Abstract: Self-heating roofing construction elements containing a heating element embedded therein. Each construction element has at least one tab extending laterally, the tab enclosing one or more electrical conductors so that one construction element may be connected by snap fit to an adjacent construction element. Preferably, the elements are provided as a kit including a right side end module, one or more center modules, and a left side module. Individual construction elements may be ceramic tiles, wood shake shingles, or asphaltic shingles, preferably reinforced with recycled glass, recycled rubber, or both. Whether one or plural modules, the construction element is controlled by an electrical controller responsive to subfreezing temperatures and to presence of precipitation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof tile/roof slate/wall plate 1 made of a plate of clay, ceramic, concrete, fiber cement or synthetic, serving as a carrier for a solar panel 6 with photovoltaic solar cells 7 to be attached to its upper side where said solar panel 6 is attached form-fittingly to the upper side of the roof tile/roof slate/wall plate with at least two sides opposite to one another at the inner edges of a recess of a roof tile/roof slate/wall plate indent, and where the extensions 5, due to their own flexibility, are engaged in a snap-in manner particularly form-fittingly in recesses 4 of the roof tile/roof slate/wall plate indentation 2.

Abstract: A standing seam roof assembly with a four corner sealing assembly having an upper pair of interlocking standing seam joint panels and a lower pair of interlocking standing seam joint panels which meet in a lapped four corner juncture area, the upper ends of the lower panel pair are overlapped by the lower ends of the upper panel pair at the juncture area, one panel of each of the upper panel pair and the lower panel pair having an upstanding male side lap portion forming a male apex. The other panel of each of the upper panels and the lower panels have an upstanding female sidelap portion overlapping the respective male sidelap portions, each of the female sidelap portions having a longitudinally disposed sealant cavity and a sidelap sealant strip that is predeterminedly disposed within the sealant cavity with the sealant strip veering at the juncture area. The upstanding leg portions of the male sidelap portions are received within the insertion cavity of one of the female sidelap portions.

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: A fully interlocking roof shingle for installing a weather-proof roof on a building. The shingles are constructed of multiple layers to expose various interlocking grooves for connection to the contiguous shingle. The interlocking grooves have a dovetail configuration to ensure secure connection of the shingles to form a substantially integral roofing system. The individual shingles include a bottom plate with a plurality of grooves disposed upwardly and a top plate with a plurality of grooves disposed downwardly. The grooves of each plate mate to form the assembled roofing shingle exposing a decorative top surface and a base surface of the upper and lower plates respectively. The plates are assembled in an offset manner so as to expose upwardly disposed grooves along two edges and downwardly disposed grooves along the other two edges. As a result, the shingles may be assembled on the roof by interlocking the grooves of the shingles.

Abstract: A molded cladded panel comprises on the underside thereof a bearing surface formation for bearing on an underlying support surface and latches for latching the panel to an underlying support surface, the panel having a profile configured to provide a desired appearance rising above the bearing surface formation, a nib formed on the profile for interfitting with adjoining panels whether in end-to-end or side-by-side relation, and a latched keeper member for latching engagement with the panel latches.

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: A covering panel consisting of a metal cladding with a supporting structure (15) and cladding members (11) attached via fastening screw (14). The cladding members (11) consists of extruded aluminum sections and comprise quick fastening members (12) and locking members (13) for interconnecting the sections. The cladding members (11) are joined to the supporting structure (15) by evenly spaced longitudinal T-shaped sections (20) each having an axial longitudinal channel (21) with grooved walls for engagement with the screws (14) for fastening the cladding members. The sections are adjustably spaced from the wall (22) via brackets (23) engageable with the longitudinal sections (20).

Abstract: Standing seam roofing system including first and second dikes integral with opposite longitudinal edges of a panel, and a roof connection ledge connected to the first dike and extending in the plane of the panel. The second dike snaps over the first dike on an adjacent panel in a manner to leave a gap between the ledge and the second dike panel, and includes a downwardly extending and inwardly sloped leg. A lip on the second dike extends under a base on the first dike of the adjacent panel, the lip position being maintained by a pinching action or force produced by the slope of the downwardly extending leg.

Abstract: Panel siding for the wall of a building comprising elongated panels arranged in close, parallel relationship with the longitudinal edges of adjacent panels opposed to one another. The panels have integral tongue and groove formations along the opposed longitudinal edges which are interengaged to provide connections between panels. A layer of insulation is provided at the rear of each panel, providing a panel insulation unit. Each panel insulation unit is installed in a single step.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful roofing panel comprising an elongated thin rectangular body section having first and second longitudinal edges and respective first and second longitudinal upstanding ribs of inverted channel configuration adjacent the edges; wherein the first rib has an inner side thereof remote from the first longitudinal edge, and the bottom section of the inner side is formed to a position approximately parallel to the body section and spaced therefrom to form an inwardly facing slot adjacent the body section; and wherein the second rib has a first outer side the bottom section of which includes the second edge and which bottom section is formed to a position substantially coplanar with the body section to form an inwardly facing flange; whereby when a first panel is placed adjacent a second panel, the second rib of the second panel fits over the first rib of the first panel and the flange is then housed in the slot.

Abstract: An elongated, substantially V-shaped roof panel and a roof panel interlocking method using the V-shaped roof panel, having the inclined sides of the V-shaped roof panel provided with elongated stair-stepping reinforcement ribs for purposes of producing a more rigid and stronger roof panel. At the terminating ends of each of the inclined sides there is provided a complementary mechanical lock design that produces a roof panel lock when a first terminating end member, of a plurality of identical roof panels, is mated with an adjoining second terminating end member of a plurality of identical roof panels. Each terminating end mechanical lock design is comprised of various bends in material, shaped such that when adjoining ends of a plurality of identical roof panels are interlocked, the various bends of each lock design are in a closely coupled relationship.

Abstract: In wall siding panels having vertical edge portions adapted to overlap, fasteners prevent the vertical joint so formed from bending or bulging outwardly. The panels have declinations and flat lengthwise, horizontal shoulders joining the declinations to resemble clapboard finishing. A female aperture is formed in each shoulder of one panel adjacent its vertical edge portion, and a male projection is formed in each shoulder of the other panel adjacent its vertical edge portion. When a pair of two longitudinally-spaced, oppositely-directed projections are provided, which are selectively used so as to permit panel overlapping in any order edge portions are overlapped, each projection elements have identical profiles.

Abstract: A roofing tile comprises a rectangular panel having first and second longitudinal edge portions adapted to extend in the slope direction of a sloped roof and an upper lateral edge and a lower lateral edge is adapted to run parallel to the horizontal edges of the sloped roof. The upper lateral edge and the first longitudinal edge portion has an upstanding ledge portion. The second longitudinal edge portion has a raised portion with a downwardly extending flange. The raised portion is adapted to overlap the upstanding ledge of the first longitudinal edge portion of an adjacent tile. The bottom lateral edge portion has a downwardly extending flange adapted to overlap the upstanding ledge at the upper lateral edge portion of a further adjacent tile. A lower portion of the first longitudinal edge portion is provided with fastener access means whereby a fastener can be passed therethrough to anchor the tile to the roof.

Abstract: A roof structure and a roof board therefor are disclosed which are capable of effectively preventing rainwater, sand, dust and the like from entering into the roof structure and exhibiting satisfied snow break. The roof structure is constructed to have a butt region between an eaves side connection of a ridge side roof board and a ridge side connection of an eaves side roof board formed at a position upwardly apart from a flat surface section of the eaves side roof board. The roof structure is constructed by connecting a plurality of the roof boards to one another through the eaves side and ridge side connections in turn with an upward incline from an eaves side to a ridge side.

Abstract: A wall is provided with an outer facade comprised of a cladding element which contains an insulating core. The cladding element includes a central band having flanges extending from opposing edges, on the same side of the plane defined by the central band. Each of the flanges includes a row of venting holes and a ratchet blade protruding from the flange and adapted for interlocking connection with the ratchet blade of a corresponding, adjacent cladding element. The insulating core is made from a rigid insulating material and includes a series of embossed blocks distributed evenly over its outer surface so that the inner surface of the central band rests on the embossed blocks of the insulating core. Also provided are a number of mounting and finishing elements including end and intermediate rails for enclosing the flanges of the cladding element, as well as special coverings for cable edges and salient or re-entrant angles.

Abstract: A roof shingle is provided with upper and lower edges adapted for resilient interlocking with the corresponding lower and upper edges of further such shingles arranged in adjacent rows in a roof construction. The end edges are also provided with lip and slot arrangements to facilitate end-to-end interlocking. One end of each shingle has a projecting tab for nailing to the building, such tab being hidden beneath an adjacent shingle in the finished construction.

Abstract: A roofing shingle having its lower edge portion vertically slotted to divide it into a series of tabs, the shingle being configurated to permit easy breaking of the tabs from the upper part of the shingle, and having a horizontal strip of heat-sensitive adhesive applied to its upper surface on a line above the upper ends of its slots, the upper portions then being usable to form a course of starter shingles along the eave edge of a roof deck to provide an uninterrupted shingle beneath the slots of a course of standard shingles applied over the starter course, with its adhesive strip positioned to seal down the tabs of the first course of standard shingles, and the separated tabs being usable to simulate a course of topping-out shingles adjacent the ridge of the roof. The top surface of the shingle is also configurated to drain water away from the nails used to secure it in place, to inhibit leakage of water through the nail holes in the shingle.

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: 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 panel for use in constructing a wall, a frame member used for supporting panels of a wall, and a wall structure which utilizes the frame member and the panels characterized by the edge portions of the panels having interlocking shoulders and catches to enable interlocking the panels together in an assembled relationship and the frame members being metal members having integrally formed clips upstanding from a planar surface for engaging the edge and anchoring the panels on the frame members. The panels may have intermediate channel portions which extend parallel to the parallel edge portions and receive tabs which may be provided with catch means that coact with the shoulders in the intermediate channels for anchoring the panels on the frame members intermediate the edge portion.

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: Elongated siding panels formed from plastic have integral joint portions along their side edges which are adapted to fit together and interlock when the panels are mounted on a building wall in overlapping relation. A flange adjacent the top edge of the panels extends outwardly and downwardly to define a channel open at its bottom, and an upwardly directed lip on the bottom edge of the panels is adapted to project into and interlock with the channel on a panel mounted therebelow on a building wall. A plurality of inwardly directed protrusions, or dimples, are formed on the upwardly directed lip to provide an interference fit with entrance to the channel.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained solar heat collector is disclosed which is particularly suited for addition to new or existing structures in the form of window shutters, exterior siding, awnings, columnar elements and the like. The exterior glazing (32) of the collector includes undulating transverse pane segments (36, 38, 118, 156), the angle of which is chosen to optimize insolation during winter months. Beneath the preferably sharp peaks and valleys of such undulations is positioned a heat absorption, storage and exchange assembly (42-64) which defines an enclosed heat transfer cavity (42, 122, 134, 142) through which a heat transfer fluid such as air is directed.

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: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for insulating a covered patio by supporting insulation upon ceiling panels depending from clamps engaged in the apices of a twin-vee roof. The roof engaging elements of the clamp include a diagonal face plate with a gripping extended edge and a set screw threadedly engaged through said diagonal face plate. These elements are disposed so that the gripping edge of the diagonal plate and the leading edge of the set screw engage opposite vertical faces of the receiving slot at an apex of a roofing panel. The head of the set screw is accessible when the clamp is in place and tightening the set screw secures the clamp to the roofing panels and lodges the clamp in place by establishing sufficient force to the opposing walls adjacent the closed top of the slot. The depending end of the clamp carries mean of connection with the ceiling panels and this connection establishes the cavity into which the insulation is placed.

Abstract: A roof construction disposed for superimposing upon an existing roof to provide for heat insulation and water-proofing employs a novel interlocking panel construction which facilitates assembly and insures water-tightness as well as providing for insertion of insulating material. It is especially adapted for a mobile home application but may also be used on other house structures.

Abstract: Component for a heat exchanger which exchanges heat between the environment and a liquid, having at least one tube for receiving the liquid, and at least one heat exchange surface heat-conductively connected to the tube, the heat exchange surface including a multiplicity of plate elements fastened to the tube, the plate elements being disposed in a row side by side and overlapping each other in adjoining regions.

Abstract: A building element suitable for floors, walls, or roofs, has oppositely disposed U-shaped channels at either end of the element. Adjacent building elements can be overlapped so that their complementary channel members are interengaged to form a box section member to reinforce the completed cladding and also provide for the insertion of timber blocks or studs. The cladding can be fastened to a building structure by fasteners passing through the box section and through the spacer blocks of timber or other material.

Abstract: A panel (10, 60) applicable to siding, soffits and related construction elements used as coverings for houses, buildings and like structures includes new, improved intercooperating gripping portions (18, 28 and 62, 64) at first (16) and second (26) edges for effectively locking panels of successive courses. The gripping portion at the first edge comprises a nail hem of double thickness for nailing the panel to an adjacent structure and there is an insulative layer (66) providing a wind resistance medium.

Abstract: Wall assemblies useful for a wide variety of different applications can be economically constructed utilizing extruded polymer panels shaped so as to have sloped positioning walls located adjacent to interlocking connecting elements at their side edges. The connecting elements are shaped so that the connecting element along one side edge of one panel can be pushed into engagement with a connecting element along another side edge of another panel through the use of a tool pressing against the adjacent positioning walls when the side edge of the first of the panels is located over the side edge of the other panel.

Abstract: To ensure positive inter-engagement of the free edge of a male rib at one side of a roof or wall cladding sheet with an internal shoulder formed in, and longitudinally of, a female rib at one side of an identical sheet, the said free edge has a series of outwardly displaced abutments formed on it so that engagement between the two is confined to those points at which the abutments are placed.

Abstract: A solar energy structure which includes translucent panel members which cooperate to define a series of closed air spaces which may be generally V-shaped. Through panel configuration and interlocks the solar energy is permitted to pass through the panel structure which also serves to provide thermal insulation and drainage. In one embodiment, a panel member located between the starter panel and the flasher panel may be generally W-shaped having one sector serving as the inside air space defining surface for one closed air space and another sector serving as the outside air space defining surface for another closed air space.

Abstract: A plurality of pultruded panels of high strength metal and/or glass fiber reinforced polyester resin are interlocked and sealed at their mating edges to provide an integral wall or roof closure member for a building. The member may have various configurations to provide greater self-supporting rigidity and may constitute the outside of a composite wall employing a smooth inner sheet with a rigid foamed plastic material filling the space between.

Abstract: Upstanding polysurfaced male and female lips are provided along confronting edges of adjacent elements, such as building panels. The female lip is engaged over the male lip and when rotated about the male lip is snap-fitted into interlocked relation therewith. The lips provide an upstanding joint which secures the adjacent elements in fixed angular relation to each other. The lips are interengaged along plural angularly spaced-apart regions and are overlapped such that vertical and lateral disengagement of either lip relative to the other is precluded along the entire length of the joint.

Abstract: A roof is assembled conventionally from cladding supported by purlins or girders extending between end walls of the building. The cladding can be metal. By providing a single structural spanning member, the requirement for girders or purlins is avoided and construction work is simplified. The usefulness of the structural spanning member is measured by the unsupported span that can be erected when the member is formed from sheeting material of stock width, conventionally with steel 1 or 1.2 meters, of a given thickness and rigidity. This member achieves the desired solution by a novel configuration in which the whole width of sheeting is utilized to form a single member having a top chord spaced from a bottom chord by a strengthened web, wherein pairs of chords of adjacent members nest to provide a single pitch of the roof.

Abstract: A paneling system having a supporting member and a plurality of panels each of which is provided at the ends thereof with interlocking flanges, the interlocking flange located at one end of the panel having a portion extending from the panel to the supporting member engaging same and thereafter extending away from the supporting member terminating in an end that is positioned in spaced relationship from the remainder of the flange, a fastener securing the flanges to the supporting member, and wherein the interlocking flange at the other end of the panel has a portion extending from the panel which engages only a part of the corresponding portion of the other interlocking flange extending to a point near the supporting member and thereafter backwardly toward the end of the other interlocking flange terminating in an end which engages the end of the other interlocking flange.

Abstract: Disclosed is an insulated metal roofing system which includes channel shaped roofing panels locked together in side-by-side relationship at the upwardly projecting edges of the channel legs by means of interlocking flanges, with legs of adjacent panels in abutting relationship. In some embodiments specially configured clip members engage the roofing panels in their regions of abutment and project downwardly therefrom. Channel shaped ceiling panels are hung in side-by-side relationship on the clip members, and part or all of the space between the roofing panels and the ceiling panels is filled with insulation. The clip members are preferably constructed to provide a selection of points of connection between them and the ceiling panels to thereby provide a selection of spacings between the roofing panels and the ceiling panels. In another embodiment, the ceiling panels are connected directly to the roofing panels.

Abstract: A self-interlocking standing seam for a building panel. The panel includes a male element on one lateral edge and a female element on the other lateral edge. The male element is wedged into a channel on the female element and is locked in place by a skirt on the female element. A hermaphroditic fastener element is interposed between the interlocked panels and is secured to a building element, such as a purlin.

Abstract: A self-interlocking standing seam for a building panel. The panel includes a male element on one lateral edge and a female element on the other lateral edge. The male element is wedged into a channel on the female element and is locked in place by a skirt on the female element. A fastener can be located on the panel lateral edge having either the male or female element thereon for securing the panel to a building element, such as a purlin.

Abstract: A paneling system having a supporting member and a plurality of panels each of which is provided at the ends thereof with interlocking flanges, the interlocking flange located at one end of the panel having a portion extending from the panel to the supporting member engaging same and thereafter extending away from the supporting member terminating in an end that is positioned in spaced relationship from the remainder of the flange, a fastener securing the flange to the supporting member, and wherein the interlocking flange at the other end of the panel has a portion extending from the panel which engages only a part of the corresponding portion of the other interlocking flange extending to a point near the supporting member and thereafter backwardly toward the end of the other interlocking flange terminating in an end which engages the end of the other interlocking flange.

Abstract: A panel assembly comprised of two or more pre-formed panel members securely joined operatively with each other without utilizing separate fastening means. The panels employed utilize pre-formed snap locking means provided along margins thereof to effect interconnection of adjacent panels to each other or to a pre-formed connecting member interposed therebetween. The panel assembly may be incorporated into roof, ceiling and wall constructions, which may include integral corner joints depending upon structural requirements. Tools to assist in assembling panels into an integral assembly also are disclosed. The procedure of hook and snap-lock assembling a panel structure may be performed by hand; by utilizing the assistance of tools disclosed; or by utilizing other mechanical aids.

Abstract: A backerboard for use in conjunction with a siding panel of the type having longitudinally disposed walls connected by a longitudinal step and wherein the siding panel is normally fastened to the external wall sheathing of a building. The backerboard is adapted to be disposed between the inner surfaces of the siding panel walls and the exterior of the building sheathing. The backerboard is fabricated from two polystyrene foam plastic members that are disposed with respect to each other so as to have overlapping portions that are bonded to one another by a suitable adhesive such that the longitudinal side edge of one of the members adjacent the overlapping portions is contoured to snugly abut the step of the siding panel when the backerboard is positioned against the same. A method for manufacturing the backerboard is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved roofing member for use with other similar roofing members in an overlapping relationship which has upper and lower webs which when two roofing members are engaged one on the other defining between them a transverse cavity which forms a combined air expansion chamber and water trap such a cavity being formed also at the overlap of a pair of members, whereby to form a water meniscus at the joint to restrict air flow into the cavity and water flow through the joint. A special alignment configuration forms part of the webs.

Abstract: A standing rib roof structure made up of a plurality of panels joined along adjacent edges, the adjacent edges each being formed as half a standing rib so that the seam between each adjacent pair of panels becomes a standing rib, each edge having a locking means thereon, one edge having a female locking member and the opposite edge having a male locking member that is lockable to the female locking member by being received therein, and a panel clip for fixing the panels to a building, the panel clip being receivable between the male locking member and the female locking member, and having a base for securing the clip to the building.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to fabricated rigid sheets profiled for engagement with adjacent similar sheets for assembly as a panel having sufficient rigidity to enable sufficiently large areas to be produced for the construction of van bodies, domestic and other building, caravans and road signs. Each sheet is of substantially rectangular shape with rearwardly extending flanges at each of the opposed longitudinal edges arranged supportingly to engage a corresponding flange of an adjacent similar sheet in assembly. One of the flanges is formed with at least one and preferably a plurality of spaced openings and securing means is associated with the other of the flanges for engagement in the openings of an adjacent similar sheet.

Abstract: A single-ply roofing system comprising parallel strips of membrane (10) laid on a roof deck (14) with at least one side edge of each strip secured to the deck by mechanical fasteners (16), the side edges of contiguous strips being bonded together, each strip having transverse membrane flaps (11) secured to its undersurface at longitudinal intervals and the flaps being secured to the deck by mechanical fasteners (16).