Apparatus for Aiding in the Installation and Sealing of Siding

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for aiding in the installation of successive horizontal layers of siding members (150) to a sidewall construction (50). The apparatus (100) also aids in the sealing of the seams between successive horizontal siding layers. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus (100) is used to aid in the installation and sealing of siding members (150) comprised of a fiber cement composite material. The fiber cement composite siding members (150) are heavier than traditional siding pieces and require more than one person to lift for installation. With the use of the apparatus (100), successive horizontal layers of composite siding members (150) can be installed on the sidewall construction (50) by a single person. One or more sealing members 207 secure and seal the siding members (150) to the apparatus (100) and provide a moisture impervious seal between the seams of successive layers of the horizontal siding members (150).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Statement of the Technical Field

The invention relates to an apparatus for aiding in the installation and sealing of siding on a building. More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus for siding in the installation and sealing of successive horizontal layers of fiber cement composite siding on a sidewall construction of a building.

2. Description of the Related Art

The construction industry continues to seek improvements in the materials and processes by which buildings such as homes, office buildings, and shopping malls are constructed. For example, one recent improvement has been the use of siding made from non-traditional materials such as fiber cement or composite materials instead of traditional wood, aluminum or vinyl siding. Fiber cement composite siding is made of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers. Fiber cement composite siding offers the appearance of traditional wood-based siding materials with much lower maintenance requirements, while maintaining its shape and color much better than vinyl siding. It's available in a variety of textures, profiles, and colors to match individual design requirements. Fiber cement composite siding manufacturers offer complete systems for siding, decorative shapes, soffit and trim applications. About 12% to 15% of all new homes are now clad with fiber cement composite siding.

In adidtion, the fiber cement composite siding doesn't warp, buckle, or fade like vinyl siding products and holds a Class 1 (A) Fire Rating. Fiber cement composite siding will not rot, is capable of withstanding damaging effects of salt spray and ultraviolet rays, and cannot be penetrated by birds or insects. Once installed, the composite concrete siding stands up to bumps and direct impacts, unlike aluminum siding, and doesn't become brittle in freezing conditions or melt in the presence of heat sources, like barbecue grills, as does vinyl siding. Fiber cement composite siding holds paint well, with some siding products warranted to hold paint for up to twenty-five years.

There are drawbacks to the use of fiber cement composite siding instead of traditional wood, aluminum, and vinyl siding. For example, special tools and expertise are required to install it. In addition, the fiber cement composite siding pieces weigh more than traditional wood, aluminum, and vinyl siding pieces. The additional weight requires more labor to install. Typically, two or more persons are required to lift and hold the siding pieces in place while securing them to the sidewall construction. One other drawback with the use of fiber cement composite siding and other types of siding is that moisture can get between the siding and the sidewall construction by infiltrating the abutting end joints and horizontal seams. The moisture can cause wood siding or the sidewall construction materials to rot or the moisture can freeze and expand forcing the siding to detach from the sidewall construction.

There are brackets known in the art for aiding in the installation of successive layers of traditional siding materials to a sidewall construction of a structure. For example, in U.S. patent application serial no. 2002/0174618 to Carroll, there is an apparatus for installing siding over a wall composed of spaced apart studs and for forming an interlock of the siding and for providing easy installation and for resistance to high winds and for allowing waters to drawing therefrom comprising an upside down U-shaped receiving member for being clipped on a first siding plank and connected to a second U-shaped receiving member with the second U-shaped receiving member being faced for receiving a second siding plank for crating the desired over lap relationship between the first and second siding planks. One form of the apparatus has a substantially U-shaped aperture formed therein for avoiding the studs when clipped on a siding plank. Another form of the apparatus has a second up side down U-shaped receiving member for being clipped on factory created end joints which may meet at any location on the wall without regard to the studs to form a joint.

Another example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,208,799 where a siding gauge is used to enable one man to install successive layers of board siding or other types where a one inch or other predetermined overlap is required. The gauge also ensures the siding is level. The gauge comprises a part of J shaped members joined base to base, one inverted relative to the other.

A further example is shown Japanese patent publication JP2002047781 to Takeshi which discloses a bracket for attaching siding to an external wall. The bracket also serves to prevent infiltration of water into the joint portion of the siding. The bracket is comprised of a main body, an engaging portion, and a watertight material stuck to an area astride the main body. The watertight material is arranged on each of right and left ends of a first engaging piece of the engaging portion, and stuck to the area astride a support portion of the main body, and the horizontal piece and the first engaging piece of the engaging portion.

None of the prior art devices are for use with fiber cement composite siding. In view of the forgoing, there remains a need for an apparatus for aiding in the installation and sealing of fiber cement composite siding which reduces the labor required to install the siding. Particularly, there remains a need for an apparatus for aiding in the installation of fiber cement composite siding which allows one person to install the siding. In addition, the apparatus must seal the horizontal seams of the siding boards to prevent moisture from infiltrating behind the siding boards.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus for aiding in the installation and sealing of successive layers of siding members to a sidewall construction. The apparatus comprises a planar body having first, second, third, and fourth peripheral edges, a first channel disposed outwardly and upwardly from a first surface of the planar body, and a second channel disposed outwardly and downwardly from a second surface of the planar body.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first channel is disposed outwardly and upwardly from the front surface along the fourth peripheral edge of the planar body. The second channel is disposed a predetermined distance from the third peripheral edge of the planar body. The predetermined distance is in a range from between greater than zero to a distance less than the distance between the third and fourth peripheral edges of the planar body. The second channel is disposed a distance in the range of greater than zero inches to one and one-eighth inches from the fourth peripheral edge of the planar body.

The first channel defines a recess configured for receiving a second edge of a siding member defining a second siding layer of a sidewall construction. The second channel defines a recess configured for attaching to a first edge of a siding member defining a first siding layer of a sidewall construction. The first channel is removable from the apparatus after installation of the siding member defining the second siding layer to eliminate an unsightly appearance.

In another embodiment of the invention, the first channel is disposed outwardly and upwardly from the front surface along the fourth peripheral edge of the planar body. The second channel is disposed adjacent to the third peripheral edge of the planar body. The second channel is further disposed a distance in the range of grater than zero inches to one and one-eight inches from the fourth peripheral edge of the planar body.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first channel is u-shaped and has a width of one-quarter inch. The second channel is u-shaped and has a width of one-quarter inch. The first and second channels extend between the first and second peripheral edges of the planar body. The planar body, the first channel, and the second channel are comprised of a material that is a member of the group consisting of plastic, metal and composite. The planar body has a length between said first and second peripheral edges in the range of between greater than zero and three inches.

The apparatus further comprises a sealing member disposed adjacent to at least one of said first and second channels. The sealing member is a member of the group consisting of an adhesive strip with a peel-off backing and liquid adhesive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawing figures, in which like numerals represent like items throughout the figures, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary portion of a sidewall construction showing the intended use of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for aiding in the installation and sealing of successive horizontal layers of a siding material to the sidewall construction.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view showing an exemplary portion of a sidewall construction showing the intended use of the exemplary embodiment apparatus for aiding in the installation of two successive horizontal layers of a siding material to a sidewall construction.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view showing an exemplary portion of a sidewall construction showing the intended use of the exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for aiding in the installation of two successive horizontal layers of a siding material to a sidewall construction.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary portion of a sidewall construction taken along 9-9 of FIG. 1 having successive horizontal layers of siding members installed with the aid of the apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus for aiding in the installation of two successive horizontal layers of a siding material to a sidewall construction.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of an apparatus of FIG. 10 for aiding in the installation of two successive horizontal layers of a siding material to a sidewall construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, shown is an exemplary portion of a sidewall construction 50 of a building under construction having an array of elongated, overlapping, interlocking horizontal siding members 150 installed hereon. The array of siding members 150 define an exterior, weather resistant protective layer to the sidewall construction 50. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the array of siding members 150 are fiber cement composite siding boards. However, the invention is not limited in this regard as other siding members made from other materials may be used. The siding members 150 are similar to traditional siding members used as an exterior protective layer on a sidewall construction.

The siding members 150 are typically available in one-eighth inch to one-half inch thicknesses, six to sixteen inch heights, and in standard length sizes up to sixteen feet. However, the invention is not limited in this regard as siding members manufactured in other thicknesses, widths, and lengths known to one of ordinary skill in the art could be used.

The array of horizontal siding members 150 are interconnected along the horizontal seams of successive adjacent horizontal siding layers by a plurality of apparatuses 100. The apparatuses 100 could be disposed in a staggered configuration between successive horizontal siding layers during the installation of the siding members 150. For example, the apparatus 100 could be disposed at the intersection of two horizontally abutting siding members 150 defining the second siding layer. The apparatus 100 could also be disposed at other locations along the elongated length of the siding members 150.

The apparatus 100 comprises a first channel 120 disposed on a first or front surface configured for receiving the first or bottom edge 154 of a second siding member 150. The second siding member 150 defines a second siding layer installed above a previously installed first siding layer of a sidewall construction 50. The apparatus 100 further comprises a second channel 130 disposed on a second or rear surface for attachment to a first or top edge 153 of a first siding member 150 defining the first siding layer. The first siding member 150 is disposed beneath the second siding member 150 in an overlapping relationship. A sealing member 107 is disposed adjacent to each of the first and second channels 120, 130. The sealing members 107 adhere the apparatus 100 to the respective top and bottom top edges 153, 154 of the first and second siding members 150.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-6, shown are various views of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 100 used for aiding in the installation of fiber cement composite siding 150. FIG. 2 shows a front elevated view while FIG. 3 shows a right side view thereof, FIG. 4 shows a top view thereof, FIG. 5 shows a rear view thereof, and FIG. 6 shows a bottom view thereof. The apparatus 100 is made from a material such as plastic, metal, or composites of varying height and length. However, the invention is not limited in this regard as the apparatus 100 can be comprised of any material known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The height of the apparatus 100 is selected to match the height of the siding members 150 chosen for the particular sidewall construction 50. The length of the apparatus 100 can vary from a few inches up to the length of a siding member 150 to be installed.

The apparatus 100 is comprised of a rectangular planar body 101. The planar body 101 is comprised of a first or left peripheral edge 101a, a second or right peripheral edge 101b, a third or top peripheral edge 101c, and a fourth or bottom peripheral edge 101d. The first channel 120 is disposed on the first or front surface of the planar body 101 along the fourth peripheral edge 101d of the planar body 101. The first channel 120 is configured for receiving the second or bottom edge 154 of a second siding member 150 defining a second siding layer in the sidewall construction 50. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first channel 120 is “u” shaped and is approximately one-quarter inch in width. However, the invention is not limited in this regard as the shape and width of the first channel 120 can vary according to the shape and thickness of the siding members 150 chosen for a particular sidewall construction 50.

The first channel 120 is comprised of a lip 121 and a ledge 122 defining a recess 123 (FIG. 3). The recess 123 of the first channel 120 is configured for receiving the second or bottom edge 154 of the siding member 150 defining a second siding layer in the sidewall construction 50.

As discussed, the sealing member 107 is disposed adjacent the first channel 120 for adhering and sealing the siding member 150 defining the second siding layer to the first or front surface of the planar body 100. The sealing member 107 can include an adhesive strip having a peel-off backing or other adhesive such as a liquid adhesive.

There is a second channel 130 on a second or rear surface of the planar body 101. The second channel 130 (also seen in FIG. 8) is for interconnecting the apparatus 100 to a first or top edge 153 of the siding member 150 defining the first siding layer. The second channel 130 is disposed downwardly on the second surface of the planar body 101 approximately one and one-eight inch from the fourth peripheral edge 101d of the planar body 101. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second channel 130 is u-shaped and is approximately one-quarter inch in width and extends the length of the planar body 101. However, the invention is not limited in this regard as the shape and width of the second channel 120 can vary according to the shape and thickness of the siding members 150 selected for a particular sidewall construction 50.

The second channel 130 is comprised of a lip 131 disposed downwardly from a ledge 132 which collectively define a recess 133. The recess 133 is configured for attachment to the first or top edge 153 of a siding member 150 in the first siding layer disposed beneath the second siding layer being interconnected by the apparatus 100.

The lip 131 further comprises a resilient undulation 131a which curves toward the planar body 101. The undulation 131a aids in the second channel 130 gripping the first or top edge 153 of the siding member 150 to attach the apparatus 100 thereto. There is a sealing member 107 disposed between the second channel 130 and the fourth or bottom peripheral edge 101d of the planar body 101. The sealing member 107 could be an adhesive strip with a peel-off backing or other adhesive. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sealing member 107 is an adhesive strip that is approximately three-quarters of an inch in width.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, shown are front and rear perspective views of an exemplary portion of a sidewall construction 50 wherein two successive horizontal siding layers are installed to illustrate the use of the apparatus 100 in the installation. The two successive horizontal siding layers are defined by a first siding layer disposed beneath a second siding layer. The first siding layer is defined by a single continuous first siding member 150. The first siding layer may be the lowermost siding layer on a sidewall construction 50 or it could be a previously installed siding layer that already has been installed above another previously installed siding layer. The second siding layer is defined by a single continuous second siding member 150.

During installation, an apparatus 100 is installed on the top edge 153 of a siding member 150 defining the first siding layer. The apparatus 100 is attached to the first or top edge 153 of the first siding member 150 by attaching the second channel 130 onto the first or top edge 153 of the first siding member 150. Just prior to the second channel 130 being attached to the first or top edge 153 of the siding member 150, the peel-off backing from sealing member 107 disposed beneath the second channel 130 is removed. The sealing member 107 can now adhere the second or rear surface of the planar body 101 to the front surface of the first or top edge 153 of the first siding member 150. The apparatus 100 is pressed against the first siding member 150 to aid the sealing member 107 adhering the second surface of the planar body 101 to the first or top edge 153 of the first siding member 150.

With the apparatus 100 installed on the first or top edge 153 of the siding member 150 comprising the first siding layer, the siding member 150 is attached to the sidewall construction 50. The siding member 150 is attached to the sidewall construction with the use of attachment means such as nails 75. However, the invention is not limited in this regard as any suitable attachment means known to one of ordinary skill in the art can be used or as recommended by the manufacturer of the siding members 150. After ensuring the siding member 150 is level, the nails 75 are nailed through the planar body 101 at a predetermined interval above the first channel 120 but beneath the height of the second channel 130. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the predetermined interval is sixteen inches. The attachment of the siding member 150 to the sidewall construction 150 with the nails 75 is also seen in FIG. 9.

After the siding member 150 defining the first siding layer is installed on the sidewall construction 50, a siding member 150 defining the second siding layer can be installed on the sidewall construction 50 with the aid of the apparatus 100. Another apparatus 100 is attached to the first or top edge 153 of the siding member 150 to be installed. Prior to installation, the peel-off backing from the sealing member 107 disposed above the first channel 120 of the apparatus 100 installed on the previous siding layer is removed. The sealing member 107 adheres the first surface of planar body 101 to the rear surface of the siding member 150 being installed. The second or bottom edge 154 of the siding member 150 defining the second siding layer can be pressed to aid in the sealing member 107 adhering the rear surface of the siding member 150 to the first surface of the planar body 101. There is no need to level the siding member 150 defining the second siding layer during installation since the apparatus 100 automatically levels the siding member 150. Thus, an exemplary portion of a sidewall construction 50 wherein two successive horizontal first and second siding layers are installed using the apparatus 100 to aid in the installation is complete.

With the siding member 150 defining the second layer installed, another siding member 150 defining the next successive siding layer is installed with the use of the apparatus on the previous siding layer. With the use of the apparatus 100 as described, successive horizontal siding layers can be installed on a sidewall construction 50 of an entire structure. The use of the apparatus 100 to aid in the installation of the successive horizontal siding layers allows one person to install the heavy fiber cement siding pieces. After installation, the first channel 120 can be removed or broken off of planar body 101 for each of the apparatuses 100 installed to eliminate the otherwise unsightly appearance of the first channels.

In addition, the apparatus 100 forms a seal between the seams of successive horizontal first and second siding layers in the proximal location of the apparatus 100. This eliminates or reduces need for caulking. The sealing members 107 aid in sealing the horizontal seams reducing the need for caulking. In addition, a portion 101a of the planar body 101 extending above the second channel 130 serves as a backing which also reduces moisture penetration behind the siding members 150. The backing or portion 101e of planar body 101 can be of variable height which can extend in height from anywhere between just above the second channel 120 to the first or top edge of the siding member 150 defining the second siding layer. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the backing or portion 101e of planar body 101 extends from the second channel 120 to the first or top edge of the siding member 150 defining the second siding layer. However, the invention is not limited in this regard as the height of the backing or portion 101e of the planar body can vary according to design requirements and preferences.

Referring now to FIG. 9, shown is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary portion of a sidewall construction 50 having successive horizontal layers of siding members 150 installed with the aid of the apparatus 100. As previously described, a siding member 150 defining a first siding layer is installed on a sidewall construction 50. Prior to installation, the apparatus 100 is attached to the first or top edge 153 of the siding member 150 comprising the first siding layer. Once the apparatus 100 is installed on the first or top edge 153 of the first siding member 150, the apparatus 100 and the first siding member 150 can be secured to the sidewall construction 50 using nails 75 or other suitable fastening means.

Another siding member 150 defining the second siding layer 150 can then be installed by inserting the second or bottom edge 154 of the second siding member 150 into the first channel 120. Prior to the siding member 150 defining the second siding layer being installed, another apparatus 100 can now be attached on the first or top edge 153 of the siding member 150. The siding member 150 and the apparatus 100 are then nailed to the sidewall construction 50 as previously described. In this manner, successive horizontal layers of siding can be installed on the sidewall construction 50 with the aid of the apparatus 100. If desired, after the installation of the siding member 150 defining the second siding layer, the first channel 120 can be removed to prevent an otherwise unsightly appearance of the first channels 120. The first channel 120 can be removed by breaking or snapping it off from the planar body 101.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, shown are front and rear perspective views of an apparatus 200 which is very similar to the exemplary embodiment apparatus 100 except that the backing has been eliminated. The apparatus 200 is used identically to the apparatus 100 in the exemplary embodiment to aid in the installation and sealing of successive horizontal siding layers to a sidewall construction 50.

The apparatus is comprised of a planar body 201, first channel 220, second channel 230 and a sealing member 207 disposed adjacent to each of the first and second channels 220, 230. The planar body 101 is comprised of a first or left peripheral edge 201a, a second or right peripheral edge 201b, a third or top peripheral edge 201c, and a fourth or bottom peripheral edge 201d. The first channel 220 is disposed on the first or front surface of the planar body 201 along the bottom or fourth peripheral edge 201d of the planar body 201. The second channel 230 is disposed on the second or rear surface of the planar body 201 along the top or third peripheral edge 201c of the planar body 201.

The apparatus 200 can be of any length up to the length of a siding member 150 (like the siding member 150 in any of FIGS. 1-9) to be installed on a sidewall construction (not shown). Similarly, the first and second channels can be of any shape and width according to the shape and thickness of the siding member 150 chosen for the sidewall construction (not shown). The sealing member 207 could be an adhesive strip with a peel off backing or other adhesive.

The apparatus 200 is installed on the siding member 150 defining a first siding layer prior to the siding member 150 being installed on the sidewall construction (not shown). The peel-off backing from the sealing member 207 adjacent the second channel 230 is removed prior to the second channel 230 being installed onto the first or top edge 153 (similar to that shown in FIG. 7) of the siding member 150. The sealing member 207 adheres and seats the siding member 150 to the apparatus 200. The siding member 150 is then installed on the sidewall construction (not shown) with nails or other fastening means.

Another apparatus 200 is installed as previously described on another siding member 150 defining a second siding layer before the siding member 150 is attached to the sidewall construction (not shown). Prior to the sidewall member 150 being installed, the peel-off backing from the sealing member 207 disposed adjacent to the first channel 220 is removed. The second or bottom edge 154 (similar to that shown in FIG. 7) of the siding member 150 is inserted into the first channel 220 of the apparatus 200 attached to the siding member 150 defining the first siding layer. The sealing member 207 aids in adhering and sealing the siding member 150 defining the second siding layer to the apparatus 200 attached to the siding member 150 defining the first siding layer. After nailing the apparatus 200 and siding member 150 just installed, another siding member 150 defining yet another siding layer is prepared with another apparatus 200 for installation to the sidewall construction (not shown). The siding member 150 is then installed in the same manner as the previously installed siding layers. This process is repeated until all of the successive horizontal siding layers are installed on the sidewall construction (not shown).

All of the apparatus, methods and algorithms disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the apparatus, methods and sequence of steps of the method without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain components may be added to, combined with, or substituted for the components described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined.

Claims

1. An apparatus for aiding in the installation and sealing of successive layers of siding members to a sidewall construction; comprising:

a planar body, said planar body comprising first, second, third, and fourth peripheral edges;

a first channel disposed outwardly and upwardly from a first surface of the planar body; and

a second channel disposed outwardly and downwardly from a second surface of the planar body, said second channel disposed a predetermined distance from the third peripheral edge of said planar body.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first channel is disposed outwardly and upwardly from the front surface along the fourth edge of the planar body.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said predetermined distance is in a range from between greater than zero to a distance less than the distance between the third and fourth peripheral edges of the planar body.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second channel is disposed a distance in the range of greater than zero inches to one and one-eighth inches from the fourth peripheral edge of said planar body.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first channel defines a recess configured for receiving a second edge of a siding member defining a second siding layer of a sidewall construction.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second channel defines a recess configured for attaching to a first edge of a siding member defining a first siding layer of a sidewall construction.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first channel is u-shaped and has a width of one-quarter inch.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second channel is u-shaped and has a width of one-quarter inch.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and second channels extend between said first and second peripheral edges.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said planar body, said at first channel, and said second channel are comprised of a material that is a member of the group consisting of plastic, metal and composite.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a sealing member disposed adjacent to at least one of said first and second channels.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said sealing member is a member of the group consisting of an adhesive strip with a peel-off backing and liquid adhesive.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said planar body has a length between said first and second edges in the range of between greater than zero and three inches.

14. An apparatus for aiding in the installation and sealing of successive layers of siding members to a sidewall construction; comprising:

a planar body, said planar body comprising first, second, third, and fourth peripheral edges;

a first channel disposed outwardly and upwardly from a first surface of the planar body;

a second channel disposed outwardly and downwardly from a second surface of the planar body, said second channel disposed adjacent to the third peripheral edge of said planar body; and

at least one sealing member disposed adjacent to said first and second channels.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said second channel is disposed a distance in the range of greater than zero inches to one and one-eighth inches from the fourth peripheral edge of said planar body.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said first channel defines a recess configured for receiving a second edge of a siding member defining a second siding layer of a sidewall construction.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said second channel defines a recess configured for attaching to a first edge of a siding member defining a first siding layer of a sidewall construction.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said first and second channels extend between said first and second peripheral edges.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said planar body, said at first channel, and said second channel are comprised of a material that is a member of the group consisting of plastic, metal and composite.

20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said sealing member is a member of the group consisting of an adhesive strip with a peel-off backing and liquid adhesive.