Abstract: An exterior trim assembly for use with a window or door surround in a building structure comprises at least one mantle for affixing above the window or door, and first and second pilaster assemblies for affixing on the sides of the window or door. The mantle comprises a mantle base and a corresponding mantle cover to affix to and cover the mantle base. Each pilaster assembly comprises a base and a cover element affixed to the base wherein each of the bases has a plurality of regularly repeating reinforced structural sections. At least two pilaster cover plates are provided, each pilaster cover plate is affixed to and covering one of the first and second pilaster bases.

Abstract: An bi-directional mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. A base member of the assembly has a mounting flange secured to the sheathing and a wall arrangement that projects outward with respect to the sheathing and from the mounting flange. Preferably, the wall arrangement supports a raised central panel used for mounting of fixtures. The wall arrangement preferably has four walls extending laterally between the mounting flange and the central panel. Spaced radially outward from the two adjacent walls are respective first and second drip ledges, and spaced radially outward from the other two adjacent walls are respective first and second baffle sets. When the assembly is mounted to the sheathing, a selective one of the two drip ledges is disposed substantially horizontally and beneath the wall arrangement for shedding of water.

Abstract: A molded siding member having an encapsulated foam core that extends substantially the entire length of the member in which it is contained, and a molding system therefor. The siding member includes a cementitious shell molded about the foam core, the shell being formed from cementitious slurry, including gypsum cement and a latex/water mixture, or hydraulic cement. After sufficient curing, the siding member is removed from the mold and is ready for immediate use and/or further processing. Also, production methods are disclosed, including a continuous method for producing relatively long lengths of the siding that can be cut to an appropriate size, without the need to produce individual siding members of limited size.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuously producing elongated siding panels is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor, a plurality of mold plates, and a die for extruding a sheet of material onto the mold plates. The mold plates are formed of a rigid material and positioned adjacent one another and supported by the conveyor for forming the elongated siding panels. Each of the mold plates has an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion with an intermediate portion therebetween. The intermediate portion has an aesthetic pattern for imparting the pattern to the sheet of material with the adjacent mold plates having different aesthetic patterns. The lower edge portion has a lower leg extending substantially perpendicular from the intermediate portion defining a horizontal plane and a projection portion between the lower edge portion and the intermediate portion extends beyond the horizontal plane for imparting a jagged pattern to the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A molded siding member having a plurality of longitudinal support portions extending substantially the entire length of the member contained therein, each support portion presenting a cross-section generally shaped like that of an I-beam. The support portions, which are parallel and adjacent to each other, are integrally formed with the siding member from cementitious slurry, including gypsum cement and a latex/water mixture, or hydraulic cement. An amount of the slurry is added to a mold in which longitudinally-oriented core elements are provided that displace cementitious slurry between and define adjacent support portions. After sufficient curing, the siding member is removed from the mold and is ready for immediate use and/or further processing. Alternatively, a continuous method is also provided for producing relatively long lengths of the siding that can be cut to an appropriate size, without the need to produce individual siding members of limited size.

Abstract: A siding system including interlocking panels for installation on a support surface. Each panel has opposing top and bottom edges, and adjacent panels are interlocking at least one location between their top and bottom edges. The panels are supported by projections extending from their rear faces against movement toward the support surface when installed. The panels simulate an arranged plurality of individual building elements such as bricks or stones, and have a variegated appearance. A system for creating the panels is also provided that includes a conveyance by which a panel is conveyed through a plurality of coating stations at which a plurality of different coatings are applied. The plurality of applicators are configured to dispense at least two different coatings onto the panels as the panels move along the conveyor.

Abstract: An exterior siding mounting bracket assembly used in conjunction with siding placed over sheathing of an exterior wall has a base member having a mounting flange fastened to the sheathing and a water diversion fitting also fastened to the sheathing and flashed in-part beneath the lower end of the mounting flange. A wall arrangement projects laterally outward from the mounting flange and away from the sheathing. A trim member of the bracket assembly has a partition arrangement that preferably snap fits to the wall arrangement and a trim flange constructed and arranged to substantially cover the water diversion fitting and the cut edges of the siding that cover in-part the mounting flange. Preferably, the water diversion fitting has an elongated drip edge spaced outwardly from the siding to shed water collected from generally cascaded from the mounting flange and outward from the siding.

Abstract: A modular window well arrangement includes one or more window well members. The window well members can be interconnected in a vertically stacked arrangement to provide the required overall height. Snap-connectors interconnect the vertically adjacent window well members, and a plurality of steps provide for escape. The window well members may have different sizes, and extension walls may be utilized to increase the size of the window well members to provide for a wide variety of configurations. The window well members may be made of a relatively lightweight structural foam material.

Abstract: A system for decoratively covering a support surface is provided. The system comprises a plurality of panels. Each panel includes a top, a bottom, and first and second ends. Each panel includes a nailing hem for mounting the panel to the support surface. Each panel also includes first and second rows of decorative portions simulating building materials. A riser interconnects the first and second rows. Each panel further includes a flap extending from the riser at the first end and a catch extending from the riser at the second end. The flap and catch mate with a corresponding catch and flap of horizontally adjacent panels. The flap and catch are both sloped upwardly toward the top at an acute angle to provide a mating fit between corresponding flaps and catches.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuously producing elongated siding panels is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor, a plurality of mold plates, and a die for extruding a sheet of material onto the mold plates. The mold plates are formed of a rigid material and positioned adjacent one another and supported by the conveyor for forming the elongated siding panels. Each of the mold plates has an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion with an intermediate portion therebetween. The intermediate portion has an aesthetic pattern for imparting the pattern to the sheet of material with the adjacent mold plates having different aesthetic patterns. The lower edge portion has a lower leg extending substantially perpendicular from the intermediate portion defining a horizontal plane and a projection portion between the lower edge portion and the intermediate portion extends beyond the horizontal plane for imparting a jagged pattern to the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A self-adjusting base member preferably of a mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. The base member of the assembly has a mounting flange secured to the sheathing and a wall arrangement that projects outward with respect to the sheathing and from the mounting flange. Preferably, the wall arrangement supports a raised central panel used for mounting of fixtures. Spaced radially outward from the wall arrangement is at least one flexible drip ledge of the base member. The drip ledge is generally self-adjusting with respect to the thickness of the adjacent siding.

Abstract: A siding member having longitudinally-oriented reinforcement fibers material extending substantially the entire length of the member contained therein, and an optional meshed reinforcement material contained therein and/or an optional foam insert at least partially enveloped by a cementitious shell. The siding member is molded from cementitious slurry, including gypsum cement and a latex/water mixture, or a hydraulic cement. An amount of the slurry is added onto a bottom mold surface portion to a desired depth and/or weight, along with the longitudinally-oriented reinforcement fibers and the optional meshed reinforcement material and/or any optional foam insert. After sufficient curing, the siding member is removed from the mold and is ready for immediate use and/or further processing. Alternatively, a continuous method is also provided for producing relatively long lengths of the siding that can be cut to an appropriate size, without the need to produce individual siding members of limited size.

Abstract: A water deflecting apparatus comprises a mounting plate with a back surface and a front surface. The back surface of the mounting plate abuts the wall when the water deflecting apparatus is mounted to the wall. A deflector extends outwardly from the front surface of the mounting plate near each end of the mounting plate. The mounting plate of the wall mounting bracket is received between the deflectors when the water deflecting apparatus and the wall mounting bracket are mounted to the wall. The deflectors deflect the downward flow of water. A skirt extends between the deflectors and outwardly from the front surface of the mounting plate of the water deflecting apparatus. The skirt is located below the mounting plate of the wall mounting bracket and is received between the deflectors when the water deflecting apparatus and the wall mounting bracket are mounted to the wall.

Abstract: An exterior siding mounting bracket is secured to a substructure and projects over siding that covers the substructure. The bracket comprises a base member attached to the substructure and has at least one elongated wall projecting laterally outward from the substructure. A trim member has an outer flange with the siding disposed between the substructure and the outer flange. First and second side partitions project laterally inward with respect to the substructure and from the outer flange for snap fitting to the at least one elongated wall. A water diversion device has a trough located above the first and second side partitions supported by the outer flange and projecting laterally toward the substructure for receiving and diverting water run-off away from the substructure. At least one drainage tube of the water diversion device projects unitarily downward from the trough.

Abstract: The invention includes an end cover (32) for disposition over an end of a mantel (20). The end cover (32) presents a front corner (38) extending between an upper wall (34) and a lower wall (36) and is symmetrical rearwardly to a pair of side edges (42) from the front corner (38) whereby the end cover (32) may be disposed over either end of the mantel (20). The upper wall (34) of the end cover (32) extends between the front walls (44) and the side edges (42) and the lower wall (36) extends between the front walls (44) and the side edges (42). The upper wall (34) and the lower wall (36) each has the shape of a square with equal sides. The front walls (44) define interior surfaces complementary to the irregular pattern of the decorative face (24) of the mantel (20) and the end cover (32) overlies the mantel (20) the thickness of each front wall (44).

Abstract: An exterior trim assembly for use with a window or door surround in a building structure comprises at least one mantle for affixing above the window or door, and first and second pilaster assemblies for affixing on the sides of the window or door. The mantle comprises a mantle base and a corresponding mantle cover to affix to and cover the mantle base. Each pilaster assembly comprises a base and a cover element affixed to the base wherein each of the bases has a plurality of regularly repeating reinforced structural sections. At least two pilaster cover plates are provided, each pilaster cover plate is affixed to and covering one of the first and second pilaster bases.

Abstract: A bending brake assembly for manually bending pieces of sheet metal material including a base supporting a plurality of c-shaped members presenting opposing clamping surfaces for receiving the sheet metal material. An extension extends away from the clamping surfaces with a socket connection rotatably supporting a bending member on the base for bending the sheet metal material disposed between the clamping surfaces. The socket connection includes a male portion and a female portion in sliding engagement with one another as the bending member moves between a pre-bending position, a first operating position, and a second operating position. A finger extends from the male portion and defines a gap between the finger and the extension when in the pre-bending position with the finger maintaining the gap as the finger moves from the pre-bending position to the first operating position and the finger engaging the extension when in the second operating position.