A composite polymeric film wear layer for application as a surface protection layer to impart lower gloss, higher scratch resistance, wear performance and comfort under foot to hard surface substrates is provided. Hard surface substrate made with the composite as well as methods for application are also provided.

Natural fiber composite construction materials including boards, siding, railroad ties, standing seam roofing panels, roofing panels that support solar-electric modules, and roofing panels that support vegetation are provided. In various embodiments, composite construction materials comprise about 50-60% kenaf fiber.

Natural fiber composite construction materials including boards, siding, railroad ties, standing seam roofing panels, roofing panels that support solar-electric modules, and roofing panels that support vegetation are provided. In various embodiments, composite construction materials comprise about 50-60% kenaf fiber.

In one aspect, a method of preparing a composite wood panel is provided herein which includes: providing a flat core formed of cellulosic material having opposing top and bottom faces, wherein a density profile is defined across the core representing density of the core at different locations between the top and bottom faces, the density profile including a first density profile portion extending from the bottom face towards the top face and including a first maximum density, a second density profile portion extending from the top face towards the bottom face and including a second maximum density, and a third density profile portion extending between, and connecting, the first and second density profile portions; removing the top face, and an adjacent layer, of the core to remove the second maximum density and to define an exposed face; and, adhering, using an adhesive, a veneer to the exposed face.

A rectangular panel for floor-, wall- or ceiling coverings is provided comprising a visible decorative side, wherein the decorative side comprises at least one undulated edge line, which extends along the long side edges of the panel, said undulated edge line having a different design than the rest of the decorative side. In the provided panel(s), the physical edges and the optical edges may diverge, which provides the possibility that multiple panels can be installed as floor ceiling or wall covering in a way that the physical edges in a corresponding covering become almost invisible whereas the optical edges (i.e. the undulated edge lines) are perceived as artificial optical edge of virtual panels forming the covering.

A cladding element, for use in a building envelope, comprising a first face, a second face and a plurality of edges. One or more of the plurality of edges includes a mating feature configured to resist moisture passage between cladding elements when the cladding elements are installed on a wall or other structure. The mating features of each cladding element including one or more concave arcuate bevelled edges designed to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the mating interface between adjacent cladding elements when installed on a wall or other structure.

A cladding element, for use in a building envelope, comprising a first face, a second face and a plurality of edges. One or more of the plurality of edges includes a mating feature configured to resist moisture passage between cladding elements when the cladding elements are installed on a wall or other structure. The mating features of each cladding element including one or more concave arcuate bevelled edges designed to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the mating interface between adjacent cladding elements when installed on a wall or other structure.

A building wall includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The exterior surface faces the exterior of the building and the interior surface faces an interior room of the building. The wall has a total wall thermal resistance between the exterior surface and the interior surface. The wall includes a structural member positioned between the exterior surface and the interior surface, and the structural member is configured to bear at least a portion of a vertical load of the wall. An insulated composite wall panel is positioned between the structural member and the interior surface. The insulated composite wall panel includes a skin layer including glass fibers and a cellulose fiber insulation board attached with a resin to a first surface of the skin layer. The thermal resistance of the cellulose fiber insulation board comprises the greatest component of the total wall thermal resistance.

A building wall includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The exterior surface faces the exterior of the building and the interior surface faces an interior room of the building. The wall has a total wall thermal resistance between the exterior surface and the interior surface. The wall includes a structural member positioned between the exterior surface and the interior surface, and the structural member is configured to bear at least a portion of a vertical load of the wall. An insulated composite wall panel is positioned between the structural member and the interior surface. The insulated composite wall panel includes a skin layer including glass fibers and a cellulose fiber insulation board attached with a resin to a first surface of the skin layer. The thermal resistance of the cellulose fiber insulation board comprises the greatest component of the total wall thermal resistance.

A fitting includes a first mounting portion connectable with a first member and having opposing planar surfaces and inner and outer ends. A second mounting portion is angled with respect to the first mounting portion, is connectable with a second member and has opposing planar surfaces, an outer end and an inner end integrally formed with the first mounting portion inner end. A boss projects outwardly from the second mounting portion first surface and is disposable within a recess of the second member or a stiffener coupled with the second member. The boss has an inner end adjacent to the second mounting portion inner end, an outer end spaced from the inner end, a centerline between the boss inner and outer ends, and an outermost surface spaced from the second mounting portion first surface by a spacing distance having a value greater than zero at all points along the centerline.