Abstract: A wall/roof panel includes (a) a façade that has (i) an outer surface that defines a front surface of the panel and (ii) a rear surface and (b) a structural element connected to and supporting the façade.

Abstract: A double-shelled load-bearing structure module of any geometric shape, is formed from top and bottom secondary shell elements. A double-shelled load-bearing structure in the form of a primary shell structure is joined with the module, made of individual assembled load-bearing structure modules of this kind having statically necessary filling rods. The secondary shell elements have, in each corner, a connection pocket, which is open at the top or bottom or is open at the top and bottom, of appropriate size for connecting a plurality of load-bearing structure modules. The connection pocket, at least on the outside, on the outer vertical surfaces of the secondary shell elements, is delimited by preferably metal profiles or metal sheet. Connection tabs can also be disposed in each corner instead of connection pockets. The connection tabs are formed from angular surfaces, preferably metal sheet, protruding towards the intermediate space between the secondary shell elements.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a fence system having a plurality of panel assemblies. The panel assemblies of the plurality of panel assemblies interconnect to one another, whereby first and second interlocking structures extend along planes of each panel assembly to mount onto an adjacent panel assembly. The first interlocking structure has an intermediate wall and the second interlocking structure has a fastening wall that hides a fastener passing through the intermediate wall when panel assemblies of the plurality of panel assemblies are interconnected to one another. The plurality of panel assemblies mounts onto at least two posts.

Abstract: A column body (3) is, for example, an H steel column. Abase plate (5) is joined to the lower end of the column body (3). Anchor bolts (9) are inserted into a foundation (7) and are fixed thereto. Slits (13a), (13b) are provided in the base plate (5). The slits (13a), (13b) are formed in mutually different directions. The slits (13a), (13b) are formed so as to surround the anchor bolts (9) (holes of the base plate (5)). More specifically, the anchor bolts (9) are surrounded from a plurality of directions by the slits (13a), (13b) formed in a plurality of different directions.

Abstract: The invention relates to structural panel systems which utilize different configurations to increase the flexibility of the panel systems. The increased flexibility of the panel systems may be achieved through the use of improved connection patterns and/or improved sidelap strength. The improved sidelap strength may be achieved through the use of a reinforcing member between edges of the panels or other sidelap configurations that improve the strength of the system along the sidelaps. The increased flexibility may also be achieved through the use of orienting flutes of the panels in the same direction as the supports members of the panel systems. The different aspects of the invention that improve the flexibility of the systems may be utilized alone or in combination with each other to improve the wall panel systems or roof panel systems, or combinations thereof, to improve the displacement capacity of the panel systems for in-plane shear loading.

Abstract: A batten for use in roofing applications is defined by an upside-down U-shaped channel with outwardly projecting horizontal flanges. In certain versions, the legs forming the sides of the channel are asymmetrical to allow vertical orientation of at least one of the legs when installed on an angled roof. This improves strength and load bearing of the installed member, and allows it to provide a fall barrier for roof installers. In certain versions, one of the flanges has a ribbed impact reduction zone. This zone deforms when a building anchor, such as a nail, passes through it to anchor the member to a roof. The deformation prevents anchors fired from conventional equipment from passing completely through the member and holds the anchors more securely in place.

Abstract: A method is described for establishing a nail connection between two components as well as a nail therefor. The nail is driven through the non-prepunched components in the joining area at a high speed such that the nail tip fully penetrates both components and forms a toric-shaped material bulge in the nail-head-side component, which protrudes into a circular groove of the nail head, and a crater-shaped material bulge is formed in the component facing away from the nail head, which protrudes in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A method for covering a roof with tile-like roof covering elements each having assembling holes at the corners, wherein the edges of the roof covering elements are overlapped such that the assembling holes align and are mounted together with screws. Additionally, one or more of the roof covering elements can be mounted to at least one roof batten with a cramp and screw.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for providing a roof guide, the method including: receiving, via an application on the mobile device of a user, a query related to one or more of a type of a roof and a type of damage to the roof; providing the query to a central server; retrieving, from the central server, at least one first roof image responsive to the query; receiving, via the application on the mobile device of the user, user input of a second roof image of a portion of the roof; and displaying, via the application on the mobile device of the user, the at least one first roof image and the second roof image.

Abstract: A wall panel that can be secured along an associated wall structure is formed from a thin-walled material having a substantially uniform thickness. The wall panel includes first and second longitudinally-extending edges, and first, second and third wall portions. A first interengagement feature extends lengthwise along the first wall portion, and a second interengagement feature extends lengthwise along the second wall portion. The first and second interengagement features are dimensioned to cooperate with one another to operatively provide a non-visual indicator of a positive interengagement between two wall panels. A wall panel kit and a method of manufacture are also included.

Abstract: Drywall joint formed by a sheet having a first side, a back side, and oppositely arranged beveled edges. A flap is arranged in an area of one of the beveled edges and has a free end which extends out beyond an end of the one of the beveled edges. At least one of the flap being an integral part of a facing forming the first side of the sheet and the flap being a separately formed member that is secured to a facing forming the first side of the sheet. The method provides for arranging the first beveled edge of one sheet adjacent to the second beveled edge of another sheet, securing the adjacent first and second beveled edges to a stud with fasteners, and applying a joint compound over at least a portion of the flap. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The modular unit for generating solar power comprises a plurality of diamond-shaped cover plates (3.2, . . . , 3.3) for forming a surface trapping sunlight. The cover plates (3.2, 3.3) contain photovoltaic elements (106.1, 106.2, 106.3). The system further comprises a plurality of support rods (54) having a number of pre-manufactured fastening positions (55), said rods being arranged at a predetermined angle >0° to the horizontal and extending in the direction of a line of slope. Every fastening position is associated with a fastening device (50) which connects two corners of the overlapping cover plates (3.2, 3.3) to the support rod (54) in the fastening position. The cover plates (3.2, 3.3) are arranged diagonally and so as to overlap in a scale-type fashion with respect to a longitudinal direction of the support rod (54) in such a manner that the surface trapping the sunlight is at the same time rain water-repellent. The cover plates (3.2, 3.3) have a first cut-out section (15.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods configured for installing a decorative feature having a wave-like appearance. For example, a system for installing the decorative feature can include one or more mounts configured to attach to a support structure and support one or more decorative panels. The system can also include a plurality of decorative panels configured to be disposed within or supported by the mounts. Each decorative panel can have a concave or convex configuration to produce a wave-like appearance.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods configured for installing a decorative feature having a wave-like appearance. For example, a system for installing the decorative feature can include one or more mounts configured to attach to a support structure and support one or more decorative panels. The system can also include a plurality of decorative panels configured to be disposed within or supported by the mounts. Each decorative panel can have a concave or convex configuration to produce a wave-like appearance.

Abstract: A wall or roof covering for mounting on a support surface includes a plurality of panels securable to the support surface. Each panel has a front surface including a covering section with simulated building elements, an opposed rear surface facing the support surface when secured thereto, an upper marginal edge region and an opposed lower marginal edge region overlying the upper marginal edge region of a vertically-adjacent panel. One of the upper marginal edge region and the lower marginal edge region has an inclined receiving slot defined therein, the other one of the upper marginal edge region and the lower marginal edge region has an inclined insertable flange engageable in the inclined receiving slot of the vertically-adjacent panel.

Abstract: An insulated siding panel comprises a foam insulation layer, an attachment member, and optionally a veneer layer. The foam insulation layer comprises a front face, a rear face, a tongue along a first end edge, a groove along a second end edge, and a slot defined in the rear face. The attachment member comprises an attachment rail and a member extending transversely from the attachment rail. The member of the attachment member is inserted into the slot of the foam insulation layer. When present, the veneer layer is attached to the front face of the foam insulation layer. When joined with other insulated siding panels, the interlocking occurs along the foam insulation layers to form an unbroken layer of insulation.

Abstract: A standing seam roof assembly in which a male sidelap extends from one side edge of a panel and a female sidelap extends from the opposing side edge. The female sidelap, supporting a sealant bead, is shaped fit over the male sidelap. A clip member has a clip tab shaped to be seamed with the male and female sidelaps to connect the standing seam assembly in the assembled mode. The clip tab, having a clip inclined portion with at least one sealant flow hole, with the male and female sidelaps forms lower and upper sealant chambers along a clip tab, the sealant flow hole communicating between the upper sealant chamber and the lower sealant chamber to spread sealant to encapsulate the clip tab. The clip has a clip body slidably connected to a clip base having protruding bearing feet to penetrate and compress insulation when mounted to support structure.

Abstract: A roofing shingle including a buttlap portion and a headlap portion is provided. The roofing shingle includes a coated mat having a roofing mat coated with an organic-based coating material. The coated mat has a width that extends entirely through the buttlap portion and does not extend more than 20% into the headlap portion of the roofing shingle. A water impermeable sheet is adjacent to the coated mat. The sheet has a width that extends from a head edge through at least 80% of the headlap portion and does not extend to a butt edge of the roofing shingle. A nail zone region is formed at an overlap of the coated mat and the water impermeable sheet. The nail zone region is marked by a dissimilar material.

Abstract: A method for securing a roof sheathing and shingles in a retrofitting reinforcement of an existing roof structure, the shingles being laid on the roof sheathing in a partially overlapping pattern, comprises (a) driving a plurality of fasteners down through selected shingles and the roof sheathing in a selected area of the roof structure into at least one of underlying roof frames; and (b) applying a water-resistant coating to the roof structure to seamlessly cover exposed surfaces with exposed ends and sides of all shingles in the selected area.

Abstract: An insulated siding panel comprises a foam insulation layer, an attachment member, and optionally a veneer layer. The foam insulation layer comprises a front face, a rear face, a tongue along a first end edge, a groove along a second end edge, and a slot defined in the rear face. The attachment member comprises an attachment rail and a member extending transversely from the attachment rail. The member of the attachment member is inserted into the slot of the foam insulation layer. When present, the veneer layer is attached to the front face of the foam insulation layer. When joined with other insulated siding panels, the interlocking occurs along the foam insulation layers to form an unbroken layer of insulation.

Abstract: A cladding sheet that is adapted to engage one or more than one concealed clip that is connected to an underlying structure is disclosed. The cladding sheet includes at least one lengthwise extending pan (3) and a lengthwise extending rib (5) on each side of the pan. The width of each rib is between 70% and 130% of the width of the pan.

Abstract: A molded panel for buildings is manufactured in a manner that permits the blocking tab along the upper edge of the panel to be molded in a position that is close to its final desired position. Pressure is applied to the locking tab as it cools, thereby bringing the locking tab into its final position.

Abstract: A sheathing assembly and method of sheathing for a roofing structure including at least one lower layer comprising at least one, but more practically a plurality of panels. The lower layer may be disposed in at least partially overlying relation to a framing assembly of the roofing structure. The sheathing assembly may further include at least one upper layer comprising at least one or more panels. The sheathing assembly may also include a substantially flat central member or layer disposed in an at least partially clamped orientation between the lower layer and the upper layer.

Abstract: A siding panel of a siding assembly has a nailing hem and a first upwardly opening channel connected to the nailing hem. A downwardly opening channel is connected to the first channel. An upper portion of an upper course forms a portion of the downwardly opening channel. An upper shoulder extends inwardly and upwardly from the upper course to an upper edge of a lower course. A lower shoulder extends inwardly and upwardly from a lower edge of the lower course. A planar member extending upwardly from the lower shoulder, the lower shoulder and a portion of the lower course form a second upwardly opening channel. A rib of an insulating panel is received in the first downwardly opening channel. A projection is received by the second upwardly opening channel. A shoulder abuts the upper shoulder of the siding panel.

Abstract: The present invention generally encompasses a starter block for use in the starter course of a roofing project to facilitate the subsequent positioning of shingles upon a hip roof without causing said shingles to substantially bend. The starter block has a tapered thickness, that is, the height of the front surface is greater than the height of the back surface. In one embodiment, the height of the front surface is about twice the height of the back surface. Otherwise, the starter block is generally rectangular. In one embodiment, the starter block is formed from a composite material, such as a combination of at least a polymer component (e.g. polyethylene) and a filler component (e.g., glass, stone, limestone), and includes at least one nib extending from each of its side surfaces and at least one nailing zone on its top surface.

Abstract: An improved building panel with increased stiffness and resistance to buckling is disclosed. The panel cross section is characterized by a novel center portion comprised of radially arranged longitudinal stiffening ribs which transition into side portions configured to allow joining of the panels. The configuration of the panel's center section results in an increased moment of inertia as well as higher resistance to positive and negative bending moments and local buckling when compared to existing designs. Additionally, the panel configuration allows curving longitudinally without corrugations. These improvements in the strength of the panel and the elimination of corrugations reduce design constraints on buildings constructed of such panels and allow larger buildings to be constructed.

Abstract: A metal roof assembly comprising at least two interlocking elongated sheet metal roofing panels, each roofing panel having a top lock portion, a bottom lock portion, a middle portion between the top lock portion and the bottom lock portion, and having a left side and a right side; a cleat having a flat portion and an inverted substantially-V-shaped portion, the inverted substantially-V-shaped portion being in communication with the flat portion, the cleat in the roof assembly interposed between the top lock portion of a first interlocking elongated sheet metal roofing panels and the bottom lock portion of a second interlocking elongated sheet metal roofing panel; wherein a portion of the bottom lock portion of the second elongated sheet metal roofing panel accepts a portion of the top lock portion of the first elongated sheet metal roofing panel.

Abstract: A quadrilateral roofing tile wherein has two parallel sides present with their edges bent through 90° in opposite directions to engage under traction with a first adjacent tile by ribs and complementary seats, those edges are the seats being provided at their ends with apertures which can be superposed on portions of an adjacent second tile for engagement by roof fixing elements, and can be covered by that bent edge of the first adjacent tile which comprises the ribs.

Abstract: A siding panel of a siding assembly has a nailing hem and a first upwardly opening channel connected to the nailing hem. A downwardly opening channel is connected to the first channel. An upper portion of an upper course forms a portion of the downwardly opening channel. An upper shoulder extends inwardly and upwardly from the upper course to an upper edge of a lower course. A lower shoulder extends inwardly and upwardly from a lower edge of the lower course. A planar member extending upwardly from the lower shoulder, the lower shoulder and a portion of the lower course form a second upwardly opening channel. A rib of an insulating panel is received in the first downwardly opening channel. A projection is received by the second upwardly opening channel. A shoulder abuts the upper shoulder of the siding panel.

Abstract: A multi-ribbed, standing seam structural roof panel with double ribs which can be attached directly to building framing to create a structural rated building panel with shear values which also serves as waterproofing panel.

Abstract: This invention relates to back-to-back inverse packaging of a pair of tabbed, composite roofing shingles consisting of (a) a top sheet having a lower butt portion divided into spaced tabs and an upper undivided headlap portion carrying a horizontal band of nailing indicia on the lower portion of its exposed surface; (b) a backer strip underlying the tabs of the top sheet and filling the spaces between the tabs and (c) vertical projections of approximately similar shape and spacing as the tabs, positioned on the top horizontal margin of the backer strip which projections extend upwardly beyond said band of indicia at a distance not more than one half the width of said headlap portion and which are interposed above the spaces between the tabs.

Abstract: A lineal for framing openings in buildings that may provide a finished appearance to the opening being framed. The lineal may be comprised of a nailing hem and an overhang. The lineal may additionally comprise a channel portion. The lineal with a channel portion may be manufactured as a one-piece or two-piece unit. The two-piece unit may have a portion that slides onto or snaps into the channel portion. The lineal may have insulation applied to its underside.

Abstract: A J-channel is provided with a retainer which biases an inserted siding panel against a cantilevered end of an outer face of the J-channel. The retainer has an engagement tab biased from a wall member which is preferably connected to an inner face of the J-channel member. An engagement tab and an inwardly directed lip at the cantilevered end of the outer face preferably retained an inserted panel therebetween.

Abstract: A masonry block wall system is disclosed comprising a plurality of piers positioned at predetermined intervals with a pilaster mounted on each of the piers. The pilasters are formed by vertically stacked masonry blocks that are attached to the pier by a reinforcing rod extending upwardly from the pier through a vertical mortarless void in the blocks. A plurality of courses of masonry blocks form block wall panels, each of the blocks in the panels having horizontal mortarless voids therein, the horizontal and vertical joints between adjacent courses being interlocking and mortarless. Selected courses of masonry blocks have a horizontal reinforcing rod attached to each block in the course without mortar or grout.

Abstract: Building panels are provided, for applying panels, such as siding, roofing or the like to studs, to roofing rafters, or the like, wherein indicia is provided along a panel, giving spaced-apart markings, for guiding one who is applying panels to a building surface, to the location of a next support capable of supporting the panel when a fastener is applied thereto, a fixed or pre-set distance from a support such as stud, roofing rafter or the like. Thus, when adjacent studs, rafters, or the like, are spaced apart a known distance, the indicia will serve to guide the installer to a location where a fastener will engage a support to which the panel is to be applied, even if the visual location of the underlying support is visually obscured, such as by means of a sheet building material between the structural support and the panel. The indicia may take on various forms.

Abstract: A rubber composition having satisfactory processability and dimension stability, exhibits excellent tensile strength and wearing resistance when vulcanized and comprises (1) a crosslinked rubber particle containing as repeating units (a) 39.89 to 79.89% by weight of a conjugated diene unit such as 1,3-butadiene or the like, (b) 20 to 60% by weight of an aromatic vinyl unit such as styrene, (c) 0.01 to 10% by weight of a monomer unit having at least two polymerizable unsaturated group such as divinylbenzene, and the like, and (d) 0.1 to 30% by weight of a monomer unit having one polymerizable unsaturated group and an amino group such as vinylbenzylmethylamine, and the like and (2) a conjugated diene/aromatic vinyl copolymeric rubber such as styrene-butadiene copolymeric rubber and the like.

Abstract: A tile made of stiff molded synthetic resin having edges which overlap when a plurality of tiles are assembled upon a roof and an upper continuous contoured ridge along the upper edge and a lower continuous contoured ridge along the lower edge. The upper and lower ridges being stepped shape to engage with horizontal continuity when a plurality of tiles are assembled upon a roof. A through hole is provided in the lower ridge which aligns with a slot in the upper ridge to allow a screw to pass therethrough fastening two contiguous rows of tiles to a supporting structure.

Abstract: The open joint wall panel system includes panels having a standardized shape attached to an extrudable track that, in turn, is attached to an exterior wall. Each panel is vertically positioned using dead load anchors and positioned relative to the exterior wall with anchor clips.

Abstract: A roofing system includes first and second pluralities of shingles, which include central planar portions. Shingles of each plurality are arranged such that their respective central planar portions are substantially co-planar. Each shingle of the first plurality is adjacent at least one shingle of the second plurality. The central planar portions of shingles of the first plurality are displaced with respect to central planar portions of shingles of the second plurality by a separation distance. Adjacent shingles may be installed such that opposite surfaces of their central planar portions are exposed to view. A surfacing shingle may include a central planar portion and several edge portions. The shingles may be used in a ventilated roofing system, which includes a surfacing structure coupled to a roofing substrate. The surfacing structure is elevated with respect to the substrate such that an airspace is disposed between the substrate and the underside of the surfacing structure.

Abstract: A siding panel for installation on walls, soffits or other exposed surfaces of a structure, having a nailing hem folded back upon itself to form a double thick lateral edge of the siding panel. A plurality of elongated apertures are defined in the nailing hem, which apertures are surrounded by longitudinally extended protrusions or bumps. The protrusions or bumps are spaced apart less than the width of the head of a carpenter's hammer, such that a nail or other fastener cannot be fully set flush against the surface of the nailing hem. The double thick nailing hem provides increased strength and the provision of the bumps permits relatively longitudinal movement of the siding relative to the head of the fastener. A novel interlocking reverse S configuration is provided adjacent the nailing hem so as to interlock with a corresponding portion on the opposing longitudinal edge of the siding.

Abstract: A mounting rail for siding and ceiling members featuring a locking member to maintain siding and ceiling members on the mounting rail. The mounting rail has (i) a siding support member having a horizontal leg extending forwardly with a vertical leg extending downwardly from its front edge as is typical in the art, (ii) a web member extending upwardly from the back edge of said horizontal leg, and (iii) a siding maintenance member extending forwardly and downwardly from the upper edge of the web member.

Abstract: A siding panel is provided having a front side and a rear side. The siding panel includes a nail hem for securing the siding panel to a support structure. The nail hem has a proximal member for mounting adjacent to the supports structure and a distal member spaced from the proximal member and the support structure. The distal member terminates in a free end. The siding panel further includes a catch projecting outwardly from the panel. The catch forming an impediment for the free end of the distal member thereby preventing further outward movement of the free end of the distal member.

Abstract: Siding is provided for protective use on a structure. The siding simulates log construction and includes one or more panels which each include a top section, mounting section, flat section, female locking flange section, bowed section and male locking flange section. Each panel may be textured to simulate real logs. A film can be adhesively attached to the surface of the panels to simulate wood grain, as well.

Abstract: An exterior sheathing element includes a first edge portion having a channel, and includes a second edge portion opposite the first edge portion and including a channel. At least a part of the second edge portion has a mounting tab projecting clear of the second edge portion in a substantially co-planar relationship with respect to the main body of the sheathing element.

Abstract: Roofing tiles have dimensions differing from conventional tiles to allow manufacture of the tiles in a substantially greater size than conventional tile sizes. The tiles may be installed more rapidly, since each piece of material must be separately installed and a single tile may cover a greater area. Additional ribs are added underneath the interior portion of each tile than with conventional tiles. The ribs are spaced appropriately such that a person walking over each tile would have the weight of a single foot distributed over one or more ribs at all times. Moreover, the rims of each tile extend substantially deeper, through the thickness, of the tile. Each tile has material removed from the main surface portion, or the actual surface opposite the weather-exposed surface, to reduce the weight therefrom. Each tile may be configured with open air channels underneath each tile up and down the entire roof.

Abstract: A retaining clip for use in combination with building siding panels of the type which simulate wooden clapboard. The siding panels have two or more longitudinal outwardly and downwardly depending declination portions. The clips comprise thicker main body portions attachable to the building-side face of declinations of the siding panels, and thinner flexible arm portions. A protruding stop detent extends from the face of the flexible arm portion. The detent is spaced apart from the main body portion of the retaining clip. Building siding panels having retaining clips of the invention are also provided, as are methods of siding a building with the modified siding panels.

Abstract: Siding panels and intermediate articles of their manufacture are provided. The siding panels include a central portion including an aesthetic pattern and a pair of lateral edge portions which are formed while the polymeric material is still above its heat deflection temperature, and preferably, when the central portion has been hot-formed and cooled. This invention improves the art for vacuum-forming siding panels, dentil molding and other building products made by continuous vacuum forming.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for applying building panels, such as siding panels, to building surfaces, such as walls. The panels are of a type which undergo expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature, and they are applied to a building surface, such as a wall, by means of nails, screws, staples or the like. In order to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the panels, the panels are provided with an attachment hem, such as a strip of relatively flexible material, generally rubber-like or fabric-like in nature. A strip of relatively flexible material may be secured to the relatively rigid building panel by any suitable means, such as adhesive securement, welding, heat fusing, etc., such that it becomes an integral part of the building panel, or the relatively flexible attachment hem may comprise a separate component which, when applied to a building surface, such as a wall or the like, by a suitable nailing, stapling, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for applying building panels, such as siding panels, to building surfaces, such as walls. The panels are of a type which undergo expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature, and they are applied to a building surface, such as a wall, by nails, screws, staples or the like. In order to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the panels, the panels are provided with an attachment hem, preferably fabric-like in nature, and having a visually distinct fastener zone defined by one or more generally horizontal lines and/or horizontally spaced-apart locater spots, with said lines and/or spots being preferably different by color from the remainder of the attachment hem and from some or all of each other, to provide an installer with a preferred indication of where fasteners should be applied.

Abstract: A fastenable composite roofing shingle is made from a composition comprising an organic, resinous material and an inorganic filler material, the shingle having a structure comprising a top surface forming an upper, headlap portion and a lower, butt portion, with the headlap portion having one or more targets suitable for indicating a desired fastener location to a shingle installer. The targets include a recessed area in the top surface of the shingle to enable a head of a fastener to be sheltered below the top surface. The recessed area has a hollow dimple defining an area of additional indentation, whereby the thickness of the shingle in the recessed area is greater than the thickness of the shingle in the dimple.