Abstract: Bundle (1) of shingles (2) characterized in that the shingles (2) are disposed superposed over their width (I) in a bundle column (20), but not strictly superposed over their length (L) in this bundle column (20), the bundle of shingles thus comprising but a single bundle column (20) of shingles of a width (I) equal to the width (I) of one shingle (2) and a length greater than the length (L) of one shingle (2).

Abstract: Laminated hip and ridge asphalt shingle having a first, a second and a third layer laminated together by a lamination adhesive. The first layer is of two L-shaped configurations, each having a horizontal head portion and a vertical butt portion. The horizontal head portions are superimposed on each other, while the vertical butt portions are placed adjacent to each other and form a gap which allows bending of the first layer thereby preventing stress and breaking. The second layer overlaps the firs layer. The third layer only overlaps the head portion of the second layer. The top surface of the shingle is coated with mineral granules, while portions of the undersurface of the shingle are coated with a self-seal adhesive to secure the shingle to the hip or ridge of a roof.

Abstract: A roofing shingle includes a substrate layer which is adapted to be secured to a roof of a building. The roofing shingle also includes an insulator layer co-extruded or otherwise secured to the substrate layer. The insulator layer includes a resin film having borosilicate implanted therein. A method of fabricating a roofing shingle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A decorative simulated thatch unit includes a clamp, flexible decorative cords, and a press strip. The clamp includes a top wall, two side walls confronting each other, and spaced teeth provided longitudinally along at least one of the side walls and distally from the top wall, and extending toward the other one of the side walls. The top wall cooperates with the side walls to define a receiving space. The decorative cords have U bent portions received in the receiving space and clamped by the side walls, and two end portions extending out of the clamp from the U bent portions through gaps among the teeth. The press strip is received in and is straddled by the U bent portions. The press strip presses the U bent portions against the top wall, and is retained in the receiving space by the teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof covering for cleaning and keeping the roofs of buildings clean, in particular of plant growth, or pollutants, comprising a sheet-like material (1) which reacts in co-operation with moisture. The sheet-like material forms a partly closed chamber, when in the state of being set upon an inferior roof element (5) and slowly releases the moisture accumulated in said chamber to the exterior.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a siding system for buildings and other structures. Specifically, this invention relates to an improved siding system that prevents the collection of moisture between the vinyl siding and the wall of the building.

Abstract: The present invention is a vinyl siding panel and a method of making the vinyl siding panel. One embodiment of the vinyl siding panel comprises a planar row extending the longitudinal length of the vinyl siding panel. The siding panel may also have a slightly curved row. A reinforcement panel may be secured to the siding panel. In such case, the slightly curved row of siding may be secured to a planar portion of the reinforcement panel. In addition, an intermediate portion of the siding panel may be thicker than the outer portions of the siding panel.

Abstract: A dendritic web solar cell shingled array comprises at least two dendritic web solar cells. A first cell overlaps a portion of a second cell such that a back contact of the first cells interconnects with a top contact of the second cell. The cells are less than 150 microns thick, allowing a direct connection between the back contact and top contact of the two cells without the use of a visible busbar. The cells may be shingled together using soldering material and/or electrically conductive adhesives.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surface covering building materials for roofs, sidewalls and other exterior surfaces exposed tb the weather such as, but not limited to, asphaltic and non-asphaltic roofing materials, wherein said surface covering building materials exhibit long-term resistance to microbial growth-induced staining. The surface covering building materials include a component having antimicrobial potential which consists essentially of (a) a copper component or a tin component and (b) a barium metaborate monohydrate component.

Abstract: A multi-layered shingle adapted to be positioned with other similar shingles in an overlapping arrangement on a roof to yield a simulated wooden shake roof covering comprising a headlap portion and a butt portion. The butt portion comprises a series of multi-layered tabs. All the tabs have the same number of layers and each multi-layered tab (a) is separated from the next adjacent multi-layered tab or tabs by a space or spaces, respectively, and (b) comprises an uppermost layer and at least two layers underlying the uppermost layer. Each underlying layer is laminated to the layer above it to form a multi-layered laminated composite. The laminated composite is integral with the headlap portion and the top surface of the uppermost layer of each tab is coplanar with the top surface of the headlap portion. The invention also includes an apparatus and a process for the continuous manufacture of the shingles of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a siding system for buildings and other structures. Specifically, this invention relates to an improved siding system that prevents the collection of moisture between the vinyl siding and the wall of the building.

Abstract: A modified copolymer latex binder comprising a styrene-butadiene latex and a urea-formaldehyde resin that may be used in preparation of polyester fiber mats that are useful in the roofing industry.

Abstract: In a method of improving the weathering of a bituminous coating, a microwave-produced carbon black is added to the coating. The microwave-produced carbon black is added in an amount sufficient to increase the cycles-to-failure of the coating by at least about 10% compared to the same coating without the added microwave-produced carbon black, when tested for weathering according to ASTM D 4799-00.

Abstract: A roofing shingle includes a substrate layer which is adapted to be secured to a roof of a building. The roofing shingle also includes an insulator layer co-extruded or otherwise secured to the substrate layer. The insulator layer includes a resin film having borosilicate implanted therein. A method of fabricating a roofing shingle is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coated fiber mat of improved tear strength upon dividing pieces of the coated mat and the coating which comprises a cured, non-woven, fiber glass mat containing a polysiloxane wherein the fibers are fixedly distributed in a formaldehyde type binder containing a binder modifier which is a crosslinked styrene/acrylic polymer, and to a process for the preparation of the mat.

Abstract: The roof shingle system of the present invention includes rows of shingle elements having parallel, slanting lower edges that are aligned to divert the flow of water away from areas where high flow volumes are not desired toward areas where high flow volumes will not cause harm. Because water flowing down a surface will tend to adhere to that surface, the water flowing down the surface of the shingle system of the present invention will tend to follow the slanting lower edges of the shingle elements in the direction of the slanted edges so as to provide a way to control the flow of water on the surface of a roof.

Abstract: A novel composition of a materials that can be extruded into sheets to form panels to create a roofing system wherein the panels are formed to interlock with like panels in order to provide a substantially weatherproof covering on a roof. The sheet member has a top layer made of ASA (Acrylonitrile/Styrene/Acrylate polymer) and a bottom layer made of PVC (Polyvinylchloride). The two layers are extruded and bonded or preferably coextruded. Then the bonded materials are thermoformed to resemble more popular types of roof coverings such as shake or shingles or tiles.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a siding plank assembly comprising an interlocking feature that allows the siding plank to be stacked with other siding planks in a manner such that a uniform and deep shadow line is created. The interlocking feature sets the gauge of the exposed plank face and allows for leveling of the plank during installation. The siding plank assembly comprises a main plank section securely bonded to a second piece that produces a deep shadow line. In preferred embodiments, the second piece may be a fiber cement butt piece or a plastic spline that is bonded to the main plank section. A lock structure may also be included on the fiber cement butt piece or plastic spline.

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 method of manufacturing laminated roofing shingles comprises coating a continuously supplied shingle mat having a width W with roofing asphalt to make an asphalt coated sheet, and subjecting the asphalt coated sheet to one of two subsequent processes. The first process comprises covering the asphalt coated sheet with granules in a first pattern suitable for making laminated shingles with an overlay having tabs and cutouts, where the area of the tabs approximately equals the area of the cutouts, thereby forming a first granule covered sheet. The second process comprises covering the asphalt coated sheet with granules in a second pattern suitable for making laminated shingles with an overlay having tabs and cutouts, where the area of the tabs is substantially greater than the area of the cutouts, thereby forming a second granule covered sheet.

Abstract: An improved roof and method wherein each course of slate is underlaid with an interlayment material layer such that the interlayment material acts as a base to the through joints, resulting in a reduction in the amount of slate used by approximately 40% to 50%. The slate meets side to side (the through joint), the underlaying interlayment material providing sufficient waterproofing to protect the roof as well as being of lighter weight and a more economical slate roof than the slate which it replaces.

Abstract: A wall siding system for simulating a log wall structure having notched, interlocking log ends includes a plurality of cambered side planks with each side plank having opposed longitudinal tongue and groove edges for interconnecting to adjacent side planks so that the side planks can be secured to vertical wall surfaces, and a plurality of end caps that straddle and cover the corner of adjoining vertical wall surfaces and that are securable to each adjacent vertical wall surface for creating an alternating and interlocking arrangement thereby simulating authentic notched log ends. The end caps project past the corner of adjoining vertical wall surfaces whereupon the end caps that are secured to spacer elements of one vertical wall surface alternate with and project at a right angle to the end caps secured to the spacer elements of the adjoining vertical wall surface.

Abstract: Siding boards for clapboard boarding are used in a clapboard boarding structure in which lower side portions of upper siding boards are overlapped frontward of upper side portions of lower siding boards for installing a plurality of siding boards to a framework of a building. The siding boards are ceramic type siding boards with vertical joint grooves being formed on designed surfaces. Lower edges of the lower side portions of the siding boards are formed at different heights with the boundaries of the vertical joint grooves. Rear surface stepped portions that have been obtained by notching the rear surface are formed at the lower side portions. Upper end portions of the rear surface stepped portions are formed in a substantially straight line in lateral directions.

Abstract: Systems and methods of connecting plates form structures such as roof coverings, awnings, wall coverings, floor coverings, ceiling coverings, decorative sculptures and the like. Each plate is configured to connect to at least one adjacent plate to form a structure of interconnected plates. Fastening surfaces are provided for securing the structure of interconnected plates to a further structure, such as a roof, a wall or framework of, for example, a window or door awning. Each plate has edges that are folded over toward opposing sides of the plate. The folded-over edges form channels on opposite facing sides of the plate which receive folded-over edges of other plates to. connect the plates together in a structure of interconnected plates. The plates may be rectangular, square, trapezoidal or triangle shaped.

Abstract: A roof transition system is provided for supporting and ventilating roof tiles near a roof transition such as a valley or a side wall. The system includes a corrugated flashing and an eave riser extension containing one or more openings for ventilation and drainage. The eave riser extension supports the lowermost row of roof tiles along the eaves at the pitch desired for the roof transition. The eave riser extension completes the closure of the entire eaves' and provides support, ventilation, and drainage, while also providing a barrier to wind-driven precipitation, bird nesting, and animal invasion.

Abstract: An integral, one-piece, multi-layered shingle and method of fabrication from a planar sheet of shingle material, e.g., asphalt. The planar sheet comprises a base portion having first and second, parallel, lateral edges, with plural elongated tabs extending from the first lateral edge. The plural elongated tabs are uniquely different but each features a side edge midportion perpendicular to the first lateral edge. Extending from the second lateral edge are a like plurality of short tabs, where the short tabs are laterally offset from the elongated tabs. In a roof placement mode, the elongated tabs are first folded onto the base portion at a midpoint thereof, then reversely bent back upon themselves to form a three layer section. To complete the fabrication, the base portion is folded toward the folded elongated tabs such that the short tabs are positioned adjacent at least one elongated tab to form a second section of two layers.

Abstract: A steel roofing panel support system is disclosed herein. The system generally includes a support element positioned on a roof surface, the support being configured to support at least a portion of a steel roof panel to be placed thereon. The support element may be cut from a block of expanded polystyrene such that the support is substantially wedge-shaped. A support element as disclosed herein may also be used in installations of steel panels over existing wood shakes or other roof surfaces.

Abstract: A hip and ridge shingle includes a base sheet having colored granules adhered to the top surface. A chip is adhered to the base at the trailing edge of the base sheet. A sealant bead is provided parallel to and adjacent the leading edge of base sheet.

Abstract: A vinyl siding wall ornamentation packaged as a self-contained kit including one or both of an already assembled vinyl siding design, and a plurality of vinyl siding strips to be assembled according to predetermined plan, for overlaying the wall in substantially watertight securement.

Abstract: An exterior panel includes a plurality of slots extending across the width of the panel. A plurality of nailing holes resides above the slots into which nails are driven to secure the panel to the surface of a building structure. The slots permit expansion and contraction of the panel relative to the surface of the building structure.

Abstract: A laminated shingle simulates a tiled roof when placed with other similar shingles on a roof deck. The laminated shingle includes an overlay member and an underlay member fixedly attached to each other. The overlay member includes an upper or headlap portion and a lower or exposed butt portion with one or more substantially identically shaped tabs with a cutout between each tab. The lower edge of the tabs may have a curving or negative contour. The tabs may taper in width from the butt edge to the lower edge of the headlap portion. The upper edge of the cutouts may have a generally straight contour or a generally curved contour. The lower edge of the underlay member may have a generally straight contour or a portion of the lower edge may have a generally curving contour. The overlay member and/or underlay member may include a darker shading area to enhance the tile simulating aspect of the shingle.

Abstract: A laminated shingle simulates a tiled roof when placed with other similar shingles on a roof deck. The laminated shingle includes an overlay member and an underlay member fixedly attached to each other. The overlay member includes an upper or headlap portion and a lower or exposed butt portion with one or more substantially identically shaped tabs with a cutout between each tab. The lower edge of the tabs may have a curving or negative contour. The tabs may taper in width from the butt edge to the lower edge of the headlap portion. The upper edge of the cutouts may have a generally straight contour or a generally curved contour. The lower edge of the underlay member may have a generally straight contour or a portion of the lower edge may have a generally curving contour. The overlay member and/or underlay member may include a darker shading area to enhance the tile simulating aspect of the shingle.

Abstract: A corner piece includes a first group of vertically stacked walls and a second group of vertically stacked walls is provided. Each wall in the first and second groups includes an exterior face and an interior face and a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge. The first group and second groups meet at a common corner defined by the first lateral edges. The exterior faces collectively include an ornamental appearance containing a plurality of vertically stacked shingle impressions. The second lateral edges of the walls in at least one of the groups are staggered in width relative to the common corner, wherein the shingle impressions of the at least one group overlap at least a portion of the siding panels when the siding panels and the corner piece are fastened to the structure.

Abstract: A brick prefabricated pocket construction element which becomes part of a cornice of a building under construction comprising a molded form made of metal, plastic, or vinyl, that is positioned on top of a brick wall facing. The device includes a soffit pocket. The brick pocket eliminates lumber for brick pockets and reduces maintenance. The brick pocket comprises a flat backplate with screw holes adjacent the top and bottom edges. A horizontal lip or soffit flange is positioned below the screw holes adjacent the top edge of the backplate. A cover wall is spaced below the horizontal lip. The horizontal plate extends from the back plate and has a vertical face or outer wall that extends downward and is spaced from the back plate to form the brick pocket. The space between the horizontal lip and the horizontal plate forms the soffit pocket.

Abstract: A shingle mounting system includes a plurality of securing strips for detachably securing shingles to a roof surface. Each securing strip includes a base portion, a folding edge, and plural projecting members attached to the base. Each shingle has a line of perforations formed through an upper edge thereof. Shingles are attached to the securing strip by placing the projecting members through the holes in the shingles, and folding the folding edge of the securing strip over the base portion. A roofing kit according to the invention includes shingles, securing strips, and at least two adjustable spacer tools. Each of the tools includes two channeled pieces that are slidably nested one inside another, and which may be locked in relative position via a locknut assembly. The tool operates to measure spaced placement of the next securing strip, eliminating the need to hand measure spacing of each succeeding shingle row.

Abstract: A tile (1) provided with lateral longitudinal fixed joinable lower elements (13) on an underlying surface (8) and upper (14), and at a front end of the tile, an antisliding detent (15) is present. A method and system for covering a roof using a tile (1) having a central curved portion whereby two or more tiers are formed by the tiles joined together by upper elements and lower elements, and adjacent tiers joined together with one tier overlying an adjacent tier and being locked together by the antisliding detent.

Abstract: A tile comprises a fire resistant ceramic, which is obtained by mixing and kneading defatted bran obtained from rice bran and a thermosetting resin, primarily baking the resulting mixture in an inert gas at 700° C. to 1000° C., crushing the resulting product into carbonized powder, mixing and kneading the carbonized powder with a ceramic powder, a solvent and, optionally, a binder to provide a plasticized mixture (ceramic-solvent mixture), pressure forming the mixture at a compression pressure of 10 MPa to 100 MPa, and heat treating the resulting compact again in an atmosphere of an inert gas at 500 to 1400° C.

Abstract: A sheet with weight preventing the leakage of rainwater with easy operation. The sheet with weight comprises a sheet portion and a weight mounted along an edge of said sheet portion. The sheet may be accommodated in a cylindrical portion integrally formed along the edge of the sheet portion, and the weight can be a metal chain.

Abstract: A protection layer for use in a waterproofing or roofing system and a method for making the protection layer in a rollable form is disclosed. The protection layer includes a core matrix of felt and asphalt saturant typical in many roofing products. The protection layer also includes a unique coating applied to the matrix. The coating comprises a mixture of asphaltic waste, a relatively soft asphalt, and a filler. The addition of the coating to the matrix results in a product that is flexible enough to allow the product to be rolled without cracking, yet is sufficiently puncture and scuff resistant to adequately protect an underlying membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-flammability shingle comprising at least one double-sidedly bituminized textile sheet material to whose surface has been applied a pulverulent or flaky flame protectant at least single-sidedly, and to roofs comprising these shingles.

Abstract: A tile simulating four tiles having a reticulated mesh support and free assembly, which forms on a single piece two longitudinally superimposed ridge tiles and two adjacent channel tiles that are also superimposed and which are concave on the top face and have a flat support on the bottom face. The longitudinal side of the channel tiles has a flat area in an ascending oblique position. Both the concave area and the flat area on the bottom face have lugs with a trapezoidal section serving as support on the cover. The tile has a posterior peripheral ridge ending in an edge with a descending step at the height in which superimposition of the tiles is simulated. The flat area on the perimeter has a peripheral edge and other vertical ridges extending parallel to the edge and interrupted by oblique channels.

Abstract: Exterior finishing panels are provided which contain an elongated, thermoplastic sheet which is supported by a rigid support member disposed along a portion of the length of the sheet. The panels of this invention will be more kink-resistant, and will ride uneven walls better to present a flatter-looking finished wall surface. These panels are also capable of being worked with ordinary hand tools, such as a standard wood saw made of steel or carbide.

Abstract: A sealed roof and a method of sealing a roof is disclosed. The sealed roof is of the type having a inclined substrate with a first layer of shingles attached thereto. A sealing means is positioned adjacent at least a portion of the first layer of shingles. A second later of shingles is placed over the sealing means and attached to the roof.

Abstract: A method of installing differently colored roofing shingles to create the appearance of a substantially random colored pattern. The method includes the selection of at least two colors of roofing shingles. The shingles are installed in a plurality of rows on a roofing substrate in a repetitive pattern. Advantageously, the method creates a visually aesthetic roof at a desirably low cost.

Abstract: A laminated shingle is provided, having lighter and darker granule portions visible from the front, at different planes; the front-most or anterior plane generally having granules of lighter shading and the more rearward or posterior plane generally having darker granules. The darker granules in the more posterior plane are visible from the front of the shingle to provide visually sharp, precise delineation between zones of lighter and darker shading. The shingles may be of multi-layer construction with suitable adhesives securing the layers together. The darker granules may be visible from beneath the lower edge(s) of the anterior shingle, to provide a shadow line effect. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the darker shingle zones from the more posterior plane may be visible through tab-separating slots of the lighter shaded anterior shingle portion.

Abstract: A sheet of shingles for application to the ridge or hips of a roof. Two or more shingles are arranged in a generally straight line with the tops of adjacent shingles generally aligned with one another, with the bottoms of adjacent shingles generally aligned with one another. The second edge of a prior shingle overlaps and is above the first edge of any immediately subsequent shingle. Adhesive is placed in the overlapping area of adjacent shingles to connect such shingles, leaving the corners unattached so that the upper, overlapping corners can be lifted to nail the lower, overlapped corners to the roof. Tar is placed between the overlapping and the overlapped corners in order to utilize solar energy to seal the corners of the adjacent shingles to one another after the nails have been inserted.

Abstract: Self-aligning shingle members and self-aligning laminated shingle members. The shingle members have at least an alignment strip on the bottom surfaces which mates and nests with the top edge or corresponding alignment strip on the underlying course of shingles. In one embodiment, each of the shingle members has an alignment strip on the bottom surface which nests with the top edge of the underlying course, creating a self-aligning roofing shingle system which is easier to align and install. In another embodiment, alignment strips are provided on both the top and bottom surfaces of the shingle member and the alignment strip on the bottom surface is adopted to mate and nest with the alignment strip on the top surface of shingle members in the underlying course of shingles. This provides a self-aligning shingle system with the appearance of a three-layer laminated shingle structure. The courses of shingle members can also be interlocked together with appropriately shaped interlocking alignment strips.

Abstract: There is provided a hip, ridge, or rake shingle, which includes a shingle panel and at least one rigid back member. The shingle panel has a substantially planar lower surface. The at least one rigid back member has a length substantially the same as or greater than the length of the shingle panel. The rigid back member is attached to the substantially planar lower surface of the shingle panel. The rigid back member includes a step in thickness in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the substantially planar lower surface and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rigid back member. In addition, the thickness of the rigid back member at the high level of the step is greater than the thickness of the rigid back member at one of its ends. There is also provided an asphaltic adhesive including from about 62% to about 99% by weight of an asphalt cement; from about 0.5% to about 15% by weight of a first thermoplastic having a glass-transition temperature in the range from about 190° F.

Abstract: Roofing tiles and associated methods are used in the construction of multi-functional roofs. Tiles are fit together to define an internal cavity which can be sealed to maintain a gas, liquid and/or other material therein. Filling materials include such things as fire retardants, colored materials, heatable liquid or other materials to provide different functional aspects for a roof made from the tiles.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a siding unit which is adapted for installation. An exemplary embodiment of the siding unit has at least 1.5 courses of vinyl siding. The courses of vinyl siding are preferably formed by one or more facing panels which are comprised of polyvinyl chloride. A reinforcing panel is glued or otherwise laminated to the inside of each course of vinyl siding. The reinforcing panel is preferably comprised of expanded or extruded polystyrene.