Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: A novel planking system utilizing an inventive groove design is provided. The novel groove is defined by two opposing side walls and a groove end wall. The groove side walls present two generally opposed tongue-engaging projections that automatically provide a uniform space between planks during installation, and accommodate expansion of the planks after installation by breaking away when force is exerted on the projections by an adjacent plank. The present invention is also concerned with a combination of planks having an inventive tongue-and-groove configuration, as well as inventive methods of assembling planks to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the assembled planks after installation.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved system of wall siding which provides a aesthetically appealing, weather resistant and maintenance free house cladding which has the appearance of wood siding. The system includes a plurality of elongated composite siding boards for mounting to the wall studs, each composite siding board having a length, opposite outer and inner sides and opposite upper and lower edges. The upper edge of each board has a tongue formed thereon which extends along the entire length of the siding board. The opposite lower edge has a groove formed thereon which also extends the entire length of the siding board. Each board has a shoulder portion extending from the inner side of the siding board adjacent the lower edge. The groove is formed on the shoulder adjacent the lower edge.

Abstract: A wall covering comprised of a plurality of panels formed with a simulated hand laid brick and mortar design. The panels are mounted in horizontal courses with a lower marginal edge region of one panel being in overlying relation to the upper marginal edge region of a panel in a previously mounted course. The upper and lower marginal edge regions have a tapered seating design which enable close positioning of the brick and mortar of two mating panels with the mortar lines between the brick being in substantially coplanar relation with each other and with the simulated brick each protruding a uniform distance from the mortar lines with an esthetic and natural appearance. The junction between mating panels is substantially unnoticeable and the uniformity of the brick and mortar design does not incur unsightly shadowing that can detract from the natural appearance.

Abstract: A slatwall profile comprises an upper male and a lower female end portions for interlocking with adjacent profiles to create a slatwall panel. The female end portion includes an attachment wall for attachment to a wall structure and a downwardly disposed longitudinal groove formed by the attachment wall, a base wall formed with a substantially 90° corner with the attachment wall, and a U-shaped return that forms a lip. The male end portion is receivable into the groove in an adjacent profile. The male end portion includes a cover wall that overlies the attachment wall in a spaced apart relationship. The cover wall includes a bulge for being positioned adjacent the corner and is configured to support the cover wall a distance away from the attachment wall. The male end portion includes a transverse wall extending from the bulge, the transverse wall for overlaying the base wall.

Abstract: A siding panel assembly for covering an exterior building wall includes a first elongated component and a second elongated component. The first and second components are adapted to be connected at a joint. The joint allows the first and second components to slide laterally relative to one another.

Abstract: The present invention is a siding panel and a method of making the siding panel. The siding panel comprises a planar portion extending the longitudinal length of the siding panel. The planar portion comprises a first edge and a second edge. The width from the first edge to the second edge is at least about 4.0 inches. The planar portion has a surface variance of less than about 0.05 inches relative to an imaginary straight line connecting the first edge and the second edge, and the radius curvature between the first edge and the second edge is at least about 85 inches.

Abstract: An arcuate component includes, a flexible outer board, a flexible inner board and both a first and a second plurality of arcuate tiles. Tongue and groove tracks formed along opposite longitudinal edges of the outer and inner boards lock with mating arcuate tongue-and-groove edges of the arcuate tiles which respectively span between the outer and inner boards. The arcuate tiles also preferably include at least one tongue-and-groove that spans between the outer and inner boards and that mates and locks with a tongue-and-groove formed on an immediately adjacent tile. A series of slots cut across the outer and inner boards between their longitudinal edges increases their flexibility. The mated arcuate tiles constrain the outer and inner boards into an arcuate shape. Alternatively, tongue-and-groove tracks formed along opposite longitudinal edges of a plurality of boards mate to form a cylindrically shaped arcuate architectural component such as a column.

Abstract: A barrier, such as a PV module, is secured to a base by a support to create a shingle assembly with a venting region defined between the barrier and base for temperature regulation. Water resistant junctions may be formed between the bases of adjacent shingle assemblies of an array of shingle assemblies. The base may include an insulation layer underlying a water barrier. The base may also include a waterproofing element; the width and height of the barrier may be shorter than the width and height of the waterproofing element.

Abstract: Siding panels for mounting on a wall surface. Each siding panel includes a plurality of decorative elements integrally formed with the panel and disposed in at least one row, the decorative elements defining a front face of the siding panel; a top edge disposed above the decorative elements; a plurality of apertures formed in and extending through the siding panel disposed below the top edge and above the decorative elements; a bottom end; a plurality of downwardly depending tabs located on the front face of the siding panel, each tab having a plurality of projections; and an upwardly facing channel formed on a side of the siding panel opposite the front face, the channel configured for receipt of the tabs of an adjacent panel. In one embodiment, there are four rounded projections on each tab. The siding panel includes first and second side edges, and a horizontally extending tab.

Abstract: The present invention is a vinyl siding panel and a method of making the vinyl siding panel. The vinyl siding panel comprises a planar portion extending the longitudinal length of the vinyl siding panel. The planar portion comprises a first edge and a second edge. The width from the first edge to the second edge is at least about 4.0 inches. The planar portion has a surface variance of less than about 0.05 inches relative to an imaginary straight line connecting the first edge and the second edge, and the radius curvature between the first edge and the second edge is at least about 85 inches.

Abstract: A siding panel of a siding assembly has a nailing hem and a first upwardly opening channel connected to the nailing hem. A downwardly opening channel is connected to the first channel. An upper portion of an upper course forms a portion of the downwardly opening channel. An upper shoulder extends inwardly and upwardly from the upper course to an upper edge of a lower course. A lower shoulder extends inwardly and upwardly from a lower edge of the lower course. A planar member extending upwardly from the lower shoulder, the lower shoulder and a portion of the lower course form a second upwardly opening channel. A rib of an insulating panel is received in the first downwardly opening channel. A projection is received by the second upwardly opening channel. A shoulder abuts the upper shoulder of the siding panel.

Abstract: A barrier, such as a PV module, is secured to a base by a support to create a shingle assembly with a venting region defined between the barrier and base for temperature regulation. The first edge of one base may be interengageable with the second edge of an adjacent base to be capable of resisting first and second disengaging forces oriented perpendicular to the edges and along planes oriented parallel to and perpendicular to the base. A deflector may be used to help reduce wind uplift forces.

Abstract: A panel, for installation on a ceiling as a component of a matrix grid of similar panels, with the ceiling panels capable of being installed directly on sheetrock ceilings without the otherwise need for affixing a wooden structure to the sheetrock ceiling before affixing the ceiling panels.

Abstract: Panels which are joined at their opposing end faces are used to create a panel assembly. The opposing end faces may be a tongue and groove arrangement or they may consist of matching beveled recesses. In either case, the interrelationship between the opposing end faces is such that, upon assembly, an intervening space is created between adjoining panels. This intervening space eliminates the cantilever force effect associated with known panel assemblies and it results, instead, in a shear force which is evenly distributed over the full extent of the abutting panel faces.

Abstract: A horizontal joint between upper and lower building panels, as well as a building wall including such a horizontal joint, in which a liquid diverting arrangement includes a gutter with first and second ends and at least one aperture disposed between these ends. Also contemplated are a method and apparatus for forming at least two building panels, in which the panels have different reveal dimensions, and a method and apparatus for forming a building panel in which a first reveal portion is registered while a second reveal portion has been formed at a preselected distance therefrom. Further contemplated are a method and kit for customizably assembling a building wall, in which panels having different thickness dimensions can be interchangeably connected with one another, as well as a method and kit for customizably assembling a building wall, in which on or more decorative profile panels and one or more structural building wall panels can be interchangeably connected with one another.

Abstract: A J-channel is provided with a retainer which biases an inserted siding panel against a cantilevered end of an outer face of the J-channel. The retainer has an engagement tab biased from a wall member which is preferably connected to an inner face of the J-channel member. An engagement tab and an inwardly directed lip at the cantilevered end of the outer face preferably retained an inserted panel therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor with strips each defining a length and width and along the side and end edges provided with either end tongue or groove. The floor is laid in groups each including a number of tongue and groove assembled strips fastened to a subfloor by means of at least one fastener such as a screw or nail which is driven into the subfloor via at least one stepped transverse hole designed with at least one step in the respective strip and resting against the at least one step with a fastener head covered by a cover plug in the transverse hole. In mounted position, the plug is so stuck that it cannot be stepped down into the transverse hole by e.g. a spike heel which will not be able to damage or break the plug either, as the plug is made of a strong and durable metal such as e.g. bronze or steel. The length of each strip is longer than the width of the strip multiplied by the number of strips in a group. The strips engage each other in a strong and at the same time beautiful braided pattern.

Abstract: A composite wood panel is disclosed, the wood panel having parallel first and second longitudinal edges, and parallel upper and lower faces, and comprising: a groove formed along the second longitudinal edge, a complementary shaped tongue formed along the first longitudinal edge, and a barrier layer. A first surface extends from the tongue to the upper surface and forms a generally obtuse angle, &agr;, with the upper surface, while a matching surface extends from the groove forming a generally acute angle, &bgr;, with the upper surface, and the sum of &agr; and &bgr; is from about 175° to less than about 180°. The composite wood panel allows for convenient and fast assembly, particularly in constructing roofs, and also provides resistance against the penetration of water through the structure formed by the panels.

Abstract: A trilaminate a trilaminate shingle, having a horizontal longitudinal orientation, includes an overlay sheet having series of tabs and cutouts extending horizontally across the shingle. The shingle also includes a middle sheet having a series of tabs and cutouts extending horizontally across the shingle. The middle sheet cutouts are narrower horizontally than the overlay cutouts. The shingle also includes an underlay sheet beneath the middle sheet. The middle sheet is laminated beneath the overlay so that portions of the middle sheet, including at least some of the middle sheet cutouts, are exposed through the overlay cutouts. The underlay is laminated beneath the middle sheet so that portions of the underlay are exposed through the middle sheet cutouts and through the overlay cutouts. The exposed portions of the underlay sheet are generally darker than the middle sheet.

Abstract: Building panels are provided, for applying panels, such as siding, roofing or the like to studs, to roofing rafters, or the like, wherein indicia is provided along a panel, giving spaced-apart markings, for guiding one who is applying panels to a building surface, to the location of a next support capable of supporting the panel when a fastener is applied thereto, a fixed or pre-set distance from a support such as stud, roofing rafter or the like. Thus, when adjacent studs, rafters, or the like, are spaced apart a known distance, the indicia will serve to guide the installer to a location where a fastener will engage a support to which the panel is to be applied, even if the visual location of the underlying support is visually obscured, such as by means of a sheet building material between the structural support and the panel. The indicia may take on various forms.

Abstract: Building panels are provided, for applying panels, such as siding, roofing or the like to studs, to roofing rafters, or the like, wherein indicia is provided along a panel, giving spaced-apart markings, for guiding one who is applying panels to a building surface, to the location of a next support capable of supporting the panel when a fastener is applied thereto, a fixed or pre-set distance from a support such as stud, roofing rafter or the like. Thus, when adjacent studs, rafters, or the like, are spaced apart a known distance, the indicia will serve to guide the installer to a location where a fastener will engage a support to which the panel is to be applied, even if the visual location of the underlying support is visually obscured, such as by means of a sheet building material between the structural support and the panel. The indicia may take on various forms.

Abstract: A composite wood panel having a first and second longitudinal edge, wherein the first edge includes a groove and the second edge includes a tongue for interlocking and engaging the complementary edges of an adjacent tongue and groove wood panel. The groove has two sides and a base transverse thereto, and the tongue has two side walls and a head extending outward from the second longitudinal edge, thereby forming a juncture between the side walls of the tongue and the second longitudinal edge. A shoulder is located at the juncture between one side wall of the tongue and the second longitudinal edge. Upon assembly of two complementary wood panels as described above, a novel tongue and groove joint is formed wherein the shoulder will abut the first longitudinal edge, thus preventing the tongue from being completely introduced into the complementary groove.

Abstract: In a method of laying floor panels having circumferential tongues, receiving grooves, locking grooves and locking lips, a first row of floor panels is joined through interlocking engagement of the shorts sides. The connection of the floor panels of each subsequent row of floor panels is implemented through attachment along their shorts sides as well as attachment of their long sides with the long sides of each preceding row of floor panels, by using wedges by which neighboring floor panels can be reliably pushed together in longitudinal and transverse directions, while at least partially engaging, without play, the locking lips with the locking grooves as well as the tongues in the receiving grooves.

Abstract: A tile (1) provided with lateral longitudinal fixed joinable lower elements (13) on an underlying surface (8) and upper (14), and at a front end of the tile, an antisliding detent (15) is present. A method and system for covering a roof using a tile (1) having a central curved portion whereby two or more tiers are formed by the tiles joined together by upper elements and lower elements, and adjacent tiers joined together with one tier overlying an adjacent tier and being locked together by the antisliding detent.

Abstract: A siding system includes panels having a facing element with a convex front face portion. A first connecting portion extending along an upper edge and a second connecting portion at a lower edge is adapted to engage the first connecting portion of an adjacent lower siding panel. Mounting holes at a top edge of the facing element provide for mounting the siding panel to a vertical surface. A support element, such as foam insulation attaches to a rear surface of the facing element. A machine for making the metal siding panels has a feeder and multiple roller sets. First ones of the rollers have a concave portion and complementary second ones of the rollers have a convex portion. The concave portion first roller set has a larger radius profile than the last roller set to roll form the siding from a coil of blank material. Bending rollers form the mounting structure of the panels. Embossing rollers forming an embossed pattern on the face of the panels.

Abstract: A siding system includes panels having a facing element with a convex front face portion. A first connecting portion extending along an upper edge and a second connecting portion at a lower edge is adapted to engage the first connecting portion of an adjacent lower siding panel. Mounting holes at a top edge of the facing element provide for mounting the siding panel to a vertical surface. A support element, such as foam insulation attaches to a rear surface of the facing element. A machine for making the metal siding panels has a feeder and multiple roller sets. First ones of the rollers have a concave portion and complementary second ones of the rollers have a convex portion. The concave portion first roller set has a larger radius profile than the last roller set to roll form the siding from a coil of blank material. Bending rollers form the mounting structure of the panels. Embossing rollers forming an embossed pattern on the face of the panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roofing shingle, which can surely prevent water such as rainwater from leaking through a roof. A roofing shingle has a rectangular plate (11) provided with first through fourth seam portions (11a-11d). The first and second seam portions (11a, 11b) are positioned in a pair along opposite side edges of said plate and folded in opposite directions with respect to a plane of said plate. The third and fourth seam portions (11c, 11d) are positioned in a pair along opposite end edges of said plate and folded in opposite directions with respect to the plane of said plate. The roofing shingle comprises a waterproofing sheet member (20) having a sheet (21) with its configuration greater than that of said plate and adhesive layers (22a, 22b) provided on both sides of the sheet.

Abstract: Building panels are provided, for applying panels, such as siding, roofing or the like to studs, to roofing rafters, or the like, wherein indicia is provided along a panel, giving spaced-apart markings, for guiding one who is applying panels to a building surface, to the location of a next support capable of supporting the panel when a fastener is applied thereto, a fixed or pre-set distance from a support such as stud, roofing rafter or the like. Thus, when adjacent studs, rafters, or the like, are spaced apart a known distance, the indicia will serve to guide the installer to a location where a fastener will engage a support to which the panel is to be applied, even if the visual location of the underlying support is visually obscured, such as by means of a sheet building material between the structural support and the panel. The indicia may take on various forms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roofing shingle, which can surely prevent water such as rainwater from leaking through a roof. A roofing shingle has a rectangular plate (11) provided with first through fourth seam portions (11a-11d). The first and second seam portions (11a, 11b) are positioned in a pair along opposite side edges of said plate and folded in opposite directions with respect to a plane of said plate. The third and fourth seam portions (11c, 11d) are positioned in a pair along opposite end edges of said plate and folded in opposite directions with respect to the plane of said plate. The roofing shingle comprises a waterproofing sheet member (20) having a sheet (21) with its configuration greater than that of said plate and adhesive layers (22a, 22b) provided on both sides of the sheet.

Abstract: A barrier, such as a PV module, is secured to a base by a support to create a shingle assembly with a venting region defined between the barrier and base for temperature regulation. The first edge of one base may be interengageable with the second edge of an adjacent base to be capable of resisting first and second disengaging forces oriented perpendicular to the edges and along planes oriented parallel to and perpendicular to the base. A deflector may be used to help reduce wind uplift forces.

Abstract: A composite wood panel is disclosed, the wood panel having parallel first and second longitudinal edges, and parallel upper and lower faces, and comprising: a groove formed along the second longitudinal edge, a complementary shaped tongue formed along the first longitudinal edge, and a barrier layer. A first surface extends from the tongue to the upper surface and forms a generally obtuse angle, &agr;, with the upper surface, while a matching surface extends from the groove forming a generally acute angle, &bgr;, with the upper surface, and the sum of &agr; and &bgr; is from about 175° to less than about 180°. The composite wood panel allows for convenient and fast assembly, particularly in constructing roofs, and also provides resistance against the penetration of water through the structure formed by the panels.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a siding plank assembly comprising an interlocking feature that allows the siding plank to be stacked with other siding planks in a manner such that a uniform and deep shadow line is created. The interlocking feature sets the gauge of the exposed plank face and allows for leveling of the plank during installation. The siding plank assembly comprises a main plank section securely bonded to a second piece that produces a deep shadow line. In preferred embodiments, the second piece may be a fiber cement butt piece or a plastic spline that is bonded to the main plank section. A lock structure may also be included on the fiber cement butt piece or plastic spline.

Abstract: There is provided a flooring system for hardwood floors comprised of a plurality of elongated slats wherein the slats are held in position by a plurality of connectors, each connector having a base secured to a substrate, a vertical portion extending upwardly from the base, and a generally horizontal portion extending into a groove formed in a side wall of the elongated slat. The system permits the slats to be installed with a minimum of labor and also permits removal of the slats and their later re-use.

Abstract: The open joint wall panel system includes panels having a standardized shape attached to an extrudable track that, in turn, is attached to an exterior wall. Each panel is vertically positioned using dead load anchors and positioned relative to the exterior wall with anchor clips.

Abstract: A decorative wood surface system having permanent decorative marking wherein the marking is made with a decorative strip inserted between pieces of interlocking wood surface such that the decorative strip conforms to the interlocking pieces and engages with them. Typically, the interlocking wood surface system is tongue and groove hardwood, and the decorative strip is a brass, steel, aluminum, plastic or resin strip adapted such that is conforms to the tongue and groove, and engages with it to provide a permanent decorative wood surface.

Abstract: Building panels are provided, for applying panels, such as siding, roofing or the like to studs, to roofing rafters, or the like, wherein indicia is provided along a panel, giving spaced-apart markings, for guiding one who is applying panels to a building surface, to the location of a next support capable of supporting the panel when a fastener is applied thereto, a fixed or pre-set distance from a support such as stud, roofing rafter or the like. Thus, when adjacent studs, rafters, or the like, are spaced apart a known distance, the indicia will serve to guide the installer to a location where a fastener will engage a support to which the panel is to be applied, even if the visual location of the underlying support is visually obscured, such as by means of a sheet building material between the structural support and the panel. The indicia may take on various forms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal ceiling panel having flange portions with complementary engagement areas formed such that two juxtaposed panels can be interconnected in a tight manner. The shape of the flange portions corresponds to the contour of an inclined S whereby the joint between two such panels becomes even tighter in the event of a substantial increase of the temperature in the space below the ceiling panel. The shape of the flange portions also brigs about an increased stability of an underside covering for a ceiling formed by a plurality of such panels when exposed to a fire.

Abstract: A siding system includes panels having a facing element with a convex front face portion. A first connecting portion extending along an upper edge and a second connecting portion at a lower edge is adapted to engage the first connecting portion of an adjacent lower siding panel. Mounting holes at a top edge of the facing element provide for mounting the siding panel to a vertical surface. A support element, such as foam insulation attaches to a rear surface of the facing element. A machine for making the metal siding panels has a feeder and multiple roller sets. First ones of the rollers have a concave portion and complementary second ones of the rollers have a convex portion. The concave portion first roller set has a larger radius profile than the last roller set to roll form the siding from a coil of blank material. Bending rollers form the mounting structure of the panels. Embossing rollers forming an embossed pattern on the face of the panels.

Abstract: A vinyl siding panel which includes a top lock, a medial main body portion, a bottom lock, and a nailing hem adjacent the top lock comprises a channel with nail apertures in the channel base for receiving siding nails. The channel has an open end which has a dimension smaller than the nail head diameter so that the nail head bears against shoulders or bearing surfaces formed adjacent the channel. The channel can be of rectangular or tapered cross-section in order to space the nail head away from the nail apertures and thereby eliminate stress concentrations at the apertures. The lock structures are generally complementary in shape so that they interlock with other siding panels of like construction. The panel can be reinforced along its length for added rigidity. One area of reinforcement is the channel nailing hem which can be reinforced by extruding additional material to form the channel or by providing an elongated trough-like insert nested within the channel.

Abstract: A shingle is formed with a first, or trailing, side edge folded over toward the top surface of the shingle to catch moisture and direct it down to the top surface of the next lower shingle. A second, or leading, side edge of the shingle is not folded. An “S” shaped fold, spaced apart from the trailing edge fold, receives the unfolded leading edge of an adjacent shingle. The tailing edge and S fold form a gutter under the leading edge of the adjacent shingle. The top edge of the shingle is folded-over toward the top surface of the shingle for engagement with the folded-under lower edge of the next higher shingle. The folded-over top edge extends to the right or leading edge of the shingle and slides under the left edge of the folded-over top edge of the next adjacent shingle to the fight side. The folded-under lower edge extends along the lower edge of the shingle but leaves a gap relative to the folded-under lower edge of the lateral adjacent shingle.