Abstract: An elongated accent channel for siding construction includes a rear leg, a transverse leg, and a front leg. The transverse leg extends outwardly from the rear leg and has a first flat portion and a substantially u-shaped portion. The first flat portion is at the first end of the transverse leg, and the first end of the transverse leg is connected to the rear leg. The front leg extends outwardly from the transverse leg, and the first end of the front leg is connected to the second end of the transverse leg. The front leg is spaced apart from the rear leg and defines an accent channel opening therebetween to retain an edge portion of a piece of siding. A corner post assembly including the elongated accent channel and a corner post and a method of applying siding to a wall are also disclosed.

Abstract: A building (1) has a roof structure (2) clad with a plurality of ambient heat collection tiles in the form of panels (3), mounted on parallel battens (4) carried by roof rafters (10), and disposed in edge-overlapping relationship. The panels (3) are of identical form. Each panel comprises a plank-like aluminum extrusion of substantial length and of rectangular plan form, having edge-coupling portions (5, 6). The interior of each panel (3) is formed with pair of substantially parallel ducts (7, 8) disposed side by side, which define flow and return paths respectively, for a heat transfer fluid, such as water. The flow and return ducts (7, 8) are divided from each other by an integral barrier wall (9). A panel (3) is not of uniform lateral cross section throughout its length. The cross section is uniform except at the ends where the dividing wall (9) has been cut away at one end so as to allow water to pass from the flow path (7) to the return path (8) in a re-entrant manner.

Abstract: A roof covering includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a retainer. The upper portion includes a nailing strip, a water stop, a lock, and a lock indicator. After a first strip of the roof covering is installed on a roof, a second strip of the roof covering is interlocked with and secured to the first strip. A retainer of the second strip is received in the lock of the first strip to secure the strips together. Successive strips of roof coverings are added to a roof until a desired area is covered.

Abstract: A siding panel is formed of a one-piece enclosure delimiting an insulation chamber. An insulating material is disposed in the insulation chamber. The one-piece enclosure defines a male engagement section and a female engagement section, which are engageable with respective engagement sections of adjacent siding panels. In a siding panel system, the panels are thus interlockingly engaged in a stacked relationship. In forming the one-piece enclosure, a suitable plastic material or the like can be formed using a mandrel or other suitable forming tool, or the enclosure can be formed by extrusion or molding to form a seamless enclosure. The insulating material is blown in through a hole formed in an interior surface of the siding panel or through the sides and is selected to obtain a desired R-value for the siding panels.

Abstract: A plastic sheet exterior finishing panel is provided which includes an inner layer of foamed plastic material and an outer layer of non-foamed plastic material joined to the inner layer and defining a facing surface formed to convey a desired aesthetic effect. At least the outer layer includes at least one organic, cellulosic additive for enabling the facing surface to be painted or stained. The panel may also be supported by at least one rigid support spine disposed at least along a portion of the length of the sheet. The support spine may be formed integrally with the panel. Alternatively, the support spine may be formed as a separate material having a flexural modulus which is greater than the flexural modulus of the thermoplastic sheet so as to stiffen the panel during handling, installation and use; the separate support spine is fastened or bonded to the rear of the panel, or coextruded.

Abstract: A siding panel is formed of a one-piece enclosure delimiting an insulation chamber. An insulating material is disposed in the insulation chamber. The one-piece enclosure defines a male engagement section and a female engagement section, which are engageable with respective engagement sections of adjacent siding panels. In a siding panel system, the panels are thus interlockingly engaged in a stacked relationship. In forming the one-piece enclosure, a suitable plastic material or the like can be formed using a mandrel or other suitable forming tool, or the enclosure can be formed by extrusion or molding to form a seamless enclosure. The insulating material is blown in through a hole formed in an interior surface of the siding panel or through the sides and is selected to obtain a desired R-value for the siding panels.

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: There is disclosed a flooring panel which comprises a supporting plate made of wood material and provided on at least one face with a covering. The supporting plate is provided at its edges with tongues and grooves which fit into and onto corresponding grooves and tongues on further similar panels. Each edge of the supporting plate has both a groove and a tongue to provide a firm connection.

Abstract: Roofing tiles have dimensions differing from conventional tiles to allow manufacture of the tiles in a substantially greater size than conventional tile sizes. The tiles may be installed more rapidly, since each piece of material must be separately installed and a single tile may cover a greater area. Additional ribs are added underneath the interior portion of each tile than with conventional tiles. The ribs are spaced appropriately such that a person walking over each tile would have the weight of a single foot distributed over one or more ribs at all times. Moreover, the rims of each tile extend substantially deeper, through the thickness, of the tile. Each tile has material removed from the main surface portion, or the actual surface opposite the weather-exposed surface, to reduce the weight therefrom. Each tile may be configured with open air channels underneath each tile up and down the entire roof.

Abstract: A wooden flooring strip having a wooden flooring strip, comprising a top surface and a base surface opposed to the top surface, the top surface and the base surface defining between them a predetermined thickness wood flooring material. The predetermined thickness wood flooring material includes a top surface zone adjacent the top surface and a base surface zone adjacent the base surface. The base surface zone has longitudinally-extending wood fibers which have been broken to an extent sufficient to relieve tension on the base surface and thereby increase the flexibility of the flooring strip for more closely adhering to a sub-floor. The top surface zone has longitudinally-extending wood fibers which have been broken to an extent sufficient to relieve tension on the top surface of the flooring strip and to equalize tension on the wood fibers adjacent both the top surface and base surface of the flooring strip.

Abstract: A siding assembly and method of manufacture are disclosed. Each siding unit is a profile of a composite material which includes a thermoplastic polymer and a cellulosic fiber. The preferred siding unit has a tapered thickness and a convex face. Each siding unit is interconnected to adjacent siding units with a tongue and groove mechanism. The preferred siding profile has a plurality of webs, and the exposed portion of the siding has a capstock layer to improve weatherability. The exposed width of the siding's face may be adjustable. The siding units are interconnected end-to-end by inserts which are positioned by means of an adhesive or thermal welding.

Abstract: A tongue and groove profile for a construction panel wherein the tongue protrudes and extends outwardly from a first edge of the panel and has a chamfered head. The head expands from the chamfered edge to a neck and merges into a shoulder portion. The shoulder portion of the tongue has two radiused convex sides which intersect and merge with the first edge of the panel. A groove is formed in a second edge of the panel and extends inwardly into the second edge forming a cavity. The groove has a chamfered head which expands into a neck which then expands into a wider shoulder portion which has two radiused concave sides which expand outwardly to form an opening in the second edge of a panel. The tongue of one construction panel can fit in interlocking relationship into a groove of a second panel to form a joint between the two panels.

Abstract: A soffit for a building having an exterior wall covered by siding and further having a fascia strip spaced outwardly from the wall includes an elongated soffit strip having a channel formed therein adapted to receive the siding, and a folded portion laterally spaced apart from the channel; the folded portion having a folded back portion extending toward the channel, a folded forward portion extending away from the channel, and a transition portion connecting the folded back portion and the folded forward portion so as to define an opening therebetween for receiving an adjacent member; and at least one interlocking member on the soffit strip for detachably mounting the soffit strip to the adjacent member without the use of tools.

Abstract: A wall element for wooden building comprises a number of board members (11, 23) of uniform length which are joined side by side by designing the opposite side edges of the elements with cooperating engagement members which between two neighboring elements provide a joint with labyrinth seal forming a pressure-reducing passage for wind loads on the exterior of the element. On the internal side, the board members (11, 23) are retained by transverse lath elements (12, 13; 24) by means of screw connections through the lath elements (12, 13; 24) into the backside of the board members (11, 23). At its top and bottom edges, the wall element is designed with cooperating bevel faces (29-32) for joining of overlying wall elements in a locked engagement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for applying building panels, such as siding panels, to building surfaces, such as walls. The panels are of a type which undergo expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature, and they are applied to a building surface, such as a wall, by nails, screws, staples or the like. In order to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the panels, the panels are provided with an attachment hem, preferably fabric-like in nature, and having a visually distinct fastener zone defined by one or more generally horizontal lines and/or horizontally spaced-apart locater spots, with said lines and/or spots being preferably different by color from the remainder of the attachment hem and from some or all of each other, to provide an installer with a preferred indication of where fasteners should be applied.

Abstract: An artificial shake type shingle is comprised of a molded composite of wood or cellulose particles and ground-up recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) particles. The PVC particles are preferably formed from recycled water or garden hose, preferably those with reinforcing fibers therein, which composition helps to attain a strong building material product.

Abstract: Tunnel liners are formed from panels of arched sheet material. The panels include a central portion, inclined side portions and wing portions. One of the wing portions has a hook portion and the other of the wing portions has a receptacle portion. The hook portions and receptacle portions are constructed so as to snap-fit with respective receptacle portions and hook portions of adjacent panels. Panels can thus be more easily be assembled together. Panels can also be continuously seamed together from the underside, i.e., from within an arched assembly of panels.

Abstract: A shingle system comprising a fastening strip and a plurality of shingles. The fastening strip includes a top flange portion and a fastener portion. A gasket is located along a bottom surface of the fastening portion. The plurality of shingles each include top and bottom edges and opposing side edges. The bottom edge includes an underturned flange for engaging the top flange portion of the fastening strip. Overturned or underturned flanges are provided on the side edges to connect adjacent shingles along the sides. In a further embodiment, the shingles comprise first and second shingle configurations where the first shingle configuration includes side edges that are tapered and either overturned or underturned, and where the second shingle configuration includes side edges having an opposite taper to the first shingle configuration as well as an opposite flange. In a further embodiment, the shingle system further comprises a roof cap including tailing and leading edges and opposing side edges.

Abstract: A building siding panel and assembly each assembly having a plurality of interconnecting siding panels that are attached to the building using fasteners that are driven into the building through a plurality of aligned and spaced apart slot pairs in a uniform manner that reduces the distortion that accompanies thermal expansion and/or contraction of the siding material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a concrete roof tile having a front edge surface, which is that surface of the tile across the width of the tile and which faces downwardly when in use on a roof. The front edge surface has a progressively greater depth as between a relatively thin profiled central portion and thicker profiled side portions. In use, the horizontal rows of the roof tiles are laid in half-bond relationship with adjacent horizontal rows to give a pleasing appearance in which the combined overlapped thicknesses of the tiles in one such row of tiles and the tiles of adjacent rows of tiles above and/or below at overlapped headlap and tail portions are the same or substantially the same.

Abstract: A wooden flooring strip having a top surface having a decorative finish and a base surface opposed to said top surface. The base surface has a multiplicity of closely spaced-apart scores extending into the flooring strip from the base surface transverse to the length of the flooring strip along substantially the entire length of the flooring strip to relieve stress and increase flexibility in the wood strip for more closely adhering to irregularities of a sub-floor. The flooring strip has substantially longitudinally-extending wood fibers in an area of the flooring strip between the scores and the top surface of the flooring strip which have been broken to an extent sufficient to relieve tension on the top surface of the flooring strip and to equalize tension on the wood fibers adjacent both the top surface and base surface of the flooring strip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for applying building panels, such as siding panels, to building surfaces, such as walls. The panels are of a type which undergo expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature, and they are applied to a building surface, such as a wall, by means of nails, screws, staples or the like. In order to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the panels, the panels are provided with an attachment hem, such as a strip of relatively flexible material, generally rubber-like or fabric-like in nature. A strip of relatively flexible material may be secured to the relatively rigid building panel by any suitable means, such as adhesive securement, welding, heat fusing, etc., such that it becomes an integral part of the building panel, or the relatively flexible attachment hem may comprise a separate component which, when applied to a building surface, such as a wall or the like, by a suitable nailing, stapling, etc.

Abstract: Siding panel for installation on the walls, soffits or other exposed surfaces of a structure having a nailing hem folded back upon itself to form a lateral edge of the siding panel and terminating in a first lip projecting outwardly from the front side of the siding panel and away from the lateral edge. A U-shaped channel is formed on the front side of the siding panel and is connected to the nailing hem. A U-shaped projection extends along the siding panel and terminates in a second lip projecting away from the back of the siding panel and the U-shaped projection. The U-shaped channel receives a U-shaped projection of an adjacent panel and the first lip engages and interlocks with the second lip of the adjacent panel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for applying building panels, such as siding panels, to building surfaces, such as walls. The panels are of a type which undergo expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature, and they are applied to a building surface, such as a wall, by nails, screws, staples or the like. In order to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the panels, the panels are provided with an attachment hem, preferably fabric-like in nature, and having a visually distinct fastener zone defined by one or more generally horizontal lines and/or horizontally spaced-apart locater spots, with said lines and/or spots being preferably different by color from the remainder of the attachment hem and from some or all of each other, to provide an installer with a preferred indication of where fasteners should be applied.

Abstract: A slatwall panel having a plurality of horizontally-oriented, vertically arrayed extruded slatwall members which define recesses from which standard one-quarter inch offset hardware and display fixtures may be hung. A slidably connected tongue and claw connection is provided for vertically adjacent members. A method of forming a panel of such members on a wall is also described. In one form, the panel is preassembled. In the other, it is assembled in situ.

Abstract: A preferred foot traffic grid has a plurality of grid sections including an initial grid section, a terminating grid section, and a plurality of intermediate grid sections therebetween. Adjacent grid sections are coupled using a pair of spaced connectors received in corresponding channels in the adjacent connector. The channels and connectors are positioned on opposed sides of a support leg.

Abstract: An article comprising a hydrated matrix containing 100 parts by weight of cement and around 80-120 and preferably around 100 parts by weight of sand with a grain size of less than 1 mm, and alkali-resistant reinforcing glass fibres in a proportion of around 3-4 wt %, preferably 3.5 wt %, relative to the hydrated matrix. The article, which has a density no greater than 1.85, may be used as a covering panel for buildings, and particularly as an imitation slate covering panel.

Abstract: Wall siding for installation on the walls of a structure comprising a plurality of panels, each comprising a nailing hem, a flange member, upper and lower declinations being substantially planar and extending downwardly and slightly outwardly from the nailing hem, and a downwardly opening U-shaped channel formed between and interconnecting the flange member and the upper declination. Upper and lower shoulders extend inwardly and substantially horizontally from lower edges of the upper and lower shoulders, respectively. A lip extends upwardly and curves slightly outwardly from an innermost edge of the lower shoulder. An inverted U-shaped projection extends substantially along the length of the upper shoulder and a slot extends from a vertical edge of the siding panel along a portion of the upper shoulder.

Abstract: A building siding panel and assembly each assembly having a plurality of interconnecting siding panels that are attached to the building using fasteners that are driven into the building through a plurality of aligned and spaced apart slot pairs in a uniform manner that reduces the distortion that accompanies thermal expansion and/or contraction of the siding material.

Abstract: Sheet metal multiple stepped tile panels are joined to similar roof panels in interlocking relationship. On one edge running the length of the panel is a single female groove while the opposite edge of the panel has a plurality of male members which can engage the single groove of a similarly shaped panel. The stepped panel is quite long compared to its width. Hidden screws in a securing flange join the panel to a roof.

Abstract: An extruded roof tile (30) has an upper surface (11), which is contoured to give the appearance of a profiled tile and which is, for example, provided by projections (32, 34) extending between the upper and lower edges (13) and (14a) respectively of the tile, and an under surface (12) having a shape which is other than a contoured shape which generally follows that of the upper surface (11) of the tile (30). For example, the under surface (12) may have a shape which corresponds to that of a flat tile.

Abstract: An interlocking roof system of tiers of successively higher interlocking panels mounted on base members, each panel being held in place by protrusions fitted into notches in the base member of the next higher tier, the panels of each higher tier having a groove wrapped about and locked onto a lip of the adjacent lower panel, side lips and clips being used to connect adjacent panels located in the same horizontal tier. The base member of the lowest tier is mounted at its lowest edge on a riser along the lowest edge of the roof being covered and at its upper edge on the rafters of the roof being covered. The next lowest base member is located at its lowest edge along the upper edge of the adjacent lower base member and at its upper edge on the rafters.

Abstract: A wood flooring product for assembly into a wood floor is disclosed. The flooring product includes a top, decorative layer, an intermediate layer bonded to the top layer, and a base layer bonded to the intermediate layer. The top, intermediate and base layers are bonded in registration to define a laminated elongate wood flooring strip. A tongue and a groove are formed on respective side edges of the flooring strip. The tongue and groove extend along the length of the flooring strip, and lock adjacent flooring strips together side-to-side to form an assembled wood floor. The base layer has a multiplicity of closely spaced-apart scores cut transverse to the length of the flooring strip along substantially the entire length of the flooring strip. The scores relieve stress and increase flexibility in the wood strip for more closely adhering to irregularities of a sub-floor.

Abstract: An improved log siding system capable of providing an improved water-shed between the individual log siding members as attached to a building. A moisture seal junction and a flex gap are formed between each adjacently disposed log siding member. Each moisture seal junction extends from the lower longitudinal edge of the exterior surface of each log siding member upward (vertically or angled inward) toward the respective flex gap, which extends therefrom toward the interior surface of the log siding members. The interspacing of each flex gap, in conjunction with a release cut formed in the interior surface of each log siding member, varies in response to structural deformations experienced by the log siding members due to variations in moisture content and/or temperature so as to maintain flush seal of each moisture seal junction. This effectively thwarts the ingress of moisture behind the log siding members so as to reduce the likelihood of swelling, rotting, and cracking over time.

Abstract: A covering for an underlying structure comprises a bottom layer of U-shaped sections with gaps between covered by an upper layer of inverted U-shaped sections, the sections having clearance holes and/or flexible edges to permit transverse thermal flexing. The bottom sections are attachable to the structure by clip elements previously attached to the structure.

Abstract: A shingle system comprising a fastening strip and a plurality of shingles. The fastening strip includes a top flange portion and a fastener portion. A gasket is located along a bottom surface of the fastening portion. The plurality of shingles each include top and bottom edges and opposing side edges. The bottom edge includes an underturned flange for engaging the top flange portion of the fastening strip. Overturned or underturned flanges are provided on the side edges to connect adjacent shingles along the sides. In a further embodiment, the shingles comprise first and second shingle configurations where the first shingle configuration includes side edges that are tapered and either overturned or underturned, and where the second shingle configuration includes side edges having an opposite taper to the first shingle configuration as well as an opposite flange. In a further embodiment, the shingle system further comprises a roof cap including tailing and leading edges and opposing side edges.

Abstract: A system for covering an exterior surface of a building comprising a plurality of members for application to the building surface in a series progressing from one end of the surface to the other end in a first lengthwise direction. The system comprises at least two such members adapted to overlap in use, one of the members having, in the overlapping zone thereof, a first type connector comprising a lock formation defining a recess opening generally in the first direction. The other member has, in its overlapping zone, a second type connector comprising a hook formation having a free end projecting generally in the second lengthwise direction and into the recess in use.

Abstract: A fully interlocking roof shingle for installing a weather-proof roof on a building. The shingles are constructed of multiple layers to expose various interlocking grooves for connection to the contiguous shingle. The interlocking grooves have a dovetail configuration to ensure secure connection of the shingles to form a substantially integral roofing system. The individual shingles include a bottom plate with a plurality of grooves disposed upwardly and a top plate with a plurality of grooves disposed downwardly. The grooves of each plate mate to form the assembled roofing shingle exposing a decorative top surface and a base surface of the upper and lower plates respectively. The plates are assembled in an offset manner so as to expose upwardly disposed grooves along two edges and downwardly disposed grooves along the other two edges. As a result, the shingles may be assembled on the roof by interlocking the grooves of the shingles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shingle for covering a roof or other surface. The shingle has an integral heat shield for shielding the roof from direct solar radiation. The shingle is substantially L-shaped when viewed from above and comprises two main parts, a shingle portion that is fastened to the outer surface of the roof in the usual overlapping courses, and a heat shield portion projecting upwards from the plane of the shingle portion. The heat shield portion extends over a part of an adjacent shingle, shading the shingle. The heat shield portion also provides an air passage with open top and bottom ends allowing air flow under the heat shield thereby preventing a heat build-up beneath the heat shield.

Abstract: Flat-rolled sheet metal is manufactured to preselected gage, mechanical properties and surface finish and is fabricated into unitary sheet metal shingle structures with interlocking folded over sheet metal layers providing for ease of assembly and weatherproofing along each side of a rectangular configuration portion which remains exposed after assembly of shingle structures in side-by-side interlocked relationship in a horizontal direction, and in overlapping partially-covering relationship in a vertical direction. Galvanized mild steel provides lightweight, high-tensile strength, impact-resistant and long-service-life shingle structure. Finish coating enables selection of coloring and thermosetting polymeric coatings facilitate embossing of exposed portions to simulate the appearance of cedar shakes or other types of shingles.

Abstract: A rectangular roof element is provided in the form of a sheet-like material which is bent back towards an upper surface thereof at an upper edge to provide a first hook and which is bent back towards an opposite lower surface at an opposite lower edge to provide a second hook. One side edge includes a gutter and an opposite side edge includes a stepped portion. The hooks, gutter and stepped portion are configured such that a plurality of similar roof elements may be joined together by mating first and second hooks of respective adjacent roof elements, and also mating gutters and stepped portions of respective adjacent roof elements.

Abstract: A molded cladded panel comprises on the underside thereof a bearing surface formation for bearing on an underlying support surface and latches for latching the panel to an underlying support surface, the panel having a profile configured to provide a desired appearance rising above the bearing surface formation, a nib formed on the profile for interfitting with adjoining panels whether in end-to-end or side-by-side relation, and a latched keeper member for latching engagement with the panel latches.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mounting clip for joining siding panels. The clip has a first face and a second face. The clip is formed from a continuous metal strip. The continuous metal strip is bent generally into a FIG. 4 configuration and has an upright leg, a diagonal leg, and a angled leg. Each leg has a first end and a second end and a first face and a second face which correspond to the first face and the second face of the strip. The second end of the upright leg is connected to the first end of the diagonal leg by a first bight and the second end of the diagonal leg is connected to the first end of the angled leg by a second bight. The clip is especially well suited for joining a top out panel to a trim strip. In a preferred embodiment barbs and a point are provided to improve the connection between the topout panel and the clip.

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 trailing 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.

Abstract: A connector assembly for siding panels to form a self-flashing, leakproof seam between the ends of the siding panels. The connector assembly includes first and second connectors each attachable to an end of a siding panel. Upon securement of the connectors to the siding panel, the siding may be applied to the building with the connectors overlapping preventing longitudinal separation. The vertical channels of the connectors allows sliding engagement of the siding.

Abstract: A floor covering member with a bottom and a top cover surface for covering sub-flooring a first end portion extending between the top cover surface and the bottom surface, and having a blind attachment surface extending outwardly from the bottom surface and through which at least one fastening member is driven; the blind attachment surface having an end face; a step portion having an upper surface parallel to the top cover surface and extending upwardly from the blind attachment surface at a distance inwardly from the end face; a first edge portion extending from the top cover surface and forming a vertical wall extending downwardly from the top cover surface; a groove formed between the vertical wall and the upper surface of the step portion; a second end portion spaced between the top cover surface and the bottom surface and including a cove having an upper surface formed in the second end portion opposite the blind attachment surface; a tongue having a vertically stepped lower surface joining the upper sur

Abstract: Trim bands and a trim band system for custom fitting siding is presented. The trim bands include a base band, a frieze band, a mid band, and an inside corner band which function to retain the rough edges of siding panels without exposing channels thereby providing a custom fit and enhanced aesthetic appearance. The trim bands are one piece continuous members which comprise varying numbers of portions which depend on the structural area of the building for which the trim bands are designed. The trim band system includes securing a plurality of trim bands to the exterior surface of a building followed by the placement and attachment of siding panels in conjunction with the trim bands to conceal all exposed edges of the siding panels without exposing channels or troughs formed within the trim bands.

Abstract: A wall covering comprising a plurality of plastic molded panels each having a relatively thin body portion formed with rows of simulated building elements. The panels are mounted on a support surface in a plurality of horizontal courses with a side marginal edge region of one panel overlapping and sealingly engaging an underlying side marginal edge region of the adjacent panel and a lower marginal region of a panel in one course overlying an upper marginal region of a panel in a lower course. Each panel is provided with frangible locating means for positively locating an interlock lip of the overlying panel in predetermined engaged relation with interlock flanges of an underlying panel. The interlock flanges of the panels are provided with reinforcement ribs to prevent breakage when the panels are exposed to weather extremes and undergo thermal expansion or contraction. Finally, each panel is provided with side interlock means which enhance the panel's resistance to buckling during installation and use.

Abstract: In a metal roofing system in which a plurality of overlapping horizontal courses of metal shingles are secured to a roofing substructure, each course being formed from a horizontal row of metal shingles that overlap and interlock with other metal shingles in a course disposed directly therebelow, and wherein a joint pan is positioned below abutting metal shingles within each course, the improvement comprising: a deformation at a top of each joint pan, the deformation indicating proper placement for a short edge of a metal shingle.

Abstract: A roofing shingle is conveniently formed from a square sheet metal blank. One corner of the blank is provided with a pair of open ended, back to back U shaped slots transverse to a diagonal passing through that corner. The two sides intersected by the slots are downwardly turned to form a small margin, and the other two sides are upwardly turned to form a margin of similar width to the downwardly turned sides. The corner is also downwardly folded above the slots to form a margin of similar width to the other margins, and below the slots it is folded so as to be generally parallel to the central area of the shingle. A shingle support preferably of foamed sheet polystyrene is disposed on the under surface of the shingle. The shingles are layed course by course on a pitched roof in a diamond configuration, a shingle of an upper course engaging the respective downturned edges of two adjacent shingles of a lower course in the U shaped slots to lock the lower corner of the upper shingle mechanically in position.