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: An improved log siding system capable of providing an improved water-shed between the individual log siding members as attached to a building. A moisture seal junction and a flex gap are formed between each adjacently disposed log siding member. Each moisture seal junction extends from the lower longitudinal edge of the exterior surface of each log siding member upward (vertically or angled inward) toward the respective flex gap, which extends therefrom toward the interior surface of the log siding members. The interspacing of each flex gap, in conjunction with a release cut formed in the interior surface of each log siding member, varies in response to structural deformations experienced by the log siding members due to variations in moisture content and/or temperature so as to maintain flush seal of each moisture seal junction. This effectively thwarts the ingress of moisture behind the log siding members so as to reduce the likelihood of swelling, rotting, and cracking over time.

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: A covering for an underlying structure comprises a bottom layer of U-shaped sections with gaps between covered by an upper layer of inverted U-shaped sections, the sections having clearance holes and/or flexible edges to permit transverse thermal flexing. The bottom sections are attachable to the structure by clip elements previously attached to the structure.

Abstract: A system for covering an exterior surface of a building comprising a plurality of members for application to the building surface in a series progressing from one end of the surface to the other end in a first lengthwise direction. The system comprises at least two such members adapted to overlap in use, one of the members having, in the overlapping zone thereof, a first type connector comprising a lock formation defining a recess opening generally in the first direction. The other member has, in its overlapping zone, a second type connector comprising a hook formation having a free end projecting generally in the second lengthwise direction and into the recess in use.

Abstract: Siding panels for covering the exterior wall of buildings mutually define a tongue and groove interfit which facilitates installation by placing the weight of an upper panel on an underlying lower panel instead of requiring an installer to hold the panel in place against gravity. Mounting nails are used in combination with the tongue and groove interfit to positively lock the tongue of one panel into the groove of the underlying panel. Nail placement is controlled by the relative placement of nail slots and hammer abutment surfaces formed on each panel. Because the panels must be pivoted in place and held in place by the overhanging siding nails, it is virtually impossible for the installer to make a mistake that results in an upper siding panel coming loose from the siding panel below.

Abstract: A composite material facing that can be used in the building industry to achieve a wall facing cover including a high pressure polymerized polyester molded outer facing, and expanded polystyrene panel bonded behind the outer facing, a top edge back-set interlock having a groove which engages a tongue located in a lower edge of the adjacent facing, an invisible facing securing member extending through the insulating panel and located at a top edge of the facing in a back-set area concealed by a fitting of an adjacent facing, and the insulating panels for each facing being butted end-to-end without assembly. The interlock insures satisfactory flatness of the cover and reduces defects in the support.

Abstract: A clip assembly 20 for concealed fixing of cladding sheets 50, of the type having re-entrant longitudinal ribs 51, 52 has a retaining element 29 for engaging inside a rib of the sheet. The retaining elements includes a fixing portion 31 disposed in a plane transverse to the rib and shaped for snap-fit engagement with a re-entrant portion 59 of the rib. The retaining formations may be disposed along a strap 21 in opposed pairs, with fastening apertures 40 in the strap centrally disposed below each rib. An improved cladding sheet 50 having interlocking male and female end regions 61, 62 is also disclosed.

Abstract: An attachment clip is formed from a generally rectangular blank of bendable material and includes a pair of depending legs bent forwardly and upwardly so as to engage the slots found in the nailing flange of standard horizontal siding panels. The clip includes a nail slot having a length greater than the length of an individual slot formed in the nailing flange of the panel, thereby permitting greater expansion and contraction of the panel on the wall to which it is attached. The clip is formed from a rectangular blank of bendable material, with a notch extending upwardly in the lower edge to form the depending legs which are journaled through individual slots in the nailing flange of the panel.

Abstract: Trim bands and a trim band system for custom fitting siding is presented. The trim bands include a base band, a frieze band, a mid band, and an inside corner band which function to retain the rough edges of siding panels without exposing channels thereby providing a custom fit and enhanced aesthetic appearance. The trim bands are one piece continuous members which comprise varying numbers of portions which depend on the structural area of the building for which the trim bands are designed. The trim band system includes securing a plurality of trim bands to the exterior surface of a building followed by the placement and attachment of siding panels in conjunction with the trim bands to conceal all exposed edges of the siding panels without exposing channels or troughs formed within the trim bands.

Abstract: A roof tile 10 is provided which, when used on a tiled roof, has improved resistance to lifting and damage due to wind. The roof tile includes a wind-uplift-preventing step 5 that, when a plurality of the tiles are overlapped on a roof deck, shields a forward end surface 94 of an adjoining tile to prevent the adjoining tile from being lifted in high winds. The roof tile also has a tapered top surface 93 which offers a low wind resistance profile, and includes interlocking formations 28, 40 on its top and bottom surfaces which are arranged and dimensioned to allow each tile to be interlocked with adjoining tiles above and below it on the roof deck.

Abstract: A wall covering comprising a plurality of plastic molded panels each having a relatively thin body portion formed with rows of simulated building elements. The panels are mounted on a support surface in a plurality of horizontal courses with a side marginal edge region of one panel overlapping and sealingly engaging an underlying side marginal edge region of the adjacent panel and a lower marginal region of a panel in one course overlying an upper marginal region of a panel in a lower course. Each panel is provided with frangible locating means for positively locating an interlock lip of the overlying panel in predetermined engaged relation with interlock flanges of an underlying panel. The interlock flanges of the panels are provided with reinforcement ribs to prevent breakage when the panels are exposed to weather extremes and undergo thermal expansion or contraction. Finally, each panel is provided with side interlock means which enhance the panel's resistance to buckling during installation and use.

Abstract: A roofing tile hurricane clip for preventing the nose of an overlapping tile from lifting in high winds. The invention comprises a clip body having a fastening end, a generally C-shaped end for engaging the lower side edge of an overlapping tile, and an arcuate mid-body portion therebetween. The clip fastening end may incorporate an elongated aperture for accommodating a conventional fastener therethrough for securing the clip to a roofing tile such that the clip is subject to adjustment for engaging overlapping roofing tile edge of somewhat varying sizes.

Abstract: The modular roof structure includes a grid system with a plurality of parallel beams and a plurality of roof tiles provided on the parallel beams in an overlapping manner. The parallel beam has an engaging protrusion that projects upward. The roof tile has a front end that is provided with a hook portion to receive the engaging protrusion of the parallel beam, and a rear end which is provided with a projection to abut with the hook portion of an adjacent roof tile and a covering member which shields the hook portion from rain and sunshine.

Abstract: This invention provides a panel assembly for buildings and the like comprising, in combination with structure supporting the assembly, an array of overlapping elongated metal panels, each panel including a lower edge, an upper flange, and a web including at least one outwardly protruding longitudinally extending stiffening rib. The stiffening rib adjacent the upper flange has an elongated longitudinally extending groove and an extended bearing portion for contacting the structure when the panel is fastened thereto. These ribs provide structural support without purlins, sheathing, or the like.

Abstract: Molded exterior building panels formed from thermoplastic material and method of making and installing such panels in aligned relationship on building structures An upper margin of a building panel includes nail slots for fastening to a building An upwardly projecting lip along the top defines an engageable mounting groove behind this lip. A horizontally extending mounting hook on the back of a lower margin of each panel provides for hooking engagement with lip and groove of a next lower installed panel. During installation such hooking engagement advantageously supports the weight of a panel being installed and automatically provides alignment of the panel with the next lower installed panel, thereby freeing an installer from the burden of holding a panel in a desired position at a desired level while driving nails through the nail slots.

Abstract: A metal sheet (1) having a first upstanding hook formation (3) along one edge (2) and a second, upstanding hook receiving formation (6) and a valley (7) along an opposite edge (5) the arrangement being such that the sheet can be fastened directly to a support without the interposition of separate clips and so that the first formation of one sheet can hook over the second formation of an adjoining sheet and cover its valley characterized by latching means (11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16b, 17, 19, 21) acting between the formations so that after interlocking the sheets said one sheet can be rotated about the hook receiving formation of the other sheet through at least 25.degree. before the formations can be disengaged.

Abstract: A hardboard lapped siding panel of wet processed wood fibers with substantial variations in density to provide a desired combination of improved characteristics. The panel is molded from a mat of wet wood fibers between a pair of heated upper and lower contoured plates. The upper plate is contoured to form the desired configuration of the front surface of the siding panel. The lower plate is contoured to provide the desired variations in density other improved characteristics of the panel. Preferably, the mat is molded on an underlying wire screen with a contour which is essentially the same as the contour of the lower plate.

Abstract: A wall covering comprising a plurality of plastic molded panels each having a relatively thin body portion formed with rows of simulated of shake shingles. The panels are mounted on a support surface, such as a wall or roof, in a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal courses with a lower marginal edge region of the panels in one course overlapping the upper marginal edge regions of the panels in the course immediately below and with side marginal edge regions of adjacent panels also overlapping. The overlapping marginal edge regions each are formed with a plurality of parallel water barrier ridges for impeding movement of water outwardly over the peripheral edges of the underlying marginal edge region, as well as into nail mounting holes. The water barrier ridges are discontinous so as to impede outward water movement, while allowing drainage of water in a downward direction.

Abstract: A lap joint structure for adjoining panels of a sheet metal roofing assembly permits shifting of the joint panels longitudinally and transversely with respect to the joint as caused by thermally induced expansion and contraction, as well as providing a securely anchored connection of the panels to the roof structure. Two adjacent panels are rigidly connected to one another, an underlying cleat is rigidly connected to the roof substrate, and the two joined panels are securely connected to the cleat with clearance allowed for thermally induced movements of the panels across the substrate.

Abstract: A lap joint structure for adjoining panels of a sheet metal roofing assembly permits shifting of the joint panels longitudinally and transversely with respect to the joint as caused by thermally induced expansion and contraction, as well as providing a securely anchored connection of the panels to the roof substrate. Two adjacent panels are rigidly connected to one another, an underlying cleat is rigidly connected to the roof substrate, and the two joined panels are securely connected to the cleat with clearance allowed for thermally induced movements of the panels across the substrate.

Abstract: A building panel of laminated construction having a flat, four-sided polygonal shaped hardboard sheet to one surface of which is bonded a thin, flat, plastic sheet having weather resistant properties and a rigid foam plastic layer having heat insulating properties bonded to the other surface of the hardboard sheet. The foam plastic layer has a tapered shape in cross section with the taper extending from a lower edge portion to a narrow upper edge portion. The hardboard and plastic sheets have an integral flanged lower edge portion in partial abutment with the lower edge portion of the foam plastic layer. A notch in the lower edge portion of the foam plastic layer adjacent the flanged lower edge portion, which notch is constructed and arranged to receive the upper edge portion of an adjacent lower building panel and thereby anchor the lower edge portion of the building panel and provide a seal at the joint.

Abstract: Post-formed vinyl siding affixed to a substructure by nails extending through a channel shaped hurricane clip disposed over the top nailing portion of the siding. A top narrow strip of the clip front leg projects outwardly a short distance to form a guide so an applicator won't drive the nail in tightly and prevent movement of the siding during expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A tile formed from a relatively thin sheet is adapted to cooperate with similar tiles to form a tiled surface. When the tile is installed, the central axis thereof coincides with a line defining free water flow down the tile between upper and lower tile portions. The tile has first and second raised ribs extending symmetrically as mirror images of each other on each side of central axis. Each rib has upper and lower rib portions which are interconnected so as to extend continuously between the upper and lower tile portions to increase stiffness of the tile. The upper rib portions are generally complementary to the lower rib portions so that the lower rib portions of an upper tile can fit over upper rib portions of a lower tile. Thus rib axes of upper and lower rib portions are also mirror images of each other about a lateral axis disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. The tiles are effectively secured in four places to increase resistance to movement.

Abstract: Decorative wall covering panels are disclosed which sealingly fit against a wall and thereby protect the wall surface from the deteriorating effects of weather. Horizontally and vertically abutting panels which simulate real shingles, such as cedar shake shingles, overlap each other on all edges when installed. Sealing surfaces are provided around the periphery of the inside surface of the panels. The fitting arrangement of the overlapping edges between panels serves to make and maintain the seals between the panels and the wall.

Abstract: An asphalt composition roof covering system for roofing and reroofing is comprised of a base and a plurality of tabs cut from standard rolls of asphalt composition material. The base has first, second and third regions separated by a first and second fold so as to provide a "Z" shape. The plurality of folded tabs are inserted into the third region of the base to give a three-dimensional appearance. In addition, when the system is used for reroofing over existing shake roofs, a spacer is provided along the inclined plane of a shingle to raise the base.

Abstract: A surface covering extruded plank comprising a wall surface portion having opposed transverse end walls. Each of the end walls terminate in a support flange each of which extends in a common plane substantially parallel to the planar surface of the wall surface portion. One of the transverse end walls has a fastener concealing wall extending transverse thereto and above the wall surface portion. The other of the end walls has a plank securing flange constituted by an extension of one of the support flanges. This other end wall further has a recessed portion disposed inwardly of an edge portion of the wall surface portion. A guide rib is provided in the recessed portion and defines a rear channel for receiving a portion of the concealing wall of an adjacent plank, and a front load connector holding channel.

Abstract: A mounting system for plastic siding comprises an elongated nailing strip from which a siding panel is suspended by means of interlocking channels which permit longitudinal relative movement resulting from differential thermal expansion or contraction. A predetermined amount of horizontal overlap of adjacent panels is assured by the provision of a notch adjacent each end of the panel, which notch is intended to be vertically aligned with the end of the adjacent panel. The same notches provide a guide for centering the nailing strip on its associated panel. Unintended disassembly of each strip-panel pair is presented by dimple-like deformations near the end of each strip cahnnel, which function to limit the longitudinal travel of the associated panel channel therein.

Abstract: An improved cinch strap and backup plate, used to form an enlap joint between two overlapping roofing panels, is disclosed. The backup plate is provided with horizontally extending shoulders which protrude outwardly from each end of the plate. One shoulder provides support for the endlap joint during its assembly, while the other shoulder provides support for later installed endlap joints. The cinch strap is configured to conform to the contour of the roofing panels. The cinch strap is provided with spines which provide structural support, and drainage channels which help to clear moisture from the roof. The cinch strap is configured so as to engage other, aligned cinch straps in a head-to-tail arrangement. The improved cinch strap and backup plate provide a structurally stronger, weatherproof endlap joint.

Abstract: A building panel for exterior and interior wall and roof surface includes an elongated body formed of a relatively thin walled, molded hardboard material having upper and lower edges, opposite ends, an outer weather face adapted to resemble the profiles historical or traditional siding and shingle shapes and a back face generally contoured to match the outer surface. The body includes a lower edge portion extending upwardly and outwardly of the lower edge of the panel which joins an intermediate fascia portion spaced outwardly of the lower edge. An elongated fastener receiving strip is formed along an upper edge of the intermediate fascia portion and includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart fastener receiving depressions integrally molded therein.

Abstract: A one piece substantially W-shaped plastic clip has a pair of outer legs that are flexible and can move in a first direction toward an intermediate member that in turn is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction of movement above described. Each leg has a notch on its side remote from the intermediate member and the intermediate member has a catch projecting from a side facing perpendicular to the first direction. The notches mount the clip to a first panel and the catch is adapted to cooperate with a second panel member to retain same in position.

Abstract: Pre-fabricated modular panels for attachment to the exterior walls of existing buildings to provide supplementary insulation. The panels include exterior facing, vertical support ribs, spacer members, a fastening strip secured to the spacer members and compressible insulation mounted from the vertical ribs to provide a ventilation space between the insulation and the facing. When the fastening strip is fastened to the building exterior wall, the insulation contacts said wall and is compressed thereagainst in contour accommodating relationship.

Abstract: A module readily assembled roofing system for overlying a base structure, e.g. of a house or building, comprising a plurality of elongated modules of identical cross-section, each support including a principal body member defining a planar upper surface for the support and means defining a guideway or keyway aperture accessible from the undersurface of the support. The support also includes a planar web member extending from the principal body member and a locking member engaged to the free edge of the web member, including a terminal bead at the upper end of the locking member. The locking member mates with the guideway within an adjacent module such that one module is slideably received in mating relation within the guideway of an adjacent module to lock adjacent supports against vertical displacement. The web members are coupled to the base structure as by rivets, and a plurality of overlying covering members are affixed to the top surface of the body members.

Abstract: An insulated siding panel comprises a panel of hardboard attached by adhesive to a polystyrene foam layer. The rear surface of the foam layer is parallel to the front face of the hardboard panel. The upper and lower faces have parallel V-shape with the upper face having the V inward for collection of moisture. The panels are installed by overlapping the hardboard of two adjacent panels to allow the foam layers to interlock leaving a space for a sponge layer. Channels are formed in the foam downwardly between the hardboard and the foam and across the bottom of the foam to provide an intercommunicating network to transmit moisture vapor. The panels can be nailed to the front face of a building using a spacer device to set the distance of the upper edge of the panel from the front face of the building to prevent compression of the foam.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for heat insulating the inside of a panel assembly (11) forming a building-type structure is disclosed. The insulating apparatus includes anchor clips (31) that are secured in the connecting flange portions of adjacent panels prior to joining them together at continuous seams. These anchor clips are arranged at spaced intervals along the seams and in rows spaced to accommodate standard width of sheets of heat insulation. An intermediate connecting member (33) snap fastens to each anchor clip and preferably is of a good heat insulating material such as an extruded plastic which serves as a thermal barrier between the metal anchor clips (31) and metal retaining members (35). The retaining members snap fasten to each of a row of intermediate connecting members. Spaced pairs of the retaining members (35) extend along and engage the bottom side edge portions of the insulation to support the insulation along, and preferably firmly in place against, the inside of the connecting panels.

Abstract: The wall panel includes a snap joint which permits hidden attachment of the wall panel to another wall panel. The joint permits the panel to be attached to building supports from inside or outside and permits easy attachment of liner panels, insulation, or the like. A projection on one panel abuts an angled leg of another panel to provide a secure snap engagement between the panels.

Abstract: A captive nut plate for engagement by a screw useful when attaching corrugated composite or plastic sheets together includes a semi-cylindrical body shaped to match the curvature of a corrugated sheet. A pair of upstanding irregular pentagon-shaped piercing prongs are centrally positioned along curved edges of the body and are aligned with a central hole therethrough, for receiving the screw. The captive nut plate is installed by positioning it in a convex pocket on a semi-cylindrical tool in proper alignment with a concave edge corrugation of a first sheet. A soft mallet is then used to drive the corrugated material down onto the nut plate so that the upstanding prongs pierce through the sheet. The irregular pentagon-shape of the prongs assures that the prongs extend through the sheet beyond their widest portion. The prongs are then peened over to provide a permanent installation on the first sheet.

Abstract: An interlocking building panel is provided having an intermediate portion and first and second interlocking portions at respective sides thereof which are adapted for interlocking engagement with interlocking portions of adjacent panels. The first interlocking portion is formed to define a first side wall having a lower and an upper segment intersecting at an obtuse, inwardly included angle and also formed to define a first lip extending inwardly from the upper segment. The second interlocking portion is formed to define a second upwardly extending side wall, an outwardly extending upper wall, a leg depending from said upper wall, and a second lip extending inwardly from the leg. In two embodiments, the upper wall also extends outwardly from the depending leg to define a fastening surface, while in a third embodiment, the depending leg is spaced outwardly from the second side wall sufficiently to provide a fastening surface in the upper wall between them.

Abstract: Disclosed is a constant contact panel interlock even during thermal expansion and contraction by providing flexible pins to bear on a tongue in a tongue and groove interlock and also by providing ramps for a bendable flange to slide over and bear on. Further, a material made of polypropylene with 20% calcium carbonate filler is used to form the panels, such material being sufficiently flexible at the temperatures common for panels exposed to direct sunlight (as on a roof or wall) to permit the pins or flange to bend without breaking and also being a material of much lower coefficient of expansion than pure polypropylene.

Abstract: An upstanding side wall comprises wood plank members having opposite planar outwardly facing vertical surfaces. The longitudinal side edges are bifurcated symmetrically with respect to a vertical central plane bisecting the two planar surfaces. The bifurcations are curved in horizontal cross-section to form a pair of curved tongues with an intermediate concave curved recess between the tongues. Each recess receives a mating tongue of an adjacent vertical plank member. Each member is symmetrical about the central plane and also about a midplane perpendicular to the central plane and midway between the bifurcations. Alternate members may comprise members corresponding substantially to a half of such a member cut along the central plane. A low density soft foam sealant is applied in a groove at the bottom of each recess.

Abstract: A secondary roof system for application over existing metal roofs of the cleat panel or structural panel type. Elongated expanded polystyrene insulation panels are inserted in the roof pans of the existing metal panel roof. A plurality of interlocked secondary metal roof panels having the same width as the original roof panels is disposed over the insulation panels and the interlocking edges attached to the upwardly projecting joints of the existing metal roof panels. A small dead airspace may be provided between the secondary panel faces and the upper faces of the insulation panels.

Abstract: Rigid clips, having an upper hanger portion and a lower channel formed to grasp the common elongate protrusions formed along the top edge of extruded vinyl siding, support the siding while permitting it to expand and contract freely with changes in temperature.

Abstract: Clips, which are rigidly affixed to a structure, are loosely affixed to vinyl siding by elements grasping the siding nailing portion.

Abstract: A method of removing and reinstalling metal siding on buildings utilizes a novel clamping strip in repositioning and attaching a section of metal siding that has been cut longitudinally from the building to provide access for the drilling of holes for the injection therethrough of blown insulation.

Abstract: A building sheet suitable for roofing and siding provides a weatherproof lap joint having an antisiphon gap when installed partially overlapping an adjacent like building sheet by spacing the entire overlapping portion of one sheet above the lapped portion of an adjacent sheet. Parallel strengthening ribs formed into the building sheet are structurally modified along one edge to form an overlapping member and along the opposite edge to form a lapped member. The overlapping member includes an intermediate strengthening bead and an exterior downwardly projecting sealing lip which rests upon the lapped member of an adjacent sheet and spaces the entire overlapping member of one sheet above the lapped member of the adjacent sheet.

Abstract: For use with horizontal siding panels each having complementary first and second locking means respectively formed along their top and bottom margins for interlocking vertically adjacent courses of panels in overlapping array, a system for mounting, on a wall, a panel interposed between already-mounted upper and lower courses which are vertically spaced by a distance less than the height of the interposed panel.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for use in attaching cover panels to support members in a prefabricated building system where the cover panels and support members have a prescribed total thickness at the point of attachment including a self-drilling and self-tapping screw where the self-tapping thread on the screw terminates a prescribed distance from the head of the screw which is substantially equal to the total thickness of the support member and cover panels so that the screw will self-drill and self-tap its way through the support member and the cover panels and the self-tapping thread will release the support member nd the cover panels when the head on the screw is seated against the support member so that the screw is free to rotate with respect to the support member and cover panel; and a locking member adapted to be threadedly engaged by the screw behind the cover panels to clamp the cover panels onto the support member between the locking member and the head of the screw.

Abstract: Entire or partial end wall or side wall sections of a corrugated metal building can be constructed economically with an integrated solar heating panel which can supply forty to sixty percent of winter heating during daylight hours. The solar heating panel or wall section matches and supplements the appearance of adjacent standard wall surfaces and a virtually unnoticeable transition from standard to solar heating wall surfaces is achieved. Heated air can flow by natural convection or with blower assistance through a plenum in the solar heating wall panel to and from connected ducting. A uniquely formed clip provides the proper stand-off spacing between superposed sheets which make up the solar heating panel and the clips also serve to securely join the several corrugated sheets in proper interfitting relationship with the use of strategically placed self-tapping screws and intervening closure strips which maintain solar plenum integrity.

Abstract: Interlocking panels having a decorative pattern thereon and having a system of interlocks for providing a weatherproof covering system for use as roofing, siding and the like. The panels may be of a readily formed material such as a thermoplastic having a decorative pattern thereon complimentary to the pattern on adjacent panels to provide a continuous decorative roofing or siding panel system. The panels have a simple hook-like region adjacent the upper edge thereof, just below the nail line retaining the panel to the roof, to receive and retain the lower edge of the panels of the next higher course in a manner so as to eliminate the otherwise exposed nailheads. Decorative patterns simulating conventional materials such as shake may be impressed into the panels by vacuum forming and/or other manufacturing techniques. Use of a staggered panel side provides for a substantially hidden junction between sidewise adjacent panels to provide a continuous and unbroken pattern.