Trim component for use in a siding system

Abstract

A trim component or strip for a siding system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the component includes an elongated body having an outwardly bowed portion that simulates the appearance of a log or timber. The trim component also includes an integral receiver for receiving a portion of one or more siding strips, such as either a side edge of a single siding strip or an end of a plurality of siding strips, depending on the relative orientation of the component and the strip(s). A pair of trim components may also be provided for trimming adjacent sides of the wall opening, in which case at least one end of one of the components may be miter cut and overlap with the corresponding end of the adjacent trim component. Alternatively, the corresponding ends of at least one pair of adjacent trim components may be miter cut and fit in an abutting relationship to form a miter joint.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the construction/wall covering art and, more particularly, to a window or door trim component for use in a siding system for covering a wall of a dwelling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The art of constructing dwellings or like structures from natural logs or timbers is well known, and for many homeowners is desirable for the natural, rustic look and feel afforded as a result of this type of construction. Despite significant technological advances in recent years and the proliferation of commercial enterprises offering such services, constructing an entire dwelling from logs or timbers remains an expensive, time consuming and labor intensive proposition, requiring countless man hours and a great deal of natural resources to complete. In recent decades, a concern has also arisen over the excessive exploitation of natural resources, such as timber. This concern has prompted many in the construction art to switch to building materials fabricated of metal, vinyl, or the like. Another potential shortcoming is that, unless properly constructed by experts, dwellings formed of logs or timbers may lack the ability to contain properly conditioned air and keep out moisture, both of which may significantly increase the overall cost of owning such a dwelling.

[0003] As an alternative to using actual logs or timbers, others in the past have proposed various types of siding members, such as strips fabricated of vinyl or like materials, having outer surface indicia simulating the appearance of a natural log or timber. When a plurality of these siding strips are applied to the outside of a dwelling or other structure in an abutting or overlapping relationship, the appearance of a traditional log cabin is simulated, yet conventional construction materials are employed beneath the siding strips to provide the structural framework for the dwelling. As should be appreciated, siding strips formed of vinyl or the like are cheaper than wood per unit, easier to install, lighter in weight, relatively durable and generally resistant to the effects of moisture. Also, the use of conventional building materials beneath the siding strips (i.e., framed wall construction with insulation, an outer layer of wood sheeting, and an inner layer of drywall sheeting) improves the overall efficiency of the dwelling in terms of energy containment.

[0004] Despite these advantages, past proposals for vinyl siding are generally lacking in some key respects. For instance, most known proposals simply ignore the need for separate pieces or strips of siding for trimming openings in the walls of the dwelling, such as those provided for windows or doors. U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,728 to Heath, Jr. discloses a trimming component or strip for positioning adjacent to a door or window opening. However, this trimming member is merely a J-shaped channel with a flat outer face. In use, this creates the appearance of planking, rather than the true appearance of a log, which would have a rounded outer face. Also, the adjacent trim members at the corners of the opening merely meet in an abutting relationship, which further detracts from the simulation of true logs, which would usually be cut to form a miter joint.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is an improved siding component that: (1) is easy and inexpensive to manufacture; (2) requires a minimum amount of time and effort to install; and (3) provides a simulated, but realistic, appearance of a trimmed wall opening, such as a window or door, formed of rounded logs or timbers.

[0006] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a siding system component capable of covering a portion of at least one siding strip positioned adjacent to an opening in a wall is disclosed. The component comprises an elongated body including an outwardly bowed integral portion. The body includes first and second opposed lateral side edges. The first lateral side edge carries an integral receiver for at least partially covering the portion of the siding strip, while the second lateral side edge carries a flange for being positioned adjacent to a fixed structure positioned in or adjacent to the wall opening. The fixed structure may comprise a jamb member or the side of a door or window unit.

[0007] In one possible embodiment, a major axis of the siding strip is horizontally oriented, in which case the elongated body is horizontally oriented along a top or bottom of the wall opening such that the receiver receives and at least partially covers a portion of an elongated side edge of the siding strip. In another possible embodiment, a major axis of the siding strip is horizontally oriented, and the elongated body is vertically oriented along a lateral side of the wall opening such that an end of the siding strip is at least partially covered by the receiver. It should be appreciated that a plurality of siding strips having a horizontally oriented major axis may be provided, in which case the elongated body is vertically oriented along a lateral side of the wall opening such that an end of each of the plurality of siding strips is at least partially covered by the receiver.

[0008] The body may further include an integral fastener receiving section positioned adjacent to the receiver for abutting with the wall. The receiver may include a pair of substantially parallel opposed side walls and an end wall that is substantially parallel to the flange, which flange may abut with the fixed structure positioned in or adjacent to the wall opening. In one embodiment, a first of the pair of opposed sidewalls is positioned closer to the wall than the other and includes a fastener receiving section for receiving a fastener for securing the component to the wall adjacent the opening.

[0009] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, a siding system for covering a wall having at least one opening is disclosed. The system comprises at least one siding strip positioned adjacent to the opening and having a portion adjacent to the wall opening. At least one trim component including an outwardly bowed integral portion and first and second opposed lateral sides is also provided. The first lateral side of the trim component carries an integral receiver for at least partially covering the portion of the siding strip, while the second lateral side carries a flange for abutting with a fixed structure positioned in or adjacent to the wall opening.

[0010] In one embodiment, a major axis of the siding strip is horizontally oriented, and a major axis of the trim component is horizontally oriented along a top or bottom of the wall opening such that the receiver covers a lateral side edge of the siding strip. In another embodiment, a major axis of the siding strip is horizontally oriented, and a major axis of the trim component is vertically oriented along a lateral side of the wall opening such that an end of the siding strip is at least partially covered by the receiver. Also, in the case where a plurality of siding strips having a horizontally oriented major axis are provided, the trim component is vertically oriented along a lateral side of the wall opening such that an end of each of the plurality of siding strips is at least partially covered by the receiver.

[0011] The trim component may also include an integral fastener receiving section positioned adjacent to the receiver and adapted for receiving a fastener for securing the component to the wall. The trim component is preferably fastened to the wall such than a biasing force is created for urging the flange against the fixed structure positioned in or adjacent to the wall opening.

[0012] The system may further include first and second trim components. In that case, a major axis of the first trim component is horizontally oriented and a major axis of the second trim component is vertically oriented. Also, an end of one of the first or second trim components is miter cut and overlaps with a portion of a corresponding end of the opposite trim component adjacent to a corner of the opening. Alternatively, first and second corresponding ends of the respective first and second trim components may be miter cut such that when positioned in an abutting relationship, a miter joint is formed. As should be appreciated, the same arrangement may also be provided where first and second pairs of trim components are provided.

[0013] It is also possible that at least one siding strip may include an integral portion simulating the appearance of grout or chinking. Preferably, this integral portion remains exposed when the portion of the strip adjacent to the wall opening is positioned in the receiver of the trimming component. Also, the flange may include a foot for insertion in a J-shaped channel positioned adjacent to the wall opening. The fixed structure may also include a preassembled window or door unit having a groove for receiving an end of the flange.

[0014] In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, a method for trimming an opening in a wall carrying a plurality of parallel, horizontally extending siding strips is disclosed. The method comprises providing first and second elongated trim components, each having a major axis and including an outwardly bowed integral portion for simulating the appearance of a log or timber adjacent to the window opening; miter cutting at least one end of one of the trim components; and orienting the trim components such that the major axis of the first trim component is aligned with a substantially horizontal axis, the major axis of the second trim component is aligned with a substantially vertical axis, and a portion of the one of the trim components having the miter cut end overlaps with the other the trim component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of one side of a dwelling having a wall including an opening for a window with the trim components of the present invention installed around the opening;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of the trim component;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional, partially cutaway top view of a vertically oriented trim component taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional, partially cutaway side view of a horizontally oriented trim component at the bottom of the opening taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a partially cross-sectional, partially cutaway view of an alternate embodiment of a trim component;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a partially cross-sectional, partially cutaway view of an alternate manner of assisting in securing the trim component in place; and

[0021] FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway side elevational view similar to FIG. 1, but showing an alternate manner of forming joints at the corners where the trim components meet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which illustrates a dwelling D comprising a stable mounting structure having at least one wall W in which an opening O is formed. In conventional construction, the wall W is usually formed of one or more sheets of plywood or oriented strand board nailed or otherwise fastened to the underlying framed construction (not shown). The opening O may be sized and shaped either for receiving a window (not shown) or door and the corresponding hardware, and may be surrounded by a plurality of jamb members J (a head jamb, side jambs, and in the case of a window, a sill jamb) that create seating surfaces for the corresponding sides of a door or window when installed. The jamb members are coupled directly to the framed construction. Alternatively, instead of jambs J or like members, the framing members alone may support a pre-assembled window or door unit U (see framing member T in FIGS. 5 and 6), which typically includes an integral nailing fin or flange N, for covering a portion of the wall W adjacent to the opening O and providing a surface for receiving fasteners, such as staples.

[0023] In the typical siding system, a plurality of siding strips S1 . . . Snare applied to the wall W. In FIG. 1, strips S1 . . . S8 and S2, . . . S7 are shown in phantom coupled to the wall W and surrounding the opening O. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, and in the case of an opening for a window, a first siding strip S1 is horizontally oriented and positioned below the opening O. Another siding strip, labeled S8 merely because it is the eighth in succession, is horizontally oriented and positioned above the opening O. Of course, in the case of an opening for a door (not shown), only one such siding strip S8 would extend along the top portion of the opening, since the lower portion would usually be at the floor level (although the situation may be otherwise in the case where a stoop or the like is present). Strips S2 . . . S7 and S2, . . . S7 are horizontally positioned between the first and second siding strips S1, S8 (or in the case of a door, between the floor and siding strip S8) along each side of the opening O. Hence, ends E1, E2 of these plurality of strips S2. . . S7 and S2, . . . S7 terminate adjacent to the laterally extending side portion of the opening O.

[0024] Conventionally, each siding strip S1 . . . Sn is elongated and fabricated of vinyl, plastic, aluminum, a composite material such as a glass fiber reinforced polymeric material, or other well-known materials conventionally used to fabricate siding. Such materials are inexpensive, durably, and generally provide the strip with an inherent resiliency that makes it somewhat resistant to crushing as the result of an externally applied impact force. The body of each strip S1 . . . Sn may include an integral portion P (see FIG. 4) having a contrasting surface (preferably white or light grey) as compared with other portions of the strip and adjacent strips. Thus, when a plurality of strips S1 . . . Sn are provided with a shape and/or surface indicia that simulates the appearance of a log and mounted in an abutting or overlapping fashion on the side of the stable mounting structure, such as the dwelling D, the contrasting appearance of the exposed grout or chinking portion between each strip realistically simulates the appearance of a log cabin or like structure. The strips also may include an optional channel C (see FIG. 4) for receiving a portion of an adjacent or next-in-line strip to form an interlocking engagement. A detailed description of one version of a siding strip having an integral chinking portion P and a channel C of the type described above may be found in commonly assigned, co-pending application Ser. No. 09/624,672, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0025] To trim the opening O, a universal trim component or trimming strip 10 is provided, see FIG. 2. The trimming strip 10 is preferably elongated and includes an outwardly bowed portion 12 that simulates the appearance of a rounded log or timber. This portion 12 may also be colored and provided with surface indicia I that simulates the appearance of a log or timber to further enhance the realism. The indicia I may include a plurality of random length embossments (not numbered) that simulate the roughened or uneven surface typically found on a natural log or timber.

[0026] The outwardly bowed portion 12 includes first and second lateral side edges 14, 16. The first lateral side edge 14 carries an integral receiver 18 for receiving and covering at least a portion of an adjacent siding strip when installed, as outlined further in the description that follows. The receiver 18 includes a pair of opposed, substantially parallel sidewalls 19a, 19b connected together by an endwall 19c. As should be appreciated, these walls 19a-19c give the receiver 18 an open, C or U-shaped configuration. Sidewall 19b preferably further includes a fastener receiving section 20, such a fin or nail plate, for receiving a fastener F, such as a nail, screw, staple or the like (see FIGS. 3-4). In the case of a nail, screw, or the like, the fastener receiving section 20 may also include preformed fastener receiving apertures A, preferably sized to ensure that an abutment surface is provided for the head of the particular fastener used.

[0027] At the second lateral side edge 16, the trimming strip 10 includes a flange 22. This flange 22 includes a smooth, substantially flat outer portion for possibly abutting against any adjacent fixed structure when in the installed position, such as the corresponding jamb member J or the side of a door or window unit U. Preferably, the flange 22 is formed such that it is substantially parallel to the endwall 19c of the receiver 18.

[0028] In use on a window opening, as shown in FIG. 1, the trimming strips 10 are applied to all sides of the opening. Specifically, a first trimming strip 10a is provided for positioning above the window opening O; a second trimming strip 10b is provided for positioning below this opening, a third trimming strip 10c is provided for positioning on the left side of this opening; and a fourth trimming strip 10d is provided for positioning on the right side of this opening. As should be appreciated, these trimming strips 10a-d are all substantially identical in construction, but the elongated first and second trimming strips 10a, 10b when installed are positioned such that a major axis thereof is horizontally oriented (note horizontal axis H in FIG. 1), and the elongated third and fourth trimming strips 10c, 10d when installed are oriented such that a major axis thereof is vertically oriented (note vertical axis V also in FIG. 1).

[0029] Typically, the trimming strips 10a-10d, like trimming strip 10 shown in FIG. 2, are fabricated having substantially flat ends, see flat end 22b in FIG. 4. To mate the ends of the adjacent trimming strips 10a, 10c; 10a, 10d; 10c, 10b; and 10b, 10d, it is necessary to cut at least one, and preferably both of the corresponding ends of the strips. Specifically, and as shown in FIG. 1, each adjacent end is miter cut (i.e., cut at about a 45 degree angle) so that the trimming strip has a predetermined length that is directly proportional to the corresponding dimension of the opening O. Accordingly, when adjacent ends of the trimming strips 10a, 10c; 10a, 10d; 10c, 10b; or 10b, 10d are brought near an opening O, such as the window opening, the corresponding ends mate in an abutting relationship to form a miter joint M. As should be appreciated, when installed, the several miter joints M thus give the illusion that rounded logs or timbers extend along and mate at each corner of the opening O, which further enhances the overall simulation afforded by the log siding system.

[0030] During installation, each strip 10a-10d is positioned adjacent to the window opening O such that the outer surface of the flange 22 abuts with the jamb member J, window unit U (see FIG. 5), or any other structure adjacent the opening. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, trimming strip 10d is positioned such that the flange 22d is in abutment with the corresponding outer surface of a side jamb member J. A fastener F, such as a nail, may then be placed through each aperture A into the adjacent wall W along at least a portion of the trimming strip 10d such that it is securely held in place and vertically oriented. Preferably, the position for fastening each trimming strip 10a-10d is selected such that the resiliency of the material and the shape advantageously creates a slight biasing force that serves to urge the outer surface of the flange, such as flange 22d, into engagement with the corresponding jamb member J or another structure adjacent to the opening O.

[0031] A similar operation may then be repeated at the opposite side of the window opening O for installing trimming strip 10c, but as described below, it is preferable to first install one of trimming strips 10a or 10b. The strips 10a or 10b are oriented adjacent the top or bottom sides of the opening O such that the outer surface of the respective flange (see flange 22b in FIG. 4) is positioned adjacent to any jamb member J (or window unit) present. Fasteners F, such as nails, are then placed through apertures and into the wall W to hold the trimming strip 10a or 10b in place. As should be appreciated, it does not matter which order the trimming strips 10a-10d are installed, but it will usually be more convenient to first install adjacent trimming strips, such as 10a and 10c or 10a and d, since this will ensure that the miter joint M is properly formed.

[0032] Once the four trimming strips 10a-10d are properly in position around the opening O (or three trimming strips in the case of door opening O), the adjacent siding strips S1 . . . S8 and S2, . . . S7 are installed. Specifically, the first siding strip S1 may be secured to the wall W just below the window opening O by orienting it horizontally and sliding an upper elongated side edge portion SE, which includes chinking portion P and channel C, into the receiver 18b (see FIG. 4). The side edge portion SE of the siding strip S1, and preferably each siding strip S1 . . . Sn present, may include a fastener receiving section FR, such as a nailing flange or plate, for receiving fasteners (not shown) for holding it in place. Of course, no such fasteners are placed along the portion of the siding strip S1 received in the receiver 18, but the adjacent fasteners passing through other portions of section FR of strip S1 provide a sufficient holding force to prevent sagging adjacent to the opening O. It is noted that a section of strip S1, e.g., a portion of the fastener receiving section FR, may be trimmed if necessary so as to allow the strip S1 to be received in the receiver 18b of trimming strip 10b.

[0033] As should be appreciated from FIG. 4, in the case where the siding strip S1 has an integral chinking portion P, it is desirable to form the receiver 18b having a depth such that this portion remains exposed when the siding strip is in the installed position. To the forward observer standing in front of the dwelling D, this further enhances the realism of the simulation, since it gives the appearance that the simulated logs have the conventional grout or chinking between them.

[0034] Siding strips S2 . . . S7 and S2, . . . S7 , are then installed along the wall W adjacent to the lateral sides of the opening O in parallel to the first siding strip S1. Specifically, the first end E1 of siding strip S2 is placed in the adjacent receiver (not shown) of the vertically-oriented first trimming strip 10c, and the second end E2 of the corresponding siding strip S2′ in the same horizontal plane on the opposite side of the opening O is placed in receiver 18d of the other, vertically oriented trimming strip 10d, see FIG. 3. As described above, as well as in the commonly assigned, co-pending application referenced above, each siding strip S1 . . . Sn may also include a channel C for receiving a depending portion of an adjacent siding strip to form an interlocking connection. Thus, prior to inserting the ends E1 or E2 into the receivers 18, each strip S2 and S2′ may be interfitted with strip S1 and then simply laterally slid into place such that the ends E1 and E2 thereof are covered. Any fasteners, such as nails, screws, or the like, may then be placed in the fastener receiving section FR of each strip S2 and S2′.

[0035] This operation is repeated along each side of the opening O until the wall W is covered. At the top of the opening, a single siding strip S8 is secured to the next-adjacent strips S7 and S7′ in a like manner as that described above. At least a portion of the lower longitudinally extending edge of the elongated strip S8 is thus positioned in and at least partially covered by the receiver of the trimming strip 10a. The amount of the edge of the strip S8 that is covered will depend on the size of the siding strips S1 . . . Sn, the dimension of the opening O, and the size of the overhang created by the sidewall 19a of each receiver 18. As should be appreciated, the distance that the receiver 18 extends below the outer surface 12 of each trimming strip 10a-10d may also be increased or decreased by simply adjusting the length of walls 19a and 19b.

[0036] It may not always be the case that the particular construction includes a jamb member J for providing an abutment surface for the flange 22. In one case, and with specific reference now to FIG. 5, the trimming strip 10′ may also be provided with a foot 24 projecting outwardly from the terminal end of the flange 22′. This foot 24 is adapted to be received in the J-shaped receiver 26 of a separate elongated component 28 fastened over or adjacent to the peripheral nailing flange N of the pre-assembled window or door unit U (or as described below, integrally formed therewith). The fastening of the component 28 is by way of fasteners F, such as nails, screws, or staples. As should be appreciated, the receiver 26 captures this foot 24 and prevents it from lifting away from the wall W. This capturing function may be enhanced by the inherent biasing force supplied as a result of the resiliency of the material in combination with the relative position at which the opposite adjacent end of the trimming component or strip 10′ is fastened to the wall W. Although shown overlapping the nailing flange N and adjacent to any outwardly projecting structure on the window unit U, it should be appreciated that the component 28 may be positioned elsewhere along the wall W without significantly detracting from the overall appearance of the simulation afforded by the siding.

[0037] In a second case, as shown in FIG. 6, the window or door unit U is provided with an integral groove or channel 30. This channel 30 may receive and capture the free end of the flange 22. In this case, no modification to the structure of the trimming strip 10 is required. It should also be appreciated that, as mentioned above, the capturing function may be enhanced by the inherent biasing force supplied as a result of the resiliency of the material in combination with the relative position at which the opposite adjacent end of the trimming component or strip 10 is fastened to the wall W. Instead of an integral groove or channel, the window or door unit U could be provided with an integral J-shaped receiver (not shown) on or adjacent to nailing flange N for receiving a foot (not shown) projecting from the end of the flange 22 in the opposite direction as foot 24 in FIG. 5.

[0038] With reference now to FIG. 7, another possible arrangement for mounting the siding strips 10a-10d is shown. In this case, only one pair of the trimming strips, such as strips 10a and 10b, have miter cut ends. The trimming strips 10c and 10d extending vertically along the sides of the opening O have substantially flat ends, as shown in FIG. 2. Hence, the miter cut ends of the trimming strips 10a and 10b merely overlap with and cover the corresponding non-miter cut ends of trimming strips 10c and 10d. Stated another way, since both adjacent ends are outwardly bowed to substantially the same degree, the inside surface of trimming strips 10a or 10b overlie the upper surface of trimming strips 10c or 10d at the ends. Trimming strips 10c and 10d are thus also prevented from moving away from the wall W as a result of this arrangement. While a slight gap G remains at the outermost edge of each joint, it should be appreciated that the corresponding siding strips S1 . . . Sn fill them in the installed position such that the simulation is substantially unaffected. This may save the worker the time and effort associated with measuring and perfectly forming mating miter cut ends on the adjacent trimming strips 1d without significantly detracting from the resulting appearance of the siding system, when installed. Of course, it should be appreciated that the trimming strips may be rearranged such that strips 10c and 10d have the miter cut ends and overlap with the non-miter cut ends of strips 10a and 10b.

[0039] The foregoing description of the various embodiments of the invention is presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, the trim component or strip 10 of the present invention could easily be used in place of the starter strip typically provided at the top or bottom of a vertical wall adjacent to the corresponding horizontally extending wall. The corresponding end of the adjacent strip would simply extend into the receiver 18, which could be smaller such that only a small portion of the adjacent strip is covered. The embodiments described provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. A siding system component capable of covering a portion of at least one siding strip positioned adjacent to an opening in a wall of a structure, said opening having a fixed structure positioned in or adjacent thereto, comprising:

an elongated body including an outwardly bowed integral portion, said body having first and second opposed lateral side edges, said first lateral side edge carrying an integral receiver for at least partially covering the portion the siding strip and said second lateral side edge carrying a flange for being positioned adjacent to the fixed structure in or adjacent to the opening in the wall.

2. The siding system component according to claim 1, wherein a major axis of the siding strip is horizontally oriented, and the elongated body is horizontally oriented along a top or bottom of the wall opening such that the receiver receives and at least partially covers a portion of an elongated side edge of the siding strip.

3. The siding system component according to claim 1, wherein a major axis of the siding strip is horizontally oriented, and the elongated body is vertically oriented along a lateral side of the wall opening such that an end of the siding strip is at least partially covered by the receiver.

4. The siding system component according to claim 1, further including a plurality of siding strips having a horizontally oriented major axis, and wherein the elongated body is vertically oriented along a lateral side of the wall opening such that an end of each of the plurality of siding strips is at least partially covered by the receiver.

5. The siding system component according to claim 1, further including an integral fastener receiving section positioned adjacent to the receiver for abutting with the wall.

6. The siding system component according to claim 1, wherein the receiver includes a pair of substantially parallel opposed side walls and an end wall that is substantially parallel to the flange, said flange abutting with the fixed structure positioned in or adjacent to the wall opening.

7. The siding system component according to claim 6, wherein a first of the pair of opposed sidewalls is positioned closer to the wall of the structure than the other and includes a fastener receiving section for receiving a fastener for securing the component to the wall adjacent the opening.

8. A siding system for covering a wall with at least one opening having a fixed structure positioned in or adjacent thereto, comprising:

at least one siding strip having a portion adjacent to the wall opening;

at least one trim component including an outwardly bowed integral portion and first and second opposed lateral sides, said first lateral side carrying an integral receiver for at least partially covering the portion of the siding strip and said second lateral side carrying a flange for being positioned adjacent to the fixed structure.

9. The siding system according to claim 8, wherein a major axis of the siding strip is horizontally oriented, and a major axis of the trim component is horizontally oriented along a top or bottom of the wall opening such that the receiver covers a side edge of the siding strip.

10. The siding system according to claim 8, wherein a major axis of the siding strip is horizontally oriented, and a major axis of the trim component is vertically oriented along a lateral side of the wall opening such that an end of the siding strip is at least partially covered by the receiver.

11. The siding system according to claim 8, further including a plurality of siding strips having a horizontally oriented major axis, and wherein the trim component is vertically oriented along a lateral side of the wall opening such that an end of each the plurality of siding strips is at least partially covered by the receiver.

12. The siding system according to claim 8, wherein the trim component further includes an integral fastener receiving section positioned adjacent to the receiver.

13. The siding system according to claim 8, wherein the trim component is fastened to the wall such than a biasing force is created for urging the flange against the fixed structure positioned in or adjacent to the wall opening.

14. The siding system according to claim 8, further including first and second trim components, wherein:

a major axis of said first trim component is horizontally oriented;

a major axis of said second trim component is vertically oriented;

wherein an end of one of said first or second trim components is miter cut and overlaps with a portion of corresponding end of the opposite trim component adjacent to a corner of the opening.

15. The siding system according to claim 8, further including first and second trim components, wherein:

a major axis of said first trim component is horizontally oriented and a first end of said first trim component is miter cut;

a major axis of said second trim component is vertically oriented and a second end of said second trim component is miter cut;

wherein said miter cut end of the first trim component mates in an abutting relationship with the second miter cut end of the second trim component to form a miter joint.

16. The siding system according to claim 8, further including first and second pairs of trim components, wherein:

a major axis of each said first trim component is horizontally oriented and both ends of each said first trim component are miter cut;

a major axis of each said second trim component is vertically oriented and both ends of each of said second trim component are miter cut;

wherein said miter cut ends fit together in an abutting relationship to form a miter joint adjacent to each corner of the opening.

17. The siding system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one siding strip includes an integral portion simulating the appearance of grout or chinking that remains exposed when the portion of the siding strip adjacent to the wall opening is positioned in the receiver of the trimming component.

18. The siding system according to claim 8, wherein the flange includes a foot and the fixed structure includes a J-shaped channel positioned adjacent to the wall opening for receiving the foot.

19. The siding system according to claim 8, wherein the fixed structure is a preassembled window or door unit having a groove for receiving an end of the flange.

20. A method for trimming an opening in a wall carrying a plurality of parallel, horizontally extending siding strips, comprising:

providing first and second elongated trim components, each having a major axis and including an outwardly bowed integral portion for simulating the appearance of a log or timber adjacent to the window opening;

miter cutting at least one end of one of said trim components;

orienting the trim components such that the major axis of the first trim component is aligned with a substantially horizontal axis, the major axis of the second trim component is aligned with a substantially vertical axis, and a portion of the one of said trim components having the miter cut end overlaps with the other said trim component.