Abstract: A system for connecting and sealing panels comprising a bridge component with elevated and recessed surface features adapted to receive and bridge adjacent panels to form a weather-resistant seal and aesthetically pleasing appearance. By providing mating surface features to receive a side edge portion of an adjacent panel assembly, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may enable an improved lap joint to be established between adjacent backed panels.

Abstract: The use of high aspect fillers in the production of simulated stone, masonry and brick textured products such as cladding, siding, panels, or other building and construction materials. High aspect fillers increase the dimensional stability, rigidity, thermal and sound insulation. The high aspect fillers may be included into a matrix polymer with or without chemical bonding. The disclosed invention is not limited to products in the building or construction industries and may be applied in the manufacture of a wide variety of products in other industries.

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.