This invention is an envelope-structure interface, enabling the use of exterior insulation and pressure-equalized cladding with a post-frame structure. The present invention includes the following interface details: a continuous roof-to-wall water, vapor, and air impermeable weather barrier that is fully adhered to sheathing exterior of framing, girts, and purlins; continuous roof-to-wall insulation exterior of weather barrier that is mechanically fastened back to the post-frame structure; and removal of the requirement for an interior finish material in a conditioned post-frame building. The invention brings superior envelope performance to the structural and material efficiency, rapid rate of construction, and affordability of post-frame techniques.

An insulation support system preferably includes an edge-folded ceiling liner sheet, an encapsulated package and a plurality of compressible thermal spacers. The edge-folded ceiling liner sheet includes opposed folded-up edges. The folded-up edges have sufficient length to clear pinch points along structural beams. The edge-folded ceiling liner sheet is fan-folded for retention in the encapsulated package. A pressure absorbing expansion spacer prevents roof or wall panel rumble noises and may be applied directly to roof or wall structural members, or may include a snap clip bonded to a pressure absorbing expansion spacer material. A bottom of the pressure absorbing expansion material is bonded to a top of the snap clip. The snap clip is attached to flanges of purlins or girts eliminating the need for stand-off roof panel clips, rigid thermal blocks and severe compression of an extra layer of blanket fiber glass insulation.

A composite structural member for a building structure comprises a first elongate portion having a first end region and a second end region and a second elongate portion having a first end region and a second end region. The second end region of the first elongate portion is connected to the first end region of the second elongate portion so that the composite structural member provided thereby is substantially longer than either of the first and second elongate portions. The first elongate portion may comprise a first member suited for resisting high magnitude forces and the second elongate portion may be a second member, less well suited for resisting high forces but having lower cost per unit length. The composite structural member may be a rafter, especially a rafter of a portal frame.

An apparatus is contemplated for creating a structure which simultaneously serves as both a building element and a photovoltaic power source. Components of the invention interface with modules which comprise photovoltaic solar panels. When used collectively, these modules are contemplated as comprising a replacement for a roof or other building component. When the present invention is used, a roof or other building component can be created without the need for a separate underlayment, and without the need for tiles or another outer waterproofing layer. This setup results in power generation, cost savings, and environmental advantages. Additionally, embodiments of the invention comprise fixed stop elements which ensure correct placement of modules on a frame assembly. The invention could also include other elements, including water gutters, grab steps which facilitate access, and specially positioned border covers to protect and aesthetically cover wired regions of solar modules.

A composite structural member for a building structure comprises a first elongate portion having a first end region and a second end region and a second elongate portion having a first end region and a second end region. The second end region of the first elongate portion is connected to the first end region of the second elongate portion so that the composite structural member provided thereby is substantially longer than either of the first and second elongate portions. The first elongate portion may comprise a first member suited for resisting high magnitude forces and the second elongate portion may be a second member, less well suited for resisting high forces but having lower cost per unit length. The composite structural member may be a rafter, especially a rafter of a portal frame.

The present disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods relating to roof construction. In some embodiments, a roof panel system may include a prefabricated horizontal building frame and a prefabricated roof panel structure. The horizonal building frame component may include a plate having a first aperture. The prefabricated roof panel structure may include two parallel lateral structural members and two parallel transverse structural members, one of the transverse structural members having a second aperture. The system may further include a fastener assembly connecting the horizontal building frame component to the roof panel structure through the first and second apertures.

An example of conversion of solar energy into other forms of useful energy is taking heat from an area below a roof and using the heat to generate mechanical energy or electrical power. An air duct opening is placed in a hottest area under the roof. An air fan is placed in the air duct to draw the heated air from the area below the roof. A heat exchanger coil is placed inside the air duct. A return air duct is routed back to the area below the roof. The heat exchanger coil is coupled to a turbine through a closed loop line. A heat transfer medium pump, a first valve and a second valve are retained in the closed loop line. The first valve, second valve and pump are used regulate heat transfer medium into and out of the turbine. An electrical generator may be connected to the turbine.

Two connectors are used to improve a system of wood framing commonly used to form roof and floor assemblies. The first, the end-to-end connector, allows end-to- end connection of secondary members. The joint thus formed acts as a structural hinge which, when properly located, significantly reduces maximum moment and deflection compared to current simple-span conditions. The second, the top mount connector, provides a secure connection between continuous secondary members and the tops of primary members. This connector provides support for the secondary members and, by resisting rotation between the primary and secondary members, provides superior bracing of the primary member. Used together, the connectors provide an new way of supporting members in a structure, that both reduces maximum moment and deflection and resists rotation between the primary members and the secondary members.

A method of and system for producing Class-A fire-protected truss structures constructed from: a plurality of lumber pieces dip-coated with clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid to form a plurality of Class-A fire-protected lumber pieces; and a set of heat-resistant chemical-coated metal truss connector plates for connecting together the plurality of Class-A fire-protected lumber pieces to form a Class-A fire-protected truss structure. The improved Class-A fire-protected truss structures can be used in constructing safer roofing and/or flooring systems in wood-framed buildings, having improved fire performance characteristics.

An automated lumber fabrication factory supporting an automated process for continuously fabricating cross-laminated timber (CLT) products that are automatically dip-coated in a reservoir of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid, so as to produce Class-A fire-protected CLT products in a highly automated matter.