Abstract: The present disclosure relates particularly to photovoltaic roofing systems for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy, specifically, the use of bottom flashings in such systems. Methods for installing such systems and replacing non-photovoltaic roofing elements in such systems are also described.

Abstract: A shingle assembly includes a panel that has a front side, a back side, an upper edge, a lower edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge. An upper coupler is attached to and extends along the upper edge. A lower coupler is attached to and extends along the lower edge and snappily engages an upper coupler of another one of the shingle assemblies. A flange is integrally attached to and extends along the second lateral edge such that the flange and the panel form a unitary member. The flange extends laterally away from the panel. A lip is coextensive with and extends forwardly of an upper edge of the flange and inhibits water from wicking upwardly beyond the upper edge of the flange.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: A molded plastic sliding panel used for covering an exterior building wall surface is made up of a body portion, an attachment portion provided above and adjacent to the body portion, a top locking portion extending horizontally across an upper portion of the sliding panel and a bottom locking portion provided at the bottom of the body portion. The top locking portion is adapted to engage with the bottom locking portion on an upper adjacent siding panel. The attachment portion can contain a plurality of apertures provided therein which sequentially become more elongated as they are positioned toward a side edge of the attachment portion in order to deal with thermal expansion and contraction of the panel.

Abstract: A molded plastic sliding panel used for covering an exterior building wall surface is made up of a body portion, an attachment portion provided above and adjacent to the body portion, a top locking portion extending horizontally across an upper portion of the sliding panel and a bottom locking portion provided at the bottom of the body portion. The top locking portion is adapted to engage with the bottom locking portion on an upper adjacent siding panel. The attachment portion can contain a plurality of apertures provided therein which sequentially become more elongated as they are positioned toward a side edge of the attachment portion in order to deal with thermal expansion and contraction of the panel.

Abstract: A molded plastic sliding panel used for covering an exterior building wall surface is made up of a body portion, an attachment portion provided above and adjacent to the body portion, a top locking portion extending horizontally across an upper portion of the sliding panel and a bottom locking portion provided at the bottom of the body portion. The top locking portion is adapted to engage with the bottom locking portion on an upper adjacent siding panel. The attachment portion can contain a plurality of apertures provided therein which sequentially become more elongated as they are positioned toward a side edge of the attachment portion in order to deal with thermal expansion and contraction of the panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a siding system for covering a support surface comprising a panel including a body presenting a plane and having a top edge and a bottom edge. The body has a first locking element presenting a nailing hem and a second locking element for spacing the bottom edge of the body from the support surface. The panel has a spacer interconnecting the first locking element and the body of the panel for spacing the top edge of the body from the support surface such that the plane is substantially parallel to the support surface. Additionally, the siding system includes a second panel substantially similar to the first panel such that the second panel interlocks with the first panel. The cooperation of the spacer and the second locking element results in the alignment of the plane of the first panel with the plane of the second panel such that both planes are substantially parallel to the support surface.

Abstract: A roof or wall covering comprising a plurality of horizontal courses of molded plastic panels each formed with a single row of simulated shake shingles. The panels have a continuous upper interlock flange that facilitates inner-engagement of the panels of overlying courses without cumbersome handling of numerous small interlock fingers which can be missed during installation. Cooperating detents are provided between the overlying lower and upper marginal edge regions which facilitate proper positioning of the panels and which support the weight of the panel during securement to a wall surface. A bottom interlock flange is supported transversely across a rear side of the panel by vertically-spaced support plates which facilitate both liquid drainage and air circulation through the installed wall covering. In the preferred embodiment, the panels in alternate courses are identically formed with different shake patterns for enhancing the natural appearance of the wall covering.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved building panel having increased strength and rigidity, thereby reducing present design constraints imposed upon buildings constructed of interconnected panels. The building panel includes a novel curved central portion connected to two diverging inclined side wall portions in lieu of a straight central portion. Replacing the straight curved portion with a curved portion provides the building panel with increased strength and rigidity, thereby allowing the building panel to withstand increased positive and negative bending moments. Thus, a building constructed of panels having such curved central portions will reduce the present design constraints and increase the size and shape of buildings constructed of such panels.

Abstract: A molded panel for buildings is manufactured in a manner that permits the blocking tab along the upper edge of the panel to be molded in a position that is close to its final desired position. Pressure is applied to the locking tab as it cools, thereby bringing the locking tab into its final position.

Abstract: A tile having a self-interlocking mechanism urges rain water running on the surface of the tile to run downward thus making it for rain water to leak less through a joint. The tile includes a tile base, an underlap portion on each of an upper side area and one of a left-hand side area and a right-hand side area of the tile base, and an overlap portion on each of a lower side area and the other of the left-hand side area and the right-hand side area of the tile base. The tile may be arranged horizontally and vertically in a plain in a self-interlocking manner. The tile includes a tilt portion tapered thinner toward the lower end of the tile base.

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 an insulated pitched roof system for a sloped deck in which an insulating component is adhered to the sloped deck and the roof tiles are adhered to the insulating component with an adhesive, preferably a polymer adhesive. The insulating component includes a board or sheet material which is adhered to the roof deck. The insulating component is preferably adhered directly to the roof deck with a polymer adhesive. The insulating component preferably includes interlocking sides for forming a water tight connection between adjacently joined insulating components. Additionally, the insulating components include an end lap portion to form an overlapping portion between adjacent rows of insulating components. In a preferred embodiment, the overlapping portion is adhered together to form a unitary insulative and waterproof layer.

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: A skylight for a standing seam roof having a skylight panel housed in a frame with a vertically extending curb along two longitudinal and two lateral sides. The frame curb integrates on the longitudinal sides with U-shaped curbs formed into modified roof panels selected from the construction project. On the lateral sides, the frame curb integrates with curbs formed in two end pieces painted with the other roof panels in the project. Standing seams, which are raised above the surface of the roof, interconnect the regular roof panels. The modified roof panels interconnect with the standing seams of the regular roof panels. The lateral sides of the skylight assembly traverse at least one standing seam when integrated with the regular roof panels.

Abstract: A shingle includes a shingle neck, and a shingle body. A raised engagement and guide element (5) is disposed at the bottom side of the region of the shingle body (2) disposed remote relative to the shingle neck. The raised engagement and guide element (5) exhibits a raised engagement guide element (5) in the lower region of the shingle body (2). The raised engagement and guide element (5) exhibits a female mold like undercut zone (6) in the direction of the body (2) and disposed remote from the shingle neck. Correspondingly dimensioned male mold like undercut zones (7) are disposed at the two shingle shoulders (4). The width of the two shingle shoulders (4) corresponds in each case to about one half of the width of the raised engagement and guide element (5). Preferably, the shingle is a roof shingle.

Abstract: A panel for polypropylene injection molded siding, and for similar materials and/or uses, is mounted in lapped courses with panels attached at butt joints in a direction of elongation. Complementary tabs and slots at the panel ends can be engaged by end-to-end approach of the abutting panels. Additionally, openings for the tabs permit engagement from a position in which the panel ends are already overlapped, which reduces or eliminates the need for endwise assembly space. The slots can be discontinuous on one or both sides, openings permitting lateral insertion of the tabs at gaps, whereupon movement of the tabs along the slots engages the joint. The panels can simulate wood siding and include a step between simulated courses. A gap is provided in the edge of the panel at the step, thus forming an opening for the tab to enter and move along the slot.

Abstract: A multi-ribbed, standing seam structural roof panel with double ribs which can be attached directly to building framing to create a structural rated building panel with shear values which also serves as waterproofing panel.

Abstract: A roofing tile simulates four S-shaped roof tiles, two side-by-side on top and the other two side-by-side below the first two simulated tiles. Two semi-cylindrical areas are longitudinally adjacent channel concave areas. The tile's front edge has protruding peripheral step. At its rear, the tile has horizontal channel zones which are slightly lower in height with respect to the rest of the tile and includes a posterior peripheral ridge. The front edge is cut back for both concave simulated portions and support sections are provided for the tiles whereby the tile defines an air chamber to form better thermal and acoustic insulation.

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: A covering arrangement for a building has parallel elongate supports and covering parts arranged thereon. The covering parts include a core and, connected thereto, upper covering elements and lower planar covering elements, with the result that a sandwich is formed. The covering parts furthermore have an elongate, striplike form and in the installed position are arranged transversely to supports, extending at least from one support to a neighbouring support. In order to increase the resistance to wind loads, it is proposed that a longitudinal border region of a covering part (16) include a connecting device and the opposite longitudinal border region of a neighbouring covering part has a connecting device complementary thereto, by means of which the two covering parts are firmly connected to each other.

Abstract: Both positive and negative wind loads acting on the surfaces of standing seam roofing often exceed the design capabilities of a particular metal roof, causing the standing seam interlocking vertical seams to disengage. This often results in the roof panels blowing off the roof, causing damage to the roof, the building contents and possible danger to people in the vicinity. A transverse bar is provided across the standing seams of the metal roof. Clamps hold the transverse bar onto the standing seams. At the midsection of each flat panel section of the metal roof a brace descends from the transverse bar. The brace must have a flexible foot member to press down on the panel, otherwise the brace would puncture or otherwise damage metal roof panel. The brace may have an adjustable height adjustment mechanism. Various clamp, bar and foot embodiments are disclosed, all of which provide a structural anti-lift bracket on the roof panel.

Abstract: A zone based roofing system for roofing a building, the roof of the building identified by demand zones of the roof, the type of seaming process used for each demand zone varied to connect the standing seams of the panels to meet the minimum requirements of the demand zones. The panels are secured to the roof support structure and adjacently disposed panels are interlocked such as by seaming according to demand zone requirements to achieve demand quality for each zone and thereby minimizing the cost of the roof.

Abstract: A tile made of stiff molded synthetic resin having edges which overlap when a plurality of tiles are assembled upon a roof and an upper continuous contoured ridge along the upper edge and a lower continuous contoured ridge along the lower edge. The upper and lower ridges being stepped shape to engage with horizontal continuity when a plurality of tiles are assembled upon a roof. A through hole is provided in the lower ridge which aligns with a slot in the upper ridge to allow a screw to pass therethrough fastening two contiguous rows of tiles to a supporting structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing members to a surface. The apparatus includes a mounting clamp, a mounting adaptor, a panel support member and a fastener. The panel support member and the mounting adaptor are slidably interconnected to one another. The mounting adaptor is fixedly interconnected to the mounting clamps using the fastener. The mounting adaptor may also include an area of reduced strength to permit the controlled failure of the apparatus in response to excess loading. The panel support member may be adapted to receive a panel. When installed on a surface, the apparatus obscures the view of mounting devices or equipment that may also be secured to the surface.

Abstract: Complementary roof tiles for a staggered roof tile layout are provided by: (i) extruding and conveying a composite ribbon; (ii) demarcating the composite ribbon into an alternating succession of a first roof tile type and a second roof tile type by engaging the composite ribbon with an upstream cutting blade and a downstream cutting blade, such that each roof tile type is demarcated at an upstream tile edge by one of the cutting blades and at a downstream tile edge by the other of the cutting blades, and such that a selected one of the roof tile types includes a pair of cut-out portions demarcated along one of the upstream and downstream tile edges on opposite ones of the ribbon side edges; (iii) separating the succession of demarcated roof tile types into distinct roof tiles; and (v) curing the distinct roof tiles to form a set of cured roof tiles.

Abstract: Panels for coffered ceilings comprising cladding panels of sheet metal or similar material and a method for mounting such panels. Each cladding panel comprises an essentially flat principal surface enclosed by longitudinally running joining sections as well as at least one longitudinally running stiffening section bent at an angle to the principal surface. The joining sections are designed so that any chosen panel can be removed simply and without the use of tools, so that a good seal is obtained between the panels, and so that it is possible to draw apart these to fit certain dimensions. In addition, the panels should hook into each other and remain sealed even if they should expand and buckle downwards due to fire or some other reason.

Abstract: An assembled hip roof includes a plurality of roofing panels as well as the rafters of the underlying structure that support those panels. Ridge caps preferably extend over the panels at the hip rafters. In a preferred embodiment, a set of metal roofing panels is designed and shaped for use on a specific hip roof configuration, using a minimal number of separate panels. In a preferred embodiment especially suitable for larger area roofs, a plurality of the panels interlock with one another. The panels are preferably coated on one or both sides for protection against scratching during handling and assembly. One or more of the panels preferably include decorative relief, such as the appearance of overlapping wooden boards. In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, the panels are manufactured from rolled steel.

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 lightweight, preferably clay roofing tile, preferably having surface configurations to simulate the thick heavyweight of natural slate, or to simulate natural wood shakes, or other natural materials, is provided, constructed so as to be molded from materials with weight-reducing zones, and strengthening webs, integral with the tile, such that each tile is of unitary, molded, one-piece construction. The placement, type and number of webs enable the cutting of the tiles to form tile accessory pieces, at ends of laid-up courses, hips, ridges and the like, to minimize or eliminate the necessity of inventorying large numbers of special accessory pieces. The webs provide strengthening while the hollow zones reduce weight, with at least some of the webs being located to provide strength to the tiles along newly cut edges. An interlock design at tile edges facilitates reduction in weight by eliminating the need for a double coverage overlap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing and installing a roof structure, in which clay is formed into tiles which simulate wood shakes, and the tiles are attached atop a supporting surface in a predetermined manner in a substantially unrecognizable pattern. The tile configuration provides a structure which is light in weight yet is structurally sound, which lends itself to ready installation upon a wide variety of structures. Secondary supporting ribs for strength and upwardly-directed support ridges for improved stackability are also provided.

Abstract: A simulated log cabin structure, corner assembly and method are provided having advantages over conventional simulated log cabin structures. The structure has (i) a substrate wall layer, preferably an insulative board layer, (ii) spaced apart horizontal outer board layers, (iii) a mortar layer adhered to the substrate wall between the board layers, and (iv) a corner assembly having interconnecting alternating blocks. The structure may be quickly constructed by a method comprising (a) attaching insulative board to the exterior of a building frame, (b) applying mortar to the insulative board, (c) attaching horizontal boards to the frame in a spaced apart fashion to permit the mortar to be visible between the boards. The structure also has a corner assembly having interconnecting notched blocks having interior curved abutment faces for restricting horizontal movement of the blocks.

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: A metal roof board connecting structure for connecting metal roof boards includes a raised-up flat lock seam portion formed by bending flatly and seamly raised-up regions of two metal roof boards which are arranged adjacently to each other, and a cap member capped on the raised-up flat lock seam portion. A part of the raised-up region of one of the two metal roof boards forms a first cap engaging projection and a bent portion of the raised-up flat lock seam portion forms a second cap engaging projection so as to be arranged in symmetrical with the first projection. The cap member has a two elastic side walls a center portion of each of which has an engaging recess and a lower end portion of each of which is extended downwardly and outwardly to extend away from each other.

Abstract: A mounting device for a building surface. The mounting device includes a mounting body having a slot extending therethrough. This slot may be positioned over/about a standing seam on a metal roof/sidewall and be appropriately secured thereto, such as by the use of blunt-nosed screws which engage the seam material. The mounting device also includes at least one mounting cavity which is adapted to receive an attachment, such as a snow retention device or an interconnector which then engages the attachment (e.g., a frame structure, sign).

Abstract: A standing seam roof assembly with a four corner sealing assembly having an upper pair of interlocking standing seam joint panels and a lower pair of interlocking standing seam joint panels which meet in a lapped four corner juncture area, the upper ends of the lower panel pair are overlapped by the lower ends of the upper panel pair at the juncture area, one panel of each of the upper panel pair and the lower panel pair having an upstanding male side lap portion forming a male apex. The other panel of each of the upper panels and the lower panels have an upstanding female sidelap portion overlapping the respective male sidelap portions, each of the female sidelap portions having a longitudinally disposed sealant cavity and a sidelap sealant strip that is predeterminedly disposed within the sealant cavity with the sealant strip veering at the juncture area. The upstanding leg portions of the male sidelap portions are received within the insertion cavity of one of the female sidelap portions.

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: A roof tile formed of a sheet metal, preferably steel, in which the sheet material tile is strengthened by integral flanges (11) raised bosses (14) and depressions (15). The raised bosses (14) in use act as supports between one tile and an overlapping portion of another tile.

Abstract: A sheet roofing system involving the use of a plastics material membrane may be applied over existing metal roofs. A plastics material extrusion which may be colour matched or contrasted with the colour of the plastics material membrane may be applied over standing seams or other ridges. The extrusion is a U shaped cover, of which one leg is hinged for easy installation of the cover over the standing seam. The hinge is designed to avoid undue stresses on the plastics material of the cover. In one embodiment, the hinge is a hollow tubular region along the length of the extrusion between the leg of the U and the web of the U which forms the top of the cover.

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 roof tile 10 is provided which, when used on a tiled roof, has improved resistance to lifting and damage due to wind. The roof tile includes a wind-uplift-preventing step 5 that, when a plurality of the tiles are overlapped on a roof deck, shields a forward end surface 94 of an adjoining tile to prevent the adjoining tile from being lifted in high winds. The roof tile also has a tapered top surface 93 which offers a low wind resistance profile, and includes interlocking formations 28, 40 on its top and bottom surfaces which are arranged and dimensioned to allow each tile to be interlocked with adjoining tiles above and below it on the roof deck.

Abstract: Roofing components and method for roofs includes a flexible base and one or more ranks of integrally formed thin blades, vanes or fins extending outwardly from the base. The blades, fins or vanes are spaced substantially parallel to each other and overlap to shadow lower elements and to provide air circulation and between blades, which are designed to sluff-off heat and impede thermal energy being transmitted to the roof. The blades, fins or vanes are flexible and resilient so as to absorb the impact of falling material (limbs, etc.). One edge portion of the base is free of blades to provide an overlapped area for installation on a pitched roof. Various overlapping and interlocking arrangements are disclosed for sealing purposes.

Abstract: Standing seam roofing system including first and second dikes integral with opposite longitudinal edges of a panel, and a roof connection ledge connected to the first dike and extending in the plane of the panel. The second dike snaps over the first dike on an adjacent panel in a manner to leave a gap between the ledge and the second dike panel, and includes a downwardly extending and inwardly sloped leg. A lip on the second dike extends under a base on the first dike of the adjacent panel, the lip position being maintained by a pinching action or force produced by the slope of the downwardly extending leg.

Abstract: A mounting device for a building surface. The mounting device includes a mounting body having a slot extending therethrough. This slot may be positioned over/about a standing seam on a metal roof/sidewall and be appropriately secured thereto, such as by the use of blunt-nosed screws which engage the seam material. The mounting device also includes at least one mounting cavity which is adapted to receive an attachment, such as a snow retention device or an interconnector which then engages the attachment (e.g., a frame structure, sign).

Abstract: Roofing components and method for pitched roofs includes a flexible base and one or more ranks of integrally formed thin blades, vanes or fins extending outwardly from the base. The blades, fins or vanes are spaced substantially parallel to each other and overlap to shadow lower elements and to provide air circulation and between blades, which are designed to sluff-off heat and impede thermal energy being transmitted to the roof. The blades, fins or vanes are flexible and resilient so as to absorb the impact of falling material (limbs, etc.). One edge portion of the base is free of blades to provide an overlapped area for installation on a pitched roof. Various overlapping and interlocking arrangements are disclosed for sealing purposes.

Abstract: A roofing panel for use on inclined roofing support structures wherein the panel is formed of sheet material and is configured in section from its higher to its lower end such as to define at its upper end a downwardly depending foot arranged in use to enable securement to the roof support structure at or adjacent its higher end and then an upwardly extending ridge lower than the foot and having in its side facing the lower end of the panel, a slot; the lower end of the panel including a downwardly directed ridge arranged in use to overly the ridge of the next succeeding lower panel and including a tongue directed towards the higher end of the panel and lying beneath the under surface of the panel and arranged in use to engage with the slot in the upwardly directed ridge of the next succeeding lower panel for positive location therewithin, whereby the panel in use lies over the downward depending securement foot of the next succeeding lower panel.

Abstract: Roofing components and method for pitched roofs includes a flexible base and one or more ranks of integrally formed thin blades, vanes or fins extending outwardly from the base. The blades, fins or vanes are spaced substantially parallel to each other and overlap to shadow lower elements and to provide air circulation and between blades, which are designed to sluff-off heat and impede thermal energy being transmitted to the roof. The blades, fins or vanes are flexible and resilient so as to absorb the impact of falling material (limbs, etc.). One edge portion of the base is free of blades to provide an overlapped area for installation on a pitched roof. Various overlapping and interlocking arrangements are disclosed for sealing purposes.

Abstract: The present invention includes panels having longitudinal sides configured for lateral engagement of the panels an include a drainage channel hidden by a jut or wing of the panel arranged immediately beside the channel. The channel collects possible infiltrations through joints arranged between the laterally coupled panels. The panels also include a slot at one end and an extension at the other end which, when are coupled together by overlapping and axial sliding. The panels have a space in which a securing staple is arranged to secure the panels to a support structure. The staple is spaced apart from the channel and hidden by the jut of the next lateral panel, so that the securing devices are isolated from the outside. In a preferred embodiment, one of the sides of the panels has a cross section with a smaller cross section than the rest of the panel so that it can be coupled by longitudinal sliding into a slot of complementary form arranged at the other end of the panels.

Abstract: An interlocking roof tile which can be made by extrusion, pressing or moulding has an upper edge; a lower edge which is visible in use when the tile is laid in overlapping relationship with at least one tile of a next adjacent line of the tiles; an upper surface; a lower surface; a supporting understructure; two oppositely facing side edges; an underlock extending along one of the side edges and an overlock extending along the other of the side edges, the underlock having a lower end and an under surface which forms part of the under surface of the tile, and a lower edge portion having an under surface which includes a part of the under surface of the underlock, and which overlaps, in use, at least one tile of the next adjacent line of the tiles, characterized in that the upper surface of the tile extends continuously from the lower edge to the upper edge, in that the upper and lower surfaces are cambered from the lower edge to the upper edge and are substantially flat when considered in cross-section taken a