying a colorant to a surface. Compositions are formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. The compositions may be substantially removed from the surface to remove a portion or substantially all of a stain before being affixed to the surface. The compositions are formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. Compositions may be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the surface by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical. The compositions may also be utilized in the form of a kit or in conjunction with a design device, such as a stencil, to control the application of the composition to create, for example, a pattern on the surface.

Abstract: A roof system is secured to a roof deck on a building. The roof system has a thermal energy absorbing product including a desiccant located between the roof deck and a roof barrier. The desiccant reversibly absorbs moisture, and in response thereto, heat is released and absorbed by the desiccant to effect a thermal management of the roof system.

Abstract: This is directed to systems, processes, machines, and other means that all a user to install flashing without removing exterior siding. The invention can allow a user to quickly and easily allow flashing which enables a structure to be more weather resistant.

Abstract: Method for creating a liquid barrier on building sheathing, provides a polymer mixture with beads of uniform diameter, affixes mesh across joints in the sheathing and trowels the mixture onto the sheathing using a straight edge. The straight edge rolls over the beads and leaves the mixture between the beads for creating a layer have a uniform thickness. Before the layer sets, peaks of an inner corrugated surface of an insulation board are pressed into the layer for adhering the board to the sheathing, the inner surface having valleys between the peaks at a distance greater then twice the diameter of the beads. The layer sets to create the liquid barrier and for fixing the board to the sheathing with spaces left between the barrier and the valleys for water runoff across the sheathing.

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

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

Abstract: A trim piece that encapsulates the roof, soffit and fascia of a building is described in addition to methods of making and installing the trim piece. The trim piece member provides, among other things, wind protection for buildings. The single piece of shaped trim is installed over roof members, fascia and soffit, and is attached to the wall. The trim member includes among other things, drip edges, ventilation holes, and a features that allows for condensation to collect and drip out of the inside of the installed trim. The trim is preferably comprised of a corrosion resistant aluminum-zinc alloy applied on steel by a continuous hot-dip process.

Abstract: Constructing a mikveh by permanently fixing at least one initial building unit to the ground of an installation site, connecting, in a sealed manner, additional building units to the initial building unit(s), for producing a sealed vessel, where the length of each of most of said building units is at least 50 centimeters, and the weight per area thereof is less than 250 kg per square meter.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing and installing a textured cementitious tile flooring product, wherein sodium bicarbonate is used to texture the tile surface and a polyurethane caulking material provides flexible joints between tiles.

Abstract: A tool for pointing or filling joints formed between bullnose paving stones or pavers and method thereof are provided. The tool includes an arcuate, resilient body having an inner, concave-shaped surface and an outer, convex-shaped surface, the arcuate, resilient body configured to conform to a convex-shaped rounded portion of each of the at least two adjacent bullnose coping pavers; and a handle coupled to the outer, convex-shaped surface for manipulating the body. The opening of the arcuate, resilient body has an angle of about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees. The resilient body deforms to conform to a variety of sizes of bullnose paving stones or pavers when positioned thereon and returns to its original shape when removed. The tool may further include a finishing member for smoothing a material disposed in the joint formed between the bullnose paving stones or pavers.